To help initiators get started, Verhaert was appointed in May 2020.

Needs analysis

During June-July 2020, the needs were sharpened during workshops with Inter and ABB staff, who are well-versed in the parameters that should ideally be mapped to estimate the accessibility of buildings. The end users themselves (persons with disabilities) were not directly involved in the workshops for the time being.

Market survey

Next, Verhaert conducted a market analysis based on desk research. From this market analysis, a number of avenues emerged that partly meet the needs of Inter/ABB and their end users. The avenues can be found in the report.

Report

Verhaert's report on the preliminary process (needs and market analysis) can be found at the bottom of the page under documents.  

Next steps

Based on the results of the needs and market analysis, it was decided after thorough consultation not to continue the project within PIO.

On the one hand, the initial objective proved too high for Inter/ABB. Automatically assigning accurate measurement values (dimensions of doors, thresholds, etc.) to images using AI is still in its infancy (too much risk, too much investment, etc.). The market is working on it and the developments are promising, but Inter should wait for these developments before investing in it itself. On the other hand, there are ready-made solutions available on the market that visualise buildings in 3D (offer a virtual tour, but without exact dimensions) and thus allow people with and without disabilities to virtually experience a building. These solutions are already being used in various sectors (including real estate). Subject to sufficient added value for Inter and its end users (still to be validated in workshops), and subject to Inter being correctly positioned for this within the policy (to be examined) and subject to adjustments to the current IT environment, Inter can simply purchase this ready-made 'as-a-service'..

This 'spread position' led to completion of the preliminary process. No market consultation was held to validate the insights from the market analysis with industry, as a public contract would not immediately result from it either.

Inter does intend to work with the insights gained and is looking at which track is most appropriate.