All posts by n.manku@strumis.com

With StruM.I.S You can do it Faster and Better

You can do it faster and better

How much time do you spend finding and processing data in your steel fabrication business?

  • Do you grab your hard hat and tape measure and run out to the shop floor to get an inventory count?
  • Do you spend hours or days making a bill of materials in Excel to then manage your project?
  • When a client wants an update on their project do you run around the shop/yard checking on the status?
  • Is it a gut response to the question, “Do you have the capacity to get the job done in 1-2-3 weeks”?
  • Are you looking for paperwork in a box from 6 weeks ago?

Be honest, if you answered YES to any of the above questions then you’ll want to continue reading…..

The scenarios listed above are just some of the examples that potential clients share with me daily. None of the tasks are of value and nor does any client wish to pay for it, it is simply waste.

Remove the waste and you’re on the way to lean manufacturing.

lean-manu-650
StruM.I.S – steel fabrication management software – can help your fabrication shop be more efficient and effective, and adopt lean manufacturing as your core business strategy, instantly creating your competitive advantage.

Examples include; produce more bids with the same man-hours, create bill of materials within minutes, get instant updates on productivity, capacity, inventory status, billing milestones, automatic tracking of changes, MTRs linked directly to inventory, the list goes on.

But don’t just take my word for it. See for yourself at
www.strumis.com/readyreckoner

Visit us at  www.strumis.com  or contact me directly, Erica at e.morris@strumis.com

Lighting the way in South Africa

Kusile Power Station will end Load Shedding

Kusile Power Station in Witbank, South Africa; is one of the largest energy infrastructure projects under construction in the world. This 4,800 megawatt power station will result in a much needed reliable electricity supply for South Africa, ending the current power crisis and “load shedding”

kusile-power-station-project

When the world is watching

With the whole world watching and waiting, the Kusile Power Station construction requires industry-leading project management performance to meet the challenging schedule with a critical cost focus.

Shortened schedules and maximised productivity critical

Fortunately, StruM.I.S, the global leading steel fabrication management information solution, guarantees to always shorten schedules, and maximises productivity; in addition, it’s three StruM.I.S Bar code data-collection tools enable quick and accurate data capturing of employees, site materials and piece tracking; a huge benefit to Kusile Power Station Contractor, Genrec Engineering – a StruM.I.S user.

RF-barcoding strumis-scan

bar_coding

 

No mean feat

Contracted to provide detailing; project management; site support; erection planning; and fabricate 6 boiler units of 18,300 tons per unit, Genrec needed to track the exact location of items within the complex Kusile Power Station construction site – measuring approximately 3,350 acres or over 5 square miles (1,355 hectares)!

Exact item location in a 5 square mile site

Developed for Genrec, StruM.I.S provided bar code tracking functionality through a bespoke designed interface to track all Genrec site movement of materials and fabricated items to within 1 metre.

Genrec simply scans items into the Production Delivery notes when leaving their fabrication facility, heading for the site. Once the shipment is received at Kusile Power Station, the items are then scanned again to ensure nothing has been lost during transit. Their StruM.I.S Inventory module then shows the exact location, of Genrec’s items, including GPS latitude and longitude co-ordinates, for easy onsite traceability. A godsend throughout the entire 5 year project.

Now that’s organised inventory!

StruM.I.S now offers the additional customisable option of GPS location tracking via barcoding, to enable complete onsite traceability for clients with multiple location warehousing or large site storage issues. Find out how StruM.I.S could revolutionise your Steel Fabrication business, we guarantee within minutes you’ll see the light.

One of the youngest StruM.I.S users

One of the youngest StruM.I.S users
One of the youngest StruM.I.S users

Here at StruMIS we are committed to helping young academics excel and provide them with a platform and insight into the working environment and enabling a bridge between education and workplace proving invaluable to the student.

This week, we were delighted to welcome Stuart Cameron Riddell a 14 year old student from Lees Brook Community School in Derby, UK and son of our global Support Manager Stuart Riddell. StruMIS had no hesitation in

offering Stuart Cameron a week’s work placement so he could learn more about our global leading software packages.

With a keen interest in Forensics and Criminology, Stuart Cameron quickly became familiar with the StruM.I.S interface and how the industry concepts apply such as Drawing / Mark / Mark Items / Phase / Lots.

One of the youngest StruM.I.S users
One of the youngest StruM.I.S users

Stuart Cameron excelled in importing material lists into StruM.I.S, pushing them through Lotting / Nesting (Linear & Plate) / Production Control and testing Beta versions on Windows 10 for when it gets released.

We wish Stuart Cameron all the best with his studies and future career plans.

da BOM! Bill of Material (BOM) – where the story begins

In the beginning

Bill of Material (BOM) – This is where the story begins once you’ve successfully secured the project bid.

estimating

I see fabricators build this list in Excel with the help of macros, drop down lists, vlookups et al. They have it narrowed down to the most efficient way of building the BOM. And it probably is with the tools that they have available. But it certainly is not the most effective – that way is long gone!

For those of you that use management information software, such as StruM.I.S, to manage this, you’re ahead of the game. I’m speaking to the ones out there that who are still using Excel or access based tools to manage the BOM. Shorten your information flow by automating this process and setting up the downstream processes for success.

Eight tips to look for in detailed accuracy:

1. Drawing, assembly, super-assembly, piece mark (component), quantity
2. Material or section type, length and width
3. Division/Phase/Sequence #, lotting
4. GUIDs (Globally Unique Identifiers)
5. Automatic revision tracking
6. Ability to toggle between a consolidated listing and a flattened listing
7. Ability to link drawings and CAM (dwg, dxf, pdf, nc1 etc)
8. Ability to view your BOM in 3D visual environment

Fast and Flexible

Large projects may entail producing 1-2 Divisions per month for 6 months, other projects you can build and ship within a week. As a fabricator you need flexibility built into managing your BOM. Flexibility can look like space requirements to store material; approvals for construction trickling in by division; constant changes and scope creep; long lead time material to plan for.

Seamless Integration
integration_logos_bottom integration_logos_top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By integrating with 3D CAD packages Tekla, Revit, SDS/2., Autodesk Advance Steel, Solidworks, Bentley ProStructures/ProSteel Inventor and BoCAD; StruM.I.S can import the necessary files and create an accurate BOM in ten seconds By having this information up front you will be able to plan your nesting and procurement needs, erection sequencing, production and shipment schedules, up-to-date status tracking.

Take the challenge

I can show you how to do it faster, in minutes.
Visit us at www.strumis.com or contact me direct at e.morris@strumis.com

Seminar: Optimise your Steel Fabrication and Maximise your Profits

Seminar: Optimise your Steel Fabrication and Maximise your Profits
Seminar: Optimise your Steel Fabrication and Maximise your Profits

Steel Fabricators ASSENT and ASW to Present at the Seminar in Dubai Next Month

Software Interoperability in Steel Fabrication is a must for your steel plant to optimise its efficiencies in production and yield major savings on your steel purchases.

Come and see for yourself how the leaders in steel fabrication software and machine manufacturing interact together to make this happen.

Competitive Edge

We are particularly excited to have Mr Joaquim Fernandes, ASSENT (Al Shafar steel Engineering LLC) and Mr Othman Shashaah, Advanced Steel Works Co. Ltd both will provide an account on how their use of interoperable software has provided them with major benefits and a competitive edge in the GCC market.

Why Attend?

Stay ahead of your competition and attend this seminar where you will see just how StruM.I.S software, Tekla and Peddinghaus can integrate together to provide you with the competitive edge required to succeed in reducing your costs and maximising your profits!

BIMReview for You!

Registered attendees will have the chance to claim a complimentary licence of BIMReview – BIM Collaboration and Review Tool

Seats are limited and are available on a first come first served basis.

BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW! http://www.acecadsoftware.com/en/form_dubai_seminar_registration

Seminar Date & Time:

5th November, 2014
Time: 17.00 – 20.30
Buffet Dinner Provided.

Venue:

Sheraton Deira Hotel, Al Muteena Street, Deira (Dubai)

Who should attend?

Steel Fabrication Owners, General Managers, Estimating Managers, Engineering Managers, Production / Operation Managers.

Business model built on dedication and investment in technology

Business model built on dedication and investment in technologyBusiness model built on dedication and investment in technology

From the bottom up, Frank and Dolores Kiernan have built their successful business.
25 years ago, Frank and Dolores Kiernan saw their world fall apart when they were both made redundant. Frank had worked in the steel erection business and Dolores in accounting and book-keeping. When their efforts of finding alternative employment failed, the couple were left facing a bleak future. Instead, they embarked on a journey to form their own business. And in 1989, Kiernan Structural Steel was created.

Today, ready to mark their 25th year anniversary, they have much to celebrate. From what started out as a way to create jobs for themselves has now grown into a hugely successful business that has over 100 employees and an annual turnover of €13m in 2012.

Even after 25 years, they have not lost any of their enthusiasm for the business. Inside their modern factory large CNC operated machines cut and drill the raw material into their required lengths in a largely automated process assisted by the StruM.I.S software nesting and production routing features to further assist in managing purchasing and stock control hence reducing overheads and waste material.

Frank Kiernan comments, “We had very humble beginnings.” “We started the business in an old, two-bay hayshed at the rear of our home.”

Things were slow to begin with until the early 90s where Kiernan Structural Steel received a welcome boost when the Government introduced grants for farmers wanting to build new sheds. To cope with the extra demand, the Kiernan’s expanded their existing premise and hired their first employees. With added capacity, a broader skill-base and the experience gained from working on smaller projects, they began to target the wider construction sector.

Business model built on dedication and investment in technology

In the mid 90’s, the couple bought their first automated sawing and drilling CNC machines. “It was a huge investment” said Frank Kiernan. However, it proved to be a wise decision by significantly increasing their productivity and enabling them to undertake even larger projects.

Kiernan Structural Steel also invested in StruM.I.S – a steel fabrication management system enabling them to be efficient in their steel fabrication. StruM.I.S integrated well into their steelwork fabrication, providing traceability and real-time piece status tracking to ensure successful project execution ultimately displaying significant cost & time savings.

Dolores comments, “We have worked on projects with many top Irish and international firms, such as Google, Intel, Tesco, Diageo / Guinness, Kerry Foods, PM Group and many others.”

“Our staff are highly skilled, many have been working with us for up to 20 years,” says Frank. “While we are a family-owned and family-run company, everyone has a real say in how the company is run,” he insists.

The story of Kiernan Structural Steel is a real example of how one couple managed to turn what could have been a bleak future into a hugely successful one through their own hard work and investment in the right technology enabling ROI.

Read the full news article here:

Back to the news article

StruM.I.S Hints & Tips: Invalid Marks during Model Import

Dealing with Invalid Marks during Model Import

The Cad Interfaces within StruM.I.S give the user the ability to import material lists either from a CAD generated report, a comma separated CSV file or a tab separated txt file. These Material Lists are generated using a third party application such as Tekla and ProSteel, etc and make the transfer of information from these programs seamless.

There are however occasions when the information within these files cause there to be invalid marks. This isn’t a difficult thing to overcome but can appear daunting to a customer the first time they encounter this so the purpose of this document is to equip you with the knowledge to cope when you find invalid marks.

Reasons you may have Invalid Marks

During the Import, items are put into 1 of 4 tabs; Valid Mark Items, Unrecognised Mark Items, Invalid Marks and Invalid Dimensions. This is shown above. It is done in this way so as to make life as easy as possible for the user in determining how to resolve Invalid Marks.

In an ideal world you would have all items in the Valid Mark Items tab. However, there are a variety of reasons why this may not be the case and it is the users’ task to either put this right during the import or go back to whoever issued the model and request that the data is re-issued correctly.

Below is a list of reasons why we may have Invalid Marks that is displayed if the user hovers the mouse over the invalid Marks tab.

 

This document has been created with the more common reasons there may be Invalid Marks at the top and the less common reasons at the bottom.
Starting at the top and working through this should resolve any invalid Marks but if you’re still experiencing Invalid Marks then contact StruM.I.S Support.

Unrecognised Items

In the above example I have 644 Valid Mark Items but 12 Invalid Marks. This has been caused by there being 12 Unrecognised Mark Items.
This example is the most common reason we may have invalid Marks. It is caused in this instance by the section UB406X178X54 being specified differently in the CAD package (using an * instead of an X to separate dimensions) to what it is in StruM.I.S.

This is easily and quickly resolved.

1. On the Unrecognised Mark Items tab, click on the ellipses button in the column “Import as Item”
2. This will open the Item Picker. Fill out the details as required and click ok


3. Click on the Revalidate Marks button (situated bottom right)
4. All Marks should now be valid and displayed as below

5. After clicking on Next but before clicking on Finish, ensure that the option “Persist Cross References” is checked. This will add a Cross reference to the database that means that it will remember 406*178*54UB should always automatically be mapped to UB406X178X54 in future without having to do the mapping again manually

Unrecognised Items caused by invalid Grade

In the above example I have only 60 Valid Mark Items but 231 Invalid Marks. This has been caused by there being 377 Unrecognised Mark Items.
This has been caused by the Steel Grade S275JR being specified as S_275JR in the CAD package.
We could simply repeat the same instructions as above for Unrecognised Items, but it in this case it is quicker to add a Cross Reference to the Grade library.
1. Cancel the Import and go into the Items and Inventory menu and open Grade as shown below

2. Double click on the Grade we are to cross reference. In this example S275JR
3. Add the Grade as it appears in the CAD file to the Grade Cross Reference as shown to the right

4. Re-run the import and now all 668 Marks will be valid

Invalid Dimensions

In the above example I have 584 Valid Mark Items but 35 Invalid Marks. This has been caused by there being 31 Invalid Dimensions.
All Mark Items that share a name must also share the same properties. In the above example, we have two Mark Items that have differing Lengths;

• Mark Item 1 has two instances of a length of 9065mm and one instance of a length of 9070mm
• Mark Item PLT1 has 27 instances of a length of 700mm and one instance of a length of 705mm

This will have been caused by there being a tolerance in the CAD package that has been set to allow components that vary up to and including 5mm to be marked the same.

Note: StruM.I.S has an option “CAD Interface Dimensions tolerance” that can be found under Contracts Management Options and also the option to round up or down. I’ve purposely left this set to 3mm for the purpose of this exercise but had this been set to 5mm Up, it would have made all Mark Item 1 9070mm and PLT1 705mm for me.

This is easily and quickly resolved.

1. Within the Cad Interface
grid, simply click on the length
or Width you wish to change
2. Type the desired dimension
3. Tab out of the field, and it will
Automatically update all
Instances of that Mark Item
4. Click on the Revalidate Marks
button (situated bottom right)
5. All Marks should now be valid and displayed as below

More than one Mark Item share the same name but have different properties

In the above example I have 584 Valid Mark Items but 84 Invalid Marks. This kind of Invalid Mark is a little more difficult to work out than the above examples as the incriminating Mark Items aren’t put onto a separate tab like the Unrecognised and Invalid Dimensions are.

However, when you know what to look for and how to find it, it becomes much easier.

1. Click on the “Grid Options” button and select “Group By”. This will make finding the Mark Items causing the Marks to be invalid easier

2. Group by the Mark Item. This is done by dragging the column header for Mark Item to the top of the screen as shown below


3. Now that we’re grouped by Mark Item, repeat the process but this time the second group will be the “Import as Item” column, as shown below


4. The import screen will now be grouped by both Criteria and will look like the image below. The benefit to doing it this way is that as you scroll down the list, you’re looking for a row that instead of saying “(1 Item)” says “(2 Items)” or more. It should jump out at you much more clearly than if you’re simply scrolling through the entire list


5. In this example, there is a Mark Item “PLT1” that has been incorrectly specified as a 120x10FLAT in one instance but in all other cases is specified as a 450x25FLAT.
The User in this instance can either edit the source file or liaise with the draughtsman who could either re-mark the 120x10FLAT or change it to match all other PLT1 Mark Items. In any case, the user knows exactly where the issue is and was able to find so quite easily using the group by feature.
6. Once the updated file is received, the user can re-run the import and all items should now be valid and displayed as below

Other Reasons there may be invalid Marks

There are other reasons besides the possible causes listed above

Invalid Lot or Phase

If the option is turned on within the contract to read Lot/Load and Phase/Zone information from the CAD file, then all Mark Items that make up a Mark must share the same Phase/Zone or Lot/Load information.
The example below shows the invalid Mark 5 which has become invalid due to all items being in Lot 3 besides the Mark Item PLT3.

This is resolved by using the “Re-Lot” option at the bottom of the screen.

1. Highlight the row you wish to re-lot (say PLT3 in this example), enter the desired lot as shown below and click OK.

As the option “Selected items only” is selected, this will only update this row.

2. Click on the Re-validate Marks button (situated bottom right) all Marks should now be valid and displayed as below

Note: The process to resolve an invalid Phase is identical to resolving an invalid Lot other than using the “Re-Phase” option which is situated to the left of the “Re-Lot” option

Quantity Set to 0

If there are invalid marks and the screen looks like below, then the wisest course of action is to liaise with the Draughtsman and have them issue a new report. This example has Mark Item 1 having no quantity.

Alternatively, you could edit the CAD file if you are certain you know the correct quantity but it’s always best to have an up to date model.

Invalid Cut Type

As previously mentioned, if there are multiple instances of a Mark Item, then all its physical properties must be the same.
This is true of its cut type.

In the example below, there are three instances of PLT3, two of which are Angle Cut but one of which is Straight Cut

Note: To find this easier, the user may wish to use the “Group By” method that was used during the explanation on “More than one Mark Item share the same name but have different properties”, only this time grouping first by “Mark Item” and then “Cut Type” looking for a Mark Item that has (2 items) listed next to it.

The user has 2 options here;

a) Go back to the draughtsman and have them correct the issue in the CAD Package and reissue the list
b) Turn off the option for Cut Type within the Cad Interface so that it imports all items as Straight Cut.

The second option is quickest, but will mean all items are imported as Straight Cut for all Marks.

No Main member specified

If there are still Invalid Marks at this point then it is likely a Mark does not have a main member specified. This occurs when Mark Items are created off of a Dummy member withing the CAD package and the Dummy member is set to be the Main member in error by the Draughtsman.

To check that this is the case, you must first turn on the column “SourceMainMember”

1. Click on Grid Options and choose the option “Show Hide Columns”

2. Ensure that the column “SourceMainMember” is checked

3. The SourceMainMember column displays a 0 for those not listed a main member, and a 1 for those that are. If there is no main member specified at all then this Mark becomes Invalid.
The above example shows Mark 1 as having no main member.
The only solution in this instance is to go back to the draughtsman and have them correct the issue in the CAD Package and reissue the list.

StruM.I.S Hints & Tips: Manually Updating Work Orders

Manually Updating Contract Work Orders within Production Control

The Generate Contract Work Orders task within StruMIS gives the user the ability to easily select the best fabrication route for the selected Mark or Mark Item by utilizing the rules within Workstations and Templates created previously (See Chapter 7 of the StruMIS evolution training manual).

This is for the most part an automated process and will save the user a lot of time and effort.

However, there are occasions when the work orders may need to be adjusted and this might not be prior to the fabrication commencing. In these situations, the user would not want to un-issue the job from the workshop but would rather amend the planned work-flow. It is the purpose of this document to highlight some of the changes that may need making on occasion and the different methods with which the user can implement these changes.

Updating a single Work Order Manually

One of the most useful features of the Generate Contract Work Orders task is that it can utilise the NC data of a Mark Item to determine which processes are required. Below is an example of a Circular Hollow Section used as a beam with a Fin Plate style connection.

Note how the Plate PLT15 has holes but PLT14 does not. Because of this, StruMIS would route both plates to the same cutting station but once cutting has been undertaken, PLT15 will move onto the Drill and PLT14 will move onto Complete.

This means that the user does not have to progress items through processes that the Mark Items do not actually need to go through. However, occasionally the operator will know that they will need to override the suggested path that the items have been routed down.

E.g. If the above assembly needs to be galvanized then it will require drainage holes in the cap plates (PLT14). Ideally the draughtsman will have detailed the plate with the galvanisation in mind but this is not always the case and so instead it is up to a user in the production office do this.

1) Locate the Item in the Production Control grid. Below shows all the items that are currently at the process Cutting and specifically at the Workstation Guillotine.

Note: The Next Process column shows as being Complete for the Mark Item PLT14 as previously mentioned and that PLT15 is due to move onto Holemaking.

2) Either double-click on the line or click on Actions then select View Work Order whilst the line is highlighted. Either way, this will open the Work Order and allow the user to modify it.

3) Click onto the Processes tab, this will show all the existing processes for this Mark Item which in this example would only be Cutting.

4) To add a new process click into the drop down menu beneath the existing Processes as shown below.

5) Once the Process is added, the user can also amend the Workstation at which this process is to be undertaken and also the Planned times.

Note: It is within the Processes tab that the user could also make adjustments to an existing Process. E.g. Change the Workstation at which Cutting is to be done or remove a Process that is no longer required.

6) When you are happy with the changes, click on Save and then Close. When the user returns to the Production Control grid and clicks on Refresh, they will notice that the Next Process is now Holemaking. This is shown below.

Batch-Updating multiple Work Orders

The above example of opening a Work Order and making changes to it is great if the user is updating only a few lines. However, there may be occasions where the user has to update a large number of lines and making the same change to each of them.
In these situations it would be frustrating to the user to have to open each line one at time and make the same change over and over so instead it’s better to use the Batch Update option.

The Batch Update button is situated at the bottom of the Production Control grid and has the following options;

• Add Work Order Processes – Allows the user to add a brand new process to a selection of Work Orders.
• Update Work Order Processes – Allows the user to make a change to an existing Process that appears within their work orders. Examples of this could be changing the workstation at which cutting is performed at or increasing / decreasing the planned time it takes to undertake this process.
• Remove Work Order Processes – Deletes a Process that is no longer required from the Work Order.

Examples of each are shown below.

Batch Update to Add Work Order Process

Below is a list of fittings required for Contract C-0155.

Note: PLT14 and PLT15 will be cut at the Guillotine then move onto Holemaking but PLT8 will be Complete upon being cut.

To introduce a new Process after cutting:

1) Highlight all items currently at the Guillotine.

2) Click on the Batch Update button and choose the option Add Work Order Process.

3) The Add Processes form will be displayed.

4) Adding an inspection process that will take 5 minutes after the process of Cutting.

5) Click OK to commit the changes.

Note: If this process change became permanent in your production flow then it would be a good idea to amend the Production Template.

Now when the user checks the Production Control grid, they will notice that the Next Process after cutting is now Pre-Fabrication Inspection. This will also show on the Work Order should the user choose to open it. See Below:

Batch Update to Update Work Order Process

Below are the beams for one of the Lots required for Contract C-0155.

Mark Item 29 only needs to be cut, Mark Items 26 & 27 will need to be Profile Cut and Mark Item 30 requires Holes. We do not want to change any of the Processes but we will work under the assumption that these Beams cannot be accommodated at the Kaltenbach Saw. This could be due to the Workstation having scheduled maintenance or simply because there is already a large workload at the normally preferred Kaltenbach Saw and we wish to process this Lot quickly and therefore will use a different machine. In any case, updating a Process is simple and done as follows;

1) Highlight the lines that need to be changed. (In this example we will highlight all items currently at the Kaltenbach Saw).

2) Click on the Batch Update button and choose the option Update Work Order Process.

3) This will open the following window. Make the adjustments as required.

4) Click OK to commit changes.

Now when the user checks the Production Control grid, they will notice that Mark Items 26 & 27 are no longer at the Kaltenbach Saw and have been moved to the Flame Cutting Workstation.
See Below:

Batch Update to Remove Work Order Process

Below are some of the Marks for one of the Lots required for Contract C-0155.

You can see down the left hand side the production flow that these assemblies could take to become completed i.e. erected on site. For the purpose of this exercise we will remove Shop Paint from the Work Order as a process that these items must go through.

1) Highlight the lines that are to be changed (In this example we will highlight all items currently at the process Assembly / Welding).

2) Click on the Batch Update button and choose the option Remove Work Order Process.

3) This will open the following window. Select Shop Paint from the For All Production Processes drop-down menu.

4) Click OK to commit changes.

Now when the user checks the Production Control grid, they will notice that the process Shop Paint is no longer the Next Process but Final Inspection is. This will also be reflected within the Work Order should the user choose to open it. See Below:

 

StruM.I.S Hints & Tips: Revisions

Revisions

In an ideal world, once a job is detailed and issued, that would be it. However, this is not a perfect world and it’s possible that the job can be revised at any time. This might be early enough that Steel has not been procured yet or might be late enough that the revised parts are fabricated and ready for dispatch.

The purpose of this document is to highlight some of the different scenarios a revised material list might cause and to explain how the user is to deal with these changes.

Importing a revised list

Note: details on how to use the Cad Interfaces can be found in the StruMIS evolution training manual within chapter 5; Contracts Management.

When the items within the import file have been verified and the user is ready to finish the import they’ll be presented with the revisions form.

The smart filter buttons displays the status of the imported items; a row count of the items for each status is also shown:

• Unchanged Mark Items – These are the items that have not altered between the revised imported file and the original Detail Listing.
• New Mark Items – These are all the items that are in the revised imported file that were not in the original Detail Listing.
• Changed Mark Items – These are items that are in the original Detailed Listing but one or more properties are different from the revised imported file.
• Removed Mark Items – These are items that existed in the original Detailed Listing but no longer exist in the revised imported file.
• Invalid Mark Items – These are Mark Items that are part of a Mark or Assembly Mark that is invalid because the Mark or Mark Item is new but has a component Mark Item with a revision change that cannot be revised.

Note: You can run a Revision Report from the Actions button on this screen Only.

1. Make sure you have the Mark Item Status and Can Revise columns visible in the grid. These will assist you when making decisions about the revisions.

2. When you are happy with the results of the revised imported list, click Next.

3. The Create Detail List screen will now be displayed with the following additional choices:
• Ignore all new items – Ignore all new items in the revised import file.
• Hold marks where the mark items cannot be created – This will put existing Marks on hold if new Mark Items on the Mark cannot be created.

Note: With this option unchecked only the affected Mark Item will be placed on hold.

• Revise changed items – This will create revisions for the items that can be revised but will place un-revisable items on hold.
o Hold all mark items on a revised mark – This will put all Mark Items of a Mark on hold when a Mark is placed on hold.
• Leave changed items and come back later – This will not revise changed items.
• Ignore all changed items – This will ignore all changes.
• Import all new marks – This will add the new Marks but place any existing Mark Items that cannot be revised on hold.
• Ignore all new marks – This will ignore any new Marks that have Mark Items that cannot be revised.
• Ignore all removed Items – This will ignore items that are marked for removal.
• Place removed items on hold – This will place items marked for removal on hold.
o Hold all mark items on a removed mark – This will put all Mark Items of a Mark on hold when a Mark is marked for removal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Click the Finish button, all valid Items will be imported and the Contract Detailed Listing form will then appear.

The type of revision being imported combined with the Revision Settings in evolution will now decide what happens to the material list and what user interface will be displayed on screen. The following examples have been prepared to explain the various scenarios that you may face:

Cad Interface – Phase / Lot Changes

If all instances of a Mark’s Phase and Lot have been changed then StruM.I.S will make these changes automatically when the Import Detailing List Wizard is complete.

The following examples are based on the Revision Setting for Non-Material Changes set to Allow All Revisions.

Example 1

1. The material list for Mark 9 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1.

2. Mark 9 has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.
• See the snapshot of the Production Lotting form with the Phase and Lot columns highlighted.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark 9 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, all moved to Phase 2 Lot 2.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: All instances of Mark 9 have been changed; therefore this is a Phase/Zone Change and a Lot/Load Change. The Can Revise checkbox is ticked which means that the revision will take place automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

6. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place automatically and the Mark Items will be updated to Phase 2 and Lot 2.

Example 2

1. The material list for Mark 9 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1

2. Mark 9 has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark 9 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, all moved to Phase 2 Lot 1.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: All instances of Mark 9 have been changed; therefore this is a Phase/Zone Change (StruM.I.S would also recognise it as a Lot/Load Change) and the revision will take place automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

6. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place automatically and the Mark Items will be updated to Phase 2 and Lot 1.

Example 3

1. The material list for Mark 9 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1

2. Mark 9 has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark 9 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, all moved to Phase 1 Lot 2.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

 

 

Note: All instances of Mark 9 have been changed, therefore this is a Lot/Load Change and the revision will take place automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

6. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place automatically and the Mark Items will be updated to Phase 1 and Lot 2.

Example 4

1. The material list for Mark 9 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1

2. Mark 9 has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark 9 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = two off in Phase 1 Lot 1 and 1 off moved to Phase 1 Lot 2.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: All instances of Mark 9 have not been changed, therefore this is both a Mark Lot/Load Quantity Decrease and a Mark Lot/Load Quantity Increase and the Can Revise checkbox is un-ticked. This means that the Changed Mark Items will not be updated automatically.

5. Therefore, click the Next button and the Revisions Un-nesting Rollback Options form will be displayed.

6. For the revision to take place Un-nest all instances of Mark 9 (this automatically un-issues the Mark Item Work Orders).

7. Click the Next button and the Revisions Un-Issue Rollback Options form will now be displayed.

 

 

 

 

8. Select the Work Order then click the Un-Issue Undo button.

 

 

 

 

Note: The icons for the Mark Work Order will change to confirm that they will be rolled back.

9. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

10. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place automatically and Mark 9 will be rolled back to Lotted (not released).

It is at this point that you should consider what happens to the Purchase Order and the associated material when a revision occurs and Mark Items are Un-nested. The following scenarios are based on the Status of the Purchase Order when the revision takes place.

1. When the Purchase Order has a Status of Requisition:
• The original nested material is removed from the Lines Tab.
• The Purchase Order number may be used for the new nested Mark Items.

 

 

2. When the Purchase Order has a Status of Released but the material has not been received into Inventory:
• The original material remains on the Lines Tab, however, the material is only allocated to the Contract and the Mark Item allocation is removed.
• The material on the Purchase Order may be used for the new nested Mark Items.

3. When the Purchase Order has a Status of Released and the material is received into Inventory:
• The original material is only allocated to the Contract and the Mark Item allocation is removed.
• The material in Inventory may be used for the new nested Mark Items.

Example 5

1. The material list for Mark 9 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, one in Phase 1 Lot 1, one in Phase 2 Lot 2 and one in Phase 3 Lot 3.

2. Mark 9 has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.
• See the snapshot of the Production Lotting form with the Phase and Lot columns highlighted.

 

 

 

3. Import the revised material list for Mark 9 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 9 – Qty = 3 off, one in Phase 1 Lot 1, one in Phase 2 Lot 2 and one moved to Phase 4 Lot 4.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: As all instances of Mark 9 have not been changed, therefore this is a Mark Phase/Zone Quantity Decrease, a Mark Lot/Load Quantity Decrease, a Mark Phase/Zone Quantity Increase and a Mark Lot/Load Quantity Increase and the Can Revise checkbox is un-ticked. This means that the Changed Mark Items will not be updated automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Revisions Un-nesting Rollback Options form will be displayed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. For the revision to take place Un-nest all instances of Mark 9 (this automatically un-issues the Mark Item Work Orders).

7. Click the Next button and the Revisions Un-Issue Rollback Options form will now be displayed.

8. Select the Work Order(s) then click the Un-Issue Undo button.

 

Note: The icons for the Mark Work Order will change to confirm that they will be rolled back.

9. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.


10. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place and Mark 9 will be rolled back to Lotted (not released).

Length Changes (Linear Items)

If the length of a Mark Item has been changed then StruM.I.S will interrogate the cutting plans to determine whether the nested bar is long enough to accept the revised lengths. If this is the case then the cutting plans are updated automatically when the Import Detailing List Wizard is complete.

The following examples are based on the Revision Setting for Material Changes set to Allow If Released and with the Always apply production length revision changes checkbox ticked.

Example 6

1. The material list for Mark Item 10 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item 10 – 3 off, 5000mm long. Nested to 2 bars 5500mm & 1 bar 6000mm.

2. Mark Item 10 has been released and nested but the Mark Item(s) has not been issued to production.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark Item 10 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item 10 – 3 off, now increased to 5600mm long.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: As all of the original nested bars are not long enough to accept the revised length then none of the cutting plans will be updated automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Revisions Un-nesting Rollback Options form will be displayed.

6. For the revision to take place Un-nest all instances of Mark Item 10.
7. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.
8. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place and Mark Item 10 will be rolled back to Not Covered in the Production Nesting Ordering form.

 

 

 

 

Example 7

1. The material list for Mark Item 10 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item 10 – 3 off, 5000mm long. Nested to 3 bars 6000mm.

2. Mark Item 10 has been released and nested but the Mark Item(s) has not been issued to production.
• snapshot of the Detailed Nesting Cutting List Report with the Cuts To Make column and Cutting Plan numbers highlighted.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark Item 10 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item 10 – 3 off, now increased to 5600mm long.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: As all of the original nested bars are long enough to accept the revised length then the revision will take place and the cutting plans will be updated automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

6. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place automatically and the Mark Items will be updated to the new lengths.
• Below is a snapshot of the Detailed Nesting Cutting List Report with the Cuts To Make column and Cutting Plan numbers highlighted.

Note: The Cuts To Make values have been updated automatically while the Cutting Plan numbers have remained the same.

Item (i.e. Section Size) Changes

The following examples are based on the Revision Setting for Material Changes set to Allow Revisions if Released.

Example 8

1. The material list for Mark Item C7has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item C7– Section size W12 x 40 x 18’ 8 – 7/8” Grade A36.

2. Mark Item C7 has been released but has not been nested or issued to production.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark Item C7into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item C7– Section size increased to W12 x 50 x 18’ 8 – 7/8” Grade A992gr50.

Note: The Item Listing screen will highlight under the Listed In System As column that the Mark Item was originally imported as a W12 x 40-A36.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

 Note: All instances of Mark Item C7 have been changed, therefore this is a Mark Item Section revision and the Can Revise checkbox is ticked. This means that the Changed Mark Items will be updated automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

6. Click the Finish button and the revision will now take place automatically and the Mark Items will be updated to the new Section Size.

Example 9

1. The material list for Mark C7 Beam component parts has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item C7 = W12 x 40 x 18’ 8 – 7/8” Grade A36 with Mark Item CLT1 = 2 x Clip Angles L4”x4”x5/16” x 8-1/2” Grade A36.

2. Mark Item C7and Mark Item CLT1 has been released, nested and issued to production.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark C7 Beam component parts into the Detail Listing:
• Mark Item C7 = W12 x 50 x 18’ 8 – 7/8” Grade A992gr50 with Mark Item CLT1 remain unchanged.

Note: The Item Listing screen will highlight under the Listed In System As column that the Mark Item was originally imported as a W12 x 40-A36.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: As all instances of Mark C7 Beam have not been changed, therefore this is a Mark Item Section revision and the Can Revise checkbox is un-ticked. This means that the Changed Mark Items will not be updated automatically.

5. Therefore, click the Next button and the Revisions Un-nesting Rollback Options form will be displayed.

 6. For the revision to take place Un-nest all instances of Mark Item C7 (this automatically un-issues the Mark Item Work Orders).

7. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

8. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place and Mark Item C7 will be rolled back to Not Covered in the Production Nesting Ordering form.

 

 

Note: The work orders for Mark Item C7 will also be rolled back to Mark Items Not Issued in the Generate Contract Work Orders form.

9. Mark Item CLT1 will remain unchanged as nested and issued to production.


Note: In Example 9, if the Revision Setting for Material Changes was set to Allow All Revisions, then the revision would take place without opening the Revisions Un-nesting Rollback Options form. The Mark Items would be updated to show the revised section size but the material would not be un-nested. The cutting plans would therefore still show Mark Item C7 as nested to the original (different section size) bar.

Mark Item Quantity Increase / New Mark Item Created

If a Mark Item(s) quantity has been changed or a new Mark Item has been created then StruM.I.S will make these changes automatically when the Import Detailing List Wizard is complete.

The following example is based on the Revision Setting for Non-Material Changes set to Allow All Revisions.

Example 10

1. The material list for Mark C4M has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark C4M – Consisting of C4M Main Member 1 off, PLT1 Base Plate 1 off and PLT3 Rectangular Stiffeners 2 off.

2. Mark C4M has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark C4M into the Detail Listing:
• Mark C4M – Consisting of C4M Main Member 1 off, PLT1 Base Plate 1 off, PLT3 Rectangular Stiffeners increased to 8 off and an additional PLT4 Rectangular Stiffener 1 off.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

 

 

 

Note: PLT3 has been changed; therefore this is a Mark Item Quantity Increased and PLT4 is a new item; therefore this is a Mark Item Created. The Can Revise checkbox is ticked which means that the revision will take place automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.
6. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place automatically and the additional Mark Item PLT3 and the new Mark Item PLT4 will appear on the Production Nesting Ordering form as Not Covered.

Note: PLT3 is now displayed on separate lines, this is because the original Mark Items have been issued to Production and assigned to a Workstation.

7. If Mark C4M was released, nested but the Mark Items were not issued to production then the additional Mark Item PLT3 would appear on the Production Nesting Ordering form as Part Covered.

8. Mark Item PLT4 will appear on the Production Nesting Ordering form as Not Covered in both cases.

9. The additional plates PLT3 and the new plate PLT4 will also appear on the Generate Contract Work Orders form as Mark Items Not Issued.

Removing Mark Items

If a Mark Item has been removed from the Mark then StruM.I.S has the following options on the Create Detail List screen of the Import Detail Listing Wizard:

• Ignore all removed Items – This will ignore items that are marked for removal.
• Place removed items on hold – This will place items marked for removal on hold.
o Hold all mark items on a removed mark – This will put all Mark Items of a Mark on hold when a Mark is marked for removal.

The following example is based on the Revision Setting for Non-Material Changes set to Allow All Revisions and for Material Changes set to Allow Revision if Released.

Example 11

1. The material list for Mark 8 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 8 – Consisting of Mark Items 8, PLT1, PLT3 and PLT4.

2. Mark 8 has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark 8 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark 8 – Consisting of Mark Items 8, PLT1, PLT3 but Mark Item PLT4 has been removed and a new Mark Item PLT14 added.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

 

 

 

 

Note: PLT4 is displayed under the Removed Mark Items smart filter and the Can Revise checkbox is un-ticked which means that PLT4 will be placed on hold. PLT14 is a new item; therefore this is a Mark Item Created. The Can Revise checkbox is ticked which means that the revision will take place automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

6. Tick the Place removed items on hold radial button; this will place Mark 8 on hold and only the removed Mark Item PLT4 on hold. These are denoted by the red flag.

7. Click the Finish button, the Contract Detailed Listing form will now display Mark Item PLT4 on hold and the new Mark Item PLT14 added to the Component Mark Items window.

Note: If the Hold all mark items on a removed mark checkbox is also ticked then the Mark will be placed on hold along with all of the associated Mark Items.

8. All other Mark Items will remain released, nested and issued to production.

Note: In the above snapshot of the Production Nesting Ordering form you can see PLT4 marked as on hold with the red flag and the new PLT14 appears as Not Covered.

Mark Quantity Decrease

If the quantity of a Mark has been decreased then StruM.I.S will interrogate the Mark Item Status and detect whether the Mark quantity being reduced is lower than the lotted quantity of the Mark.

The following example is based on the Revision Setting for Non-Material Changes set to Allow All Revisions and for Mark Quantity Decrease set to Allow Revision if Released.

Example 12

1. The material list for Mark B12 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark B12 – Qty = 3 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1.

2. Mark B12 has been released but has not been nested or issued to production.
• See the snapshot of the Production Lotting form with the Phase and Lot columns highlighted.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark B12 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark B12 – Qty = 2 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: All instances of Mark B12 have been changed; therefore this is a Mark Phase/Zone Quantity Decreased, a Mark Lot/Load Quantity Decreased & a Mark Quantity Decreased. The Can Revise checkbox is ticked which means that the revision will take place automatically.

5. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

6. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place automatically and Mark B12 will be rolled back to Lotted (not released).

Example 13

1. The material list for Mark B25 has been imported into the Detail Listing:
• Mark B25 – Qty = 3 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1.

2. Mark B25 has been released, nested and both Mark Item and Mark work orders have been generated.

3. Import the revised material list for Mark B25 into the Detail Listing:
• Mark B25 – Qty = 2 off, all in Phase 1 Lot 1.

4. From the Item Listing screen of the Wizard, click the Next button and the Revision screen will be displayed.

Note: All instances of Mark B12 have been changed; therefore this is a Mark Phase/Zone Quantity Decreased, a Mark Lot/Load Quantity Decreased & a Mark Quantity Decreased. The Can Revise checkbox is un-ticked. This means that the Changed Mark Items will not be updated automatically

5. Therefore, click the Next button and the Revisions Un-nesting Rollback Options form will be displayed.

6. For the revision to take place Un-nest all instances of Mark B25 (this automatically un-issues the Mark Item Work Orders).

7. Click the Next button and the Revisions Un-Issue Rollback Options form will now be displayed.

8. Select the Work Order(s) then click the Un-Issue Undo button.

 

 

 

Note: The icons for the Mark Work Order will change to confirm that they will be rolled back.

9. Click the Next button and the Create Detail List screen will now be displayed.

10. Click the Finish button, the revision will now take place and Mark B25 will be rolled back to Lotted (not released).

Revision Reports

Contract Detailed Listing Revisions History Report – The Contract Detailed Listing Revisions History Report displays a list of all revisions that have been imported for a specific contract.

StruM.I.S Hints & Tips: Installing BIMReview API

Installing and Using the BIMReview API plugin for Tekla Structures

Something that we as a company have in common with Tekla is the many mutual Customers we share. With so many customers using Tekla to detail their steelwork and StruM.I.S evolution to manage their production, it makes perfect sense that there should be a link between the two.

That link comes in the form of Producing BIMReview models in Tekla that can in turn be imported into StruM.I.S evolution.

Installing the BIMReview API plugin

The Plugin must be installed on the same computers that have Tekla Structures installed. At the time of writing, it is compatible with Versions 16, 16.1, 17 & 18.

The sequence of Installation is as follows;

1) Run the BIMReview installation. This can be downloaded from:

http://www.bim-review.com/download.php

Note: If BIMReview has been previously installed, choose the option to Modify.

2) The Custom Setup screen will be displayed.

BIMReview_Custom_setup_screen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Choose the components you wish to install. In the example to the right, Tekla Structures version 18.0 Plugin has been selected.

4) Click the Install button to complete the installation.

Adding the Export and Import icons to Tekla Structures

Now that the API Plugin has been installed, it is necessary to add the icons to the workspace within Tekla.

1) Open Tekla.

2) Click on Tools then select Customise.

3) Click on the New button – This has created a UserToolbar1 in the example below.

Tekla_Customize

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) With UserToolbar1 highlighted, type ‘BIM’ into the filter field. This will allow us to find both the Export and Import icons.

5) Add both to the UserToolbar1 by clicking the right arrow as highlighted below.

Tekla_Customize

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) The Icons will now be added to the Tekla toolbar and look like the image below.

BIMReview_icons

 

 

Exporting a BIMReview model from Tekla Structures

Now that we’ve installed the BIMReview plugin and added the shortcut icons, we are able to export a BIMReview model.

1) Select the entities you wish to export to BIMReview. I’ve highlighted all items in the simple model below.

Tekla_Select_members_A

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Click on the BIMReview export icon as shown in the image above.

3) This will open a box as shown below. You must specify a path to export the file too. Other boxes are optional.

BIMReviewExport

 

 

 

 

BIMReviewExport_complete4) You may or may not be prompted to Re-mark the model at this point depending on how up to date the marking is for this model.

5) You will receive a message to say that the export is successful, click OK.