Real-time construction progress tracking without spreadsheets in EPC projects
Construction progress reporting is one of the most time-consuming and error-prone parts of EPC project execution. Hard to believe, but spreadsheets are still the norm on many job sites. But they’re no longer enough. Manual updates, mismatched versions, and inconsistent formats make it difficult to get a clear picture of where things stand. And when the pressure is on to stay on schedule and budget, guesswork is the last thing you need.
Relying on spreadsheets creates a disconnect between planning and execution. Site teams often update status reports by hand, transfer data into Excel, and then email static snapshots to project managers. There’s no single view of progress, just a mix of PDFs, files, and phone calls. This slows down communication, introduces errors, and makes it harder to react to problems in real time.
A smarter way to track construction progress
Fortunately, digital twin software like CADMATIC eShare allows EPC teams manage engineering and construction progress smarter and more efficiently. Instead of spreadsheets, teams can track construction status directly in the 3D model. Supervisors can mark fabrication stages, visualize completion percentages, and import contractor updates in a shared digital environment.
Critical documentation, like isometric drawings or P&IDs, is linked to corresponding model objects. That means everyone can access the right data instantly, with no need to hunt through folders or email threads.
What it looks like on the ground – BDAII biodiesel plant case
At the recent BDAII biodiesel production plant project in the Netherlands, Cadmatic eShare was used by Trillini Engineering and their client Argent Energy to track and manage construction progress in real time. Trillini Engineering handled the basic and detailed engineering and later extended their involvement to include construction monitoring and documentation management.
Instead of relying on traditional reporting methods, they used eShare to visualize and manage the entire construction workflow directly in the 3D model. Fabrication and installation statuses were color-coded in the model, offering instant clarity on the state of various components. Contractor progress sheets were imported and directly integrated into the model, enabling daily updates and faster coordination.
Documents such as isometric drawings and P&IDs were connected to specific model elements, allowing for instant retrieval and validation on-site. This streamlined communication between the owner, engineering team, and construction crews, and helped reduce the need for back-and-forth clarification.
One of the key benefits highlighted by the client was how easy it was to get a visual overview of system statuses and quickly access relevant documents while on site. The ability to work from a single, live environment eliminated the need for multiple document sources and significantly reduced the reporting burden.
As Michael Rijk, the Ardent Energy Construction Manager involved in the project said: “eShare is a powerful tool during the construction phase where supervisors can check the status of completion for systems. It is easy to use with visual overviews of systems, with documents required for construction available per system.”
Faster insights with fewer delays
Real-time model-based progress tracking improves responsiveness and reduces reporting burdens. By seeing what’s happening and, as it happens, teams can make better decisions, avoid duplication, and keep projects moving.
