Transpower boosts project efficiency with visual progress monitoring

Transpower is New Zealand’s state-owned electricity power transmission company, responsible for the country’s national electricity grid. With a commitment to delivering reliable infrastructure and ensuring national power supply stability, Transpower undertakes projects that are vital to New Zealand’s energy future.

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These two key projects are part of its ongoing efforts to upgrade marine foundations in intertidal zones and repair underground 220 kV cables in Auckland. Each offered unique logistical challenges that required innovative approaches, primarily as the work was being carried out in remote and urban locations. There was also the need for diligent oversight and well-considered stakeholder and community engagement at every stage.

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To tackle these challenges, Transpower made the decision to deploy Timescapes high-resolution construction cameras on both projects.

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The cameras meant that Transpower and its providers were able to monitor project activities, workers and machinery in real time, which made it easier to track and manage costs effectively, and improved engagement with subcontractors and the community.

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1. Gaining remote visibility of all sites
   With remote access to both projects, Project Managers, Health and Safety teams and other stakeholders used this visibility to regularly monitor daily activities, particularly where traditional round-the-clock on-site monitoring was impossible.‍
2. Optimising cost management and contractor accountability
   Timescapes cameras were able to document on-site activity in real time, including which equipment was operating, personnel on-site, hours worked and weather conditions, contributing to more accurate budget and schedule management.‍
3. Improving proactive stakeholder engagement
   Transpower’s landowner liaison officers used Timescapes cameras to observe sensitive operations and were able to proactively contact nearby residents if there were any unexpected and noisy activities in order to support local engagement.
4. ‍Data-driven planning for future projects
   Transpower can use historical data on work patterns, weather delays and resource allocation to support planning on future projects.

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“Timescapes cameras replaced the need for constant on-site monitoring for these projects, and provided reliable and objective data for decision-making. Without it, we'd have to rely on a consultant to monitor activities daily. This is a much more cost-effective solution." Glenn West, Senior Project Manager, Transpower