Turner Construction Partners with innDex for Landmark UN Project
Turner Construction, known as the largest general contractor in the U.S. and part of the Spanish ACS Group, has recently appointed innDex as its primary technology partner for a unique renovation project at the United Nations. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to elevate site access control and workforce management using advanced technology. The project focuses on the repositioning of One and Two UN Plaza, which presents complex challenges due to its fully occupied status throughout the renovation.
Background of the Project
The renovation project at the United Nations is considered one of the most intricate live construction environments in New York City. While renovation work is conducted, tenants and guests will continue to occupy the buildings, presenting significant logistical challenges. With construction activities beginning in 2023 and the completion date projected for 2029, this is expected to be the largest undertaking for Turner's New York interiors team. A core team of around 12 professionals is managing 80 to 90 trade partners daily across approximately ten simultaneous phases of work.
Why Choose innDex?
Before innDex's involvement, Turner faced several challenges concerning site access and workforce tracking. The reliance on traditional badge systems often led to difficulties in monitoring who was on site and if their safety credentials were valid. Safety Training (SST) card expirations, crucial for compliance, were tracked manually, which added to the operational burden on Turner’s field team. As Project Engineer Abby Davidson noted, it was challenging to keep track of these elements while also focusing on the construction work itself.
The introduction of innDex’s technology provides a more integrated solution. Instead of using outdated card swipe systems, the team opted to implement facial recognition technology, which enhances security and streamlines the entry process for workers. This innovation eliminates the common issues associated with lost badges and manual entries, allowing workers to gain access more quickly and efficiently.
The Impact of Facial Recognition
Turner’s project team configured the turnstiles at the union entrance to utilize facial recognition capabilities. This technology alleviates previous concerns about lighting conditions and how changes in appearance might affect access. Davidson stated, "The facial recognition has been the best thing we've done; workers get in faster, without the hassles of badges or wallets."
The innDex platform also automates competency tracking on-site, alerting managers when SST cards are nearing expiration and blocking access accordingly. This significantly improves the compliance process while maintaining a robust setup that adheres to safety regulations mandated by local authorities. The real-time data provided by the system enables management teams to monitor safety statistics, workforce diversity, and overall headcounts effortlessly.
Time and Efficiency Gains
The implementation of innDex's solution is estimated to save daily operational time ranging from 90 minutes to two hours per team, allowing workers to focus on construction rather than administrative tasks. The partnership with innDex not only contributes to the success of the UN renovation but also sets the stage for future projects, as Turner anticipates expanding the use of this technology across upcoming build sites in Manhattan.
Looking Ahead
As Turner's collaboration with innDex progresses, both firms foresee the potential benefits extending beyond the current project. With three additional towers under construction in New York and more data center projects on the horizon, the integration of this innovative technology is expected to reshape the way construction site management is handled, positioning Turner Construction at the forefront of modern construction practices.
To learn more about innDex and their advanced construction solutions, visit their website at
innDex.