With any new retail development, there’s always one sure thing: the unexpected will happen.
Whether you’re part of a brand’s expansion team or working with a new entrepreneur on the block, everyone understands that delays and changes can happen all too easily.
Opening a new store is a major endeavor that involves hundreds of people, hundreds of decisions and a really tough question. When the schedule starts to shift and delays get in the way … who gets to know first?
- The store designer
- The brand’s construction manager
- The project engineer
- The director of retail expansion
- The lead commercial technician
- Everybody back in the office
It’s a trick question that has a surprisingly simple answer: everyone gets to know, in real-time.
Even though some teams may be traveling and others are back at a brand’s corporate office, there’s a communication tool that helps everyone get on the same page. Store developers know that no matter the type of project, there are ultimately hundreds of people who are involved in ensuring shop doors open on time. From collaborating with city officials on permits, to working with brand specialists focused on designing the right customer experience — every project’s success revolves around jobsite visibility.
Construction cameras with artificial intelligence help all parties ensure project conditions meet expectations. Using a camera that delivers real-time information to everyone involved has a domino effect of positive benefits.
Using a camera reduces site visits and helps ease coordination issues.
Traveling to the jobsite will always be important for many roles, but it’s possible to reduce site visits and enhance efficiency. Jobsite webcams offer pan-tilt-zoom and live streaming options, so stakeholders can check on the site remotely from anywhere, at any time. A high-definition construction camera means it’s easier to coordinate with on-the-ground teams for updates. OAC meetings become far easier to organize. Project engineers are able to ensure work is built in accordance to plans and use the images and video for their own documentation. Store planning teams are able to manage schedules by monitoring the development of critical milestones. Together, store designers and project planners can work to monitor efficiency. With OxBlue’s systems, even if multiple companies and vendors are involved in a project, it’s easy to share controlled access links to keep everyone on the same page.
Having unbiased documentation helps uphold brand standards and resolve issues.
Cameras on site provide automatic documentation of activity and events throughout the build. Through OxBlue’s interface, teams can sort through this historic collection of data using artificial intelligence. Features such as Activity Analysis, Safety Tracking and advanced image search help quickly verify labor hours, deliveries and even safety compliance. Corporate teams can use this data to set clear expectations with vendors and work to establish brand standards. Clear images during the build process help brand leaders ensure that space is utilized properly and layouts are reflective of their desired customer experience. Insight into jobsite progress paired with an unbiased visual record all help determine that contractors and subs are working in alignment with the brand.
Ultimately, jobsite visibility helps from ground break to grand opening.
As the walls close, shelving arrives and displays are unloaded into the store, cameras still play a key role in preparing the shop for customers. While exterior cameras provide a wealth of information for construction teams, interior cameras help with the final touches. Store designers are able to use OxBlue to coordinate the back-of-house design with the operations team, ensuring the layout and product positioning is correct. The visibility throughout the process means that from start to finish, the hundreds of people playing a role in store development have the clear communication and documentation tool to keep the job moving smoothly.
