Construction company INCOCI is located in the heart of Trinidad, Uruguay. From its beginnings in 1989, innovation has been an integral part of the company’s story. INCOCI has already left an indelible mark on the landscape of civil, engineering, and architectural projects across the nation. With a particular focus on road construction, INCOCI has harnessed the power of technology to transform its operations and exceed expectations.
THE ESSENCE OF INCOCI
As INCOCI has evolved over the years, two core principles have remained at the heart of its operations. “Over the years, we’ve diversified our portfolio to include architectural works, residential buildings and more. Yet, two fundamental pillars have stood strong, defining our essence,” explains Guillermo Sanchez Beretervide, Director of INCOCI. “First, our commitment to human capital has been central to our policies. Our staff isn’t just a workforce; they are the heart of our success. Second, our unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction sets us apart. We coined the phrase ‘fast and good’ to define our commitment, and it’s been the compass guiding our actions.”
The majority of engineers on the team belong to the same age group. At INCOCI, young talents drive growth and shape the future.
“Challenges excite us, and our tightly knit team shares a common ethos: delivering more than anticipated. Our values of camaraderie and dedication propel us forward, turning challenges into opportunities for growth,” says Guillermina Prado, Head of Technology at INCOCI.INCOCI’s difference truly lies in its people — individuals who embrace challenges, incorporate innovations and push boundaries. With their youth, talent and commitment, they’ve tackled projects that demand excellence, such as the construction of a 38-kilometres double-track road.
THE ROUTE 5 PROJECT
Presently, INCOCI is undertaking a monumental PPP project: the construction and future maintenance of a 38-km-long double road section of Route 5. It is one of the most important highways in Uruguay, connecting Montevideo with Rivera. The entire road is approximately 501 km long and the project is ahead of schedule with 50% concluded.
This project poses significant challenges, from accuracy and productivity, to cost optimisation and safety, where precision is paramount. Thus, INCOCI equipped their grader and paving machines with Leica Geosystems’ 3D machine control technology to facilitate precise grading and paving, mitigating errors and rework.
“The client’s demands for road design parameters were rigorous, prompting us to turn to automation systems. Machine control, especially for our paving equipment, has been a game changer. In the past, we relied on manual processes, but Leica Geosystems’ 3D machine control technology has revolutionised our efficiency and precision,” said Prado.
One of the pivotal reasons why INCOI invested in Leica Geosystems’ machine control technology is the seamless workflow that transitions from 3D grading operations to 3D paving operations. In this integrated process, there is no disruption between earth-moving and paving activities; everything takes place within a cohesive 3D environment. Once fine grading is completed, paving can commence almost immediately, often as soon as the following day. This streamlined approach not only results in significant time savings but also plays a critical role in expediting project completion, a paramount factor in the successful execution of such a large-scale construction endeavour.
AUTOMATION TRANSFORMS PRODUCTIVITY
This technology evolution has transformed how INCOCI operates. In the current project, several teams and machines are working simultaneously to prepare the different layers:
- Granular subbase: motor grader with Leica iCON iGG3 grading system with GPS positioning
- Granular and cemented base: motor grader with Leica iCON iGG3 grading system with total stations
- Concrete paving: concrete paver with Leica iCON pave concrete
- Cold milling: milling machine with Leica iCON pave milling
Given the considerable distance between the office and the field teams, remote support and real-time cloud connectivity are inevitable to ensure seamless operations. For that, INCOCI utilises Leica ConX, a cloud-based collaboration tool to manage connected construction projects and to share job-related data with all stakeholders. But most importantly, through ConX, Guillermina Prado can access the machine control system on any grader or paver running on the jobsite directly from the office.
This real-time connection empowers her to troubleshoot issues or update design models swiftly. This connectivity not only saves time and minimises fuel consumption but also ensures the uninterrupted flow of operations. “We’ve minimised human errors, increased precision, and reduced on-site surveying requirements,” explained Leonardo Lowinger, Surveyor Engineer at INCOCI. “Our operators work independently and efficiently, empowered by technology. In addition, remote equipment access through Leica ConX has resolved issues swiftly, eliminating the need for extensive travel and enabling immediate troubleshooting.”
BUILDING TRUST: THE FOUNDATION FOR LONG-LASTING PARTNERSHIPS
Choosing the right technology partner for your business is paramount. The right partner brings expertise, experience and a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges, enabling tailored solutions that address your unique needs. That is why INCOCI appreciates the long-term partnership with Leica Geosystems and its local distributor, Geosys Ltda.
“Leica Geosystems wasn’t just a choice; it was a clear one,” said Jean-Pierre Bidegain, Civil Engineer at INCOCI. “A globally recognised brand provided the reliability and quality essential for uninterrupted production. The machine control systems boosted our confidence, streamlining calibration, project alignment and overall workflow. The finished work speaks for itself — faster, more efficient and of superior quality.”
Besides, prompt on-site and remote technical support is key, a domain where Dante Prato, the Director of Geosys, excels. “The technical support has been exceptional, offering timely solutions and ensuring minimal disruptions. Geosys is our trusted partner, enabling us to undertake larger, more intricate projects with confidence,” said Prado.
EVOLVING EXCELLENCE
INCOCI’s journey with technology has transformed its operations, enhancing accuracy, productivity and safety. From material optimisation and reduced rework to enhanced equipment utilisation, INCOCI is poised to transform the road construction landscape.
“We continue to foster an environment that nurtures young, talented individuals, empowering them to take charge and innovate. Our journey with technology is irreversible, and we’re not looking back. It’s our privilege to stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, building a brighter future for our company, our employees and our clients,” concludes Beretervide.
