Schiphol: building in the midst of 1,000 flights a day

A quality assurance tool can be very useful. It helps you comply with the Quality Assurance Act, taking photos is far clearer than keeping a list by hand, and we work on paper less and less. That is why many construction companies, clients and supervisors have binned the full notepad and now walk the site with a tablet. That goes for the largest airport in the country too: Schiphol. And that is a little different from a small-scale new-build project. We took a look behind the scenes of one of the largest airports in Europe.

How does Schiphol guarantee quality?

A lot is being built at Schiphol. From new construction and major renovations, such as a complete lounge or the overhaul of technical installations, to shops where travellers make their tax-free purchases, or a set of toilets. And that construction never stops, because the airport wants to become more sustainable and lead the way. Because innovation never stops, building at Schiphol never stops either.

It helps if you can record all points of interest quickly. In the past this was mostly done in text, whereas the builders at Schiphol now simply take a photo and produce reports more easily from their recorded points of interest (Snags). That is a lot more efficient, and efficiency is an important asset at the airport.

What is the big difference with a 'normal' construction site?

Schiphol is always busy and the airport is always in motion. So is the building work. It stays important that construction does not hinder how Schiphol functions. That is easier said than done, because shops are open around the clock and travellers should not be inconvenienced. Working as efficiently as possible is a real challenge. Sometimes something has to be done to a ceiling, but it has to wait until there are fewer passengers at night. Nothing dangerous can be in the way, so everything is neatly cordoned off with hoarding while 'normal life' carries on behind the wooden walls. Sometimes an entire wing that also houses a hotel needs renovating. Then noise has to be taken into account, because people need to sleep. Steering all those situations in the right direction is quite a puzzle. And Schiphol manages it well, with the help of Snagstream.

Does Snagstream only focus on traditional construction?

No, not exactly. Snagstream is very versatile. Placing Snags during your quality rounds is useful, but Snagstream is first and foremost a way to record points of interest simply and, above all, clearly. Supermarkets use the app in their warehouses, and hotels when preparing rooms. You can tailor everything to your needs, so it works exactly the way that is useful to you.