As part of our ongoing ESG Education programme, team members recently took part in an engaging session. It was our latest event, the Lunch & Learn, led by Jonathan Fletcher, Survey Manager within our Digital Construction Logistics team.
The session offered a fascinating insight into the innovative surveying, digital construction and automation technologies. These are helping to shape some of the world’s most advanced logistics and industrial facilities. Jonathan shared how Plowman Craven is supporting major projects across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia. He explained how cutting-edge digital surveying techniques are used to improve efficiency, accuracy and safety. All of these topics were covered in the recent Lunch and Learn session.
One of the key topics discussed was floor flatness analysis, a highly specialised service that ensures warehouse floors meet the exacting standards required for automated robotics systems. Team members learned how even the smallest variations in floor levels can have a significant impact on the performance of autonomous robots operating within modern distribution centres. Moreover, using advanced laser scanning technology, our teams can identify and visualise imperfections to an accuracy of less than a millimetre. Through these Lunch & Learn seminars, this specialist information is made accessible. This helps clients avoid costly operational issues.
Jonathan also explained how laser scanning and construction verification techniques are used to identify potential clashes between building structures, equipment and automation systems before installation takes place. By creating highly detailed digital models of sites, the team can highlight issues early. This enables designers and contractors to make adjustments before they become expensive problems on site. Naturally, sessions like these Lunch & Learn events help everyone understand these complex approaches.
A particular highlight of the session was an introduction to HP SitePrint technology. This innovative robotic system uses surveying data to print layouts, coordinates and construction information directly onto floors with remarkable speed and accuracy. Jonathan demonstrated how the technology is transforming traditional setting-out processes. As a result, teams can deliver large-scale projects more efficiently. At the same time, they provide significantly more information to contractors working on site, demonstrating the benefit of using this robot.
The discussion also explored the challenges of delivering projects in fast-paced environments, where schedules can change at short notice and multiple teams are working simultaneously. The audience gained a real appreciation for the expertise, problem-solving skills and collaboration required to deliver these complex projects successfully. Furthermore, attending a session such as Lunch & Learn helped make these complexities much clearer for everyone involved.
One of the most valuable aspects of the session was the opportunity for colleagues from across the business to gain a deeper understanding of the specialist work being undertaken by our Digital Construction Property team. By seeing the technology in action and hearing real-world examples from live projects, attendees were able to appreciate the scale, precision and innovation that underpin many of our services.
The Lunch & Learn generated plenty of discussion and questions, with colleagues commenting on how interesting it was to see the detail behind projects that many may not otherwise encounter in their day-to-day roles.
As part of our commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing, we hope to host more sessions like this in the future. Opportunities for a Lunch & Learn give colleagues a fantastic way to discover different areas of the business. In addition, they share expertise and celebrate the innovative work taking place across Plowman Craven.
A huge thank you to Jonathan for taking the time to share his knowledge and provide such an insightful and engaging presentation.
