Over the years, Wapice has accumulated such an extensive expertise in various application areas that even entering a highly specialized field is possible. In the case of Leica Geosystems, it was crucial to quickly understand both the company’s industry and its working culture, as well as the end users of the developed solutions, their daily routines, and their mindset.
Challenge
Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is the global leader in precision measurement and spatial solutions. They are known for their premium products and innovative solution development, serving professionals in surveying, construction, infrastructure, mining, mapping and other geospatial content-dependent industries.
While refining their solutions for the construction industry, they faced a challenge: enhancing their machine control systems to meet the demands of modern construction and infrastructure projects.
The company was developing a new prototype but didn’t have enough available experts for the project. Due to the strict quality and expertise requirements, the criteria for a potential partner were high. Wapice was known from previous connections to one of the Leica Geosystems' managers.
"We had a prototype that we were trying to develop alongside everything else we were doing. We needed help with development and testing, and that’s when one of our managers contacted Wapice", says Jason Franklin, Product Engineer at Leica Geosystems.
Solution
The company’s application area is highly specialized and involves software that controls heavy machinery to ensure precise grading, excavation, and construction. Initially Wapice assembled a smaller core team of diversely experienced professionals to start as quickly as possible and to create a comprehensive overview of the required competences.
Coming to a demanding environment like Leica Geosystems can be challenging but Wapice experts quickly picked up and were able to contribute and provide valuable ideas.
"In a complex environment like this, you have to have a methodical approach. Since day one, we had a good relationship with our Leica teammates. Whenever we had questions, the answers came without delay. When we had the opportunity to visit their test site and try out the machinery in practice, we went all in. It’s priceless to see and experience the world where the end-users of the software operate," praise Wapice software developers Tuomo Jauhiainen, Jaakko Laurikainen, and Markus Jämbäck.
After a while, parts of the prototype were merged into one of Leica’s main products. The Wapiceans continued to work at the product, but now more Wapiceans were recruited and their headcount doubled. Later the Wapiceans worked as part of multiple different teams at Leica Geosystems.
Most of the underlying technologies were well-known to the Wapiceans from past and current projects with similar application areas. The main task was to learn the industry specific aspects of machine control, GNSS positioning, intricacies of coordinate systems, embedded systems, 3D and UI design.
“We have one in-house specialist for the Leica Geosystems 3D graphics software. I know the Wapice guys weren't initially familiar with our own 3D software, but as seasoned 3D experts they quickly picked up this technology and competency and started developing. These days, it's a back-and-forth where both parties are bringing their expertise to the table and having constructive discussions about how to do the work.”, says Jason Franklin.
Wapice's understanding of Leica Geosystems' project requirements was crucial. They developed their own insights into the application area, ensuring that high quality software development standards aligned with the defined goals and schedules.
We've found the Wapice experts to be very professional. They've got a very aware approach to the cost of development and timeframes and the importance of maintenance moving forward, so being able to support what they've built is at quite a high standard.
Jason Franklin, Product Engineer, Leica Geosystems
Wapice’s approach to quality processes and standards made the cooperation especially valuable and made the project handover easy.
“I found the Wapiceans to be very detail-oriented, emphasizing the importance of respecting set quality processes such as code review, test and documentation. For example if I have a gap in the requirements they will question it. They don’t just make assumptions; they'll make sure what's getting built is what I want. I see that as an advantage for the end result and the overall quality of the product”, observes Jason.
Results
From the perspective of Leica Geosystems, Wapice has brought technological and software development expertise and capacity to the project, which has now been refined into a business advantage.
Wapice has helped us through a technological transformation. We've grown our software with new technology, and together we’ve incorporated that into our platform. It's now widely used, so it's a success.
Jason Franklin, Product Engineer, Leica Geosystems
Wapice's specialized expertise, experience and effective use of a wide range of modern tools addressed gaps that standard solutions could not. Leica Geosystems found in Wapice a partner capable of quickly providing experienced professionals, ready to contribute immediately.
“In addition to just the manpower, with the skills that the Wapiceans had we were able to come up with great solutions for the work we were doing. The guys from Wapice helped improve how things had been done and because of that better results have been achieved. This was done through conversational, collaborative process where we analyzed and chose the best alternatives”, says Jason.
Collaboration
Although only two years have passed, both teams have learned a lot from each other, and new friendships have been formed.
“We have a great work environment with them. We keep it light-hearted but professional, striving for the same goals at the same time. I'd happily work with them anytime”, comments Jason.
“In our industry, durable hardware and reliable software must come together to provide the best possible experience for our customers. The teamwork, dedication and expertise of Wapice and our internal teams have produced excellent results. I’m very happy with our collaboration,” adds Tommi Kauppinen, VP Heavy Construction MC Field Solutions at Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon.
"For us at Wapice, the best part has been succeeding together. It has been nice to come to work knowing there's a great team to work with. The industry is interesting, and every day you learn something new," say Jaakko Laurikainen and Markus Jämbäck from Wapice.
About Leica Geosystems
Revolutionizing the world of measurement and survey for 200 years, Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, creates complete solutions for professionals across the planet. Known for premium products and innovative solution development, professionals in a diverse mix of industries, such as aerospace and defence, safety and security, construction, and manufacturing, trust Leica Geosystems for all their geospatial needs. With precise and accurate instruments, sophisticated software, and trusted services, Leica Geosystems delivers value every day to those shaping the future of our world.