All posts by n.manku@strumis.com

FREE Webinar – BIM & your Supply Chain

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A 10 point guide to managing your BIM-based construction projects more effectively.This FREE Webinar is a not to be missed look at BIM (Building Information Modelling) and your Supply Chain.


Whether you are a BIM Manager, Estimator, QS, Buyer, Project or Construction Manager that works with main contractors, discipline based subcontractors and suppliers, you will be sure to find this informative webinar of interest.

Focusing on the methods for utilising BIM from design through the construction supply chain, the webinar will cover the key issues of change, cost and supply management to the construction site. With BIM at the heart of project workflows, from estimating through QS, tendering and procurement to construction – the webinar aims to show you how you could manage your construction projects more effectively.

Sign up for this FREE webinar here:

Tuesday, 18th December, 2012 – 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM (GMT – London time)

Tuesday, 18th December, 2012 – 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM (GMT – London time)

Great interest in BIM at iTSHOWCASE – London

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This week AceCad Software were invited to present in London at iTSHOWCASE a 30 minute seminar slot on BIM including the UK Government’s strategy to implement plans for the use of Building Information Modeling.

On a cold and rainy day in late November our hopes for a decent turnout to a lunchtime seminar were perhaps a little optimistic………

How surprised we were, with one hundred seats out and people standing at the back, interest was great indeed!

It seems that the UK construction sector is starting to wake up to the Government’s four year strategy for BIM implementation and seeking to understand how it will change the dynamics and behaviours of the construction supply chain. And, in particular searching for answers for how BIM could unlock new, more efficient and collaborative ways of working.

As a business we were delighted to participate and on our exhibition stand discuss with many visitors the BIM solutions that we offer to deliver collaboration and efficient workflows into construction.

For a copy of our presentation this week please contact us on marketing@acecadsoftware.com

Or, for more details on our BIM solutions please visit:

www.bim-project.com and www.bim-review.com

Bar Code Tracking with StruM.I.S

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Bar code data-collection systems provide huge benefits during the manufacturing and processing stages of fabrication. Murray & Roberts subsidiary company, Genrec, has extended these benefits further by tracking individual items within large scale projects.

The bar code data-collection solution enables faster and more accurate data capturing with lower costs, minimised mistakes and easier data management through the StruM.I.S system including site materials and piece tracking.

A successful installation simplifies fabrication management

With Genrec’s principal RSA steel fabrication site in Wadeville, covering over 55,000m2 of undercover workshops and open areas, tracking of materials and fabricated items represented a major issue.

As StruM.I.S users they had already decided to extend shop floor feedback automation through bar coding for an optimised workflow and real time tracking. This implementation has been highly successful for quite some time and has shown real benefits in terms of processing steel through production efficiently and gaining the most out of the management  system; StruM.I.S.

Overcoming the growing pains

Following successes in several large projects around the world, Genrec has become the main contract steelwork fabricator for a substantial domestic infrastructure project. This resulted in the need to develop their own onsite fabrication facilities alongside the creation of a lay down storage area covering an area larger than that of five soccer pitches!

The sheer size of this storage area created a number of traceability issues for both raw materials and fabricated items and as such Genrec approached AceCad to see if it was possible to create a way of implementing bar coding through StruM.I.S into a new onsite process to enable complete onsite traceability.

GPS location of items enables accurate location on demand

Following development work between Genrec and the AceCad team, StruM.I.S is now able to use the bar code tracking functionality through a specially designed interface to track all site movement of materials and fabricated items.

Originally, the brief given by Genrec required the ability to scan items into the Production Delivery notes to define that these items were leaving the fabrication facility and headed for the site. Once the shipment is received at the site, the items are then scanned again as a confirmation of receipt to ensure that they have not been lost during transit. On confirmation, StruM.I.S will recognise the location, including GPS coordinates, for easy onsite traceability throughout the entire construction process.

Speaking on behalf of Genrec a spokesman commented; ‘With StruM.I.S, we have a system that enables us to manage projects from start to finish. Now with the extended bar coding functionality and the automation that this delivers we are able to benefit from the system more and more throughout our projects.’

AceCad Software releases StruM.I.S V8.1

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AceCad Software is pleased to announce the release of StruM.I.S V8.1, our latest steelwork fabrication management system designed to meet needs of medium and larger sized steelwork contractors. StruM.I.S V8.1 includes many new features to operate steel fabrication sites more efficiently, with greater flexibility and offering enhanced functionality.

StruM.I.S V8.1 new features overview

  • New 64 bit architecture
  • New, more user friendly setup wizard, including updated material and cross references
  • Improved revision management functionality
  • Enhanced plate logic
  • Ability to review drawings and documents at all levels
  • Latest BIMReview, model viewer embedded
  • BIMReview CAD Interfaces for Tekla and SDS/2
  • Partial Work Order Issuing

What are the business benefits of StruM.I.S V8.1?

  • Even easier and more user friendly to use
  • Pre populated with material libraries – ready to implement
  • Greater flexibility through enhanced enquiries and estimating tools
  • Superior control at every level of production
  • Revisions can be created at any stage of production
  • Advanced levels of referencing and visualisation through BIMReview
  • Cost reduction, with enhanced traceability and process control
  • Option to install add-ins for Tekla and SDS/2
  • Saves time, reduces laborious tasks and minimises human error

With the release of StruM.I.S V8.1, AceCad Software emphasizes its commitment to delivering the very best in integrated data management and visualisation tools for the steel sector. Simon Inman, Technical Director for AceCad Software, commenting on the release said, “StruM.I.S V8.1 delivers even greater business advantages for steelwork contractors across their steelwork projects. Users will benefit from new levels of functionality to deliver instant decision support across projects. This latest exciting release is in line with our aim to enable, through our software, our users to utilize their Information to deliver real time Knowledge to make Powerful decisions”.

AceCad interviewed by BIM Journal

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AceCad was delighted to be recently interviewed by BIM Journal; the leading online newsletter delivering impartial and authoritative information relevant to Building Information Modeling (BIM) industry professionals.

Aimed at everyone involved in the construction process – Developers, Project Managers, Engineers & Contractors, and with over 100,000 readers worldwide, the monthly BIM Journal editions reveal promising trends and the latest development projects from around the world.

Speaking to BIM Journal, Mr Brotherton, the Managing Director of AceCad Software commented; ‘We believe that the construction industry needs to deliver practical benefits into construction projects attainable by the implementation of BIM. Although BIM has resulted in benefits and advantages in many projects, we at AceCad believe that the data associated with BIM is still yet to be fully exploited beyond the virtual model and into the real world’.

When asked by BIM Journal to summarize what BIMProject, AceCad’s latest product for managing BIM data does, Mr Brotherton commented, ‘BIMProject allows users to extract BIM model data, apply it efficiently in the real world and track it, whilst updating the model, to help reduce RFI/variation costs which plague the industry’.

BIM Journal were interested in the development resource associated with BIMProject. Speaking on this, Mr Brotherton added ‘AceCad Software was certainly the leading company in bringing together the benefits found in manufacturing into the structural construction sector. We are now working to bring similar benefits into wider construction projects by the integration of model and data management through distinct and controlled processes that ensure information is integrated with knowledge to bring about powerful decisions – true BIM’.

BIMProject is in the final stages of development with an impending release planned, while the integrated BIMReview model collaboration tool, available from www.bim-review.com, was released in late summer. Due to high interest in the BIMProject product we have pilot projects running with beta versions. We already have a wide range of BIMReview users and feedback to date is extremely encouraging. A comment from one such pilot project user was ‘this is a dream come true!’.

To read the full article click HERE!

FREE Webinar – Steel Purchasing

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You can now optimise your steel procurement with StruM.I.S – More accuracy, reduced waste, costs savings!


StruM.I.S integrates your structural steel procurement with live contracts and enables the management of suppliers, with pricing and nesting automatically completed and all costs allocated for analysis.

Structural steel construction businesses need to purchase wisely and efficiently to deliver successful returns. The structural steel purchasing function is critical and often complicated by multiple simultaneous project requirements. StruM.I.S allows the management of suppliers and integration of purchasing for more accuracy, less waste and ultimately to save you money!

Watch our FREE webinar to find out how purchasing using StruM.I.S could benefit your business:

StruM.I.S purchasing and suppliers module features include:

  • Purchasing and supplier materials database
  • Wizard driven – linear and plate nesting/multing (optional), incorporating multi-suppliers, bevel nesting and butt welding
  • Visual nest representation and analysis
  • Request for Quotation (RFQ) and saved nest retrieval
  • Electronic Data Interface (EDI) with Suppliers
  • Automated Purchase Order generation
  • Purchase Order receipts enables good inwards management
  • Materials Classification, facilitating CE compliance, returns, damaged goods, etc.
  • Return to supplier for damaged or unwanted goods

6 things to consider before purchasing Building Information Modeling (BIM) review software

BIMReview, ,

1. Your Budget

Decide how much you want to spend before you start researching your BIM review software. Conduct a cost-benefit assessment. Try to analyse what you really want to get out of a BIM review system and ask yourself if the enduring benefits of such software reflect or outweigh the investment. Purchasing software is a long term decision and switching costs could be substantial; therefore try to select software that is widely used, cost effective and flexible enough to meet your business’s current and future needs.

2. Integration

Ideally, your new BIM review system will work with your existing primary systems. Check out whether the software supports and integrates with as many of your current (and possible future) BIM authoring products as possible. This will minimise the loss of quality information between platforms, and reduce time spent converting models to unfavourable file formats. How important is it that your software facilitates easy communication between yourself, contractors and suppliers? Do you want it to be able to facilitate clash checking, project visualisation and planning to compliment your existing workflows?

3. Implementation

When you’ve chosen your BIM review system you’ll want to get it in place as soon as possible. Try to select a BIM software vendor with local representation if possible, or that can offer fast and efficient implementation online for maximum early benefits.  Make sure that apart from the implementation of the software, you are given the opportunity for appropriate training. Is it important to you where your training takes place?  Are there implementation documents or videos available and does the company have experienced trainers knowledgeable in your industry?

4. Functionality

What do you want your BIM software to do? The functionality consideration should primarily be based on your business needs and the different BIM software features available. Draw up a list of your must-haves and the functions you’d like if possible. Research the market to see what’s out there – you may not be aware of everything a modern-day BIM review system can do. How simple will your new software be to use? Will it make your job easier or more difficult?

5. Return on investment 

You’ll want your new BIM review system to return on your investment but how quickly can it do that? Good software should help you identify significant savings. For example; identifying multi-discipline clashes at the design and engineering phase can prevent costly mistakes at the construction phase. Determine how you will measure the success of the software and ensure that you monitor the results.

6. Support

What level of support would you like from your vendor? How will this be provided? (e.g. telephone, e-mails, extranet and/or a dedicated helpdesk) What times of day do you want that support to be available? What will the response times be? The level of support you get from your vendor could be vital, especially in the early days, so it needs to be right for you.

Ayesha Shakil

We hope you found our blog useful in your search for the right BIM review software. If you’d like a free trial of our BIM review software – BIMReview, click HERE.

AceCad’s products go down a storm!

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Moving towards the end of a busy exhibition season, AceCad is pleased to report successful participation at several international events over the last two months.

Most recently at FABTECH in Las Vegas, USA, AceCad received an overwhelming response from visitors with our new Essentials product for fabricators particularly going down a storm. Similarly, record attendances were reported at our booth at The Big 5 exhibition held in Dubai, UAE. Considerable numbers of enquiries have been registered from across the Middle East region for StruM.I.S – our steel management system and BIMReview – our model review and visualisation tool.

Last month, partner collaborations with Tekla and SDS/2 at their user meetings brought notable interest in both our StruM.I.S and Essentials products for steel fabrication. Whilst our sponsorship at the BIM Summit event in Qatar generated considerable attention and interest in BIMReview, and BIMProject, our data management solution for BIM based projects.

AceCad is delighted that these events have provided us with the opportunity to see many of our existing clients and have also enabled us to meet and develop relationships with additional new prestigious clients.

Meet AceCad at Autodesk University

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AceCad Software will be participating at Autodesk University at Mandalay Bay, 27-29 November, 2012, Las Vegas, United States.

Autodesk University is a great venue to increase knowledge about the latest technologies and advanced software for the AEC industry, and we look forward to being a part of it!

This annual event, consisting of classes, seminars and an exhibition is designed to update delegates on the latest development in Design Visualisation, BIM (Building Information Modeling), and Design leadership coupled with Innovation policies.  We look forward to showcasing our BIM solutions suite and meeting likeminded professionals ready to take their BIM designs into construction.

AceCad Software will be exhibiting on our Booth 1304 and will show delegates how by using our products your business can achieve cost savings, better productivity and increased returns from BIM.

If you are planning on attending, this is a great opportunity for you to join our USA team who will introduce you to BIMProject, our new data management product that enhances and optimizes the use of BIM through construction projects.

BIMProject is a powerful tool and provides you high performance BIM model interaction combined with rich data that delivers real-time project status to your business and your supplier. BIMProject will enable business change and assist you in delivering knowledge, power and information across your project execution.

We look forward to meeting existing clients and visitors to the event and helping your business to succeed. We welcome any advance meeting reservation request on marketing@accecadsoftware.com

6 Things to Consider Before Buying Steel Management Software

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1. Your Budget

How much money do you want to spend on the software? Ideally, you should conduct a cost-benefit assessment. Analyse what you really want to get out of steel management software and ask yourself, do the long-term benefits of such software reflect or outweigh the initial investment? Buying steel management software is a long-term decision and switching costs could be significant. Select software that is widely used, good value in terms of cost and functionality, and flexible enough to meet your business’s current and future needs.

2. Integration

Your new steel management software will need to work with as many of your current (and future) software and hardware products as possible. Does the software need to integrate with your production machinery? Will you be using consoles or bar coding on your shop floor? What about the workflow with your existing front office systems? Does the software use reliable technology platforms and will it integrate with your existing infrastructure?

3. Implementation

Time is money so when you’ve made your choice, the quicker you can get your new software in place, the better. Try to select a steel management software vendor with local representation if possible, or that can offer fast and efficient implementation online for maximum early benefits.  Make sure that apart from the implementation of the software, you are given the opportunity for appropriate training. Is it important to you where your training takes place?  Are there implementation documents or videos available and does the company have experienced trainers knowledgeable in your industry?

4. Functionality

What functionality do you need from the steel management software? What would you like the software to do for you? Draw up a list of desirables and see which software can fulfil them. Perhaps supplier analysis is important to you in your materials purchasing? Is revision management something you need to consider? What production control functionality is offered? Is integration with CNC machinery important? Check out what’s on the market and see what each piece of software does – there may be features available that you didn’t know existed. It is also useful to evaluate the ease-of-use of the software. Does the software supplier offer demonstrations or a trial period?

5. Return on investment

Your steel management software should not only provide maximum value-for-money but also be capable of providing you with immediate and rapid return on investment. Will you see visible savings from reduced time, materials savings or processing efficiencies from the outset? Determine how you will measure the success of the software and ensure that you monitor this regularly.

6. Support

Will your steel management software package include technical support? How will the vendor provide this support (e.g. telephone, e-mails, extranet, dedicated helpdesk)? Work out what times of day you are likely to need support. It can be difficult to guess how much technical support you will need but one thing’s for sure, you will need some help initially and will want to be reassured by the level of support offered by your chosen vendor.

Ayesha Shakil

We actually think our own steel management software is quite good… If you want to see whether it fits your requirements then grab your checklist and click HERE!