OpenSpace: Tech enabling the construction sector for improved coordination and efficiency

Our previous post on construction technology, aka ConTech, dissected the many challenges faced today by the industry, from labor shortages to cost over runs and delays. What is the secret sauce to overcome these challenges? The simple answer: coordination…and how to enhance it.  

Anyone working in construction or project management will know that poor communication is a key issue in the sector. This is often due to the lack of centralized systems, untimely or incomplete information sharing, which in turn can cause delays. According to a KPMG study, only 25% of projects are completed within 10% of their original deadlines.

The more stakeholders and subcontractors are involved in a project, the more delays we observe due to an increasing disconnect between all players on site. To deliver large scale projects seamlessly, it is critical to have clear and detailed communications, ideally on a central platform, to ensure that all stakeholders (project owners, contractor, workers, but also investors, developers, and architects) have the possibility to exchange detailed information and updates. Manual systems are another culprit in the process, which makes it hard to let everyone know about changes or updates.  

At JLL, we are acutely aware of these challenges, as our Project and Development Services (PDS) division has set out to transform the way that construction sites are managed globally. As of 2024, we employ 8,500 project managers across 80 countries, actively managing almost $100 billion worth of projects under construction. We believe that technology is a great lever to solve the issues detailed above and that we need to collaborate with emerging innovations and entrepreneurs to do so. That is why JLL Spark helps our core business equip itself with tools that can enable positive change.  

That’s why we invested in OpenSpace, a company that helps to coordinate job sites from anywhere by placing 360° photographic records of a project (captured by onsite staff with helmet mounted webcams) at the center of daily operations. The images are connected to a platform that enables efficient collaboration between field and office teams, regardless of location. By providing real time visual documentation, the solution significantly reduces coordination lag, accelerates project times, and addresses labor shortages, thanks to a more efficient use of resources, including workers, less frequent travel required to the site for communication purposes. With tools such as Field Notes, the platform allows for quick identification and resolution of issues, streamlining communication between team members. OpenSpace also facilitates design coordination, BIM integration, and faster RFI processing. The technology improves issue management and change order requests, but also enhances overall project visibility. To quote Rafal Gawrys, PDS technology & business process lead in EMEA, “With OpenSpace virtual site visits, JLL can always keep clients informed about the project progress, without the need of frequent travel to the site. It significantly reduces clients’ costs and industry carbon footprint.” 

As a result, JLL is using OpenSpace on more than 270 projects that we manage for our clients (owners and occupiers) with an estimated project value of over $4 billion and 10 million m² (~107 million sq.ft.) overall. 

Another investment that Spark has made in that space is in a company called INGENIOUS.BUILD, which has developed an integrated, cloud based, cutting edge project management software that further increases efficiency and coordination of projects. 

Of course, coordination and communication are only part of the puzzle, and many other areas need to be transformed to raise the construction sector’s digital enablement, sustainability and efficiency to modern levels. At JLL Spark, we are committed to enhancing CRE with investments in ConTech. Startups with new perspectives on construction challenges are encouraged to apply for an investment. 

Written by Arnaud Bouzinac, Growth Principal at JLL Spark

Interested in a strategic partnership with JLL Spark? Apply for an investment here.