New Augmented Reality App for Construction Introduced at AGC IT Forum

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SmartReality is our view of what can happen when augmented reality and construction technology come together. We’ve seen a lot of theoretical augmented reality products out there - but this is an app we can use practically every day in construction.

(PRWEB) August 22, 2013

Last Wednesday, at Chicago’s Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America IT Forum, entrepreneur and technologist James Benham, of JB Knowledge Technologies, Inc. (makers of SmartBidNet) presented the results of the 2013 Construction Technology Integration Survey. This year’s survey drew over 700 industry participants, in only its second year. The more than 200 attendees of the AGC IT Forum were intrigued by the statistics and trends the survey revealed about construction technology usage. For example, over half of the survey respondents admitted that they still use spreadsheets to transfer data, lacking proper software integration. In addition, almost half of respondents, using cloud software, did not know if their company had cloud policies for data security in place. As an added benefit, speaker, James Benham, also surprised the audience with the first ever public demonstration revealing a new app, SmartReality™, which has an unprecedented ability to render models using BIM files.

“SmartReality is our view of what can happen when augmented reality and construction technology come together. We’ve seen a lot of theoretical augmented reality products out there - but this is an app we can use practically every day in construction. It’s a mobile app that enables the fusion of BIM files and paper plans to facilitate incredible levels of collaboration in the field and office. We were lucky enough to have Hoar Construction work with us over the past year on research and development and we’re extremely excited to put the Beta app out there and get more feedback from the industry,” announced Benham.

While focusing the camera of his iPad on a set of paper plans for a hospital, Benham showed how SmartReality™ recognizes the building plan and overlays the corresponding 3D model. The user can then manipulate the model on the device’s touch screen, zooming in and out or removing layers, like cladding, with a single tap. Using the app, multiple devices can view the model from each individual’s perspective at the same time. Those interested can watch a video demonstration on the SmartReality website.

“We are excited to work with James and the JBKnowledge team on developing SmartReality. At Hoar, we constantly seek innovative ways to apply and implement construction technologies on our projects. We like to work with partners who are experts and James’ team is one of the best technology providers in the industry,” stated Aaron Wright, BIM Director at Hoar Construction.

Construction professionals interested in trying out the Beta app for themselves can sign up on the SmartReality website to receive notification when it hits the app store. JB Knowledge Technologies, Inc. is eager for Beta users to provide feedback and further improve the technology.

To request your copy of the 2013 Construction Technology Integration Survey results, visit: http://www.smartbidnet.com/construction-tech-integration-survey-2013 .

About JB Knowledge Technologies, Inc

A information technology services and products provider, JBKnowledge specializes in enterprise applications and databases, electronic data interchange, strategy consulting, mobile solutions, and web development for the construction and insurance industries. Makers of SmartBidNet, SmartCompliance and SmartReality, JBKnowledge is based in Bryan/College Station, TX, and serves construction clients on an international basis. Learn more at jbknowledge.com.

About James M Benham

James Benham, President and Founder of JB Knowledge Technologies, Inc. speaks across the US and Canada about innovative technology in the construction and insurance industries. As an enterprise technology consultant with the ability to relay technical concepts in an approachable format, James has been a featured speaker at multiple national events such as the Construction Financial Management Association Annual Conference, Construct Canada, CONSTRUCT, Canadian Construction Association Annual Conference, and the Construction Management Association of America Annual Conference. Learn more at jamesbenham.com.

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