3D visualisation boosts Bronto Skylift’s sales and decision-making

Bronto Skylift wanted to develop a visually illustrative solution that could be used to simulate the actual reach of aerial platforms in different environments, such as in the vicinity of buildings, structures, mobile phone masts, or wind turbines.

Wapice served a partner in implementing this solution: a browser-based 3D visualisation application that brings global map data and simulation as part of daily work. With the Bronto One Duties application, the suitability of aerial platforms can be realistically and reliably assessed from the office, which makes existing operations more efficient and at the same time brings new opportunities.

Traditionally, the suitability of an aerial platform for a specific site has been ensured by either bringing the equipment on-site and testing its reach in practice, or by using reach diagrams that typically only describe a single dimension. However, both methods are time-consuming and expensive, especially in international or hard-to-reach sites.

However, exact information about the reach of an aerial platform is essential in many situations. For example, in rescue plans drawn up by fire authorities, it must be possible to assess whether the aerial platform can reach different buildings. In sales situations, on the other hand, it is important to find an aerial platform model that is sufficient for the customer’s needs but not over-dimensioned. In practice, it is often impossible to test different equipment models on-site due to the location of the sites or the logistical challenges involved.

Bronto Skylift needed a reliable state-of-the-art tool that supports decision-making visually, speeds up the sales process, and provides a realistic picture of how different aerial platform models work in just the right environment without physical testing equipment.

“We previously had our own 2D tool that salespeople could use to show reach curves to customers. We wanted to take this to the next level and bring in a real 3D environment, but our own resources were not sufficient for the development work. We needed a partner with whom we could build a state-of-the-art browser-based solution.” – Harri Peltoniemi, Digital Solutions Developer, Bronto Skylift

Previous good experience on cooperation, Wapice’s strong project management and in-depth technology and user interface design expertise were key reasons for choosing Wapice as a partner. Bronto Skylift particularly appreciated the ability to combine demanding 3D and visualisation technologies with a clear and intuitive user experience.

Wapice implemented an impressive and easy-to-use browser-based 3D visualisation application for Bronto Skylift. The solution utilises Google’s 3D map data, which allows the aerial platform to be placed in real urban and construction site environments at the right scale.

With the application, the user can smoothly select different aerial platform models, view their reach and work area from different angles, and compare the options with one another. Site-specific views can be created quickly, and decision-making takes place without the need to move equipment on-site.

“The ability to view the aerial platform in three dimensions in its actual operating environment brings a whole new kind of concreteness to the design. When the aerial platform can be placed directly in Google’s 3D world and the dimension can be viewed in a real environment, the customer immediately grasps the dimensions and the larger whole in a completely different way than in traditional suitability design.” – Harri Peltoniemi, Digital Solutions Developer, Bronto Skylift

The application is not only limited to ready-made map data but also supports manual editing of the environment. The user can enrich the existing view by adding 3D buildings and other objects, such as wind power plants. In addition, it is possible to create 3D scenarios from scratch using floor plans, for example. This enables accurate planning even at new construction sites or areas where no ready-made environmental data is available. The built or modified site scenarios can also be saved to a cloud service for further review.

Bronto One Duties is part of the Bronto One® digital fleet management portal developed by Bronto Skylift together with other fleet and site management tools.

The 3D visualisation is supplemented by the Bronto Laser Range Finder Android application, developed in cooperation between Wapice and Bronto Skylift, which brings accurate measurement data into the design process. The application works in conjunction with a laser rangefinder, allowing you to measure the distances and heights of objects directly on-site.

The laser rangefinder is connected to a tablet using Bluetooth technology, and the measured objects are visualised as part of the 3D environment in relation to the aerial platform vehicle. The measurement results are updated in real time in the application and can be saved and reported in detail for further use. The application can also suggest a suitable aerial platform configuration or notify you if the object is outside the reach of the platform.

Laser measurements provide accurate and up-to-date information to construction site design , especially in demanding and changing sites. They bring special added value to the preparation of rescue departments’’ rescue plans, allowing the positioning of the lifting device to be accurately and reliably mapped. Together with 3D visualisation, they form a flexible unit that combines digital modelling with on-site data.

“Laser measurements supplement 3D visualisation, especially in sites where ready-made environmental data is not available. When the measured distances and heights are immediately visible in the application, we are able to assess the suitability of the aerial platform quickly and reliably even in challenging applications.” – Harri Peltoniemi, Digital Solutions Developer, Bronto Skylift

3D visualisation and laser-based measurements form an integrated whole that supports Bronto Skylift’s sales and site design. Customers can view at an early stage how different aerial platform models fit their sites, which speeds up decision-making and increases confidence in the chosen solution.

The solution also supports site planning and the preparation of rescue plans, as visual information and measured distances provide a reliable basis for planning.

“We have developed Duties and the Laser Range Finder in close cooperation with Bronto Skylift. The end result of the cooperation were applications that meet the customer’s needs well, allowing us to utilise Wapice’ areas of expertise in different technologies and user interface design in a versatile way,” says Tommi Aittokallio, System Architect at Wapice.

Thanks to its browser-based approach, the solution can be used internationally without complex device installations. The application supports multiple language versions and different units of measurement, which makes it easy to utilise in different markets.

Long-term cooperation enabled in-depth understanding of the customer’s needs and business goals. The project was carried out in close cooperation with Bronto Skylift, utilising a flexible and iterative development approach. Wapice also assumed responsibility for user interface and user experience design, which was key to the success of the solution, as ensuring usability and intuitive interaction is particularly demanding in 3D-based applications.

“Cooperation with Wapice was smooth and interactive right from the beginning. Ideas were freely thrown around on both sides, and solutions were genuinely developed together. Wapice was not only an implementer for us, but an active partner that brings its own solution options and strong technology expertise to the table. The long project also deepened Wapice’s understanding of our business, which brought clear added value.” – Harri Peltoniemi, Digital Solutions Developer, Bronto Skylift