Gilbane Building Co., a contractor based in Providence, Rhode Island, successfully utilized Trunk Tools’ artificial intelligence platform to enhance efficiency, reduce costly rework, and save significant time and money during the $456 million Baird Center expansion in Milwaukee. This project involved a joint venture with Wisconsin-based C.D. Smith and focused on adding 300,000 square feet to the existing convention venue, including new meeting rooms, parking spaces, loading docks, and an executive kitchen.
Managing the Baird Center project required navigating an overwhelming amount of documentation—21,000 discrete documents, including contracts, drawings, RFIs, and change orders. The sheer volume of data made it nearly impossible for the team to keep track of every detail manually. Andrew Roy, the lead superintendent on the project, recognized the need for a more efficient solution to handle the complexities of modern construction.
Enter Trunk Tools, a New York City-based company offering an AI-driven tool designed to manage and track project documents. The platform, which includes a chat-like feature known as TrunkText, allows contractors to quickly access specific information without leaving the job site. Gilbane started using TrunkText in January 2024, during the final phase of the Baird Center project. The tool was integrated with Gilbane’s existing Procore and Sharepoint systems, enabling seamless document management.
The AI tool proved invaluable in preventing rework and reducing response times to queries. For example, when the team faced a potential issue with the ductwork for a fireplace feature, TrunkText quickly provided the necessary information, confirming that the seams needed to be sealed. This immediate access to accurate information saved the team from costly rework and potential delays.
Throughout the project, TrunkText handled hundreds of queries, with 87% of the responses being accurate, as validated by the project team. According to a case study by Trunk Tools, the AI platform saved workers 20 to 40 minutes per query and helped avoid over $100,000 in rework each month.
Roy highlighted the dramatic efficiency gains from using TrunkText. Traditionally, finding the right document could involve a time-consuming search through digital files or a trip back to the job site trailer. With TrunkText, answers were provided in seconds, allowing the team to maintain momentum on the project without unnecessary interruptions.
The AI tool also helped identify gaps in the project documentation. In cases where TrunkText couldn’t provide an answer, the team realized that the information simply wasn’t available, prompting a deeper review of their documents.
The successful implementation of Trunk Tools’ AI platform on the Baird Center project underscores the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern construction. By streamlining document management and providing instant access to critical information, AI tools like TrunkText are helping contractors like Gilbane Building Co. navigate the complexities of large-scale projects more efficiently, ultimately saving time and money while reducing the risk of costly errors.
