Inspection case study

One Inspection, 40 Days Saved: AR Prevents Critical Clash on Data Center Fit-Out

Mission-critical data centers leave no room for error. As trades converge in tight spaces, a single misalignment – especially during the fit-out stage – can trigger weeks of delays, rework, and spiraling costs. That’s why proactive issue identification is more than a best practice – it’s essential to protecting the critical path.

TIME SAVINGS

40 DAYS

Critical program schedule days saved from early discovery

THE PROJECT

Client:
Confidential

Project:
Data Center

Location:
Netherlands

Size:
22 MW

At this 22MW hyperscale project in the Netherlands, XYZ Reality was engaged to provide real-time construction validation through its construction delivery platform and Engineering Grade AR™. During a routine inspection, our team uncovered a hidden clash that, left unresolved, would have set the project back by more than 40 days.

This case illustrates exactly how XYZ’s real-time project controls help data center teams build faster, safer, and smarter – ensuring issues are caught before they escalate.

Observation and error

The mechanical package manager requested an inspection of a newly installed drainage pipe in a congested LV (low-voltage) room. When XYZ Reality’s platform loaded the design model in AR, the issue was immediately visible:

The drainage pipe was installed approximately 200mm off from its intended location.
Key bends were missing, deviating from the approved design.
The misaligned pipe created a direct clash with the upcoming electrical busbar – a critical-path component.

Showcasing the deviation from the tight-fitting design — Image showcasing the deviation from the tight-fitting design

Knock-on effects of the observation

Had the clash gone undetected, it would have caused a chain reaction of delays:

Electrical teams would be unable to install the busbar on schedule.
The project’s critical path would be pushed back by up to 40 days.
Downstream trades and system commissioning would also have been delayed.
Rectifying the issue post-wall closure would have required significant demolition and rework.

This level of delay is consistent with impacts seen on other high-value projects, where similar AR-driven interventions prevented 40–80 day delays and saved tens of thousands in costs.

Resolution and impact

The issue was flagged immediately using XYZ’s real-time AR visuals. This enabled:

A quick and collaborative design change, increasing clearance between drainage and cooling systems.
Immediate rework of the misaligned pipe, completed before forming the wall opening.
XYZ Reality’s team then validated the corrected installation on-site using the Atom™, ensuring tolerance compliance and risk-free continuation.

Result: No disruption to the electrical install and critical path preserved.

Image highlighting the new installation to ensure that they follow the updated design. — Image highlighting the new installation.

Why was this discovery important?

This single discovery prevented:

40+ days of delay, with no need for rework or demolition
Schedule risk on a mission-critical electrical system
Misaligned installations from being concealed and compounding risk downstream.

Beyond the technical fix, this moment reinforced the value of proactive QA using AR – enabling field teams to make informed decisions before problems escalate.

In a market where delivery speed is directly tied to revenue, this inspection demonstrates how XYZ Reality helps data center teams build with confidence, accuracy, and efficiency.

One inspection saved 40 days. Join the teams redefining project delivery.

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