How Equans uses NavVis to keep construction on track

Equans Switzerland, a specialist in building complex technology systems—particularly electrical, HVAC, and facility infrastructure—never takes existing site conditions for granted.

Even when a client provides an as-built model, the team performs its own site scans.

To show us how they achieve such certainty efficiently through up-to-date and accurate data, NavVis hosted a webinar with Michael Schwery, Head of BIM/VDC at Equans.

Here are key details from the conversation, covering topics like verifying on-site conditions, coordinating with design teams, and identifying issues before they impact the schedule or budget.

Three Workflows That Delivered Real Impact

Schwery explained that capturing existing conditions was once slow and expensive. Now, the company uses NavVis VLX to scan quickly and independently.

Equans’ workflow is straightforward. In most cases, the scanning is done in-house. They scan the building, upload to the cloud, and process automatically in NavVis IVION. The results—high-resolution point clouds and 360° imagery—are available the next morning.

“It is 10–20 times cheaper to correct an error or deviation in the planning phase or in the model than on the construction site.”

– Michael Schwery, Head of BIM/VDC, Equans Switzerland

Schwery shared three examples of how Equans applies NavVis in the field.

1. Planning Based on Verified Conditions

At an ABB production and storage facility, Equans documented existing conditions in a tightly packed space. Using NavVis VLX, the team scanned 2,900 m² (~31,200 ft²) in just two hours—saving 14 hours compared to traditional scanning methods.

The point cloud data and 360° imagery were uploaded to NavVis IVION to support downstream BIM work, ensuring the design model reflected actual site conditions.

2. Design and Model Checks Before Construction

In another project, the team used NavVis scans to check if the design matched the as-is site conditions. Several mismatches were found in the provided as-built model—misaligned openings, misplaced cable trays, and unmodeled pipes.

By catching these issues early, the team avoided delays. As Schwery noted, fixing a problem in the model is 10 to 20 times cheaper than fixing it on site.

3. Construction Verification, While It’s Happening

In a data center project, Equans scanned 25,000 m² (~269,000 ft²) across six floors in two days. The scan revealed discrepancies between the design and the actual build—misplaced openings, shifted installations, and missing components.

By catching these deviations early, the team avoided delays and rework—saving over 90,000 Swiss francs.

Coordination Tools That Support the Process

Schwery described how Equans coordinates using both NavVis IVION and Revizto. IVION offers browser-based access to point clouds, imagery, and measurements, now with IFC file support.

Although IVION supports scan-to-model comparisons, most visual checks are currently done in Revizto, which plays a central role in model coordination and issue tracking. The team often exports scans from IVION and imports them into Revizto for alignment.

What Equans Learned

For Equans, dynamic scanning is now a core part of project delivery—not just for data capture, but for ensuring uninterrupted progress.

NavVis helps the team verify assumptions, surface issues early, and give project managers confidence. Each use reinforces the value of the investment by helping avoid costly surprises.