Challenger Geomatics shares insights on the role of innovation in value perception in this informative Tech Insider interview.
As technology has dramatically simplified and streamlined much of the work involved in surveying and mapping, one part of the process has stubbornly resisted change: How these services are evaluated and paid. Today’s surveyors are experts in data interpretation, data management and problem solving, skills that are inherently more valuable but less visible than field measurement. How can geospatial professionals raise awareness of this shift to ensure compensation based on the value they bring to projects?
Challenger Geomatics, a 40-year-old employee-owned firm headquartered near Calgary in Alberta, Canada, has some ideas. We spoke with VP of Innovation Mike Fretwell, Sr. Survey Technologist Mandy Rammer, and Project Managers Matt McAdam and Paul Abday to learn how they are changing the value proposition of surveying and mapping with innovation.
From accelerating field workflows with tilt-compensating GNSS receivers to implementing automation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality management systems, and continuous improvement in services and processes, Challenger explains how their strategies benefit them as well as their partners and clients. They also delve into change management, their approach for quickly getting to a minimum viable project (MVP) to provide maximum value, and what they see as the ultimate value of surveyors in today’s rapidly changing markets.
Watch the full interview, or browse the discussion highlights below.
What is the problem with the current value proposition of surveying and mapping?
Mike Fretwell: A lot of projects are a competitive bid based on rates. When you’re compensated based on the amount of time spent doing something rather than how quickly you do it or the value of it, then it becomes difficult to innovate. You’re not really incentivized to be faster or better.
We are striving to change the perception of our services so that we receive value-based compensation for our work. That way, we can afford to innovate across the board. And when the value of the effort we put in is rewarded, we can use that to enhance our services in other areas, which makes us more competitive and allows us to bring even more value.
One way you’ve done that is by focusing on innovation, particularly automation. Where have you found automation be especially beneficial?
Matt McAdam: We work on a diverse breadth of projects ranging from mining operations to upstream oil and gas projects, where there are a lot of opportunities to automate processes.
For example, we conduct campaign-based monitoring surveys for upstream oil and gas operations. In the past, we had to collect the data, manually put it into a format that could be ingested by another piece of software, analyze that, and get it into another piece of software. It was time-consuming. Now, with automation, we can take the XML and GSI formats straight from Leica Captivate into our analysis software, do the reporting, and get everything to our client quickly while maintaining a high level of quality. This also enables our clients to handle their applications and negotiations in a timely fashion, and it reduces the potential for error that occurs with manual processes.
As surveyors, we often feel like we have to process everything and look at it in fine detail in order to ensure that we can stand behind it. But we’ve proven that with proper controls, good processes, using the tools the way they’re intended, keeping everything in good adjustment, and making sure that we have checks and balances, we can automate the process successfully.
How does that affect operations in the rest of the company?
Mandy Rammer: It has made a big difference in terms of allowing the teams to turn around projects as quickly as possible and deliver data to clients much faster. It impacts everything.
Mike Fretwell: If we’re doing service installations in the city for sanitary sewers or for water lines, those grade sheets need to be signed off by the engineer. If the engineering inspector is in the field at that time, that format can be given to him directly from the controller.
That’s revolutionary for us from a delivery perspective because it shortens the time period. Now you’re not reliant upon resources that are busy doing other things.
Matt McAdam: On one of our monitoring projects, because of the automation we’ve implemented, I know at any given time if there’s an issue with a monument, if there’s something weird going on, if there was an issue with a survey procedure. Within five minutes of receiving that data, I can look at the report to see what it looks like, make sure everything’s been adjusted, and analyze that network at that time. I can update the client on our progress, and if something odd comes up we can have a discussion. We can adjust our survey to suit the need in real time.
Challenger Geomatics has a specific framework for innovation, where you’re spelling out the benefit to your clients in terms of the ‘MVP.’ Can you explain that?
Mike Fretwell: We’re trying to present innovation as part of our value proposition. We’re saying, ‘You have a unique problem; we can help you solve that.’
The concept involves getting a very clear, succinct problem statement from the client, that involves discovery and communication, sometimes a lot of paraphrasing, rephrasing, clarification, making sure we fully understand what the client is actually trying to accomplish.
And then from that, we can get to a minimum viable product (MVP) very quickly. We have access to a lot of technology and a lot of expertise within the company that helps us solve those problems.
How do you add the speed element to it and still remain confident in the quality?
Mike Fretwell: We make sure we have good standard operating procedures and adhere to them. We make sure our staff are well trained and that they’re encouraged to maintain their training. We make sure our equipment is some of the best technology in the field and that we’re using it the way it’s intended.
How does Challenger develop and make sure that people are following standard operating procedures?
Mike Fretwell: It requires constant communication. We have endorsement at the highest levels. Everyone involved in operations has a stake in the game, from the highest to the lowest. We need to respect differences but also be willing to challenge them and ask why—always ask why and seek a better solution.
Challenger expends a great deal of effort in building and maintaining SOPs. Adherence is on everybody. Mandy and other senior technologists at Challenger as well as our project managers take a very active role in producing, maintaining and improving standard operating procedures as an ongoing effort.
As we build our innovation strategy, we’re getting out from under the fee for service approach and changing it to a value proposition in the market where that innovation is recognized among our peers, our collaborative colleagues, and our clients, so that they come to us for solutions.
What role do the technology manufacturers and technology dealers play in all of this when it comes to innovation and supporting what Challenger is doing?
Mike Fretwell: Challenger’s relationship with Leica Geosystems and Spatial Technologies goes back decades. Our ability to get a response directly from Leica, whether it’s from the U.S. or from Heerbrugg, is phenomenal. This affords us an opportunity not only to improve our systems, but also to make recommendations for technology improvements for the future.
What is one thing that you really want our audience to know about Challenger Geomatics?
Mike Fretwell: We’re 40 years old, but we’re a young company. We think young. This is just the start. What we hope to develop is intended to be a game changer. It’s not without stress. It’s not without tension. But it’s very invigorating, and that makes Challenger a great company to be a part of.
What in your mind is the ultimate value proposition for surveyors in today’s market?
Mike Fretwell: We use technology that we know will provide the results the client needs. Often, it’s the integration of many different technologies into a solution that provides the answer for the client in the most expedient fashion, and they know it’s right.
Ultimately, it isn’t about a particular piece of equipment. It’s about the solution and knowledge we deliver to a project.
To talk to one of our experts and learn more about how to optimize your surveying potential, please contact us.
