In today’s rapidly evolving construction industry, efficiency and accuracy are critical to the success of any project, especially in heavy civil infrastructure. Companies constantly search for ways to improve their processes, reduce costs, and deliver projects faster and with fewer resources. One company that’s pushing the boundaries of innovation in this space is Datumate, a leading photogrammetry reality capture platform that’s helping contractors in the heavy civil sector save time and money while ensuring precision in their work.
In a recent conversation with Ben Sack, VP of Global Sales, and Micah Senen, Director of Partner Development, shed light on how their platform, DatuBIM, has become a game-changer for general contractors (GCs) working on major infrastructure projects like highways, railroads, utilities, and data centres.
Datumate’s Unique Approach: Designed by Industry Experts
Datumate’s success lies in its deep focus on heavy civil infrastructure, which sets it apart from more generalised solutions. Ben explained that the company was founded over 12 years ago by a Ph.D. surveyor and civil engineer with over 25 years of field experience. This wealth of hands-on experience means that Datumate's platform was built specifically to address the complex needs of contractors working on large-scale, earthwork-heavy projects.
"Our founder realised that surveying and tracking progress in heavy civil could be much easier," Ben shared. "That's how DatuBIM was born — out of a desire to make these processes more efficient, accurate, and accessible."
Unlike many competitors who offer broad but shallow capabilities, Datumate has homed in on the unique needs of heavy civil contractors. The platform allows users to track earthworks, monitor progress, and measure quantities with an accuracy that typically takes weeks to accomplish manually. This targeted approach means that contractors no longer have to rely on a patchwork of solutions or spend hours in the field, drastically cutting down processing time for essential reports.
Real-World Results: Thousands of Hours Saved
The impact of Datumate’s platform can’t be overstated. The company has helped GCs streamline their operations, often transforming how teams work on-site and in the office. Contractors who once spent most of their time in the field can now manage multiple projects simultaneously, thanks to the platform’s ability to process complex models in just minutes.
"We’ve run ROI exercises with some of our clients," Ben said. "In just one example, contractors reported that we save them over 50 days of manpower annually across their job sites."
This tangible ROI makes DatuBIM an invaluable tool for contractors managing large-scale
infrastructure projects, where precision and timing are critical to success. The platform also enhances collaboration across teams, ensuring that all stakeholders — from project managers to engineers to clients — have access to real-time data that helps guide decision-making.
Competitive Differentiation: A Platform Tailored for the Job
What really makes DatuBIM stand out is its specialised focus. While many technology platforms claim to serve the construction industry, very few are specifically designed to meet the needs of heavy civil contractors. Ben emphasised this point during our conversation, explaining that most competing solutions offer a wide array of features but lack the depth required for large-scale infrastructure projects.
“We don’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, we focus deeply on what GCs in heavy civil need, like the ability to generate detailed reports for DOTs or owners in just hours,” he said. “It’s this level of specialisation that really makes DatuBIM unique.”
Moreover, the platform’s interoperability with other leading tools in the market, such as Procore and Autodesk, makes it easy for contractors to integrate DatuBIM into their existing tech stack. The platform supports a wide variety of file types and has open APIs, meaning it can communicate seamlessly with the other software and hardware tools contractors use daily.
Expanding Opportunities: A Win-Win for Resellers
Micah, who manages Datumate’s partnership and reseller programs, highlighted how the company’s platform is also helping resellers differentiate themselves in the crowded construction technology market. With DatuBIM, resellers can offer their clients a highly specialised solution that delivers immediate value. For resellers already serving contractors in the heavy civil sector, partnering with Datumate is a natural fit — DatuBIM makes their offering more attractive and enables them to provide a truly comprehensive solution.
"We’re enterprise-grade and very easy to integrate into a reseller’s broader offering," Ben pointed out. "For resellers, Datumate doesn’t just provide an additional revenue stream, it strengthens their relationship with clients because we’re helping them solve real problems in real-time."
Micah added that as more public and private investment pours into infrastructure projects globally, DatuBIM’s relevance is only going to increase. Federal funding, in particular, is flowing into large-scale infrastructure initiatives in North America, making it an ideal time for resellers and contractors alike to adopt a tool that’s purpose-built for this sector.
Looking Ahead: Scaling to Meet Industry Demands
As Datumate continues to grow, its leadership team remains focused on expanding the platform’s capabilities while maintaining its core commitment to the heavy civil industry. There’s still a significant gap between what traditional construction tools offer and what heavy civil contractors need. With the ongoing demand for infrastructure development worldwide, Datumate’s team sees immense potential for growth, particularly as more contractors look for ways to streamline their operations and increase efficiency.
In closing, Ben reflected on what excites him most about the future: "We’ve built something that makes a difference, and we’re just getting started. There’s so much room for growth in this space, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of it."
Conclusion: Why Datumate is the Future of Heavy Civil Infrastructure
For any general contractor working in heavy civil infrastructure, Datumate’s product DatuBIM offers a highly specialised solution that improves accuracy, reduces processing time, and reduces manual work. With deep expertise in the sector, a proven track record of delivering ROI, and a commitment to innovation, Datumate is well-positioned to lead the charge in transforming how large-scale projects are managed.
As federal and private investments continue to flow into infrastructure, now is the time for contractors and resellers to leverage the benefits of Datumate’s powerful platform — saving time, reducing costs, and ensuring projects are completed with precision.
With its user-friendly, highly specialised technology, Datumate is paving the way for a more efficient, data-driven future in the world of heavy civil infrastructure.
Head of Partnerships US
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