Simplifying the Spectacular:

Background

Cirque du Soleil, the world’s largest contemporary circus producer, is celebrated for its breathtaking blend of acrobatics, theater, dance, and visual arts. With over 400 million spectators over 40 years, in 86 countries across 6 continents, Cirque du Soleil has redefined live entertainment for more than three decades. Yet behind the captivating performances lies an extraordinary engineering effort, crucial for constructing the iconic big top productions.

Cirque du Soleil’s dedicated civil engineering and site construction teams are responsible for preparing and restoring production sites worldwide. The site preparation team travels globally to assess initial conditions, plan the layout of temporary installations, and mark the ground to facilitate the installation team's work. This monumental task demands precision and efficiency, especially as diverse urban landscapes and tight schedules add layers of complexity.

The Challenge

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Until 2020, Cirque du Soleil relied on non robotic total stations and traditional methods like theodolites and measuring tapes for layout tasks a labor intensive process requiring two person teams and significant time investment.

In 2021, as the entertainment industry revived, the company knew it had to upgrade its outdated tools and embarked on a mission to optimize its working methods. They initiated a supplier selection process to adopt modern surveying solutions that would streamline operations while maintaining their gold standard of excellence.

The new solutions needed to meet these critical criteria:

• Reliable Precision: Deliver engineering grade accuracy.
• Enhanced Productivity: Support seamless workflows to adhere to demanding timelines.
• Collaborative Efficiency: Simplify teamwork and data sharing.
• Operational Simplicity: Manage complex logistics effectively.
• Comprehensive Support: Provide training and service across multiple locations where Cirque du Soleil operates.

The Solution: A Selection of Trimble Technologies Curated for Cirque du Soleil

Recognizing Cirque du Soleil’s unique requirements, Cansel proposed a tailored suite of Trimble solutions, including:

Trimble S5 Robotic Total Stations: Single person operation with robotic precision for capturing distances, angles, and elevations. These systems enable real time data collection and seamless field to office integration, reducing errors, and aligning project teams.

Trimble R12i GNSS Rovers and Bases: Reliable and precise measurement tools suitable for diverse conditions.

Trimble TSC5 Controllers: Rugged devices ensuring efficient data collection and management.

Tiny Mobile Robot: The TinySurveyor accelerates large scale tasks up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, making it invaluable for stake out and road pre-marking projects.

Can-Learn: Cansel’s online learning platform provided the Cirque du Soleil engineering team and crew with valuable knowledge through instructional documentation and videos. This eLearning resource enabled them to understand tools and software, learn techniques, and optimize their use on the job all at their own pace. Accessible anytime, even after hours, Can Learn ensures Trimble solutions are easy to adopt at all levels.

Why Cansel?

“After evaluating products from several manufacturers, we found Trimble solutions to be the best fit for our needs. Cansel’s comprehensive portfolio of Trimble products and their expertise on what they sell made them the ideal partner.”

Yannick Chapados

Logistic and Site Construction Director at Cirque du Soleil

Ease of integration was a key priority for Cirque du Soleil. While Trimble systems are renowned for their user friendliness, comprehensive employee training was essential to ensure a seamless transition. Cansel's dedicated customer support team provided the expertise needed to deliver effective technical training, giving them a significant edge as the preferred partner.

Cansel’s extensive presence across multiple provinces was equally advantageous, ensuring support availability in the diverse locations where Cirque du Soleil hosts its shows. Another deciding factor was the network of Cansel service centers staffed by Trimble certified technicians, offering reliable and accessible maintenance and assistance.

"We achieved more in less time! The efficiency gains are remarkable we now only need to send one person to site construction projects. What used to take 5 days for site markup is now done in just 3 days."

Outcomes: Faster, Smarter, and Better Project Delivery

Since implementing the Trimble solutions, Cirque du Soleil has unlocked new levels of operational excellence:

• Enhanced Accuracy: Robotic total stations and GNSS systems have enabled highly precise measurements, minimizing errors and rework.
• Increased Efficiency: Single-person operation and automated tools have drastically reduced man-hours required for setup and layout tasks.
• Seamless Collaboration: Field-to -office integration ensures all teams stay aligned, enhancing productivity and decision decision-making.
• Operational Simplicity: Manage complex logistics effectively.
• Streamlined Workflows: Advanced tools simplify complex logistical challenges, keeping production schedules on track.

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"The Trimble tools also have allowed our field and office teams to collaborate effortlessly,” Chapados said. “Measurements are now faster and more accurate, enabling us to focus on creating unforgettable performances."

A Standing Ovation for Partnership: Collaborating From Start to Finish

Throughout the transition, Cansel provided unfailing support, acting as a trusted partner rather than merely a supplier. From demonstrating Trimble’s capabilities to delivering training and ongoing assistance, Cansel ensured a smooth and successful implementation.

"Cansel’s commitment to understanding our vision and delivering the right solutions has been invaluable,” Chapados shared. “They played an integral role in helping us modernize and elevate our operations. Their recommended solutions have significantly enhanced our efficiency and precision and transformed our workflow. "

A Future of Show-stopping Innovation

Cirque du Soleil’s investment in advanced technology reflects its unwavering dedication to excellence, both on stage and behind the scenes. With Cansel’s support and Trimble’s advanced solutions, the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment engineering.