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OxBlue
A new wireless Web cam shows new
views of jobsites
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The OxBlue Web cam was created specifically
for construction sites, where it takes high-resolution
images every 15 minutes and sends them to a central
server for review.
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A few important features set OxBlue Web cam apart from similar
jobsite surveillance products, but the main one is that it
was created specifically for construction sites.
"We all come from construction and real estate backgrounds,"
says Chandler McCormack, president, OxBlue Corp., Roswell,
Ga. "We know the needs and conditions on a construction
site. This means that the camera itself is encased and protected."
And it's wireless. There is no need to worry about running
high-bandwidth telephone wires that can be cut. There is no
lengthy set up-just plug it in and it's up and running. OxBlue
requires a 120-Volt power source but uses a cellular connection
to send its images directly to its server, where they then
are uploaded to the client's space on the OxBlue Web site.
The images are radically different than most streaming video
Web cams. "We are taking snapshots of the site every
15 minutes, and the image that comes through is equivalent
to a 3 to 5 megapixel digital camera shot," says McCormack.
That's 10 to 40 times higher resolution than most Web cams.
Oxblue maintains the sequential shots on the Web site, so
it is possible to review the construction sequence. A zoom
tool allows the user to focus on specific parts of the image,
showing tasks such as workers installing a window.
Contractor RJ Griffin's project manager, Chris Champion,
based in Atlanta, has an OxBlue Web cam pointed at the $48-million,
31-story condominium his company is building in Nashville.
"We purchased it initially as a tracking mechanism, but
the advantages of using OxBlue are being unlocked as we increase
the scope on the project," he says. Champion had been
using a streaming video Web cam, "but the picture wasn't
good and I couldn't rewind," he says.
From his office, Champion now can watch concrete being poured.
Although he emphasizes that the camera is not a substitute
for a site visit, it allows him to anticipate issues. "Getting
a bird's-eye view helps with the work flow," he says.
"I can see the areas of the deck where I can move materials,
and I can tell the superintendent."
Having clear images also can reduce problems among consultants.
"The geotech [person] doesn't have to visit the site
if he sees that the contractor is still grading," McCormack
says. "And if a sub says he was late because something
wasn't finished on time, you can go back and check to see
if it was."
Champion also uses Oxblue to communicate with the project
owner, also based in Atlanta. "The owner can share the
link with his potential clients so they can keep track of
the progress of their new home," he says.
OxBlue takes about 15 minutes to install, and the company
guarantees its performance. The user buys and owns the equipment
for $3,850 and pays OxBlue a service fee of $495 a month.
The monthly fee is all inclusive-cellular service, unlimited
customer service, tech support and Web site maintenance.
Oxblue does not require a contract. The client can use the
service for just three weeks, unplug the camera and start
again when a new project begins, paying only for the time
when the camera is transmitting. After a project is completed,
OxBlue compiles the series of images, creating a historical
as-built DVD for each client.
OxBlue Corp.
85-A Mill Street
Suite 200
Roswell, Ga. 30075
Phone: 888-849-BLUE
www.oxblue.com
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