If you’re one of the best in the industry, is there room to be even better? Tom Ruschkewicz of Pape-Dawson Engineers shares insights on the impact of standardizing workflows and optimizing efficiency in this Tech Insider interview.
In the rapidly evolving surveying and geospatial industry, optimizing workflows is no longer optional—it’s essential. As firms face rising client expectations and increasing technological complexity, the challenge lies in improving efficiency while maintaining quality. For organizations growing through acquisitions, standardizing operations becomes even more critical.
To explore these challenges, we spoke with Tom Ruschkewicz, National Practice Leader for Survey and Geospatial at Pape-Dawson Engineers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, this 60-year-old firm has expanded rapidly, acquiring nine companies in just the last five years alone. With over 30 years of experience, Tom was brought on in 2023 to streamline workflows and drive operational excellence across the organization. We sat down with him to learn why standardization matters and how he’s leading this transformation. Watch the full interview, or browse the discussion highlights below.
Why is operations management so crucial to the success of surveying firms?
Standard operating procedures are essential in surveying, from field data collection to CAD processing and final deliverables. Without standardized workflows, maintaining quality, sharing work across teams, tracking information, and managing data effectively becomes challenging.
Pape-Dawson started with standard procedures, but as the company grew, individual offices developed their own methods. Crews collected data differently, making collaboration and consistency difficult. To address this, we unified our processes to ensure consistent standards, improve collaboration, and deliver projects on time at the highest level of quality.
We also prioritized optimizing technology—upgrading equipment, updating firmware, and implementing CCPs. Currently, we’re overhauling our entire workflow, from data collection to CAD, creating new code lists and systems to standardize operations across all offices.
What was the biggest challenge of implementing a standardized workflow across teams in multiple locations?
Pape-Dawson has a strong reputation for quality, so one of my biggest challenges was convincing the team that we could improve further. We could be more efficient and productive by adopting a new data management structure to enhance collaboration, but we had to overcome the mindset of “we’re already one of the best.” We had to show how technology could elevate our work.
It took time to demonstrate the benefits and capabilities of new software, for example, but once people saw how it improved our workflows, like adding attributes to field data that flow into CAD for better information and quality, the buy-in became easy. It wasn’t that our previous work was poor, but by changing workflows, we could deliver an even better product to our customers, engineers, and other groups.
What was the role of your technology provider and manufacturer in this process?
We have a strong collaboration with Donnie Steel and his team at G4 Geomatic Resources (G4GR), as well as with Leica Geosystems. Their support has been invaluable. They were instrumental in helping us optimize our workflows and providing specialized training on our systems.
Training has been a key aspect of standardizing operations and optimizing workflows.
Leica’s technology and workflows are among the best I’ve encountered. Their advanced equipment and comprehensive support, including interaction, software, and training, have been outstanding. I’m truly impressed and grateful to partner with Leica.
How is technology shaping the modern surveying profession?
Technology enhances the data we collect, making it more robust and efficient. Thirty years ago, we gathered basic coordinate data with descriptions. Today, with more satellites available, we can work more easily in congested or rural environments, even under tree cover. The data now includes attributes and metadata, adding significant value.
Digital levels have transformed our workflows. All our crews use them for control, allowing us to quickly run a level loop, process it in Leica Infinity, and make precise adjustments.
Technology not only helps us work smarter and more efficiently but also enables us to deliver greater value to clients through the improved information we collect.
How do you see technology affecting the skill sets that you need in your organization?
We still need experts in accuracy, control, and boundary development for successful projects. However, we’ve shifted from traditional topography work on large sites to using drones with LiDAR sensors. What once took six weeks now takes six to eight hours, providing much more data. We’re increasingly hiring geospatial technicians to expand these capabilities, but surveyors remain essential to ensure targeting and control meet our accuracy standards.
How would you describe the culture at Pape-Dawson?
What drew me to Pape-Dawson was their culture. They genuinely care about people and employees, guided by core values and mission statements that influence business decisions. It’s about respect, family, and hard work, with family always coming first. The most refreshing aspect is how the company embodies its mission statement and cultivated culture.
How does teamwork contribute to high-performance surveying operations?
Teamwork is vital for successful surveying, especially with complex challenges. It ensures alignment, adaptability, and focus on project goals. During a large-scale TxDOT project with a tight five-month deadline, weekly meetings helped the team review progress, tackle challenges, and reallocate resources. When aerial data acquisition was delayed due to air traffic control changes, the team pivoted to other tasks, keeping the project on track. Open communication and mutual support allowed us to overcome hurdles and deliver on time, satisfying the client. This collaboration not only ensures efficiency but also builds confidence for future challenges.
What advice do you have for other firms that are looking to standardize their operating procedures and advance their technology?
To optimize procedures, have a clear plan and stick to it—it won’t happen overnight. Engage your staff, create a committee, and be patient as the plan develops and is implemented.
For adopting new technology, partner with a reliable vendor who can provide training and help you develop workflows. Test the technology with sample projects to ensure it aligns with your goals before using it on live projects. Establish standard operating procedures for the technology to integrate it effectively into your operations.
