Digital precision for more efficient, sustainable, and smarter construction

In construction and infrastructure, a lot of valuable time is often lost due to manual processes, limited data exchange, and poor overview. Arkance is changing that with Be.Smart Infrastructure. It helps companies carry out their work smarter, faster, and more efficiently, for optimal performance both on and off the construction site.

The Be.Smart solution for infrastructure consists of two powerful components, explains Haroen Bruggeman of Arkance Netherlands. “The Pointscene and Site Management modules together form a complete platform for real-time insight, data exchange, and control over the entire construction process.”

Real-time site management

Pointscene provides construction teams with up-to-date, visual project information. “Using drone images and 3D point clouds creates a detailed and measurable picture of the construction site,” explains Bruggeman. “Orthophotos can be superimposed weekly to monitor progress, calculate volumes, or measure distances. For example, it is easy to determine the volume of a pile of sand or the depth of a construction pit. And all this can be done remotely and with a high degree of accuracy. In addition, designs, such as AutoCAD models, can be compared with the current situation to quickly identify deviations. This prevents errors, reduces rework, and helps teams stay on schedule. You can also share this information with other parties involved in the workflow. Pointscene integrates seamlessly with other CAD, BIM, and GIS software.” 

Communication and control

The second component of Be.Smart is Site Management, developed to streamline daily coordination and communication on construction sites. “Instead of manually sharing data via USB sticks or spreadsheets, Site Management offers real-time data access on any device, at any time,” says Bruggeman. “From transport movements to machine performance, everything is automatically recorded. For example, project managers can see how long machines have been running, what work has been done, and how much CO2 has been emitted, provided the equipment is equipped with sensors. This allows sustainable choices, such as switching to electric machines, to be better substantiated. Contractors or project managers don't have to drive to the construction site as often to check on minor issues. This saves travel time, fuel, and costs, while actually increasing the accuracy of supervision.”

Supplement to existing workflows

Be.Smart does not replace existing workflows but rather reinforces them, says Annelies Hartman of Arkance Netherlands. “By linking Be.Smart to existing data management systems, such as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), you don't have to re-upload or reconfigure anything. You simply use the data from ACC. It's all about automation, overview, and accessibility.” With a single platform for data exchange and location monitoring, Be.Smart offers a plug-and-play solution for organizations that want to digitize and sustain their processes. “The software enables faster decision-making, better collaboration, and helps prevent waste.”

The power of Be.Smart is evident in many international projects, such as the construction of the E6 motorway in Norway by Veidekke. “Thanks to Be.Smart solutions, the project was completed eight months ahead of schedule and 20 percent cheaper than planned,” says Hartman. “The construction of a bypass for the N141 in the French region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine also saw increased efficiency and a significant reduction in environmental impact thanks to the use of our solutions. Forty construction machines were managed efficiently to prevent delays and unnecessary fuel consumption while maintaining productivity. In short, Be.Smart is the new standard for more efficient, sustainable, and smarter construction.”