Tag Archives: AceCad

BIM Review and Collaboration

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For many years, building model authors had no real options in the market when it came to co-ordinating and re-examining multi-discipline Building Information Modelling (BIM) models. They were stuck with separate vendors proprietary authoring products.  Although it took a while for the AEC market to catch up, there are now a number of different options from software vendors who have seen the value in providing model collaboration.

The 3D opportunity

Contrary to the conventional lines and curves of 2D CAD systems, 3D BIM enables visual reference and virtual reality providing the opportunity for a BIM review process. An effective BIM collaboration process would involve importing models and associated data from multiple authoring tools into a single BIM environment for effective review, visual communication and collaboration.

The move to digital and file sharing across projects

Effective BIM review necessitates information to be shared at different phases of a project, from design through into site construction. This enables different project members to simultaneously benefit from appropriate and timely information, delivering enhanced workflows, and accelerated schedules with minimized risks.

Other than the ease of communication enabled by virtual reality, real time data access enables efficient decision making, resulting in improved workflow, superior understanding and a team based environment.

A BIM mandate

According to Paul Morrell, the Government’s chief construction adviser, the use of BIM will be made mandatory on all the government projects by 2016.  The adoption of BIM methodology is seen as a driving force for reducing costs on public sector construction projects and for the UK to lead the way forward in the construction sector.

This government strategy is to increase the adoption of BIM to elevate UK companies to compete at international level.

Changing processes

The UK Government’s strategy of BIM implementation over the next four years will certainly impact on business practices and will alter the nature of collaboration and the interaction between supply chains and clients.

Many clients and owners are acknowledging the importance of employing BIM on their projects to obtain maximum business efficiencies. Implementation of BIM can facilitate cost reduction and diminish time schedules. Furthermore, BIM review enables early detection of design clashes and thus provides the opportunity for the elimination of errors through co-ordination for better site construction.

What options are there available for BIM Review and Collaboration?

There are several products available on the market. Several of these were reviewed and covered in AEC Magazine’s excellent independent article which can be accessed here. Also, a blog article on selecting BIM Review Software can be found here.

So you’ve got your 3D or BIM model… What comes next?

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The main issue with interdepartmental and supply chain collaboration, is often the flow of information from one place to another. This is one of the areas where BIMProject comes into play, with its very simple workflow system doing all of the heavy lifting (figuratively speaking!) Processing 3D or BIM model data from design through the tendering, procurement and QS cycles to the construction site.

All of the information attributed to the models, and the models themselves, can be imported into BIMProject. Throughout the supply cycle the information is compounded and enriched and this data, along with all the documents involved, is then added to the system under controlled change management; through integrated workflows for the benefit of everyone involved in the entire construction project.

BIMProject and BIMReview also share an excellent and unique aspect; complete visual traceability in sync with the data held within.

‘Contractors are able to track the content from their suppliers through to the construction site in real time, utilising the BIM model in this environment, which we feel is a first.’

Paul Daynes, AceCad’s BIM Solutions Business Manager

BIM is the word…

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BIM or Building Information Modelling to those who aren’t too acronym savvy, is a process involving the coordination of all the digital information surrounding a project throughout the entire lifecycle; from initial 3D render through to project completion and beyond.

BIM is the way forward, it’s the way to gain better results in a faster time and BIM is now.

AceCad Software has the answer to all of your BIM needs and with a portfolio of software under our belt we’re sinking our teeth right into the heart of BIM and what it does. AECMagazine’s own Greg Corke, when reviewing our BIMProject software, says:

‘The BIM model has a huge role to play throughout, providing a 3D context for the vast database of information that sits behind it. It can give visual feedback on the status of individual procurement and tracking different phases… rather than having to interpret the entries in a database or spreadsheet.’

’BIMProject is a brand new information management tool that uses Building Information Modelling (BIM) models to help manage and control procurement workflows all the way to construction. Even if a co-ordinated BIM model is used during design, once a project reaches the tendering and procurement stage, the BIM model is often discarded’ comments Greg Corke.

He continues, ’managing the vast amount of information that flows between principal contractor and sub contractors in the tendering, procurement and delivery stages can cause a major headache. While there are tools that touch parts of the tender to construction workflow, BIMProject is the only tool we can think of that looks to connect everything up to a single BIM model. It is certainly an exciting development

BIM allows project coordination through departments for the entire project, offering managing and operational control through digitally testing the design of the building and ensuring increased accuracy in costs, eliminating errors, reducing risk and tracking every detail of the project throughout the construction lifecycle.

Heard about CNC Feedback Timings?

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CNC machinery automates many fabrication processes but imagine if you could accurately track the fabrication time that was spent on individual tasks, providing all of the relevant data that you would need to accurately provide a bid for future jobs. Imagine if you could do this automatically within a system! Making the task much simpler and easier to monitor and track production.

The StruM.I.S fabrication management system integrates with leading CNC machinery to deliver accurate automatic processing feedback timings to incorporate into future estimates. Thereby enabling fabrication companies to get ahead by understanding the resources available and true costs for accurate tenders at competitive prices, whilst still ensuring adequate profits are created.

How to get the most from your CNC machinery?

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Technology, in the present tense is expanding at a faster rate than ever before; with advancing technology becoming much more productive is an upgrade to the latest equipment the solution to all of your needs? Here at AceCad we believe that an organisation doesn’t primarily survive with the latest hardware; they need to connect their systems together for a smoother transition. That’s why we’ve developed our new MIS software in StruM.I.S. StruM.I.S can deliver a substantial increase in productivity throughout the entire business. The software not only increases productivity but saves costs and creates a much higher rate of efficiency. All of which means greater profitability.

If you have invested in state of the art CNC equipment you could revitalise your business and organise the production rate far more efficiently with the aid of the StruM.I.S steelwork fabrication system. Increasing productivity whilst decreasing costs is what pushes a business forward. Why take the risks when you can reap the rewards.