b'TECHNOLOGYEQUIPMENT COSTAlso, this new technology can streamline structural and preventive maintenance. Graterol mentions one client who arranges for scanning of a chimney every three months to identify any structural change. However, he says, few construction companies currently have inhouse capacity; most rely on outside firms. To bring that work inhouse, Graterol estimates that a company would need to invest between $80,000 and $150,000 in equipment and two to eight months of training, depending on the established skillset ofthe team.There is the cost-benefit analysis that needs to take place when purchasing equipment, says Lalonde. Having the equipment and the expertise inhouse does allow for more flexibility as to when and where the technology gets used. If a quick measurement is needed, its not a big ask to send in the team.Lalonde estimates that an entire 5,000-square-foot warehouse could be captured in a day, as opposed to a week [measuring by hand]. Thats where a lot of the costsavings come.And prices are moderating. In the past, we were spending more than $100,000 per unit, but were now within the $20,000 to $30,000 mark, says Chaudhry, who predicts that, as prices drop further, the technology will soon be coming to a mobile device near you.New iPhones have built-in LiDAR sensors; this technology is getting to the consumer level, says Lalonde. That is going to be the next future, where the field team will be able to Canadas Leading Supplier of Custom-Madecapture a laser scan onsite. I would say in three to five years it would be Window Coverings Since 1947.quite common.Graterol points out that the energyDedicated Project ManagersKnowledgeable Support Staff industry is embracing LiDAR quickly, while major suppliers like FaroTrained, Experienced InstallersManufacturing Plant Located in GTA Technologies, Leica and Trimble are making equipment increasingly user-friendly. Canada has been relatively Toll Free: 1-800-663-9587 behind in this space, compared to Email: info@west-port.com Europe and the U.S., but we are going more and more to the 3D capture Website: www.west-port.com space, he says. Were excited to be part of this evolution.26Quarter 32022 BUILDERSDIGEST'