SmartScan: transforming construction through digital innovation

SmartScan is a cutting-edge digital tool created by the University of Salford in collaboration with GS1 UK to revolutionise data access in the construction industry.

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Powered by GS1 standards, SmartScan enables users—including tradespeople, procurement teams, and site managers—to instantly retrieve critical product data using a simple smartphone scan. This ensures up-to-date and accurate information is always at hand.

SmartScan UX

Key functionalities and features

SmartScan streamlines access to verified product information by using Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) embedded within barcodes for rapid, accurate and reliable product identification. 

By scanning a barcode or entering it manually, users gain instant access to detailed product data hosted on the manufacturers' websites. 

This can include safety data sheets, certificates, environmental product declarations, installation guides, manuals and more. 

Designed for ease of use, SmartScan enables tradespeople, procurement teams, site managers, and even homeowners, to access vital product information with a simple scan. 

It integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, requiring no significant changes, and is compatible with common smartphone technology.

This ensures all product information is always current, reducing errors and improving decision-making processes. 

By directly linking physical products to manufacturer-verified data, SmartScan minimises inconsistencies and boosts the reliability of the information provided. 

With its intuitive design and powerful functionality, SmartScan could become a key tool for enhancing safety, efficiency, sustainability, and accuracy within the construction industry. 

Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration allow stakeholders to easily adopt and benefit from its capabilities.

Driving digital transformation

SmartScan not only addresses the industry's critical and growing need for consistent, reliable product data, it also drives digital transformation by setting a new standard for information management. 

By embedding Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) in product barcodes, SmartScan encourages their widespread adoption in construction, replacing traditional, manual methods of data retrieval with automated, digital processes. 

This makes product identification significantly faster. Information is more accessible and reliable, which not only improves safety and productivity but also fosters a more connected, informed and transparent industry.

Improved productivity

Instant access to real-time information lowers operational costs tied to information retrieval and error correction, minimising project timelines and reducing the need for rework. 

For tradespeople and site managers, simplifying the verification of product origins and specifications on-site supports improved decision making and smoother operations. Procurement teams benefit from streamlined access to product certificates and compliance documents, speeding up procurement processes and homeowners can gain quick access to operational manuals and maintenance instructions, reducing the need for service calls. 

Adopting SmartScan is simple due to its seamless integration with current workflows and minimal need for additional training. By promoting standardised product information management, it helps create a more standardised and efficient way of managing product information across industry.

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Enhancing sustainability

By improving access to Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and other sustainability data, SmartScan encourages the use of eco-friendly materials and supports the industry's shift towards greener building practices.

Its ability to prevent errors reduces material waste, the need for rework and replacing physical documents with digital product manuals and certificates cuts paper use and its environmental impact.

Scaling for the future

As the sector continues to embrace digitalisation, SmartScan’s potential impact is profound. In the future, it could be used to drive further innovations in construction management, such as real-time tracking of materials, integration with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and automated compliance verification. 

Its scalable nature allows it to evolve in line with emerging technologies and evolving industry needs, ensuring it will remain a pivotal tool in the ongoing digital transformation of construction. Using GS1 standards enables compatibility across a vast array of products, manufacturers and systems worldwide, allowing for seamless integration into projects and organisations of any size. 

Usability trails conducted across a diverse group of users have confirming that SmartScan is intuitive and significantly reduces the time needed to access vital product information via barcode scans.

smartscan QR

SmartScan is also compatibale with QR codes, making it futureproof by allowing for seamless integration with evolving technologies. QR codes provide a versatile solution for digital data access and are becoming increasingly common in construction as the industry moves toward increased automation and digitalisation. This compatibility will ensure the long-term adaptability of SmartScan.

Users have reported that the platform significantly streamlined the process of retrieving critical data, making their workflows more efficient, safer and error-free. As the industry continues to embrace digitalisation, SmartScan is set to become a transformative tool, enhancing the management of product information, and supporting the ongoing shift towards more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven construction practices.

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