From data to absolute measurements. Measuring differently and smarter

In 2018, Yme Dekter and Ronald Batist embarked on a new challenge. The establishment of their own measurement company, in close cooperation with sister company Buijtenhuis Nijkerk BV. George BV now counts 13 specialists in performing measurements for construction, industry, GWW/Infra and government. Measuring differently and smarter is the company's motto.

"We don't want to be a standard measurement company, but work at the top end," says Yme Dekter. "Like playing in the Champions league." To achieve this, George BV acquired Ratio Survey in 2020. Ratio Survey specializes in monitoring and deploys various resources for this purpose, such as height bolts, tilt sensors and vibration meters. "This is a valuable addition to our business. For example, because more and more construction is taking place in inner-city areas. This makes it important to monitor surrounding buildings."

Ronald Batist: "With the acquisition, we have brought in the right knowledge. Ratio Survey has 25+ years of experience in measuring differently and smarter. We can work more efficiently with resources we have." Dekter: "Autonomous measurement tools are taking over more and more business. This is beneficial because we too are facing staff shortages. The latest sensors are being interconnected to get all the data in view. With our surveying knowledge, we convert this relative data into absolute measurements."

Combining knowledge and data

According to Batist, it is especially important who takes and interprets the measurements. "A scanner can produce data that looks good but does not match reality. It is therefore important to combine surveying knowledge with smart devices of today." Thanks to the new way of working, the work is changing considerably, with fewer people working outside, for example. "With a 3D scan, we can map a lot of environment in a short time. As it were, a man can do the work outside, while the data is interpreted by the specialists inside."

In corona time, George BV in Den Bosch surveyed the Binnendieze. Dekter: "The boats could not sail then, the ideal time for our work. In one month we completely imaged 3.5 kilometers. That would never have been possible 10 years ago. This measurement functions as a baseline. In a few years we can do the measurement again and see where there is movement in a quay wall or bridge. The municipality can then carry out preventive work."

Batist: "Our measurements can also be important in renovations. For example, we mapped an office building in which apartments were to be built. Thanks to our exact data, prefabricated elements can be made to realize this in a short time." George BV also applies its expertise to yacht construction. "Prior to working on a yacht at the shipyard, we first go to the yacht to take on-site measurements. With these exact measurement data, the engineer goes to work, which allows for good preparation and a faster turnaround time of the work at the yard. Nowadays we talk about it as if it's very simple, but measurement is incredibly important for making the right product."