We’ve seen the videos – someone with goofy goggles on, acting funny, looking like they’re on a crazy roller coaster or getting charged by a rhino. You know what I am talking about. It’s virtual reality (VR), and it’s for so much more than playing games and laughing at your friends.

We’re in the midst of a transition from technology in toys and entertainment, to that same technology being useful for applications in business and industry to drive efficiency, service, and innovation. Just think about drones. They were just cool toys a couple of Christmases ago, but now they are used for security, agriculture crop management, real estate property evaluation, inspections of bridges & oil rigs, and so much more. The same holds true for VR.

I’ve talked before about AdvanceTEC’s 3D BIM technology and how it lets our clients see what their facilities will look like before they’re constructed. Our 3D BIM now delivers fully coordinated designs with building content and submittals loaded into the design. It drives safe, more efficient construction, and better building operations management. And now with VR, we’re are able to take BIM to the next level.

AdvanceTEC’s VR technology, in combination with our 3D BIM capabilities, lets our clients can take a full-blown tour prior to cleanroom construction instead of just looking at a 3D image. They can walk down the halls, walk around equipment, and get a real understanding of their new facility virtually. They can see the facility layout, equipment placement and workflows, maintenance access and usage, and so much more – from different physical locals simultaneously. Pretty cool, huh?

But it’s not the cool factor we’re going for. It’s not the laughs when Bernie from engineering opens the door or runs into the wall… While we do love that, there’s a bigger reason behind why we use VR.

VR allows us to ensure that what the client has envisioned, and what we have actually designed is one in the same. It also allows us to proactively catch issues that we can be blind to until we actually walk down that hallway or walk around the process equipment. VR is just one more tool that gives our clients the confidence that the end result will be in line with their vision – even before construction begins.

At AdvanceTEC, technology is not just for technology’s sake. We embrace technology to drive quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction on every cleanroom design and build project, every time. And you know what? We don’t care if that means wearing goggles and looking a little funny. Sometimes.

Bryan Phelan
Managing Partner, AdvanceTEC

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