WC133 NovDec 2023 - Magazine - Page 25
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INCENTIVIZING INNOVATION…
THE POMERLEAU WAY
As the construction industry navigates the complex challenges of growing infrastructure demands and
labour shortages, digital transformation is no longer optional – it’s essential. Many companies are exploring
ways to embrace this digital shift, but Pomerleau, one of the largest construction managers in Canada,
stands out for its proactive approach to innovation. Rather than simply adapting to new technologies,
Pomerleau is actively integrating innovation into its culture to develop an innovation mindset and cocreate the best tools for its teams and partners.
What does innovation in the construction industry look like?
Unleashing Team Potential Through Innovation
Picture construction projects as a blank canvas with unique
challenges and requirements. The role of project teams is
much like that of artists – employing creativity to find tailored
solutions and deliver projects that meet high expectations of
clients and communities. While creativity and innovation have
always been woven into the fabric of construction, Pomerleau
elevates them into a cultural mindset that transcends mere
problem-solving.
Pomerleau was one of the industry’s early adopters of Building
Information Modelling (BIM) in Canada, and it’s taken that
pioneering work further by collaborating with experts from
the video game industry. This partnership has elevated the
realism and interactivity of construction models, enriching the
experience for both planners and end users. Now, the company
is taking another innovative leap by integrating Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) into its approach.
Cultivating Innovation as a Mindset
In a move that distinguishes it from many in the industry,
Pomerleau unveiled PX3 in 2019, its dedicated in-house training
center, to support its teams in a personalized way as they evolve,
a rather unique element for a construction company. Designed
to offer personalized development pathways for its teams,
PX3 underlines the company’s commitment to professional
growth and innovation. Beyond training, Pomerleau engages
its employees in process improvement initiatives, co-creating
solutions with team members to enhance productivity and
minimize tasks that offer low value.
Taking its commitment to innovation a step further, Pomerleau
launched AXLAB in 2021. Created in collaboration with La
Factry, school of creativity, this innovation laboratory serves
as a crucible for creativity. AXLAB aims to assemble all the
elements necessary to ignite the creative sparks of its
employees, providing a dedicated space for the development
of groundbreaking solutions. By fostering a culture that values
both training and practical innovation, Pomerleau is creating a
more efficient and inspired work environment.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
GIS is a framework for gathering, managing, and analyzing
location-based data. When combined with BIM, it offers a
comprehensive understanding of a project’s physical and
locational dimensions. This synergy allows teams on the
worksite to make data-driven decisions with spatial context,
leading to improved resource allocation, more effective
planning, and reduced errors. As customer expectations evolve
toward greater productivity and sustainability, Pomerleau uses
this multi-dimensional approach not just to meet demands but
to maximize team potential, harness talent, and problem-solve
in a holistic manner.
Pomerleau stands out in a fast-evolving industry by making
innovation a core part of its culture and operations. From
unique training programs like PX3, to creative incubators like
AXLAB, the company has shown a forward-thinking approach.
By pioneering the use of BIM and integrating GIS technology,
Pomerleau isn’t just adapting to change; it’s shaping it. As
the company continues its innovative journey, it sets a new
standard for efficiency, productivity, and sustainability in
Canadian construction.
WATER C AN ADA • NOV EMBER/ DECEMBER 2023
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