Lydon Solutions

Construction Project Management Software Solutions

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How AI-generated Images Like DALL-E2 Could Change Construction

Reviews |

As most of you know, AI is not only the buzzword of the day but is particularly interesting because it will also be a big part of Microsoft 365 and Bing. Being a Microsoft solutions provider for the construction industry, Lydon Solutions is always looking at future tech and how we can leverage new technology to deliver the best value to our clients. In this article, we’ll touch on how DALL-E works, where this could be valuable in construction, and some results from our own experiences with DALL-E2. Read on to find out more.

What is DALL-E2?

In late 2022, Microsoft announced it was integrating DALL-E2 into the new Microsoft 365 Designer application and Bing Image Creator Tool. While neither tool is available to test yet, OpenAI provides the DALL-E2 beta for trials. You can sign up here and try it out: DALL·E 2 (openai.com)

New Microsoft 365 Designer DALL-E2 AI image creator

It’s essential to be familiar with how DALL-E2 works to understand the types of results and potential applications. OpenAI, the same developers of ChatGPT, built DALL-E2. It uses natural language to generate digital images. OpenAI trained DALL-E2 to learn the relationship between images and the text used to describe them. It uses a process called “diffusion,” which starts with a pattern of random dots and gradually alters that pattern towards an image when it recognizes specific aspects of that image. DALL-E2 can generate original images from text prompts and expand or edit existing images.

Examples of DALL-E2’s capabilities

To show you how it works, we did a couple of queries where we typed the following sentences:

Example 1

Text prompt: “illustration of construction people in a meeting in an office with computers.”

Example 2

We then asked a client on a call to think of a completely random image they would want to see, and we typed it in as a prompt.

Text prompt: “Dog platter bananas at daycare.”

Crazy right?!?

These results are pretty impressive, but you can see that DALL-E struggles with photorealistic organic objects. In fact, human faces and bodies can look pretty creepy. We must remember this is only the second version so I can see this improving as time passes.

Ok, so how would I use this with construction?

It’s always fun to imagine how new technology could change an industry like construction. For starters, here are some of the many construction applications where this technology would be a benefit:

  • Design renderings. You could create renderings of a construction design using BIM images, locations, angles, lighting, etc. The complete process could take minutes instead of days.
  • Marketing and proposal images. Coming up with marketing designs from scratch can be a challenge. You could have custom material generated in seconds by entering a few descriptions.
  • Image editing. On any construction project, many images taken might require editing in a program like Photoshop. DALL-E2 could do this for you without you having to learn Photoshop.
  • Image comprehension. This one might be a bit of a stretch and would most likely require a ton of AI learning, but think about the ability to have photos of assets taken by a drone, like that of a transmission tower, and using this technology to understand everything in the image including any defects. If the system could analyze the image data and automatically collect and assimilate rework and repairs into a punch list report emailed to a project team, you could have a completely autonomous inspection solution. An automated AI system of this kind could revolutionize construction inspections entirely. Not a bad business idea 😊

In summary, DALL-E2 is a groundbreaking AI image technology that will make its way into your everyday workstream and will be available in Microsoft 365 soon. Now is probably the right time to discuss the pros and cons of using this technology within the construction community.

Lydon Solutions will continue doing its part to understand and share our knowledge of these new technologies affecting Microsoft 365. We hope these articles help you imagine what’s possible and how to use these technologies on your projects. If you need help with Microsoft 365 for your projects or a turnkey construction management solution like Construction Viz, you can reach out for a free one-hour consultation here.

What Value Does Microsoft 365 Bring to an Organization? (According to ChatGPT)

Reviews |

Microsoft 365 has a lot of value to offer both individuals and businesses. Some of the key benefits of using the suite include:

  • Increased Productivity: The tools within Microsoft 365, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, are designed to help users be more efficient and productive in their daily tasks. The ability to collaborate and share files in real-time with OneDrive and SharePoint make teamwork and document management effortless.
  • Flexibility and Accessibility: Microsoft 365 allows you to access your documents and files from anywhere, at any time, using any device. This makes it an ideal solution for remote work, as well as for businesses with employees in different locations.
  • Security and Compliance: Microsoft 365 includes built-in security features to protect your data, as well as compliance with industry standards. You can trust that your data is protected and can be compliant with regulations and standards.
  • Cost-effective: Subscribing to Microsoft 365 can be more cost-effective than purchasing individual licenses for each of the applications in the suite. Microsoft 365 subscription also include updates and upgrades to the software automatically, you will always have access to the latest features and tools
  • Better Communication and Collaboration: The communication and collaboration features of Microsoft Teams and SharePoint make it easier for teams to stay connected, share information, and work together on projects. This improves productivity and can help teams to work more efficiently.
  • Improved Data Management: With the use of SharePoint and OneDrive, it is easy to organize and manage files, shared content, and team sites. It also makes it easy to find and share files, track changes and maintain version history.

Overall, Microsoft 365 is an essential tool for anyone looking to increase productivity, stay organized, and improve collaboration. It offers a comprehensive set of features that can help businesses and individuals to be more efficient, effective, and secure. It's subscription-based pricing makes it accessible to small and large businesses alike.

— Post was written by ChatGPT

The 1 tool you should consider for project brainstorming

Reviews |

Microsoft Whiteboard is a brainstorming and collaboration tool for Microsoft 365. It is available as a browser-based application and a standalone tool that integrates with Microsoft Teams. The Whiteboard app allows for real-time collaboration with team members, in an easy to use non-structured way, across devices using a mouse, stylus, keyboard, or even your hands.

To fully appreciate the Whiteboard app, it is interesting to consider the evolution from capturing notes on a chalkboard to show to people in the same room to an easy-to-use app that you can download and within minutes share your ideas with the entire world. Let's consider the history:

  • 1800s – The invention of the chalkboard. Most of us grew up with chalkboards made from slate and written on with sticks of chalk derived from calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate. Chalkboards still find a use today, mainly because they are relatively inexpensive, but the downside is that you still must take notes before someone erases your work.
  • 1960s – The coming of the whiteboard.  Albert Stallion created the dry erase board from enameled coated steel. He went on to start Magiboards, a company selling whiteboards in the mainstream. Whiteboards are relatively low cost and, just like chalkboards, are still in use today. They provide a more natural surface for writing, do not create dust, can be magnetized, and work well with overhead screens but, like the chalkboard, they still require taking notes to retain work.
  • 1990s – PCs and the introduction of SMART Boards. The advent of personal computing created new opportunities for capturing and sharing notes. SMART Technologies introduced the SMART Board, interactive whiteboards using LCD screens attached to computers. Like whiteboards, they are still in use today. When SMART Boards came to market, they were expensive, but they allowed users to save images of the screen and application files and then share them via email or hard copy with participants of the meeting.
  • 2000s – The Internet, touch screens, Microsoft 365, and the Whiteboard app. When all the right technologies line up, you have the opportunity to redefine the space. The Microsoft Whiteboard app leverages the latest technologies to the fullest and addresses all the shortcomings of prior technologies by providing the ability to collaborate in real-time across multiple devices of varying types.

Why Microsoft Whiteboard is great for construction projects

So, what’s so great about the Microsoft Whiteboard, and how would you use it for your construction projects?

The Whiteboard app shines when your team is on Microsoft 365, your users have touch screen devices, and your team needs an easy way to share ideas fluidly.  Getting started is simple. You simply create a canvas and invite your team members. Your team can add images, documents, tasks, notes, text, lists, and freehand drawings. The app saves those files to the cloud automatically, and they can be opened and edited at any time. Further, you can share your canvas with users, with the ability to post to Teams and export as SVG and PNG image files.

For a construction project, you could use the Whiteboard app for the following:

  • Mark up PDF drawings using text and insert notes as needed.
  • Create a plan of the day (POD) for fieldwork, complete with images, maps, documents, and a formal task list.
  • Brainstorm new ideas and processes using free-form text, notes, and related images.
  • Review documents by adding pages from a Word document to your canvas and then using free-form text to insert notes as needed.

Once you create a Whiteboard canvas, you can post it to Microsoft Teams, where a link will display in the Posts tab of a Team. Team members can click the Whiteboard link in the Post, and the canvas will open for viewing and further editing.

Project-Brainstorming_1

While Whiteboard is a powerful tool and a technology revolution since the chalkboard days, there are a couple of concerns to keep in mind. First, you cannot currently access the actual Whiteboard files that the app automatically stores in Microsoft Azure. Second, you do not have the ability to permission control the files outside of the users with whom you have shared the Whiteboard files.

I encourage you to give the Whiteboard app a try. Like any other Microsoft software, they will likely continue to enhance it over time. If you need any help with Microsoft 365, check out our Microsoft 365 Managed Services and sign up for a free consultation.

If you are interested in a prebuilt enterprise-ready project management information system for your Microsoft 365, have a look at Construction Viz. You can submit a demo request there to find out more.

Is the Microsoft Surface Duo the ultimate mobile device for construction pros?

Reviews |

Here are my hands-on impressions of the Microsoft Duo and why I think this dual-screen mobile device has the potential to be the ultimate mobile device for construction project management professionals.

I confess I'm a Microsoft super fan. Since we started Lydon Solutions back in 2009 to deliver Microsoft-based solutions for construction, I have always preferred Microsoft products for the workplace. If you can believe it, I used to have a Windows phone before I was forced, kicking and screaming, to a Samsung device. So, when Microsoft announced the Surface Duo in 2019, which was both a phone and a tablet, I was pretty excited. However, when the reviews started coming in, it seemed Microsoft needed to keep the Duo in the oven a bit longer. While the reviewers praised the hardware, they found the software clunky and often unresponsive, just like the original surface laptops.

Fast forward to now. I've had the Surface Duo for several weeks after the perfect storm happened: my Samsung phone started having issues, the Duo price dropped to below $500 at AT&T, and positive reviews started coming in after Microsoft released several software updates.

After over a month of using Surface Duo for work and personal use, I'm thoroughly impressed. Let me first start my review by qualifying that if you are a Facebook/Instagram person who takes a lot of photos, this isn't your device. The Duo is for business-oriented users and ideal for mobile construction professionals. The Duo has been so impressive as a productivity device that it even converted our enterprise architect, a die-hard Apple fanboy, to use the Duo in preference to his iPhone 11 Pro Max!

What comes in the Surface Duo box
What comes in the Surface Duo box

Microsoft Duo Pros and Cons

Pros of the Microsoft Duo:

  • Amazing design. From the finish to the button locations, it's a beautiful premier device that rivals any Apple product.
  • Great hardware. Slim and light for a two-screen device with multiple form factor configurations. Also, the surface pen works like a charm with some third-party cases featuring a pen holder.
  • Dual screen optimized software. The Duo isn't just a two-screen phone. Microsoft has modified how apps, in particular Office, works on two screens.
  • All the applications you need. Because the Duo is Android-based, you will have no problem finding all your must-have apps.

Cons of the Microsoft Duo:

  • Device protection. I'm not a fan of the bumpers that come with the device. Also, third-party cases are bulky and cannot support the different form factors of the Duo.
  • Pocketability. While the Duo can fit in your pocket without a case, I would be worried about it getting damaged. If it were a little thinner and longer and had a better case, it would be a non-issue. But that would also detract from the tablet-like experience as well.
  • Call to action. You can quickly check the time with single screen phones and go right to the app or take a photo. With the Duo, I find myself scrambling to open, unlock, find the screen with the app, and then act. The extra steps take a bit of getting used to, but then again, you are working off two screens.

Microsoft Duo for Construction Professionals

Some benefits of Microsoft Duo for construction professionals include:

Construction Inspector

The ability to fill out inspection reports on one screen while collecting data from another website/application on the second screen is a huge time saver. Couple that with the Surface Pen, and now you have a full-blown tablet experience in the palm of your hand. The challenge will be ruggedizing your Duo so that worrying about damaging it in the field doesn't hinder the device's form factor benefits.

Project Manager

You can still be productive on the two-screen Duo if you frequently travel and do not always have a laptop with you. Combine the Duo with a Bluetooth keyboard, and you now have a lightweight tablet on the go. You could even be productive on a plane while still having room on the tray table for your drinks.

Screenshot of Duo running dual screens with a web application
Screenshot of Duo running dual screens with a web application

Summary: Is the Microsoft Duo Worth It?

Ok, so for a construction professional, is the Microsoft Duo worth it?

Yes, for less than $500, it is definitely worth it. And you may even get it for free from AT&T right now. Although you might want to wait for the next model if you need 5G, want a newer processor, and you don't mind spending over $1k for a phone. But in my mind, the current model at these prices is hard to beat.

The Surface Duo is an impressive productivity device. The Duo is something completely different in the age of phone upgrades that are merely better cameras. Microsoft has built an exceptional device that should give you ample reason to upgrade your phone. Let's hope the initial poor reviews and low sales don't hinder the true potential of this new form factor.

Lydon Solutions provides IT solutions for the construction industry. To find out how we can help your organization manage projects, you can request a free one-hour consultation here. If you need an enterprise construction management solution for Microsoft 365, you can submit a free demo request for Construction Viz here. 

Why Progressive Web Apps are the Future of Construction Project Management

Miscellaneous, Reviews |

From the Apple Store to Google Play, the apps you are downloading to install on your device may soon become a thing of the past. In their place, a new mobile app technology called progressive web apps (PWAs) is making moves to steal their crown. And construction organizations should be looking at adopting software solutions featuring PWA technology too.

Progressive web apps offer significant benefits over traditional single-page apps (SPAs) and websites. Many large companies, including Amazon, Google, Alibaba, and Microsoft, have already transitioned to PWA technology. This article will explain why you should also be considering PWAs if you want to deploy or develop a project management information system (PMIS).

The benefits of progressive web apps

Here are a few of the benefits of progressive web apps in a nutshell:

  • Users don't have to install an app on their device, so there is no need for an app store
  • PWAs are responsive across any device with a modern browser (e.g., Chrome, Edge, or Safari)
  • PWAs can be up to 300% faster than a traditional website
  • For developers, PWAs allow for a single code base, which is easier to manage and update
  • PWAs provide access to a device's hardware such as sensors, cameras, and GPS
  • The entire PWA can work offline (not just the form), allowing you to work in remote locations without internet access
  • PWAs can utilize push notifications such as chat, weather updates, changes to content, and even event reminders within your operating system
  • PWAs behave like desktop applications independent of the browser

Why progressive web apps matter for construction organizations

When considering whether to procure or develop your own PMIS, it would be in your organization's best interest to research PWAs to save costs, improve functionality, future proof your investment, and provide a consistent UI/UX across any device with a modern browser.

But you might ask, "If PWAs are so great, what software programs are using them right now?" While the technology is relatively new, adoption is multiplying across all verticals.

Here are just some of the mainstream web applications that you may not even be aware are PWAs:

  • Microsoft OneDrive
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • Starbucks
  • Uber
  • Spotify
  • Airbnb
  • Carnival Cruises
  • United Airlines
  • Air France
  • Nordstrom
  • The Washington Post
  • BMW
  • Pinterest
  • Yummly
  • Housing.com
  • Stance
  • Google Meet
  • Google Maps
  • Android Messaging
  • Facebook Gaming
  • Microsoft OneDrive
  • Twitter
  • Flipboard
  • Starbucks
  • Uber
  • Spotify
  • Airbnb
  • Carnival Cruises
  • United Airlines
  • Air France
  • Nordstrom
  • The Washington Post
  • BMW
  • Pinterest
  • Yummly
  • Housing.com
  • Stance
  • Google Meet
  • Google Maps
  • Android Messaging
  • Facebook Gaming

As the names on the list suggest, major corporations that lead their industries are embracing PWAs.  You probably should too.

We are all in on progressive web apps

Why does Lydon Solutions care so much about PWAs? We are technology geeks, and the more we see the evolution and adoption of powerful technology like PWAs, the more we can better serve our clients in the construction industry.

We wisely chose to build our solution, Construction Viz, as a PWA in 2017, anticipating the new technology's adoption. Construction Viz is an enterprise PMIS that integrates with your Microsoft 365, keeping your data in your environment. Knowing what PWAs can provide, you can easily see the benefits of building our Construction Viz project management solution using this technology.

Construction Viz PWA added to Windows 10 desktop
Construction Viz PWA added to Windows 10 desktop

Learn more about progressive web apps for your construction organization

Want to learn more about PWA technology and its application for construction project management? Check out my PWA article on the Construction Viz blog.

If you have any questions regarding PWAs or are looking for a solution to help manage your construction projects, you can request a free consultation here.

Microsoft Surface Go Review: An Ideal PC/Tablet for Construction Applications

Reviews |

On August 2, Microsoft released the Surface Go, which is touted as the smallest, lightest Surface yet. This new device continues Microsoft’s focus of pushing the limits of productivity and design.

Although Lydon Solutions doesn’t typically review products, this device—a 10” Surface PC/tablet running Windows 10 and weighing only 1.15 pounds—caught our eye. This small form factor and impressive list of specs makes the Surface Go a potentially attractive option for our device management as a service offering to our clients.

After getting our hands on a few Surface Go devices for testing, here’s how we think this new Surface offering stacks up.

Disclaimer

Before we jump into the review, some disclaimers:

  • Our review focuses on how this device could help field and mobile workers access our online Construction Viz solution, fill in offline (no Internet connection) forms, and use related software such as Office 365.
  • We also focus on the device’s productivity, not its entertainment value. We did not look at how well the device performs when the user is playing games, doing social media or watching movies.
  • We are a Microsoft shop (SharePoint, Office, Project, Visual Studio, SQL, etc.), so we prefer using Windows-based devices whenever possible.

Summary Review

We reviewed the 128GB / Intel 4415Y / 8GB RAM model. Overall, we are impressed; we think this is a killer tablet and laptop combination. Its biggest drawback is its price.

So let’s deal with the money up front. The list price for the unit we reviewed is $549. Altogether, including a keyboard and mobile mouse, our total purchase price was $763.65. I already had a Surface pen. If you have to buy that, you are in the $865 range, which may seem steep.

However, the new device may well be worth its price. Read on…

The operating system is Windows 10 S, a locked-down version of Windows 10 which can be upgraded to Windows 10 Home at no cost. Since we wanted to be able to load Google Chrome, Microsoft Intune, and Windows Defender as well as our own custom apps, we upgraded our device to Windows 10 Pro.

While a keyboard does not come with the Microsoft Surface Go, we felt that it was essential. Two keyboards support the device: the Surface Go Type Cover and the Surface Go Signature Type Cover. The latter is covered in an Alcantara fabric, which makes typing more comfortable. It feels great, just like the Surface Pro keyboard. And, while the keyboard is smaller, we quickly got used to the size.

The pen is great for writing notes and viewing them in OneNote. The magnetic pen almost clicks into place on the side of the Go, so it doesn’t get in the way when it is not needed. The Go also comes with that great Surface kickstand that can be adjusted to 155 degrees, which is ideal for writing.

It was easy to use the light, well-balanced device outside. It felt good in our hands, is pretty easy to see in sunlight, and the Windows Hello face recognition makes logging in a snap. Also, the device easily fits into a bag or backpack.

One of the best parts is using the Go on a plane. I had to maneuver my old Surface Pro around so I could work without elbowing my neighbor. Not so with the Surface Go. It is the perfect size for a plane…really perfect.

Performance and battery life were great at about nine hours. We didn’t run into any application issues pulling up photos, running Office 365, browsing online applications, and the like, even with multiple windows open at the same time. We did not test how the Surface would respond with full-blown CAD or Photoshop, but we don’t see the device being used for those purposes anyway.

The Microsoft Surface Go has no vents so it’s well suited for use in dusty conditions. Also, with the near field sensor, you could use the device as a barcode reader for inventory management.

Overall, this little device is an engineering marvel. It’s basically a shrunken-down Surface Pro and, while it is less powerful than the Pro, it is amazing what they have squeezed into the device (including LTE capability later this year). This may sound strange, but we found the device fun to use.

On the downside (as mentioned earlier), this device could seem pricey if someone just wanted a tablet. That is not what the Surface Pro is. This is truly a new category. It is different from an iPad, which is really a tablet with individual apps. With the Surface Go, you get a full Windows laptop with tablet capability. Instead of lightweight apps (like you get on an iPad), you get full-on desktop applications. Pair it with the keyboard and you won’t miss your laptop.

 

Our Recommendation

We highly recommend the Microsoft Surface Go for field workers or as a mobile computer. It is a great addition to your computing power. You will still need a powerhouse desktop or laptop back at the office for super-memory-intensive programs, but that would be the case with any mobile device available today.

That said, we advise you to consider the following:

• If you are collecting geospatial data without an Internet connection, we recommend using a GPS dongle or USB device since location services would not work.
• While using a hotspot works great, you might want to wait for the LTE version for extra flexibility and convenience.
• There is no mouse, keyboard, or pen included with the device. We recommend all three, including paying the extra dollars for the Signature Type Cover.

We also recommend the 128GB / Intel 4415Y / 8GB RAM model in case you need to use more memory-intensive applications.

 

Microsoft Surface Go specs

The Surface Go comes in two models:

  • 64GB / Intel 4415Y / 4GB RAM for $399 MSRP
  • 128GB / Intel 4415Y / 8GB RAM for $549 MSRP

In the box

  • Surface Go
  • Power supply
  • Quick-start guide & warranty

*The keyboard, pen, and mouse are sold separately.

Storage (based on model)

  • eMMC drive: 64GB
  • Solid-state drive (SSD): 128GB SSD

Ports

  • USB-C (*This is the new standard for power and data.)
  • 5mm headphone jack (*headphones)
  • Surface Connect port (*Microsoft Surface proprietary power)
  • Surface Type Cover port (*connector for keyboard)
  • microSDXC card reader (*for expanded file storage)
  • Near field sensor, which can be used to read RFID tags to track inventory, or even to launch specific applications for an appliance-like experience

Wireless

  • Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compatible
  • Bluetooth wireless 4.1 technology

*The LTE version was not available at the time of this review.

Cameras, video, and audio

  • Windows Hello face authentication camera (front facing) – *This means you don’t have to type in passwords, which is particularly great in the field
  • 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p Skype HD video
  • 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD video
  • Single microphone
  • 2W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium

GPS

  • No GPS but it uses location services as part of Windows 10 when you have an Internet connection

 

Want the Surface Go Customized for your Organization?

Did you know that Lydon Solutions offers device management as a service in conjunction with our construction project management solutions? Contact us to learn about our complete turnkey services that include PCs, virus protection, Office 365, Construction Viz and our other apps, and remote support.

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