Aug 2 2010
The NoliWhite Group, Brentwood-based healthcare facility developers, launched an innovative process that will incorporate the use of Apple's iPad on hospital and other healthcare-related construction sites, officials announced today. The initiative, Project Information Integration, or PI2, is being piloted on the construction of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital's new North Tower in Thomasville, GA.
“When The NoliWhite Group approached us about piloting PI2 for our facility, we were blown away by the 'real dollar' savings it will ultimately bring”
The NoliWhite Group is the first healthcare program manager company to embrace the latest technology from Apple. PI2 will deploy the use of the iPad to craftsmen and supervisors on construction sites so that they will have a constant link to virtual plan rooms.
Utilizing Nashville based Lellyett & Rodgers PDM document access system, the entire project development team can easily access all project documents in real time. Having the 3G or internet access in the field through the iPads will allow craftsmen and project managers to link to the virtual plan room through the web almost anywhere at any time, which is a huge advantage according to The NoliWhite Group.
"With everyone involved in the construction process having access to an iPad on site, we will ultimately eliminate the need to carry hundreds of sheets of drawings and thousands of pages of specifications," says Mike Noli, partner with The NoliWhite Group. "The increased productivity level from our craftsmen and supervisors not having to carry around these massive documents alone makes this a worthwhile initiative."
However, it is not just productivity levels that will contribute to the overall benefits hospital administrators will see as a result of the firm embracing the technology. According to Noli, using the iPads on the first pilot project has resulted in an estimated cost savings of $179,000 in printing alone.
"When The NoliWhite Group approached us about piloting PI2 for our facility, we were blown away by the 'real dollar' savings it will ultimately bring," says Perry Mustian, President & CEO of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital. "We are thrilled to be part of this new program."
CRAFTSMEN EMBRACEMENT OF iPad
Craftsmen already using the iPad at the Archbold construction site agree that this is a positive move for their industry.
One such craftsman said: "I don't own a computer or have an email address, but the iPad is changing the way I do my work and for the better. It just makes everything so easy and fast, and I really think that it is making me better at what I do every day."
On site craftsmen and supervisors benefit from the ease of use of the iPad as opposed to standard laptop computers. The iPad's simplicity makes it easy for everyone to use. Having direct access to the most current design drawings, specifications, medical equipment information, and other project information in an easy to use device will significantly improve the construction process from the design team right on down to the implementing contractors.
GREEN INITIATIVE
In addition to the cost savings PI2 will bring to clients, the firm is also excited about the benefits using iPads will have on the environment.
"We are always thinking outside the box for ways we can improve how we work and provide better customer service for our clients," says Drew White, partner with The NoliWhite Group. "And PI2 does just that as well as give us an opportunity to launch a green initiative at our company which is something we have always wanted to do."
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