Millwork drafters face a daunting task in selecting smart drafting tools amid numerous options to stay efficient. Here, we present six standout choices including AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Microvellum, Cabinet Vision, and 2020 Design, each offering tailored benefits and industry acceptance.

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In 2024, millwork drafters have a multitude of smart drafting tools to choose from. Choosing a drafting tool that aligns with your current skill set and is forward-looking can be a difficult decision.

A typical millwork drafter deals with 2D drawings, PDFs, hand sketches, rendered views and CNC files for different purposes. To be viable, the tool must also have wide industry acceptance and strong compatibility with other applications used in the industry.

To help you with this decision, we have looked at the best millwork drawing drafting tools available in 2024 and shortlisted six options. These include AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Microvellum, Cabinet Vision and 2020 Design.

AutoCAD

autocad for millwork casework drawings

In the millwork manufacturing industry, where 80% of professionals use AutoCAD, it’s essential for millwork design engineers to adopt this software. Using AutoCAD ensures seamless compatibility and streamlines the approval process with architects who predominantly use this platform.

AutoCAD also integrates with other Autodesk products like Inventor, providing a comprehensive suite of tools for both 2D and 3D design. It also integrates with platforms like Microvellum, enhancing its utility in the millwork domain.

It ensures precision in custom cabinet design, aids collaboration, and offers features like smart block placement and improved markup assist.

AutoCAD drafting tool benefits millwork designers in the following ways:

Pricing

AutoCAD’s standard subscription, including upgrades and customer support, is priced at $1,600/yr.

Autodesk Inventor

inventor for woodwork 3d modeling

Autodesk Inventor’s parametric 3D models act as a ‘single source of truth’ both for 3D work and 2D drafting. This ensures design data consistency and reduces errors on the shop floor.

Designing and modeling with Autodesk Inventor benefits the woodwork industry in several ways.

Inventor’s CAM feature generates CNC programs for model geometry. It creates furniture skeletons based on volumes and design complexity. It also offers a library of customizable joinery components to speed up the design process and ensure use of standardized parts.

In addition, Inventor also facilitates easy material assignment for cutting data, and automated model and drawing development with high accuracy.

Inventor’s compatibility with other CAD apps, like AutoCAD, helps to translate complex designs into tangible products and optimizing drafting workflows.

Woodwork for Inventor – A Partner product

Pricing

Inventor has both subscription and pay-as-you-go models. Users can buy tokens for daily access. Its subscription plans range from monthly $305 per user to $7,320 per user for 3-year terms.

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SolidWorks

solidworks for millwork 3d modeling

SolidWorks excels in powerful 3D CAD modeling for millwork and woodworking with features such as enhanced assembly workflows and improved part modeling.

SolidWorks offers opportunities to improve top-down or in-context assembly design. This is beneficial for items like cabinets, where resizing an outer model automatically updates all components and drawings.

SolidWorks comes with partner products like PASCAM, SWOOD Design, etc. enhancing the efficiency of developing production-ready millwork designs.

SWOOD Design

solidworks swood 3d modeling

Pricing

The pricing for SolidWorks ranges from $3,995 for a standard license, with an annual subscription of $1,295, to $7,995 for a premium license with a $1,995 annual fee.

Specialized Industry defined tools

Apart from the popular drawing drafting tools listed above, there are other specialized software that cater to the unique needs of millwork projects.

Microvellum

microvellum for woodwork design drafting

Microvellum is a CAD/CAM/CIM platform that integrates with AutoCAD and is used for projects in residential cabinetry, architectural millwork, and commercial interior fit-outs. It includes industry-standard CAD toolsets, customizable product libraries, and flexible engineering tools.

Its integration with AutoCAD offers machine-agnostic capabilities and open product libraries that can be easily configured. It also includes a built-in report designer and actively incorporates user feedback into software updates.

Cabinet Vision

cabinet vision drawings modeling

Cabinet Vision provides solutions for designing, bidding, costing, and manufacturing in custom cabinetry and millwork.

It features tools for producing photo-realistic 3D renderings, custom programming, troubleshooting, and technical help.

Cabinet Vision is used extensively by millworkers and cabinet makers to create millwork shop drawings and comprehensive build packets for production.

2020 Design Live

2020design kitchen and bathroom drawing

2020 Design Live is a kitchen and bathroom design software, offering tools for space planning, 3D visualizations, photorealistic renderings, and 360° panoramas.

It provides real-time access to manufacturer products and catalogues, an advanced lighting wizard, and a catalog of kitchen design style options. It also supports decorative cloud items and SketchUp integration.

The software also helps to change colors and dimensions of multiple items quickly, ensures flexibility, and provides immersive design experiences through VR.

2020design kitchen and bathroom rendering

Conclusion

The choice of drafting tool in millwork depends on the specific requirements of the project and the designer’s expertise. Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks are strong contenders for 3D modeling and complex project assemblies, while AutoCAD remains a reliable option for 2D drawing drafting. Microvellum offers specialized solutions for woodworking, making it a unique choice for certain projects. Balancing functionality, ease of use, and cost will help you in selecting the most appropriate tool for your millwork design needs.

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Revit modeling effectively tackles unique airport challenges like terminal design, runway planning, airside and landside design, passenger flow optimization, apron and taxiway modeling and other issues like air traffic control tower design. This BIM software proves invaluable in resolving design issues within complex ecosystems.

With the global demand for air travel projected to double to 8.2 billion passengers annually by 2037, and a staggering $737.3 billion invested in airport projects worldwide, the need for innovative airport solutions has never been more urgent. In time-critical airport design and construction, Revit modeling is essential for swift and accurate BIM workflows, ensuring efficient project execution at scale.

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Software sophistication within Revit has enabled BIM design engineers and BIM managers to create accurate, and information-rich 3D models of modern airports, and to understand project stages better. Revit promotes swift collaboration among project participants while its parametric modeling capabilities support users with optimal design precision and real-time modifications.

In this article we discuss how Revit BIM services have been a game-changer for airport design and construction.

Unique needs of airport design and Revit’s capabilities

Complex ecosystems

Implementing Revit BIM for airports is vital to manage the complexity of multiple components in construction.

Airports require a functional and seamless integration of various areas that include runways, terminals, and other support systems. Navigating this web of systems and structures requires an advanced BIM authoring tool like Revit.

Using comprehensive BIM coordination capabilities with a powerful platform like Revit, BIM design engineers can leverage a complete approach to design and coordination. The ability to create and render realism within its visualization draws improved decision-making and simplified communication among various parties. Ultimately, Revit promotes the effective creation and management of complex airport infrastructure to ensure a balance between aesthetics, functionality, and logistics.

Multidisciplinary coordination

Revit guarantees project-wide coordination for airport design and construction.

In airport design and construction, multidisciplinary coordination within Revit facilitates collaboration among different teams, such as Architecture, Structure, and MEP. Revit supports integrated 3D modeling, allowing project participants to synchronize airport design, detect clashes, and enhance communication.

A collaborative approach ensures that multiple components like structural elements, terminal layouts, and other utility systems function cohesively. 3D Revit models also ensure accurate MEP BIM coordination for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing elements. Effective and efficient multidisciplinary coordination in Revit increases precision, reduces errors, and leads to winning outcomes in airport design and construction.

Regulatory compliance

Making sure aviation infrastructure complies with global regulations is critical.

Adherence to global regulations is crucial in airport design and construction. Revit, an important BIM tool, plays a pivotal role in optimizing this intricate process. It facilitates compliance with aviation regulations by seamlessly integrating components from Architecture, Structure, and MEP disciplines. This ensures the implementation of safety measures and drives effective collaboration among project participants.

Revit’s data-centric approach enhances the accuracy and consistency of airport representations. It ensures the compliance with regulatory standards throughout the design and construction phases. These standards include aviation safety, accessibility guidelines, environmental regulations, building code needs, and emergency preparedness.

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Environmental sustainability

Essential to have eco-friendly modern airports.

In modern airport development, prioritizing environmental sustainability has gained huge significance. As the effects of climate change intensify, and resources dwindle, embracing green building technology is no longer optional.

Revit with 6D BIM capabilities, achieves this by incorporating energy analysis into its framework. BIM design engineers leverage Revit to use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, and optimize energy efficiency. This includes strategic lighting as well as harnessing renewable energy sources to enhance building energy performance. Revit’s dynamic simulations analyse various factors like lighting, HVAC systems, and materials for valuable insights into energy consumption.

BIM design engineers and BIM managers can fine-tune designs in a real-time setting to optimize sustainability and efficiency. This helps to align with global energy standards and contributes to a significant reduction in environmental impact and cost savings. Seamless integration of energy calculations within the design process with Revit helps BIM design engineers improve resource efficiency, augment sustainability, and deliver eco-friendly solutions in airport design and construction.

24/7 operations

Revit BIM is indispensable in airport design for effective planning and coordination to meet the demands of a Dynamic ecosystem.

24/7 operations are important in airport management. The requirement of hassle-free operations within airport premises is important to ensure an exceptional passenger experience.

With Revit, designers can create efficient walking queues and resting areas for passengers. The use of accurate 3D BIM models and 3D visualization helps in planning the space in such a way that the movement of passengers is smooth and intuitive.

Revit’s 3D simulation is an important tool and adds a dynamic dimension to airport planning, design, and construction. Revit allows integration with other systems and technologies. For instance, it can be used in conjunction with passenger flow analysis software to further refine the layout and design of airports. This integration ensures a holistic approach to designing passenger flow systems.

Similarly, Revit helps to meet the challenges of 24/7 airport operations by 3D visualization, model accuracy, timeline sequencing and integration with task specific software.

challenges in revit modeling for airports and solutions

Revit modelling for airport construction: A success story

How TrueCADD created a clash-free 3D MEP BIM model in Revit for a middle east construction firm.

A general contracting company specializing in Airport Infrastructure construction contacted the team at TrueCADD to create a clash-free 3D MEP model at LOD 400, and MEP coordination drawings. BIM models for architecture and structure were provided along with IFC drawings. Revit and Navisworks were used as BIM authoring and BIM auditing tools for a new airport project to create passenger terminals, office buildings North Tier, and South Tier.

The team assessed the IFC drawings to understand clash possibilities. 2D drawings were imported to Revit to create clash-free 3D models at LOD 400. Various QC channels were set to reduce RFIs and mitigate delays. The coordinated drawings helped the client reduce field conflicts, plan accurate materials and resources within the stipulated amount of time.

The deliverables led to a savings of $7million within a period of six months and an operational terminal was completed with 100% MEP systems installation and a significant reduction in change orders.

BIM Clash Detection
BIM Clash Detection

Clash Resolution
Clash Resolution

MEP Clash Detection
MEP Clash Detection

MEP Conflicts Checking
MEP Conflicts Checking

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Integration of IoT and smart technologies in Revit modeling.

The integration of smart technologies and IoT within the Revit modeling framework has transformed architecture and construction. The collaboration enables real-time tracking and control of building systems to optimize sustainability and efficiency.

Smart sensors reinforced within the 3D model collect data based on usage of energy, occupancy patterns, environmental conditions, and informed decision making. A seamless incorporation of IoT data within the Revit framework enhances visualization, simulations, scheduling, cost estimating, etc. to build adaptive and responsive airport infrastructure. From intelligent climate control to lighting, Revit integrations for IoT and smart technologies create resource positive infrastructure.

Focusing on passenger flow in and out of airport premises through technological advancements.

Revit modeling backed by advanced and cutting-edge technology has revolutionized analysis and optimization of passenger flow within airport premises. By integrating advanced data analytics and sensors into 3D modeling, designers can accurately analyse and simulate passenger movement.

Real-time data feed supports dynamic adjustment to enhance efficiency and reduce congestion. This approach helps BIM design engineers, architects, and planners to create a responsive and streamlined airport layout to improve the overall passenger experience. From boarding gates to security checkpoints, Revit modeling provides an overall view of the spatial dynamics of the airport. This leads to a seamless and well-designed workflow that aligns with modern air travel.

Conclusion

Turning to the right Revit modeling service for airport projects is key for AEC consulting companies to ensure high precision and efficiency within design and construction.

Accuracies embedded within 3D models aids architects, BIM design engineers, and BIM managers visualize complex geometries, optimize space, and anticipate various challenges. An able BIM service provider can identify and resolve challenges that include interdisciplinary conflicts, quality assurance, design feasibility, space utilization, design compliance, building codes and regulations, and streamline workflows.

Timely and precise 3D modeling reduces costly errors and helps save time and resources. Seamless collaboration between various parties can be facilitated by a reliable service provider leading to better communication and synergy. Ultimately, the right choice simplifies the entire airport project lifecycle from concept to completion to ensure a successful and sustainable outcome.

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Different types of MEP drawings offer detailed plans for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, ensuring seamless integration in construction projects.

The Fundamentals of MEP Drawings

MEP drawings are necessary for illustrating the layout and specifications of MEP components within a building. Whether these are mechanical drawings, electrical drawings, or plumbing drawings, together, they ensure accurate coordination and installation of critical building systems. These include heating, cooling, water supply, power and drainage. Coordinated and clash-free MEP drawings facilitate communication between key construction stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and contractors, for a smooth construction process.

Knowing the different types of MEP drawings helps a wide AEC audience understand their significance on a practical level. By understanding nuances of each MEP drawing type and their significance for architects, engineers, and contractors, we can understand their specific uses.

autodesk revit by industry

The nine types of MEP drawings explored in this article include:

1. Mechanical / HVAC Drawings

Mechanical / HVAC drawings illustrate the structure and function of various mechanical systems to support engineers and manufacturers for the accurate creation of MEP components and equipment.


HVAC Systems Drawings

HVAC Systems Drawings

2. Plumbing Drawings

Plumbing drawings outline pipe configuration, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment for buildings. These plumbing layouts are critical for plumbing professionals to install, repair, and alter plumbing equipment efficiently.

Plumbing Drawings
Plumbing Drawings

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3. Electrical Drawings

Electrical drawings depict the layout of electrical equipment within devices or buildings to showcase circuits, connections and components. They serve as a roadmap for electricians during onsite installation and maintenance runs.

Electrical System Drawing
Electrical System Drawing

4. Fire Protection Drawings

Fire protection drawings are used to outline fire safety features, including sprinklers, alarms, and emergency exits in a building. They serve as crucial deliverables for architects, engineers, and firefighters to ensure occupant safety during emergencies.

Fire Protection Drawings
Fire Protection Drawings

5. Coordination Drawings

Coordination drawings play a vital role in integrating multiple building systems to ensure that conflicts don’t occur in physical space. They not only provide risk reduction in construction projects but also enable seamless collaboration between various trades and improve construction efficiency.

6. Penetration Drawings

Penetration drawings showcase openings within building elements to guide contractors in the installation of cables, pipes, and ducts without negotiating structural strength and quality. These drawings ensure utilities are integrated accurately and completely within the proposed building design.

These drawings are also called Block-out and sleeve drawings outline openings within concrete structures to allow the movement of MEP components. These drawings are critical for accurate coring or cutting during field installation and for ensuring smooth integration of MEP services.

Penetration Drawings
Penetration Drawings

7. MEP Shop Drawings

MEP shop drawings for building contractors deliver in-depth layouts for mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to support them for fabrication and installation of MEP systems precisely within the set layout. These MEP shop drawings are essential for coordinating and constructing efficiently.

8. Pipe Spool Drawings

Pipe Spool Drawings

Pipe Spool Drawings

Pipe spool drawings showcase prefabricated sections of piping systems to aid manufacturers with accurate fabrication. These drawings are detailed to improve efficiency within construction projects and reduce installation costs and time.

9. As-built Drawings

As-Built drawings record the final state of an infrastructure or building to incorporate changes performed during construction. They serve as a strong authority to renovate, maintain or expand buildings in the future.

Advancements in automation and AI for MEP drawing creation

Advancements in AI and automation have transformed the creation of MEP drawings in construction sector. AI-based algorithms enriched with machine learning (ML) capabilities can assess complex architectural designs and create accurate MEP layouts accurately and seamlessly. This technology enables auto detection, clashes and ambiguities, reduction in human errors, and significant time savings in the design phase.

Furthermore, automation technology and tools optimize the placement of MEP equipment for optimized efficiency and cost effectiveness. Architects and engineers can focus on creative project aspects, while AI-driven systems reduce repetitive tasks, causing streamlined workflows, greater innovation and greater building sustainability.

Conclusion

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings are the backbone of modern-day construction and serve as drawings for critical systems. Detailed schematics deliver crucial information on connection specifications and layouts to ensure seamless integration of MEP elements. Accurate MEP drawings in the construction industry serve as pivotal deliverables to guarantee safety, functionality and productivity.

In a world of connected construction, coordinated and clash-free design requires professionals to stay updated with evolving design practices. Embracing new tools and workflows ensures improvements in project results, supported by better efficiency and smooth communication. Perpetual skill development not only boosts expertise but also contributes toward innovation, sustainability, and successful projects to motivate MEP professionals in the field.

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Cabinet makers rely on shop drawings to understand the design intent for each cabinet they produce. It’s the responsibility of CAD drafters to meticulously detail these drawings with relevant information. Discover the top four strategies for developing effective cabinet shop drawings and maintaining efficiency in manufacturing.

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Cabinet shop drawings bridge the gap between design intent and tangible cabinets, forming the backbone of the industry. When detailed with precision and clarity, cabinet drawings can streamline the manufacturing process reducing errors and optimizing resource utilization. They ensure that every piece fits perfectly and functions as intended and save manufacturing rework.

Precision cabinet drawings drive manufacturing efficiency by accurately communicating the exact design intend to the shop floor. They drive consistency across teams to communicate information and reduce misinterpretation. As a result, manufacturing becomes smooth and cost-effective.

Understanding the Basics of Cabinet Shop Drawings

Understanding the Basics of Cabinet Shop Drawings

Detailed cabinet shop drawings

Custom millwork, like in luxury or commercial kitchens, where every floor plan is unique, shop drawings take the highest importance for cabinet makers. They bridge the gap between designer’s and customer’s vision and craftsmen’s delivery.

Casework drawings developed from architectural floor plans are essentially the blueprints of cabinetry across the floor. They warehouse every single detail of the cabinets to reduce misinterpretations and every process follows precision and resources are optimized. Having cabinet shop drawings is like having the customer, the designer, and the manufacturer at one place.

For custom casework, the manufacturing processes are also highly tailored. At times, cabinet designers update casework shop drawings once civil construction is finished. Survey insights empower the designers to get exact as-built measurements. It will also ensure precision in operations like edge bending, thickness, instruction for installation etc.

How to Create Effective Cabinet Shop Drawings?

Creating effective shop drawings is the key to driving precision in cabinet manufacturing so that each cabinet fits perfectly into the provided spaces. Here are the top technical and non-technical ways for CAD drafting.

Technical Aspects for Creating Cabinet Shop Drawings

Drafting and Detailing

Quality Checks and Revisions

Since cabinet shop drawings are detailed plans offering a visual representation of the design, accuracy and quality are paramount. These drawings ensure successful construction and installation and hence need stringent quality check process in place.

quality check points for accurate quality shop drawings

Non-Technical Aspects for Creating Cabinet Shop Drawings

Use of Modern Design Software

CAD platforms like Microvellum, Cabinet Vision and 2020 Design are some specialized software for cabinet design drafting. These software have a vast in-built library of materials used for cabinet, hardware, accessories etc. that can be used in design development.

modern design software

Popular CAD software for cabinet drawings

The drag and drop option automatically fetches the physical properties of the material like grain direction, material thickness and other specifications. As against this, traditional CAD platforms like AutoCAD demands the designer to give manual inputs which can be erroneous.

Software like Microvellum, drives precision in creating manufacturing drawings. TrueCADD teams delivered accurate manufacturing drawings for a stainless steel manufacturer for a commercial kitchen furniture. The team reduced 50% TAT by using specialized software for creating countertop and cabinet shop drawings for the restaurant.

Regular Training and Skill Upgradation

With continuous market upgrades and changes, it is essential for the CAD drafters to stay updated and provide submittals in the contemporary format. Cabinet design engineers at TrueCADD equip themselves with the knowledge of the current market trends.

For instance, the CAD team at TrueCADD developed cabinet drawings for a luxury kitchen cabinet maker considering ADA applications. It ensured all drawings comply with the US disability act. Further, for another project, the team also uses Fair housing act design manual to design cabinets per the need of the region.

Besides these industry standards, another important aspect for the CAD drafting teams is to continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge. The intricacies of modern cabinet design demand a deep understanding of the latest software tools, techniques, and industry best practices. Regular training sessions, workshops, seminars and certifications have remained instrumental for TrueCADD team is well-versed with the newest software updates and features.

Staying attuned to industry trends through webinars, trade shows, and industry publications can provide insights into emerging design preferences and technological advancements. By prioritizing skill enhancement and staying abreast of the latest developments, CAD drafting teams can deliver quality work.

The Impact of Effective Shop Drawings on Cabinet Manufacturing

Improved Manufacturing Efficiency

improved manufacturing efficiency

Effective shop drawings provide a clear and detailed representation of the cabinet design, dimensions, and assembly instructions. When these drawings are precise and comprehensive, the manufacturing team can follow them without second-guessing or making assumptions. This streamlines the production process, minimizes errors, and ensures that each step is executed correctly the first time. As a result, the entire manufacturing process becomes more efficient, leading to faster production times and timely deliveries.

Reduced Material Wastage

Reduced Material Wastage

One of the primary benefits of accurate shop drawings is the optimization of material usage. With a clear understanding of design intent, the manufacturers can plan processes to minimize waste. This not only conserves valuable resources but also translates to cost savings for the manufacturer. In an industry where material costs can be significant, reducing wastage can have a substantial impact on the revenues.

Enhanced Product Quality

Enhanced Product Quality

Quality is paramount in cabinet manufacturing. Effective shop drawings ensure that every detail, from the type of joinery to placing hardware, is meticulously planned and documented. This means that the finished product closely adheres to the intended design and specifications. When the manufacturing team has detailed shop drawings, the chances of mistakes reduce drastically. This leads to cabinets that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally sound and long-lasting.

Conclusion

Precision in cabinet shop drawings directly correlates with manufacturing efficiencies, ensuring that each cabinet piece is not only aesthetically pleasing but also structurally robust. The intricate details, accurate dimensions, and clear assembly instructions provided by top-notch shop drawings act as the backbone of the entire manufacturing process.

Cabinet manufacturers who aim to excel, do not care just about the designs; they care about translating that design into a tangible, high-quality product. Therefore, it’s imperative for manufacturers to prioritize these drawings and to invest the time and resources to perfect them. By doing so, they not only elevate the quality of their products but also position themselves at the forefront of an increasingly competitive industry.

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Revit’s BIM integration, real-time collaboration, parametric design capabilities, visualization tools, and automated documentation fully justify the transition from AutoCAD® to Revit® as a strategic decision for the AEC industry to gain a distinct competitive advantage.

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The architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry has witnessed a significant transformation in recent years, largely driven by technological advancements.

Among the most notable changes has been the transition from AutoCAD to Revit, two widely used software applications for design and drafting. While AutoCAD® has been a staple in the industry for decades, Revit® offers a more integrated and comprehensive approach to AEC projects.

autodesk-revit-by-industry

This article provides a technical comparison of Revit vs AutoCAD and detailed exploration of the reasons AEC firms consider switching from AutoCAD to Revit, along with a clear comparison of the two software platforms and their respective pros and cons.

Evolution of AEC Software

There has been a drastic shift in the way we visualize and execute projects in the AEC industry. This transformation can be attributed to the emergence of various AEC software. But what exactly spurred this change, and why is it so significant to the industry?

Traditional use of AutoCAD in AEC

Gone are the days when architects and engineers relied solely on traditional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems. These static, two-dimensional blueprints, while groundbreaking in their time, have given way to the dynamic and interactive world of Building Information Modeling (BIM) based software like Revit.

Introduction to Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Revit

As we transitioned from CAD to BIM-based Revit software, the evolution of 3D modeling accelerated and opened new possibilities. No longer were professionals limited to flat designs; they could now immerse themselves in lifelike 3D models that offered a holistic view of a project, from its foundation to its rooftop. This shift not only enhanced project visualization, but also breathed life into structures even before the first brick was laid.

Revit serves as the cornerstone for global infrastructure projects, from skyscrapers to bridges. BIM services leveraging Revit enable seamless collaboration among architects, engineers, and contractors, reducing errors and ensuring on-time, on-budget project delivery.

The paradigm shift from 2D drafting to 3D modeling

The integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning has further elevated BIM’s capabilities. These advancements allow for predictive analysis, automated design adjustments, and a multitude of other features that were once considered futuristic.

Central to BIM’s success is its emphasis on real-time collaboration. With the advent of cloud-based platforms, teams scattered across different continents can now work together as if they were in the same room. A prime example of this is BIM 360, a trailblazing cloud-based tool that empowers teams to collaborate in real time, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, quite literally.

In essence, Revit is not just a tool or a software; it is a paradigm shift from 2D drawing to 3D modelling in the world of design and construction. The new era of BIM 2023 will influence growth, shaping the future of infrastructure for generations to come.

Understanding AutoCAD

AutoCAD, developed by Autodesk, has been the industry standard for 2D drafting and 3D modeling for over three decades. However, as projects have become increasingly complex and integrated, there has been a growing demand for software that can provide a more holistic approach to building design and construction.

Understanding Revit

Revit, also developed by Autodesk, is a Building Information Modeling (BIM) platform that offers a range of tools for creating intelligent 3D building models with data-rich components. It has gained popularity for its ability to enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and improve project efficiency. The host of benefits offered by Revit makes it a popular choice for architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants.

Learn how a leading architectural firm completed their project within time and budget by using Revit to create models for architecture, structural and MEP disciplines for a data-centre building in India.

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AutoCAD vs. Revit: A Comparison of Key Features & Functionalities

Before we discuss the reasons for switching from AutoCAD to Revit, let us first establish a clear understanding of the technical differences between AutoCAD and Revit.

Feature AutoCAD Revit
Modeling Approach AutoCAD
Primarily 2D drafting with 3D modeling capabilities
Revit
Native 3D modeling with parametric BIM components
Intelligence AutoCAD
Limited intelligence in 3D objects
Revit
Rich data and parametric intelligence in objects
Collaboration AutoCAD
Less integrated collaboration tools
Revit
Integrated collaboration, multi-user environment
Change Management AutoCAD
Manual updates for design changes
Revit
Automatic updates through parametric relationships
Visualization AutoCAD
Requires external rendering software
Revit
Built-in rendering and visualization capabilities
Documentation AutoCAD
Manual creation of construction documents
Revit
Automated generation of construction documents
Analysis Tools AutoCAD
Limited built-in analysis tools
Revit
Extensive built-in analysis for various disciplines
Cloud Collaboration AutoCAD
No cloud collaboration feature
Revit
Fully supports cloud collaboration
Customization AutoCAD
Highly customizable with AutoLISP, scripts, etc.
Revit
Limited customization but extensible through APIs

Now that we have a clear overview of the technical differences, let us look at the five key reasons for AEC firms to consider switching from AutoCAD to Revit.

BIM Integration

AutoCAD: While AutoCAD offers 3D modeling capabilities, it is primarily a 2D drafting tool. Objects in AutoCAD lack the inherent intelligence found in Revit’s BIM components. This limits its ability to fully embrace the principles of Building Information Modeling (BIM).

Revit: Revit is designed as a BIM platform from the ground up. It offers native 3D modeling capabilities with parametric BIM components. Each element in a Revit model contains rich data attributes, making it a powerful tool for creating intelligent building models. This data-driven approach of Revit BIM benefits AEC firms and professionals to extract information for analysis, scheduling, and documentation.

Pros of Revit
  • Comprehensive BIM integration.
  • Data-rich models for analysis and documentation.
  • Parametric design allows for rapid iterations.
  • Automatic updating of changes across the model.
Cons of AutoCAD
  • Limited BIM capabilities.
  • Manual data entry and updates.
  • Prone to data inconsistencies.
  • Less suited for complex, data-driven projects.

Streamlined Collaboration

AutoCAD: Collaboration in AutoCAD often involves sharing DWG files among team members. This can lead to version control issues, data loss, and a lack of real-time collaboration capabilities.

Revit: Revit’s collaborative features are among its strengths. Multiple team members can work on the same model simultaneously, and changes are synchronized in real time. This minimizes errors and accelerates the design process. Additionally, Revit’s central model ensures that everyone is working on the latest version, enhancing coordination among architects, engineers, and contractors.

Pros of Revit:
  • Real-time collaboration.
  • Reduced errors and version control issues.
  • Integrated multi-user environment.
  • Enhanced coordination among team members.
Cons of AutoCAD:
  • Limited real-time collaboration capabilities.
  • Risk of data loss and version conflicts.
  • Time-consuming manual coordination.

Parametric Design and Change Management

AutoCAD: AutoCAD lacks parametric design capabilities, meaning that changes made to one part of a drawing do not automatically propagate throughout the project. This can lead to time-consuming manual updates and a higher risk of errors.

Revit: Revit’s parametric design approach allows changes to be automatically reflected throughout the entire project. When a parameter is modified, all dependent elements are updated accordingly. This not only saves time, but also reduces the risk of inconsistencies in the design.

Pros of Revit:
  • Parametric design for automated updates.
  • Reduction in manual update errors.
  • Greater design flexibility and exploration.
  • Rapid response to design changes.
Cons of AutoCAD:
  • Lack of parametric design capabilities.
  • Manual updates for design changes.
  • Higher potential for design inconsistencies.
  • Slower response to design changes.

Enhanced Visualization and Analysis

AutoCAD: AutoCAD provides basic 3D modeling and visualization capabilities, but relies on external rendering software for creating realistic renderings and walkthroughs. Additionally, it lacks built-in analysis tools for tasks such as energy efficiency assessment.

Revit: Revit offers built-in rendering and visualization tools that enable AEC professionals to create realistic 3D renderings and walkthroughs directly within the software. It also provides extensive analytical tools for various disciplines, including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering.

Pros of Revit:
  • Built-in rendering and visualization capabilities.
  • Streamlined visualization workflow.
  • Extensive analysis tools for multiple disciplines.
  • Enhanced design communication.
Cons of AutoCAD:
  • Reliance on external software for rendering.
  • Limited built-in analysis capabilities.
  • Additional cost and complexity for analysis.

Efficient Documentation and Reporting

AutoCAD: While AutoCAD is capable of creating 2D construction documents, the process is largely manual. Drafters must create each drawing and annotation individually, which can be time consuming and prone to errors.

Revit: Revit automates the generation of construction documents. Changes made to the model are instantly reflected in all associated drawings, schedules, and annotations. This not only accelerates the documentation process but also reduces the risk of errors and inconsistencies.

Pros of Revit:
  • Automated generation of construction documents.
  • Consistency across drawings and schedules.
  • Time savings in documentation.
  • Reduced risk of errors in documents.
Cons of AutoCAD:
  • Manual creation of construction documents.
  • Time-consuming drafting and annotation.
  • Potential for errors and inconsistencies.
  • Slower response to design changes in documentation.

Future-Proofing Your Firm and Getting the Competitive Edge

The AEC industry is evolving rapidly, and staying competitive requires adapting to new technologies and industry standards. Revit is at the forefront of these advancements, aligning with the direction in which the industry is moving. Many clients and project owners now prefer or require BIM deliverables, and Revit positions AEC firms to meet these demands seamlessly. AutoCAD limitations and Revit benefits are becoming more apparent to AEC stakeholders. Choosing Revit over AutoCAD is a strategic decision to future-proof a firm and ensure its relevance in an increasingly BIM-centric environment.

Cost implications for AEC firms switching to Revit

Switching from AutoCAD to Revit may require an initial investment in software, training, and workflow adjustments. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. AEC firms that make the transition can expect to stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry, reduce errors, streamline collaboration among team members and deliver better projects. As technology continues to shape the future of the AEC industry, embracing Revit is a strategic move that positions firms for success and innovation.

Conclusion

The architectural, engineering, and construction industries are evolving rapidly, and technology plays a pivotal role in this transformation. While AutoCAD remains a powerful tool for 2D drafting and 3D modeling, Revit architectural modeling offers a more integrated and comprehensive approach to AEC projects. Its native BIM capabilities, real-time collaboration features, parametric design capabilities, built-in visualization and analysis tools, and automated documentation generation make it a compelling choice for AEC firms seeking to enhance efficiency and deliver higher-quality projects.

In conclusion, the decision to switch from AutoCAD to Revit is not merely a software choice but a strategic move toward embracing the future of AEC and meeting the industry’s evolving demands. Revit’s BIM-centric approach and integrated features offer a pathway to more efficient, collaborative, and data-driven design and construction processes.

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A thorough understanding of the scopes of schematic design (SD), design development (DD), and construction documentation (CD), enables architects to execute projects better at every step of construction. Accurate GFC documents ensure quick client approvals, easier design modifications, and improved project coordination.

Architectural firms and design consultants need to ensure that projects are on schedule, within budget, designed as per client needs, and in compliance with building codes. Lengthy design cycles caused by low visibility into project scope, weak design briefs and inability to visualize designs dilutes output richness.

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To overcome these challenges, the architectural process is streamlined by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) with a priority order of project milestones. Greater design challenges are addressed first, then we add other details, including ideas and issues. According to AIA, the five phases of architecture are Programming (Pre-design), Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), Construction Documents/Drawings (CD), Bidding, and Construction.

Construction spending in the USA topped $1.59 trillion in 2021.

Statisca

Why do you require design phases?

As building processes are complex, breaking down architecture into multiple design phases helps to manage project tasks in an organized manner. There are sets of tasks associated with each design phase, and completing objectives before moving onto the next phase ensures orderly project completion. This helps in architecture project execution within time and budget and without upsetting schedules or compliance requirements. The three principal reasons for dividing architecture into design phases are for managing projects easily, achieving greater project control, and meeting client expectations.

In this article, we will focus our attention on Schematic Design (SD), Design Development (DD), and Construction Documents/Drawings (CD). We now walk you through each of these architectural phases.

What Roles do SD, DD &CD play in Construction Projects? Thumb

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SD or the Schematic Design Phase

In the Schematic design phase, the program or pre-design is translated into an effective and efficient building design. New design concepts are explored to test prototypes and garner an overall idea of the architectural look and feel. In the Schematic Design (SD) phase, the geometry and form of the project begin to emerge, but specifics on details and materials are decided later.

This phase involves several meetings to collaborate and brainstorm ideas through 3D models for visualizing the shape, size, and relationship between various spaces. Design ideas are further refined based on client feedback, and a direction is set to proceed further upon other phases. Clients communicate with architects to understand their design needs in this phase to avoid rework.

The deliverables in this phase include:

Application:

Schematic design is the origin of any project related to architectural design that further organically evolves into design development. The Schematic design phase is extremely crucial in the design process and cannot be skipped.

Schematic Design Model

Schematic Design Site Model

Schematic design site models
Source:Autodesk.com

DD or the Design Development Phase

The Design Development (DD) phase includes design advancement based on floor plans and exterior ideas approved in the SD phase. Defining and developing important project aspects, generating drawing sets, and outlining specifications for potential contractor cost estimates are done in the DD phase. Getting construction estimates in line with the project scope needs to be done effectively to set the project on track. Once these parameters are fixed, functionality and materials for interior and exterior spaces are set.

It is easier to make modifications on paper before actual construction begins. This phase supports the definition and development of crucial project aspects, including interior, exterior, room size, and materials.

Making adjustments to the building form through refinements in the placement of windows and doors is also achieved at this phase. By the end of this phase,

In this phase, a structural contractor comes into the picture and consultants for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection are consulted based on the project’s complexity. The Design Development phase communicates the overall volume and layout of the space with equipment, materials, and surface finishes for every element.

The deliverables in this phase include:

Application:

design development drawings

design development model

Design development model and drawings
Source:Autodesk.com

CD or the Construction Documentation Phase

In the construction documentation phase (CD), architects convert Design Drawings into accurate and complete construction documents. These documents include dimensions, details, and required annotations to represent the design intent. The Construction Documentation phase illustrates component connections, material specifications, equipment, fixtures, finishes, and appliances to be put in place.

The architectural drawings are coordinated with drawing sets prepared by the structural engineer and other drawings generated by MEPF consultants. This phase can take the most amount of time to execute precisely and successfully, as interdisciplinary clashes between various disciplines need to be identified and resolved. The updated drawings extracted from 3D models are then sent to the client for final approval.

In this phase, clients need to make quick and informed decisions, while architectural firms make recommendations. Construction documents reduce job site confusion and improve bidding and field coordination.

The deliverables in this phase include:

construction documentation model

construction documentation phase model

Construction documentation phase model
Source:Autodesk.com

Application:

How does an accurate construction documentation set help stakeholders of the AEC industry?

An accurate and complete set of construction documentation supports architects, building engineering design consultants, MEPF design consultants, structural consultants, and landscape consultants for:

Conclusion

The significant amount of time, cost, and resources needed to be invested in completing a project can be intimidating. The presence of various architectural phases – SD, DD and CD, ensures seamless construction within planned timelines. As architects bear a huge responsibility to ensure structural integrity in building designs, a step-wise process helps to raise efficiency and remove confusion.

TrueCADD can help you expedite the architectural design and development process through accurate 3D modeling, clash detection, coordination, BIM integration and transparent visualization of projects.

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Accuracy in millwork takeoff is vital for woodwork contractors trying to win bids. CAD-based millwork estimating services free them from worries about errors and the manual efforts to change values.

For any construction project, millwork takeoff is the key element in project budgeting and cost estimation. Millwork/joinery roughly accounts for over 20% of project costs in cold climates like that of the USA, Europe, and UK. This is true for all residential, commercial, and civil construction projects.

Correct millwork quantity takeoffs (QTOs) help general contractors and architects execute projects within budget and time, and empower them to win more bids.

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Millwork estimating services are especially helpful when a project involves a complex range of wood and materials. They streamline project accuracy and collaboration, where the woodwork contractor is used to working with manual methods. Usually, in these cases, a lack of specific product/design knowledge also poses a challenge. However, with professional CAD-based carpentry estimating help, cost estimation becomes easy, and both rework and wastage are reduced.

CAD platforms help overcome cost estimation roadblocks by ensuring drawing accuracy.

Benefits of using CAD-based millwork estimation

Leverage the most efficient CAD tools before you begin millwork estimation

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How CAD-based millwork takeoffs increase accuracy

To have timely and accurate millwork estimates, it is imperative to use digital tools and automation technology. Detailed woodworking estimates help to bridge the gap in workplaces where both manual and digital designs are used. Modern estimators use 3D CAD modeling and automated BOQ generation for quick QTOs. CAD-based millwork takeoffs include precise calculations of millwork elements. These estimates can also be easily updated to accommodate any concept change.

Let us understand how the use of CAD increases efficiencies in millwork estimates to help woodworkers and contractors with a better win ratio.

1. Digitization gives a clear design idea

Millwork estimating services offer quick concept generation to derive quantity takeoffs that are quick, accurate, and timely. User-friendly digital CAD tools and technology empower millwork estimators to create or transfer construction project concepts to design.

These concepts are aligned with what architects and general contractors need. CAD tools like Inventor, AutoCAD, or SolidWorks allow quick designs using CAD environment, interoperability, and inbuilt libraries. These provide millwork designers and manufacturers with a comprehensive idea of design intent. Second, with external tools like Bluebeam, they can better interpret the cluttered markup drawings without worrying about iterations.

Digitization, thus, saves estimators from miscommunication and reduces the time taken to convert ideas into designs. The estimators can calculate and order the final millwork elements needed across the project.

TrueCADD’s millwork estimation team helped a luxury bathroom fit-out manufacturer to accurately calculate material estimates and increase total bids placed. Using 3DAutoCAD, the team developed a unit matrix and calculated the exact quantities.

detailed estimates of bathroom products
Detailed Estimates of Bathroom Products
Quantity Takeoff for Bathroom Products
Quantity Takeoff for Bathroom Products

2. Ease in incorporating bespoke needs of customers

Architects, engineers, and interior designers can incorporate quick design changes into 3D CAD environments. During the concept stage, there are several iterations involved because of the cost, theme, and value of buildings. And they need to perfect the design concepts to get accurate ballpark millwork estimations.

3D CAD platforms allow updating of the concepts in real time by incorporating all the bespoke needs of customers. They capture 100% of the requirements and generate more accurate QTOs and millwork estimates. The engineer can derive a detailed QTO and automate rule-based calculations with changing inputs.

For example, QTOs at woodwork element micro levels including raw material, labor, production, and site process costs can also be done. All the rules of the millwork estimates are embedded into estimation templates. So, according to materials, quantity, and labor, the cost gets updated automatically.

A metal door and windows manufacturer needed more contracts to expand his business. But the lack of resources and lengthy estimation processes restricted their bidding. They collaborated with TrueCADD to develop accurate material estimates for the contracts on which they wished to bid. Our teams delivered accurate quantity takeoffs and material estimates to help them calculate near-exact bid values. This resulted in placing more bids and an increase in the overall bid-to-win ratio.

Estimation Sheet for Hollow Metal Doors
Estimation Sheet for Hollow Metal Doors
Estimation Sheet for Door Frame
Estimation Sheet for Door Frame

3. Better-informed decisions for design and materials

3D CAD tools offer realistic visualization that incorporates rendering, shapes, and sizes of different millwork elements. Their user-friendly digital environment allows designers to experiment with all trending millwork designs in a virtual world.

360-degree visualization in a 3D CAD environment helps in quicker approval of millwork design concepts. It also provides the required details of all macro- and micro-millwork elements. The engineers can also develop basic rendering of the models by assigning properties.

Conclusion

No general contractor or millwork manufacturer wants to fall behind in the construction industry. With manual estimation, they lose opportunities due to time-consuming and inaccurate calculations.

Moving away from manual estimation and adopting digital tools help them gain estimation accuracy in construction projects. Digital tools also help with faster millwork estimation. Since most millwork estimators today use modern tools, they can help you win bids with higher accuracy in millwork quantity takeoffs.

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Scan to BIM entailing conversion of Point Cloud Scan data to 3D Revit BIM models, removes guesswork on as-built conditions. It helps surveyors and laser scanning companies, make precise building analysis through detailed information extraction. This ensures better project planning and reliable reconstruction.

Reconstruction or renovation projects usually present surveyors and laser scanning companies with multiple challenges related to information availability and as-built representation. Typically, in these cases, structural elements are damaged or missing, concealed or hard-to-reach, and available design records do not match the actuals. In architectural heritage monuments, slightest mistakes could mean courting a public backlash.

Adopting Scan to BIM or Point Cloud to BIM eliminates the risks that surveyors often face, including incorrect spatial analysis, design risks, and lack of visualization. Scan to BIM allows surveyors to easily navigate around architectural and structural complexities, and hard-to-reach MEP equipment.

Point cloud scans correctly depict all structures, spatial layout of elements, and as-built conditions to enable detection and diagnosis of every issue. With 3D Revit models reconstructed from point cloud data, architects and surveyors can easily resolve design clashes to ensure the sanctity of earlier architecture and project needs. But converting laser scan data to 3D models has its own challenges regarding the use of technology. Using specialized point cloud scan to BIM services ensures accuracy, data compatibility, and compliance.

Table of Contents

Scan-to-BIM-Ultimate-Guide-for-thumbnail-image

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What is Scan to BIM?

Point clouds comprise millions of data points derived through laser scans, to capture real-world conditions and coordinates of structures. Point Cloud to Revit BIM process converts the laser scan data into an accurate and data-rich 3D model. This 3D digital representation can be used for renovations, remodeling, and facilities management.

Point cloud to bim model
Point Cloud to BIM Model for a commercial building, Europe

Business need for Scan to BIM

Surveyors face many challenges due to lack of drawings, records and visibility of structural elements of existing buildings. Some common challenges faced by surveyors and laser scanning companies include:

How surveyors benefit from Scan to BIM Services

Scan to BIM provides an effective solution to challenges posed by legacy surveying and reconstruction methods. It offers many high-impact advantages to surveyors and laser scanning companies.

Some advantages of Scan to BIM include:

Accurate spatial analysis

Spatial analysis is the key to evaluating interdependencies within various trades, including Architecture, Structure, and MEPF. An accurate, coordinated, and clash-free 3D model can support the division of building spaces and the extraction of each element in its space. An operational 3D model represents a processed version of the spatial model enhancing visualization.

Complete site mapping and precise spatial analysis with data-enriched 3D models validate design and constructability before construction begins.

Precise and reliable cost estimates

Laser scanners document every space and corner of a building’s architecture, structure, and MEPF system, leading to accurate and complete documentation of building structures. Using the 3D as-built BIM model, surveyors and cost estimators can calculate accurate cost estimates for each building component. They can leverage the as-built data in the 3D model to drive cost-efficient maintenance.

Presence of 360-degree visualization

Point Cloud to Revit BIM offers 360-degree visualizations through accurate, complete, and information-rich 3D models. Architects and surveyors can offer clients VR-ready walkthroughs of their 3D Point Cloud models to visualize every component in 3D space. Using 3D visualization helps surveyors in resolving errors early in a renovation or retrofit project. This promotes collaboration, informed decision-making, and quick turnaround.

Reduced design risks

Design errors pose a critical threat during renovation or remodelling. Heritage monuments hold great architectural significance. Artifacts, elements, or equipment within a heritage structure need to be preserved to emulate original conditions. Legacy processes and tools pose a high threat to renovating or remodelling complex heritage architecture, with MEP systems installed and working within the building.

In these cases, Point Cloud to BIM modelling for renovation and retrofit projects enhances design visibility and validity with data-rich 3D models. Knowing the placement or position of elements within the building reduces design risks or clashes. Parametric 3D modelling and generative design encourage accurate and efficient design prototypes to achieve the best possible design.

Improved operational efficiencies

Operational efficiencies of Scan to BIM include cost-effective ways to produce building products of high quality. Optimized production resources should reduce site waste, lower excess material consumption, mitigate product or service defects, and eliminate overproduction.

Plans and designs built on laser scanning data reduce the need for surveying personnel to visit the project site for multiple surveys. Capturing every detail in a 3D model built from a point cloud reduces field rework and downtime.

Lower health and safety hazards

Health and safety hazards during construction are a matter of serious concern within the construction industry. Using 2D plans offers little and imperfect visualization of spaces, dimensions, equipment, or materials. Working in hard-to-reach spaces to renovate high-rise structures or monuments can create safety issues when working with legacy tools.

Scan-to-BIM models offer a comprehensive representation of every space and corner for field personnel to view from a tablet-sized device. Equipment specifications, and annotations within a 3D model created with safety compliance standards, lower site safety risks.

Benefits of Point Cloud to As-Built Models Infographic Thumb

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Applications of Scan to BIM across building phases

Design Phase

A 3D BIM model helps architects and designers understand site conditions for accurate planning and informed decision-making in the design phase. The following parameters are crucial during the design phase for retrofit, renovation and restoration projects.

Scan to BIM helps preserve the architectural significance of heritage buildings or structures with accuracy, detailed coverage, space and angular resolution etc. during the design phase.

Construction Phase

During the construction phase, Scan-to-BIM models help identify ambiguities through the As-built model and the As-Designed 3D model. Tolerances within the 3D model are checked with standard regulations and codes for higher data accuracy and improved construction.

Facilities Management and Renovation

Tips and Tricks for Accurate Scan to BIM Modeling

Scan-to-BIM Modeling is a powerful tool to support a wide range of applications, including renovation, remodeling, and facility management of buildings. But it needs to be done accurately to achieve the required results and deliverables.

Interpreting the Point Cloud Data

Defining the point cloud file format with the right set of coordinates

Align the point cloud to achieve improved mapping and consistency

Remove unwanted data from the scans to enhance scan-to-BIM performance

Compare scanned datasets with 2D plans and photos to enhance consistency, reduce RFIs, and lower rework

Reduce large point cloud size to speed-up model processing

Resolve building orientation to improve model accuracy and lower project duration

What are the different kinds of software used for Point Cloud to BIM Modeling?

Some popular and industry-recognized software used for Point Cloud to BIM are:

Why is Revit the most preferred software to create Scan to BIM models?

Autodesk Revit is one of the most preferred tools in the AEC industry for creating scan to BIM models. It can be attributed to the various features of Revit, such as —

How do you convert Point Cloud Data to Revit 3D models?

Point cloud data can be converted to 3D models in Revit using a sequential step by step process. Check out the video to see how to convert point cloud data to a 3D BIM Revit model.


How to Convert Point Cloud Data into Revit Models Video Poster

Best practices for converting Point cloud scan to BIM

Here are a few tips for improving model accuracy, enhance project visualization, gain better mapping, and reduce project time.

3 quality check phases to ensure the accuracy of Scan to BIM models

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Structured Scan to BIM workflows for as-built automation

As the construction industry experiences digital transformation, embracing new tools, approaches, and data-centric workflows ensures smooth and improved project outcomes. Digital workflows and technology used for point cloud geometry extraction can enhance productivity, eliminate risks, and cut costs.

The road to complete digitization for as-built automation is a connected approach through multiple technology sequences. The information generated from recorded data is used to automate Scan to BIM projects and allow stakeholders to perform jobs efficiently and quickly. The following infographic demonstrates how Scan to BIM workflow can be optimized from initial scanning to a digital inventory of as-built deliverables.

Scan to BIM Process

The value-add for surveying firms by outsourcing Scan to BIM services

Surveying firms should outsource their Scan-to-BIM requirements to gain high-impact benefits including:

Conclusion

Scan to BIM will extend its horizon through the integration of various processes and tools. It is changing the way contractors, surveyors, architects, and other professionals, approach design, construction, and renovation. Connecting processes, people, data, and tools, Point Cloud to BIM will transform existing workflows to eliminate higher costs, and lengthy schedules, and deliver quality. AI and ML will continue to enrich the point cloud scan to BIM process by identifying scanned datasets to create high-performance 3D models.

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SolidWorks sheet metal modeling remains the top choice for design engineers and fabricators for its features and functionalities. Here are the top five tips you can use to efficiently model sheet metal parts in SolidWorks.

Sheet metal fabrication needs a constant check to ensure that the manufacturing is as per the actual design briefs shared. Fabrication processes like bending, welding, and punching, if carried out without proper design intent understanding, increases scrap and rework.

To enhance overall fabrication efficiency, designers and fabricators have adopted 3D sheet metal modeling as a primary platform for design communication. 3D CAD tools address design complexity by breaking down the assembly into part drawings and sub-assemblies. Modern 3D parametric CAD platforms further optimize the design concepts and create production-ready designs.

Why use SolidWorks for sheet metal modeling?

SolidWorks offers an array of specialized features to develop complex sheet metal assemblies. For example, the sheet metal module in SolidWorks offers tricks, shortcuts, and automatic commands to create specific sheet metal features.

Major benefits of using SolidWorks for sheet metal modeling include:

Because of these benefits and many others, SolidWorks has become the most popular CAD design and drafting platform across the industry. Hence, we bring you some tips to model sheet metal parts in SolidWorks.

Top 5 Tips for Efficient SolidWorks Sheet Metal Modeling

1. Start with the sheet metal module in SolidWorks

As a 3D CAD modeler, you are free to sketch anything in the CAD environment. However, an understanding of optimizing raw materials usage during manufacturing takes you to the next level. It gives you the power to build 3D CAD models that accurately fit production pipelines and provide positive outcomes.

When you design a metal component made from thin plates or sheets, assign it as sheet metal part in SolidWorks. The platform will then start the specialized module for sheet metal by fetching the suitable properties. So when a designer initiates drafting, SolidWorks automatically adds special instructions for sheet metal product design.

sheet metal module in solidworks
Sheet Metal Module in SolidWorks

Create your fabrication assembly of various parts using the weldments module if the assembly needs welding and structural parts.

The weldments module allows creating structures with only a few sketches in 2D or 3D. The final models are then generated by customizing pre-loaded shapes. By default, it automatically creates two configurations of machined parts and welding parts.

With the use of the design table, one can have many configurations of structural channels and tubes. These can then be stored in the CAD library as standard product models for reuse. And the users can save hundreds of such standardized configurations using the design table. They can create structural sheet metal part families, along with specifications regarding shapes, sizes, thicknesses and materials.

configurable custom weldment profiles in solidworks
Configurable Custom Weldment Profiles in SolidWorks

SolidWorks drafting for sheet metal product design guides the user throughout the assembly development and spares design and/or modeling reworks. It also helps capture all the DFMA requirements into your model accurately via an intuitive and flexible sheet modeling CAD environment. It can further be integrated with external databases, such as Excel spreadsheets, to automate CAD models.

Lengthy product design times and an erroneous design cycle became challenging for a leading doors and frame manufacturer. They used Excel spreadsheets with SolidWorks CAD models to automate design customization, and reduced design time from 15 days to a few hours.

Automated Door Design Customization
Automated Door Design Customization

2. Leverage SolidWorks flexibility for complex sheet metal shapes

The CAD designer or the engineer might not have the opportunity to start with the sheet metal module every time. In this scenario, one can start with the free form concepts of 3D solid models and surface creation. These models can then be converted into sheet metal models using the shell function omt-3f SolidWorks with relevant thickness.

sheet metal options in solidworks
Sheet Metal Options in SolidWorks

For example, a model of a hopper of an SPMs, or a duct of an HVAC system, goes through multiple steps when using the sheet metal module. But if it is done using a standard 3D CAD environment and then converted, the steps required for modeling are reduced and simplified.

complex sheet metal designs
Complex Sheet Metal Designs

convert sheet metal part in solidworks
Sheet Metal Designs

3. Create parts with constant sheet thickness and K factor

Most parts are fabricated either from sheets of metals like steel and alloys, aluminum, copper, bronze etc., with appropriate thickness. The springback factor or “K” factor is required to develop the sheet metal parts to achieve perfect bends and to find out unrolled/flattened size of metal parts.

sheet metal understanding k factor
Sheet Metal Understanding K Factor

In SolidWorks sheet metal modeling, one can choose the material, thickness and K factor from the inbuilt material library. The user can also add user-defined material properties.

If no gauge table is used, the thickness of the material and bend radius can be entered in the sheet metal parameters. Here the user can also choose to reverse the direction, which determines on which side of the sketch the material is applied. The SolidWorks user interface also shows arrows to guide the users.

sheet metal parameters
Sheet Metal Parameters

In the bend allowance section, one can select how SolidWorks finds the neutral axis to auto-calculate flat patterns. By choosing the K-Factor, bend allowance, or bend deduction from the pull-down menu, specific values can be entered.

4. Parametric model for welding and hardware details

Use of SolidWorks parametric modeling for large sheet metal assembly saves a lot of time while modifying the design intent. Designers can use a top-down approach for assembly creation to save time on updating designs while changing any parameters of a part or parts in sheet metal assembly. Such detailed drawings help address multiple concerns of sheet metal fabricators including communicating design essence.

You might think 4-5 clicks isn’t time-consuming, but if you’re working on dozens of pieces of hardware at once, all those clicks add up to valuable time. Leveraging an efficient approach with SolidWorks that involves dragging and dropping hardware so that it auto-snaps into the appropriate holes helps to save that time.

Lengthy and error-prone design cycles for hoppers delayed delivery timelines for a designer and manufacturer of recycling plant products from Ireland. We collaborated with their design team and developed parametric CAD models for hoppers for large assemblies. The partnership resulted in delivering 55 hoppers per month and provided expansion opportunity for the client.

Hopper Model
Hopper Model

5. Begin by considering center and symmetry

Any CAD software allows the designer to start the sketch from any plane and from any position. However, the design engineer must know that all digital sheet metal models are for direct manufacturing use in an integrated environment. So, for precision, the designer has to ensure that all the coordinate systems of CAD match with those of the CNC machines. For example, the plane origin in SolidWorks must align with that of the CNC cutter or CNC press.

sheet metal exercise in solidworks
Sheet Metal Exercise in SolidWorks

Here, if a modeler uses the symmetry, it will save a lot of manufacturing time. And many adjustments like the setting up of home positions of cutter and positioning of raw sheets to cut the metal parts, and doing optimized nesting can be done quickly.

Also, one can use techniques like mirroring and mating while 3D modeling to effectively use the symmetry. Much manufacturing time can be saved with this simple approach when starting with the sheet metal model. It offers more flexibility and freedom from the start of the design process and prevents rework.

Conclusion

Use of 3D CAD tools helps metal fabricators to be more competitive and efficient. But SolidWorks parametric modeling takes it to a whole new level. With the right approach in sheet metal modeling and use of dedicated SolidWorks modules, fabricators, designers and modelers can improve overall efficiencies.

We hope the tips mentioned here will help you save time and costs and make your sheet metal designing more organized and productive.

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Revit® BIM-enabled precast concrete detailing addresses challenges related to installation and assembly clashes, fabrication quality, material waste and timelines. Parametric detailing, enhanced visualization and collaborative platforms of BIM drive high levels of efficiency in precast construction.

Detailing complex precast projects with traditional 2D CAD-based tools is time-consuming and expensive. Inaccuracies in calculations, constant changes, drawing oversights, data inconsistencies and inefficiencies lead to rework. Traditional 2D precast detailing tools and techniques fail to meet the speed or quality requirements of clients. They also cannot meet productivity needs in modern complex construction.

BIM-based precast concrete detailing streamlines the construction process for structural engineers, pre-casters, and prefabrication companies. Precast concrete designs, fabrication and shop drawings, scheduling and cost estimates created with BIM tools fuel higher cost-efficiency and greater constructability. BIM enhances precast concrete detailing through exact visualization of every element to achieve a higher ROI.

The global precast concrete market size valued at $130.6 billion in 2020, is predicted to touch $174.1 billion by 2025
us precast concrete market

Conventional 2D drawings hamper efficiencies in precast construction

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7 benefits of BIM-based precast concrete detailing for prefab construction projects

Precise precast detailing and documentation with BIM-based Revit models

Structural BIM models at specified LOD provide structural engineers, prefabrication companies, and precast firms with data-rich 3D deliverables. Parametric BIM conversion of 2D CAD ensures modeling, detailing, and documentation quality with intelligent reinforcement and connections. And fabrication drawings pulled from accurate and error-free 3D models make the prefabrication process seamless.

Wall panels, beams, columns, marking plans, panel connections, inserts, etc. are detailed following industry practices. In BIM, industry codes are followed to model and detail precast as per global standards. The quality of data in the 3D BIM model ensures greater reliability, faster construction, and cost-effectiveness.

Precast concrete detailing with 3D BIM streamlines the modeling, detailing, and documentation process to ensure reliability, cost-effectiveness, and in meeting construction timelines.

TrueCADD received a Revit BIM modeling and Rebar modeling project for an office building from a leading precast manufacturing firm. A Revit structural model at LOD 450 with Rebar and BBS was to be matched with architectural and MEP models. A coordinated and clash-free 3D model was developed and delivered with accurate shop drawings and Bar Bending Schedules (BBS). Upon handover, the Revit structure model with precise documentation and complete sheet setup led to cost-effective precast products and desired project outcomes.

Informed decision-making and clash-reduction with 3D model coordination

A precast concrete project includes various elements like columns, beams, floors, walls, stairs, facade panels, double walls HCS, etc. With a structural 3D model that combines architectural and MEP models, pre-construction and pre-emptive clash identification and resolution can be carried out reliably. Consequent early involvement of precast and prefabrication teams generates real-time feedback for effective clash resolution through 3D model coordination.

An error-free 3D model aids higher accuracy in precast detailing for shop drawings, panel elevations, marking plans, lists of cast-in components, etc. Such a coordinated 3D BIM model saves much rework, mitigates project delays, and promotes a seamless installation of precast elements on site.

Precise BOMs and BBS for quality fabrication and onsite coordination

Coordinated 3D BIM models carrying a list of all precast elements with sections and views improve the erection of structures. Bills of Materials (BOMs) extracted from 3D models and accurate Bar Bending Schedules (BBS) help precast manufacturers with precise counts of production materials and lists of elements. Rebars can be automatically numbered, and drawings with bending schedules generated rapidly from the 3D Rebar models.

The representation of panel connections, elevations, inserts, brackets, etc. in 3D geometry with AR provides an immersive experience. The higher construction visibility gained by comparing data-accurate shop drawings, erection drawings, and 3D models improves onsite coordination. The presence of precise BOMs also leads to a significant reduction in material waste and overall project costs.

A precast manufacturer needed a 3D BIM model at LOD 450 for a residential project in UAE. The team at TrueCADD created a clash-free coordinated 3D model with accurate Rebar shop drawings of concrete elements, BBS. This enabled the client to gain precise precast element manufacturing and onsite installation.

Insert and analyze connection details for pre-cast joints via 3D models

3D precast detailing with complete IFC integration speeds up the entire pre-casting process. Streamlining the 3D design process with real-time updates also improves onsite assembly.

3D BIM modeling driven by automation tools like Dynamo, plugins, or APIs can be used to deploy pre-defined rules. This promotes higher quality and speeds up 3D modeling, detailing and shop drawings. Customized Revit families or assemblies for precast elements used within the 3D model lead to improved prefabrication and precast detailing.

Better precast concrete detailing and finishing for pre-configured components

3D Revit BIM models help in detailing precast elements like placing rebar, auto-format dimensions in shop drawings etc. by streamlining the 3D design processes. Accurate 3D BIM models loaded with customized Revit families enhance precast product customization. A graphical representation of precast elements in 3D with exact material types and dimensions improves the detailing and finishing of the final product. Precise mould drawings ensure there is no leakage or honeycombing. The superior casting of concrete elements ensures better finish and no material wastage.

3D models with LOD 450 and Rebar template modeling backed by a full-sheet setup produce cost-effective outcomes and deliverables.

Hassle-free erection of structures with higher visualization of precast BIM models

3D Revit models provide a 360-degree view of the precast elements and components. These views make it easier to add required fabrication pre-casting details and annotations like unique erection ID, and element ID. Even details such as the exact points for reinforcement cutting and bending machinery can be obtained.

Shop drawings, erection drawings, set-out plans, mould drawings, panel elevations, etc. pulled from coordinated and clash-free 3D models facilitate flawless detailing. The accurate and complete dataset of drawings, documents, etc. improves fabrication accuracy and quality. This reduces rework and mitigates project risks.

Complete structural coordination and extraction of technical data from a single Revit model is also used to visualize connection details and produce accurate BBS. These systems include panel detailing for curtain walls, concrete wall systems, precast wall panels, precast joinery, stairs detailing, etc.

Improved collaboration with BIM 360® and 4D construction sequencing

Early coordination of various disciplines such as architecture, structure, and MEP leads to improved collaboration. Adding timelines and scheduling details to the precast concrete model allows manufacturers to plan material purchasing, manufacturing process duration and delivery schedules. They can also plan element storage for site delivery, precast element storage and execution processes.

Streamlined collaboration in the pre-construction stage also reduces the need to generate costly RFIs during actual construction. 3D BIM models reinforced with 4D sequencing or scheduling promote improved visualization of precast materials, resources, etc. for erection.

Early involvement of precast and prefabrication teams in the preconstruction stage speeds up 3D model development. The use of cloud-based platforms like BIM360 improves storage, access, and sharing of 3D models, drawings, and other documentation in real time.

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Optimizing design and fabrication workflows through Revit with Dynamo

Computational or generative design supports design and fabrication automation. Dynamo powers such computational design to produce a wide range of ideas, options, working scenarios, and performance simulations. With these BIM-based tools multiple prototypes can be quickly generated to achieve desired outcomes and optimized designs.

Dynamo helps in the selection of the best element from a set of available criteria. Combining multiple factors to resolve design and fabrication challenges with Dynamo can help structural engineers find the optimal solution reliably.

design and fabrication workflows

Optimization of design and fabrication includes various techniques such as genetic algorithms, initialization, selection, genetic operators, etc. Here, Dynamo can be used to find the best truss configuration to define geometry and create spatial truss. It can also perform deformation analysis, solve truss geometry behaviour, and more.

Conclusion

Precise detailing and documentation, smarter processes, and streamlined collaboration across multiple teams are the main advantages of BIM-based precast concrete detailing. With precise reinforcement designs, size and shape of elements, pouring and settling timeline, etc. precast manufacturing becomes easy and quick.

BIM tools allow greater automation of complex processes and superior usage of data from 3D geometry while creating a significant increase in ROI. Software-driven BIM helps structural engineers, pre-casting firms, and prefabrication companies gain a competitive advantage in the AEC industry.

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Revit BIM has its limitations in executing large scale construction projects such narrow compatibility of data export-import and multi-dimensional coordination. Dynamo adds accuracy, speed, and transparency to the BIM design processes by doing away with repetitive tasks and enhancing collaboration.

Large scale BIM projects involve complex construction designs, heavy documentation, and multi-dimensional communication workflows. Revit® has brought significant advantages to the BIM design process. However, its limitations like lack of backward compatibility of models, hinder smooth cross-discipline work. Dynamo changes the game by making Revit operations accessible through visual programming. It widens the scope of design automation, collaboration, and project coordination.

Thus, the Revit-Dynamo combo has become a sort of golden pair in BIM design workflows. From automation of documentation to auto-updating of parameter changes, Dynamo reduces errors and wastage, and expedites design and project execution.

TrueCADD’s demonstrated experience working on large scale construction projects using Dynamo has shown a 50% time reduction and over 15% cost savings. Automating with Dynamo has also allowed much better collaboration and management of BIM models. Dynamo’s ability to import and export data from and to Excel, helps to incorporate knowledge from earlier projects into current ones.

bim-design-process

Source: ifieldsmart.com

Limitations of Revit BIM

Large construction and infrastructural projects like multistoried buildings and bridges involve complex design criteria, tight budgets, and stringent project timelines. Revit helps to solve many of these challenges with its ‘families’ and parametric modeling, but it also has its limitations.

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Benefits of using Dynamo with Revit for design automation

Automation with Dynamo adds accuracy, speed, and transparency in BIM data design processes, making it particularly suitable for large construction projects.

Some of the major benefits of using Dynamo in large scale BIM projects include:

Improved design insights

Dynamo allows user-friendly creation of visual scripts that are guided, and rule based. Designer can add multiple design constraints and checks on designs. Dynamo automation allows enhanced visualization for geometry, functionality and engineering data management on quantities, materials, weights, and costs. Accurate design and data insights radically cut down design errors.

An architectural and engineering service company in Europe needed to digitize their portfolio for 10,000+ residential units for better asset management. The team at TrueCADD created 3D BIM models and used Dynamo with Revit to automate the modeling process. The use of automation enabled the client to:

  • Save 50% on time
  • Save 18% on cost
  • Gain quality deliverables with 100% accuracy
final-deliverables-in-dynamo

Quick options for optimized design

Dynamo, integrated within Revit design workflows, promotes generative design to access and use multiple prototypes for large-scale buildings. Multiple designs on the click of a button open opportunities to optimize construction design, energy, material, usage and building style.

Improved design evaluation

Dynamo allows multi-directional design reviews while working on large BIM models. It quickly generates ‘what if’ scenarios by changing design parameters for various viable options. Revit bolstered by Dynamo automation can achieve greater QA/QC for large-scale projects, leading to high-quality and valid 3D BIM models. An integrated approach allows in-depth reviews of multiple construction designs against project criteria on quality, cost, and time. This is possible due to auto-generation of tables, charts, and flags and other documents related to the designs. It becomes easier to select designs for highest cost optimization, reduced project time, and maximum space utilization.

Eliminate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency

Large scale BIM projects involve creation of huge documentation for various stakeholders and their needs. Dynamo allows an integrated approach to reflect any single change on all associated documents at the click of a button. Dynamo adoption reduces modeling tasks, leading to reduced human intervention, faster 3D modeling, mitigated rework, and minimal project delays.

Efficient construction project

Dynamo automation helps to capture the experience of skilled civil engineers, architects, and contractors, applicable standards in its design parameters, rules, and methods. These computational designs powered by Dynamo uses visual programming to process information for higher BIM model performance and greater constructability. It increases BIM model efficiency and sustainability.

Generating and evaluating a multitude of design options with Dynamo

With Dynamo Revit automation, any large-scale BIM project becomes more smart and agile. For tangible benefits, rapid and accurate document creation saves millions of dollars, and months on projects. Workflow improvement and accelerated BIM design through Dynamo automation, along with use of AR/VR, puts contractors and architects ahead of the competition. It also helps to create better experience for their customers.

Conclusion

Increased automation of BIM workflows is the way out for optimizing large-scale building projects and increasing construction efficiency. Dynamo-Revit automation provides a flexible and broad solution in this area that is of critical importance in the age of Construction 4.0.

Dynamo used with Revit for design automation makes construction teams more productive. It offers improved workflows, documentation and sustainable designs that are able to meet benchmarks on cost, quality, and time.

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BIM helps architects to meet client expectations and get quick approvals by enabling design collaboration. With 3D BIM, architects can swiftly create bespoke design prototypes, offer clients a 360-degree view of spaces and make revisions on the go.

For architects, offering a wide range of customized designs is decisive for winning clients. BIM holds the key here due to its capability of permuting and reiterating an endless number of design prototypes at speed. BIM helps to create execution proposals fully in line with budget and deadlines.

The risks of things going awry during project execution are reduced as plans are derived directly from designs within the BIM system itself. 360-degree visualization of interior and exterior spaces using BIM tools like Revit® also reduces ambiguities. Thus, BIM for architects offers a level of speed and accuracy in design decisions and ability to gain quicker client approvals – unreachable by legacy methods.

With BIM, architects gain insights into complex construction projects early in the design stage and can thus plan accordingly for conflict-free execution. BIM also ensures meticulous cross-discipline coordination and construction documentation.

According to a study of The Connecting Teams “70% of surveyed US architects believe that BIM has made an impact on reducing their risk of project error”.

Potential BIM capabilities for Architects.
Potential BIM capabilities for Architects

The current need to work from remote workspaces has increased the pressure on architects to adopt digital methods. Using cloud platforms like BIM 360 helps them to easily bring stakeholders on the same page, as everyone can view the designs in real time through web and app interfaces.

To get things in perspective, we will look at the challenges faced by architects stuck with legacy methods of designing, and how BIM can help all architects make better design decisions.

Challenges faced by architects using traditional methods of designing

Traditional designing processes, tools, and standards rarely support present-day design and construction.

traditional methods of designing

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How BIM helps architects to make better design decisions

360-degree view provides better project clarity, leading to faster client approvals

With BIM, architects can rapidly create design prototypes with 3D Revit models and make concurrent design competitions and revisions. With a 360-degree view of designs and models, clients can visualize areas and spaces more realistically before actual construction. This results in quicker client approvals.

BIM also provides better 3D architectural visualization of projects in the context of neighborhoods and overall site connectivity.

56% of US architects in a survey claimed BIM collaboration solutions improved client satisfaction

Parametric and computational designing improves space planning

The haste of meeting deadlines multiplies the chances of design errors in every construction project where legacy methods are used. With 3D modeling and tools like Revit Architecture, architects can do parametric designing and execute projects faster with greater accuracy.

Parametric designs coupled with automation tools like Dynamo provide improved generative design through their ease of producing and managing multiple prototypes. Design uniformity, model validation, customized scripting, reduction in repetitive tasks, etc. enrich parametric capabilities with agile workflows. Spatial planning improvements are achieved through modeling simulations for generative design. Preemptive 3D visualization capabilities pinpoint every architectural aspect in the 3D space.

An architectural firm needed coordinated designs with visualization for a mixed-use building in Australia. The 3D parametric architectural models created by TrueCADD with accurate spatial planning enabled the client to smoothly communicate design intent to the end client and gain quick approvals.

3d-modeling-of-rail-yard

Coordinated architectural drawings address conflicts in the early design stage

Designing in preconstruction phase is crucial for setting a strong base for construction, operations, and renovation. The use of BIM from early stages helps architects to reduce design conflicts and create accurately detailed layouts. Effective BIM clash detection means fewer RFIs and change orders in the construction stage. Coordinated drawings extracted from 3D models and instant clash reports reduce review and approval times.

With a significant reduction in design errors brought by BIM, architects can commit to tighter timelines. Higher transparency, and ease of meeting client expectations coupled with less rework, makes BIM indispensable in construction design. Also, BIM can easily automate documentation output and parts of design cycles, thus leading to greater productivity.

An architectural firm needed a coordinated model for a commercial building in India. The team at TrueCADD created a clash-free 3D Revit model along with detailed sheet setup, proper schedule, joint details, etc. The coordinated and clash-free detailed documentation enabled the client to make informed decisions and complete the project within the proposed time and budget.

3d-drawings-in-revit

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Architectural visualization in 3D geometry helps to estimate accurate material quantities and costs

Information-rich 3D BIM models referenced with real-life building objects can help architects keep an accurate count of material quantity and costs. BIM makes it simpler for architectural firms to understand a project’s scope from start to end.

Changes or modifications are easily integrated into the model for higher accuracy and visibility of information. Identifying spatial clashes, checking feasibility, running error corrections, etc. can take up a significant amount of an architects’ time. But with relevant and action-based data in 3D geometry, and supported by collaboration, higher accuracy is reached in estimates of costs and materials.

A UK –based architectural firm approached TrueCADD for a mixed-use building. 2D drawings were provided as input to achieve 4D BIM modeling. The team at TrueCADD used Revit, Navisworks®, and 3Ds Max® to build a coordinated 4D BIM model with construction sequencing and project video. The accurate material quantity takeoffs and deliverables helped the client save costs, reduce rework, and improve design intent.

Precise energy analysis in the 3D model calls for greater building sustainability

Accurate energy calculations within a Revit model help architects save on additional resources, costs, and time, and in getting LEED certifications. Architectural rendering with running walkthroughs and simulations in real-time with VR capabilities also help architects achieve improved sustainability. Energy calculations for a sustainable design using Revit APIs, Dynamo, or other tools can significantly reduce negative environmental impact.

energy calculations

Sustainable design has become mandatory and also crucial for the AEC industry. And BIM is regularly used for building performance analysis, optimizing building equipment, and plan for healthy and green buildings. With tools like Revit, architects can leverage daylighting capabilities, passive heating, PV energy generation, natural ventilation, etc. BIM-based sensitive designs make use of modern lighting technologies for various areas of a building such as walls, roof, windows, etc.

Panning the 3D model in real time allow architects to visualize every architectural component with pinpoint accuracy. Environmental performance becomes more predictable through multiple 3D views and accurate data integration.

Precise and complete datasets help seamless handover of facilities

Reliable and complete datasets derived from each stage of the building process are used to run operations easily after a handover. 3D models, BIM-based drawings, and other documentation can help to manage operational costs and save on maintenance.

Facility management systems like COBie integrated with BIM deliverables also provide non-geometric data that includes name, specifications, number, warranty, dimensions, manufacturer, etc.

ROI on project collaboration

ROI on project collaboration with BIM.

ROI on project collaboration with BIM

Next stage of BIM use in architectural design: internal optimization and interoperability

The future of BIM for architectural design points at more of ‘connected BIM’ that involves higher 3D model usability through cloud platforms. BIM will continue to streamline the design process and other stages of the project lifecycle. Designers and engineers will have the capability to create, transform, and document data, regardless of the software platforms used to build geometries.

Integration and interoperability to drive automation will compel BIM to integrate better with other tools including IoT, robotics, 3D printing, etc. Feeding a set of BIM tasks to high-end processing systems will result in independent and improved generative designs. Building Information Modeling will in the next step evolve to Building Information Optimization wherein parametricism and algorithmic presence will fuel the creation of prototypes and reduce the need to remodel.

AI-based BIM reinforced with task automation, including that of publishing, printing, building datasets, etc. will gain traction. Quick and easy modeling in the cloud with datasets of PDF files updated in real-time will enhance design performance and ROI.

Conclusion

With the new mandated BIM standards, architectural firms are increasingly moving from BIM level 2 to the realm of BIM level 3. BIM is positively influencing multiple stages of building design, construction, and management. Innovative and advanced BIM tools are helping to meet the needs of occupants through exceptional building design.

The far-reaching benefits of BIM for architects will continue in the reduction of project risks, encouragement of collaboration, raising accountability, enhancing transparency, and optimizing future designs. Improvisation in building proposals through environment-friendly designs, performance simulations, benchmarks, etc. will also grow, making BIM the core of design planning.

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Conformity of retail store furniture to aesthetic and functional demands is not just expensive, but also time and labor intensive. Driveworks leverages logical rules to enhance customization, reduce lead times, enhance collaboration and enable faster decision making.

Furniture fittings and user accessibility play a key role in defining customer experience in retail stores. This calls for not just high quality shopfitting but also seamless collaboration between multiple stakeholders including designers, architects and manufacturers. Challenges of staying within budget and timelines while meeting customization needs must also be addressed.

DriveWorks, along with SolidWorks, powered by logical rules and inbuilt furniture libraries expedites design development and approvals. Models saved in these libraries having multi-theme furniture designs and scenarios can be customized quickly and reused. Ready-to-use models and manufacturing drawings eliminate repetitive design tasks and shorten lead times from sales to design, and manufacturing.

Challenges faced by retail store furniture manufacturers

Retail store furniture projects involve multiple stakeholders requiring extensive collaboration and meeting deadlines. Usually, every retail store furniture is different. But all projects have about a month’s time between design ideation and final manufacturing. This is where the major challenge lies.

Areas of furniture retail store manufacturing that struggle with design and drawing iterations relate to:

reasons why retail store furniture manufacturing is difficult

A quick TAT from design to manufacturing and installation with minimal errors can help address the above concerns. But standalone CAD is insufficient and involves multiple iterations. Combining it with a design automation platform, the design can easily create multiple scenarios in minutes.

5 benefits of DriveWorks for retail store furniture manufacturers

DriveWorks design automation offers significant benefits to bespoke furniture manufacturers and helps them meet market demands more efficiently.

DriveWorks with SolidWorks can be used for multiple designs, scenarios and seamless collaboration in a single thread. Design cycles and project execution experience are enhanced. In a nutshell, the major benefits of using DriveWorks in furniture manufacture are:

Rapid development of designs and database creation

Rapid development of designs and database creation

With DriveWorks, a designer can create multiple designs for shopfitting furniture in a short time. These designs conform to shape parameters based on rules and accommodate all specified conditions.

DriveWorks also allows designers to create and store all available furniture designs for different brands as model libraries. These designs are easy to retrieve as and when required to generate space layouts, themes, BOMs and quantity takeoffs. Also, a designer can comprehend the market trends and be ready with innovative designs ahead of time.

Read here: How DriveWorks Helps You to Reduce Lead Time in Manufacturing

Automated update of changes in design parameters or values

Automated update of changes in design parameters or values

Designers often have to change the shapes and sizes of furniture at a moment’s notice. These may have different aesthetic and functional requirements like front desk, and servicing desk that vary in dimensions. Quick changes in material, colors and finishes may also be required to match retail shop themes.

Parametric design library of materials (wood, plastic, metals etc.), colors can be quickly modified and updated in DriveWorks. The change in the value of any parameter is automatically reflected in associated components of the assembly models.

By implementing DriveWorks, a retail store furniture manufacturer established a design cycle that was faster than traditional process. It ensured quality of drawings and models with fewer efforts. Designs passed prototype tests by nearly 100%.

DriveWorks Retail Store Furniture

Creating visual product configurators for quick design consensus

Creating visual product configurators for quick design consensus

A DriveWorks-run visual product configurator can bring shop owners, furniture designers and manufacturers quickly on the same page. It helps them to configure furniture layouts and items, and reach consensus in real time.

With 360-degree product visualization, stakeholders can evaluate space layouts against all scenarios and themes in real time. It accelerates design development and finalization without inordinate delay.

A configurator allows instant generation of bespoke designs within standards and specifications. Thus it reduces internal approval cycles of designs and speeds up the process from concept to manufacturing.

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Seamless integration and collaboration

Seamless integration and collaboration

DriveWorks integrates with legacy systems like CRM, ERP, MES, etc. on a common platform. This integration of sales and ERP functions brings more visibility on cost and pricing. It essentially imparts CPQ like functionality and allows generating quick quotes and quantities for budget evaluations and finalizing orders.

DriveWorks can auto-generate manufacturing shop drawings with BOMs and DXFs for sheet cutting and punching. These are fed to shop floor and machines directly and cut short the manufacturing lead time. Design automation also improves product quality and reduces scrap. Field instruction documents along with quantity takeoffs are also generated for retail shop furniture installations.

Integration among systems creates a seamless thread of workflows and communication. All the stakeholders remain informed of requirements, concepts and final designs. Design iterations and conflicts are reduced, and the shop floor can start manufacturing on the day of sales.

DriveWorks implementation for a custom furniture manufacturer reduced lead time from 4-5 days to one day. The design cycle also got 70 times faster.

CAD Configurator

Enhanced virtual store experience

Enhanced virtual store experience

To keep pace with increased virtual shopping, retailers need to create virtual replicas of their products that can be accessed online.

DIY features like product selection, copy/paste, move, resize, change material, change color, etc. help shop owners immensely to finalize orders. They can directly use the available 3D designs for enhanced online shopping experience.

Conclusion

Retail store furniture manufacturers need innovative shopfitting furniture ready to meet changing market needs. And they need agile processes to respond to bidding deadlines with competitive designs and products.

Automation is the way to remove inefficiencies and speed up manufacturing. Projects for transforming themes in retail shops have stringent timelines, schedules, budgets and space. To address the challenges, retail shopfitting furniture manufacturers need processes with faster response and efficiency.

By helping retail store furniture manufacturers and designers to rapidly generate all possible layouts and scenarios DriveWorks automation speeds up accurate customization and project execution. And DriveWorks has thus become indispensable for shopfitting furniture firms.

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MEP coordination services provide the tools, technology, and experience required for failsafe MEP installations and project compliance in healthcare construction. They ensure smooth MEP project execution through BIM modeling and clash resolution at pre-construction stage.

The complexity of hospital construction projects often has MEP contractors struggling with stringent healthcare regulation standards, deadlines and coordination. Healthcare facilities, by law, have to maintain spaces that are conducive to patient needs, convenience and comfort. To ensure this, contractors need to meticulously execute the planned layout and install MGPS (Medical Gas Pressurized Systems) including Mechanical/HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing systems.

MEP coordination helps contractors in accurate placement and installation of specialized equipment and systems for large hospitals. For example, installing MGPS systems at the right places in an operation theatre or ICU is crucial for proper flow of oxygen. Any faulty installation of MEP units can paralyze life-support systems leading to vulnerabilities in patient care.

MEP services and specialty equipment account for 40% to 60% of the project construction budget. (Second, Hanna, 2010).

MEP services account for 40% to 60% of a project budget. It is hence important to ensure that there is no rework, wastage or delay leading to an increase in costs. Fully coordinated and clash-free 3D Revit® MEP models give contractors error-free layouts to implement seamless installation. This results in project completion within time and budget.

construction-budgets

In this blog we discuss the challenges faced during hospital construction and how MEP coordination helps overcome these challenges.

MEP challenges faced during hospital construction with conventional methods

Benefits of MEP coordination services for hospital construction projects

Present-day MEP demands need expert MEP coordination for high-performance healthcare units to function as planned. Virtual BIM simulations for hospital projects bring greater project clarity and keep stakeholders on the same page to ensure that healthcare projects are completed within stipulated time and budget.

1. Precise MEP system positioning to cater to patient needs and treatment

Facilities for patient needs and treatment have the highest priority in hospital construction projects. In addition, running hospitals operate 24/7 with a large foot traffic that may need specialized medical support. For example, X-ray machines and scanner units need to be located at easy access points for speedy diagnosis and treatment of accident victims brought into an ER.

MEP coordination driven by BIM processes and tools support spatial coordination for contractors to gain clash-free installation. 3D BIM models developed in Revit at various LOD promotes accurate and efficient placement of MEP systems so that they do not interfere with other hospital equipment or patient movement.

Coordinated MEP model reduces rework for healthcare facility in Malta

mep layouts

A construction company required a coordinated MEP BIM model for a healthcare facility in Malta. The team at TrueCADD developed MEP coordination drawings and fully coordinated 3D Revit MEP model.

The 360-degree visualization enabled accurate MEP layouts, reduced rework and enabled seamless MEP installation for the healthcare facility in Malta.

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2. Accurate and clash-free installation with real-time 3D BIM visualization

Early inter-disciplinary coordination ensures that all disciplines including architecture, structure, MEP, and specialized hospital equipment function in harmony. Visualization based on information-rich 3D models, as well as VR walkthroughs of the coordinated 3D MEP model, enable stakeholders to picture every component, system, and equipment before actual construction and execution.

Construction drawings and documentation extracted from BIM-ready 3D models allow seamless installation of MEP systems resulting in optimal healthcare operations and maintenance. BIM models with 360 degree views assist healthcare facility managers to gain a bird-eye view on data of specialized medical equipment, MEP systems, and other hospital components.

Coordinated models save time and cost for hospital in Saudi Arabia

coordinated 3d revit model

A project management construction company needed a coordinated 3D Revit model based on AIA standards for a healthcare facility in Saudi Arabia. The team at TrueCADD create clash-free and coordinated Architectural, Structural and MEP models at LOD 500.

The coordinated model enabled the client to save on hospital construction cost and time and even helped with FM and O&M purposes.

3. Accurate HVAC 3D BIM coordination for hygienic and healthy ventilation

Planning and installing HVAC systems for hospital construction is complicated. Systems need to function 24/7 for patient comfort and continuous operations of medical equipment.

High-performance electrical systems to manage lighting and hospital equipment

Efficient lighting is a key element for patient comfort and staff operations. Electric systems not installed at the right places can cause discomfort for health professionals and patients. Also, backup electrical systems, CCTV, public address systems and nurse call systems are core necessities of any hospital project.

BIM-based tools like Revit for enhanced visualization ensure that electric systems, public address systems and nurse call systems are installed at the desired location for efficient hospital operations.

Efficient plumbing systems for proper sanitation

Installation of plumbing systems for rainwater or wastewater and sewage management is the key to avoiding infections, contamination, and improving patient safety. A coordinated 3D MEP Revit model enables MEP contractors to assess, identify, and achieve clash-free installation of plumbing systems. This ensures proper wastewater and sewage disposal for hospitals.

Detailed MEP model for drainage system enables informed decision making for hospital in Sydney

plumbing fixture details

A design drafting company required a coordinated 3D MEP model for a healthcare facility in Sydney. The team at TrueCADD created a fully coordinated MEP model with plumbing fixture details as well as insulation details.

The coordinated MEP model with detailed drainage systems for underground as well as upper floor drainage systems helped make informed decisions, save costs and time for the healthcare facility.

Enhanced fire protection for patient and staff safety

Fire protection systems are mandated by law and crucial for hospital buildings as patients cannot evacuate themselves if a fire breaks out. This develops an additional challenge during hospital emergencies. Thus, Fire protection systems need to installed and activated correctly at accessible locations.

Proper installation of coordinated fire systems like smoke alarms and fire sprinklers can help healthcare staff, surgeons or specialists to reduce disruptions in critical surgeries. For example, installation of fire protection systems at strategic locations can help to extinguish a fire before it reaches the surgery room.

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4. Early coordination with reduced rework saves construction and installation costs and time

Clashes and rework can be reduced to a great extent through coordination in the early stages. Identifying and resolving member interferences can cut construction costs, reduce change orders and RFI’s, and save construction and installation time. Contractors, project teams, and hospital staff collaborating on a single coordinated model can resolve issues in real-time, while augmenting approval durations.

Canceling out workflow clashes with 3D MEP coordinated models early in the pre-construction stage helps contractors improve field installation times, thereby reducing overall construction costs.

Coordinated model saves 30-35% on costs for hospital building in Egypt

A construction company from Egypt needed a coordinated 3D model at LOD 300. The team at TrueCADD created a coordinated 3D model to analyze energy efficiency, leading to reduced rework and 30% to 35% cost savings during construction.

revit mep model
coordinated 3d model

5. 4D BIM scheduling and sequencing ensure saving of costs and time

Running of scheduling (4D) simulations and walkthroughs in real time through Navisworks, inside an immersive space, ensures time and cost savings. Greater 3D visualization helps contractors in accurate arrangement of building materials and equipment, MEP components, and other resources along fixed timelines. This increases effective constructability and sustainability.

Sequencing installations virtually gives contractors the ability to identify clashes in the planned schedule and execute them accordingly in the construction stage.

Coordinated model with accurate scheduling garners higher ROI for hospital building in Saudi Arabia

clash free 3d model

A project management solutions firm from Saudi Arabia outsourced its requirements to TrueCADD services for a University Hospital Building. An accurate, coordinated, and clash-free 3D model at LOD 500 was required to achieve a positive business impact. The team used Revit and Navisworks to build a coordinated and clash-free 3D model which helped the client –

Future technology: CAFM and CMMS tools for improved hospital operation and maintenance

Healthcare projects have different operations and maintenance needs. Facilities management systems through Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) or Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) support maintenance and operations through tangible software deployment.

CAFM and CMMS make sure healthcare facilities function efficiently and safely through preventive maintenance processes and tools. Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS) – CMMS tools can assist hospital projects with automation, management, and streamlining of operations and maintenance.

CAFM for hospitals helps managers enhance space and asset management, facilities operations, etc. Integrating 3D models, 2D drawings, and other documentation within the CAFM enables exact asset location, asset information like warranty, service history, etc. Work orders can be generated by panning or rotating assets inside the 3D model. An efficient layout can be created through drag and drop of building components which then can be synchronized through the entire model to diminish conflicts and improve spatial allocation.

Conclusion

The healthcare sector is rapidly growing and needs efficient MEP design and installation to be competent and accommodating. A well-rounded healthcare facility needs high-performance MEP systems that save energy and improve hospital performance to ensure proper functioning 24/7.

MEP coordination services will continue to benefit contractors in executing efficient MEP layouts for optimum hospital infrastructure as per healthcare standards and government mandates. When healthcare systems are designed efficiently, their fabrication and installation can be achieved with minimal disruption, leading to the saving of construction costs and time.

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The consumer-driven retail furniture manufacturing market grapples with the need to accommodate fluctuating volumes, manage scarce labor strength and cope with rising infrastructural costs. Offshoring your CAD requirements ensures flexibility, scalability and optimized costs while promising quality designs.

Challenges of mass-customization are forcing retail furniture manufacturers to rethink their design-to-manufacturing workflows to stay more flexible and optimized. Outsourcing CAD drafting to offshore companies give them this flexibility along with cost benefits.

Table of Contents

Retail stores often have very customized and layout specific furniture. To offer greater variety and personalization and ensure cost reduction, retail store fit-out manufacturers look for CAD design drafting partners to reduce engineering lead time.

Challenges faced by retail store furniture manufacturers

Challenges of Furniture Manufacturers

The current situation of the retail furniture industry throws up challenges for manufacturers that include:

All these challenges demand the need of a skilled, reliable and flexible CAD resources to manufacture cost-optimized furniture. Outsourcing of CAD drafting to offshore teams has proven to be a winning formula in facing these challenges.

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How outsourcing CAD drafting helps retail furniture manufacturers

Flexible working methods of offshore CAD drafting teams

Flexible Working Methods of Offshore Teams

Turnaround times for customized furniture are tighter than mass production. Responding to customer inquiries with sales information, getting design approvals, and delivering the product on time requires flexible infrastructure.

This is where offshore CAD drafting teams come into the picture. They can create drawings, customize the models, generate supporting documents, and manage revisions. Their services make time for your in-house team to create new designs, innovation and research, focus on sales, and enhance client communication. Offshore teams comfortably manage revisions as they are structured to accommodate any number of iterations to meet quality benchmarks.

Offshore CAD drafting delivered detail CAD furniture drawings in 72 hours

TrueCADD teams, while working with a retail furniture manufacturer delivered detailed drawings and 3D models in SolidWorks within 72 hours. Project engineers gained in-depth understanding of design intent from conceptual sketches and created drawings as per regional standards.

The project team was split to work in multiple shifts including night times. This helped them leverage the time zone difference between the client’s location in the Netherlands and India. At the end of the project, the furniture manufacturer realized 50% reduced cost and time because of offshore partnership.

Display Furniture Manufacturing Drawings
Display Furniture Manufacturing Drawings
Display Furniture 3D Model
Display Furniture 3D Model
3D Modeling for Display Furniture
3D Modeling for Display Furniture
3D Assembly Model of Display Furniture
3D Assembly Model of Display Furniture

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Scalability and easy ramp-up for on-time delivery

Scalability and Easy Ramp-up for On-time Delivery

Furniture manufacturers often run their operations based on the contracts they receive. So, their workloads fluctuate often, but the team size stays the same. It either leads to delays in delivery or the manufacturing company has to let go lucrative projects.

Outsourcing CAD drafting work in part or full helps to address scalability. By collaborating with an expert CAD outsourcing team, furniture manufacturers can hire CAD drafting resources when needed. As the workload decreases, the extra resources can be put on the bench until new work arrives.

With easy scalability of team size furniture, companies can:

Accelerate manufacturing of furniture and store fixtures
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Controlling the expenditure on furniture CAD drafting

Furniture CAD Drafting

Furniture manufacturing firms spend heavily on acquiring technology, skilled resources, and infrastructure. For instance, to create CAD drawings for furniture manufacturing shop floor, manufacturers acquire dedicated CAD tools. The firm would purchase licenses for 2020 Design for kitchen cabinet projects and SWOOD for another woodworking project. Similarly, it would hire engineers proficient in using these platforms for faster TAT. But when the projects are over, the licenses are of no use until another similar project comes up.

Alternatively, by collaborating with an offshore CAD drafting company, furniture manufacturers get access to:

These facilities offered by the CAD outsourcing firm save the manufacturing company from additional expenses. Secondly, outsourcing firms charge fees per project. Hence, they offer cost-effective CAD solutions. Additionally, when offshoring a major part of design work, costs inevitably come down. This helps control the overall cost of furniture per product.

Offshore CAD teams reduced 60% design costs using SolidWorks

TrueCADD’s SolidWorks experts transformed hand sketches into final manufacturing drawings for a retail furniture store in the UK.

The team followed a knock-down design approach which saved transportation costs by 45%. The outsourcing model further reduced the design costs by 60%.

3D Models and Manufacturing Drawings for Retail Store Fitting Room
3D Models and Manufacturing Drawings for Retail Store Fitting Room
Concept Drawings to CAD Detail Design
Concept Drawings to CAD Detail Design

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Teams with different specializations for quality furniture drawings

Quality Furniture Drawings

We can categorize the entire furniture market into different verticals as per usage and needs. For example, residential furniture is further segmented into living room furniture, kitchen furniture and cabinets, patio, and garden furniture and so and so forth. Again, in garden furniture, the ones used in public parks and in-home gardens, or patios, are different.

All the products follow specific standards, which again change from region to region. In the UK, the manufacturers follow BIFMA while in the USA they have ANSI or AWI for wooden furniture drawings. A designer needs to know these specifications for every industry.

CAD outsourcing firm, like TrueCADD, has teams dedicated to your project. Outsourcing 2D & 3D CAD drafting to these teams gives you an edge in creating accurate furniture products over in-house team.

Some resource advantages offshore CAD drafting firms offer, include:

You get access to domain experts, CAD specialists and other specialized resources to increase overall quality and reduce costs.

How furniture manufacturers can stay lean with CAD outsourcing

With a customer-driven market base retail furniture manufacturer need to cut expenses, ensure quality deliverables and adhere to timelines. Outsourcing of furniture CAD drafting essentially takes care of these aspects because of their teams’ flexibility, scalability, and experience.

Outsourcing CAD drafting companies also quickly develop automation of processes, work inflow, and work assignments. It enhances robust and clear communication between the client and the outsourcing company. By maintaining a two-way communication process across the project lifecycle, outsourcing is set to help furniture manufacturers stay profitable.

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BIM-based prefabricated or precast construction improves productivity and reduces material waste. It decreases field installation time while providing better execution and site-safety.

The high global demand for construction has pushed the AEC industry to build smarter and quicker, and with higher efficiency. To build safe and sustainable structures in shorter timeframes, construction professionals are increasingly adopting BIM-based prefabrication.

BIM-based prefabricated construction ensures material accuracy of elements that are readied in a factory.

Using BIM, prefabricated components can be standardized, saved as Revit® families and used as and when needed for speedy construction. Drawings extracted from clash-free and coordinated LOD 400 BIM structural models are precise, resulting in accurate installation of pre-fabricated components.

Prefabricated or precast construction based on BIM reduces field time, improves building quality with better finishing, augments safety, and is more environment-friendly as it reduces material waste.

Model-driven Prefabrication

Recently Elon Musk, rented a prefab foldable house from SpaceX with a 20 X 20 footprint and 9.5 ft high ceiling, which was more efficient than traditional homes and cost just $50,000.

In this blog, we take a look at the challenges faced in traditional methods of construction and how prefabrication using BIM can overcome these challenges.

Specific challenges of traditional methods for prefab/precast construction

Traditionally, architects, engineers, and construction professionals depended on 2D or CAD-based technical drawings to visualize plans, elevations, sections, and other aspects of a structure. This approach carried risks of negative project outcomes during fabrication and construction.

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Benefits of adopting BIM based pre-fabrication / precast construction

Prefabricated components can be standardized and saved as BIM Revit families

BIM-based prefabrication or precasting helps to reduce the time lost in preparing component assemblies containing complex factors. Precast components such as beams, columns, stairs, walls, slabs, façade walls etc. can be prepared and saved as BIM Revit families.

These can be used as and when needed for future projects or cross-utilization. It helps stakeholders to gain detailed 360-degree visualization, enhanced multidisciplinary clash-free coordination and in data-driven decision making.

Proper sequencing with unique numbers of all components for accurate assembly

Each prefabricated component is given a unique number/ID for erection/assembly, as per standards. The use of unique IDs for these precast elements, with precise sequencing and detailed data integrated in the QR code, makes onsite assembly easier and more accurate.

Once all the elements are assigned unique numbers, the details are included in each erection floor plan for onsite cross referencing and speedier assembly without errors.

3D precast model with 5mm coordination saves time for a residential project

Building Perspective View

A precast manufacturer needed a 3D BIM model with LOD 450, Rebar shop drawings of concrete elements and Bar Bending Schedules. The team at TrueCADD created a clash free and coordinated 3D BIM model using Revit® and BIM 360® for accurate precast element manufacturing and installation.

The fully clash coordination model under 5mm for M60 concrete grade with 100% accuracy, lead to time and cost savings for the client. With a unique ID for each structural element, the client was able to gain faster erection with proper sequencing and planning.

BIM-based shop and IFC drawings add precision to prefabricated construction

Coordinated and clash-free 3D models undergo rigorous design and quality checks through automation tools like Dynamo, plugins, or APIs. A typical use case would be the finding of minor clashes in structural junctions such as junctions of beams, columns and slab intersections. Also, extraction of 2D shop drawings and IFC drawings from interference-free and approved 3D models helps in greater prefabrication accuracy.

With every piece of component information mentioned and highlighted, prefabrication experts can achieve precise and seamless prefabrication at offsite facilities.

Structural model at LOD 450 saves costs and time for an Asian office building

Structure Model

A leading precast manufacturing company required a structural model at LOD 450 and rebar modeling for an office building in India. The team at TrueCADD created a fully coordinated Revit structural mode with accurate documentation, bar bending scheduling, as well as a full sheet setup.

The BIM based drawings enabled the precast manufacturers to save on costs and time.

Offsite component manufacturing improves quality and increases longevity

An onsite construction environment has a high density of construction equipment, labor, and other building resources. Manufacturing components on site can lead to fabrication hazards, poor collaboration, and low-quality components. It is also difficult to control weather conditions when elements are fabricated on site.

Deploying prefabrication processes in an offsite or controlled environment improves safety conditions in the manufacture and assembly of components. The components are also fully cured for 21+ days under ideal moisture, light, wind and temperature best suitable for the concrete type and grade. This ensures that buildings are weatherproof and strong with better finishes. With no interference from external factors like weather, non-essential construction equipment, labor, etc. manufacturers can achieve quality fabrication.

Factory owners today even guarantee 150+ years longevity of a structure created with prefabricated construction, which is much higher than the 50-60 years of lifespans in buildings constructed by traditional methods.

Accurate concrete casting based on BIM models causes minimal wastage

Precast construction or offsite fabrication of various building equipment supported by accurate and complete BIM deliverables improves concrete casting. Dimensionally and spatially accurate 2D drawings reinforce higher manufacturing reliability, leading to zero rework. Detailed mentions and descriptions of building components in fabrication drawings leave no room for any kind of material waste.

Quick offsite prefabrication of regular elements improves logistics, and the movement of materials required for fabrication and installation. Reduction in material waste leads to higher cost savings and lower construction time.

Prefabricated construction saves $4 million for a housing project in US

Structure Model

Coliseum Connections is a housing project located near public transit. A 110-unit multifamily project comprising 50% affordable housing and 50% market-price housing was being built.

Compared to the traditional stick-built method, the use of prefabrication saved $4 million in construction costs and reduced the construction schedule by 4 months.

Coordinated LOD 400 BIM models enable accurate installation of prefab elements

BIM-based processes and tools focus on 3D modeling capabilities with preemptive clash identification and resolution capabilities. Clearing up various clashes that include hard, soft, and workflow interferences early in the pre-construction stage reduces onsite clashes.

Prefabrication and installation drawings derived from coordinated and clash-free 3D models at LOD 400 ensure that prefabricated members are well-coordinated with all other services and are professionally installed in the proper locations. This leaves no room for coordination issues, onsite clashes, costly rework, or construction delays.

Yale University has used prefabricated construction for temporary space during the construction of the new campus building and the Political Science department.

Reduced carbon footprint with lower site disturbances and managed material

An accurate estimate of materials used to manufacture components leads to a lower carbon footprint and environment-friendly fabrication. Fewer site disturbances with skilled resources and high-end machines ensure efficient fabrication, and smooth assembly of multiple components.

High-quality fabrication leads to enhanced construction sustainability and reliability for stakeholders in the construction industry.

The US and European prefabrication and modular construction market is estimated to produce an annual savings of USD 22 billion by 2030.

Source: Gihub.org

Reduce costs and material waste with precise concrete pour cycles.

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Performance of prefabricated construction over the next few years

Prefabrication is a promising tool for lean construction. Prefabricated construction is focused on harmonizing multiple equipment or systems, automation, and optimization, mass customization, reducing thermal bridges, time capacities, etc.

With the global Covid pandemic and the need for immediate healthcare facilities, prefabrication has been a boon in building quick and durable hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Amongst various prefabrication types, precast has gained significant traction and value within a brief period. Prefabricated architecture at a modular scale lowers the final costs and reduces high-volume work. Use of prefab in building structures with BIM and VDC generates a greater ROI for a project. High-performance prefabrication architecture will continue to drive greater productivity, enhanced quality, cost predictability and improved client satisfaction.

Conclusion

Over the years, prefabricated buildings, and building parts, have entered the arsenal of modern and large construction firms. BIM has ensured precise installation and assembly of the parts on site making the construction process leaner, safer and less time-consuming.

Prefabricated construction is set to increase by 6% globally by the end of 2022.

Prefabrication will continue to evolve and serve as a key to efficiency and productivity in construction projects of all sizes. Together, BIM and prefabrication will help the construction industry achieve better construction quality, productivity, and safer and more sustainable building structures.

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Design iterations, customization, and communication gaps add significantly to manufacturing costs. Design automation helps navigate these challenges by eliminating delays and ensuring accuracy in fabrication drawings and sales quotes.

Addressing customization is critical for industries like metal fabrication. Any small tooling error or mistake can have cascading effects and ruin budgets. For manufacturers and fabricators, design automation solves mass customization challenges by accelerating lead times and optimizing cost and quality.

Pain points for metal fabricators when adopting customization

Some customization complaints we hear all the time from our clients:

“Our design teams take forever to create drawings. And without updated drawings on the shop floor, project timelines keep getting pushed ahead. Even after investing several hours, design errors still remain.” – Global Design Head, Retail Store Furniture Manufacturer, Europe

“My sales team is out in the field selling products that my shop floor can’t manufacture. Fixing this takes another week, and the customer is disappointed!” – Project Engineer, Tank Manufacturer, USA

“Every customer wants a different kitchen look. Calculating costs for customized products is crazy. We can’t share accurate quotes at such short notice!” – Project Manager, Hydraulics Equipment Manufacturer, Australia

Elongated Customization Process

All of the above translate to time-taking customization processes that impact speed, quality and cost of manufacturing.

Two ways to automate engineering designs to enhance fabrication efficiencies
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Design automation controls manufacturing costs by addressing mass customization

From a manufacturer’s perspective, customization means creating variants of the same product with distinct looks and features. While most of the primary designs and rules of creating the product remain the same, the customer gets the control to define parameters like dimensions, size, color, finish, etc. to increase end-user participation in the design process.

Automates repetitive design tasks to save time and, hence, cost

With sheet metal products such as retail store shelves, you can create a box-shaped structure and other features such as compartments, accessories etc. can be added later. This increases the total design time with increased project cost.

automates repetitive design tasks

But if we analyze these shelves, almost all of them are fundamentally the same – a basic box-shaped structure with accessories. Design automation leverages this intelligence by creating a master model once and setting up rules to customize it later. You don’t have to spend time creating models and getting approvals each time.

Even your customers can directly create different cabinets with different input choices of the number of shelves, doors, closure, handles, veneers, etc. The customer can get a 3D model within a few clicks, finalize the design, and deliver accurate manufacturing drawings to meet predefined timelines.

DriveWorks design automation accelerates engineering lead time for furniture manufacturer

One of our clients, a European furniture manufacturer, had a range of furniture products and their main issue was that every drawing was documented in 2D. These AutoCAD® files were difficult to interpret during customization, as they lacked design comprehension. To eliminate these challenges, we implemented DriveWorks to develop customized product design models.

It resulted in:

By automating repetitive design tasks, fabricators can eliminate time spent in designing and push the design to the shop floor faster. Faster fabrication directly lowers the overall costs per product. Also, since every design is generated through automated rules and verified parameters, quality assurance is of the highest level and spares you from reworks.

Reduces material waste and brings down total project expenses

Many a time, sales teams end up overselling customizations to satisfy customers. At times these are beyond the metal fabrication capabilities of the shop. To meet delivery orders, design engineers are forced to spend additional metal sheets and correspondingly incur higher costs to meet new customizations.

Reduces material waste

A product configurator developed using design automation rules, on the other hand, syncs the entire workflow and provides a central collaborative platform. It can integrate with your business systems like ERP, CLM, CRM, and CAD platforms for seamless coordination between sales and engineering.

Once the order is confirmed, either by the sales team or the customer, the configurator releases manufacturing drawings and documents immediately. Simultaneously, it also readies the nesting reports for metal sheets to ensure optimum use of raw materials.

You can save 100s of design hours with product configurators
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Quick and accurate quotation for sales to set pricing

In sheet metal product fabrication, customer inputs and design changes are very common until fabrication starts. But configurators with integrated CAD platforms have provisions for incorporating last-minute changes. Since all customizations are from pre-approved rules and constraints, they don’t need to pass through approvals and custom prices can be auto-calculated.

Quick and accurate quotation

Logical rules built into the design automation platforms like DriveWorks prevent sales reps from making sub-optimal pricing or costly errors. This reduces product return rates, lower chargebacks, and higher customer satisfaction.

Through configurators, sales reps have updated information about raw materials, machine occupancy and capabilities, pricing, parts availability, etc. The customer gets realistic product expectations with delivery dates and the sales team sells only what their machines can make.

Pressure tank manufacturer cuts quotation cycle time with DriveWorks configurator

A pressure vessel manufacturer was on the verge of losing orders unless it could shorten quotation cycles. TrueCADD’s DriveWorks specialists developed a sheet metal tank configurator for the client to allow their customers to select accessories and specify mounting, features, etc. BOMs for the customized order along with sales quote and 3D model was displayed on the screen to update the customer.

It helped the manufacturer achieve:

Need for design automation in the coming times

As the manufacturing industry embraces data connectivity for machines and robotic processes for manufacturing, the shop floor operations have become quick and accurate. To meet these needs, fabricators need to feed 100% accurate drawings to CNC machines at a rate that is demanded by the shop floor.

At the same time, customers need a touch of personalization for all their products. Traditional design methods fall short in meeting timelines and accuracy to address both these needs.

Design automation through logical rules, macros and product configurators help manufacturers meet the shop floor needs rising from a smart factory. It is, in fact, the first step to gear up for smart factor needs.

Read how to leverage DriveWorks to reduce manufacturing lead times
Read more here →

Automating designs for faster and efficient fabrication is the way forward

Design automation frees up engineers’ time that is usually spent in repetitive modeling and drafting tasks. These tasks not only consume time but also increase overall manufacturing costs by spending metal sheets for testing new customizations.

By implementing design automation, your teams can reprioritize their energy and channelize it for more productive work like new design development. It can visibly accelerate metal fabrication processes on the shop floor and help manage resources better. The effects can be seen across the company with reduced overall manufacturing costs.

Eliminate repetitive tasks and reduce total fabrication costs

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Point cloud modeling empowers general contractors with the right tools to conduct detailed building analysis and identify discrepancies between as-built and as-designed models. The detailed insights enable informed and smarter construction decisions.

Soaring renovation costs by up to 50% in the last decade has compelled contractors to walk a tight rope on resource utilization. Whether it is renovation, conservation or restoration of buildings, cost and time overruns are suicidal. The need to preserve aesthetic and structural value for as-built structures further adds to the challenges.

A 360 degree visualization of the entire renovation area with a detailed and accurate building assessment gives clarity of scope and specifications and paves the way for minimal iterations. Contractors today are increasingly relying on point cloud technology and Point Cloud Conversion to 3D Modeling to drive high-quality, resource-optimized restoration and renovation projects for as-built conditions.

Point cloud scans converted to 3D Revit® BIM models provide enhanced visualization with detailed damage analysis. Extraction of accurate and detailed construction documents and as-built drawings from the models offer greater project clarity, enhance collaboration and save on cost and time.

renovation-challenges-faced-by-contractors

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Top 5 reasons why point cloud modeling is important for general contractors

1. Greater accuracy with detailed scans converted to 3D BIM models

Documenting maximum corners of the renovation site with granular detailing is crucial for contractors to build optimal designs. Non-invasive techniques like point cloud scanning including scan to BIM modeling help contractors develop a future-proof layout by capturing detailed dimensions, materials and position of building objects.

Point cloud scans converted to information-rich 3D models, offer a 360 degree visualization that enables contractors to gain error-free layouts of the area to be reconstructed.

Accurate point cloud to BIM documentation improves collaboration for an education institute in UK

Scan to BIM Conversion

A UK based company needed conversion of laser scans to a point cloud BIM model for an educational institute.

The team at TrueCADD created a coordinated 3D BIM model to help client save on cost and time with detailed and accurate documentation. The digital documentation further helped increase collaboration among stakeholders.

2. As-built drawings improve area planning for renovation projects

Point cloud modeling converts scans of curves and extrusions of areas to be worked on, into precise As-Built 3D models with detailed size and shape. With accurate space and area calculations, contractors can make informed decisions such as reusing MEP piping etc. to gain a more cost-effective construction process.

Point cloud to BIM modeling increases construction speed for a heritage building in Milan

Point cloud to BIM modeling

Milan’s Cathedral is a classic example of how point cloud modeling can be used to renovate or restore a heritage building using various software such as Rhino, Grasshopper, ArchiCAD, and Revit®. The goal of this point cloud modeling project was testing the performance and behavior of these tools based on parameters like import, view, editing, 3D modeling, parameterization, interoperability, etc. Based on results observed whilst working on these tools, Revit was the most effective and efficient platform for augmented visualization, modeling speed, 4D capabilities, data management, and parameterization.

Source: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/55259888.pdf (Milan’s cathedral)

3. Better damage analysis with enhanced visualization

For effective and accurate renovation it is crucial to assess the damage of the built heritage over hundreds of years. Visualizing the entire monument site in 3D space helps contractors get better damage analysis. Major structural deformation, or building object placements can be viewed through millions of points visualized and highlighted in a coordinated 3D model.

Accurate and detailed visualization supported by 3D modeling enables effective and efficient decision-making.

Accurate damage analysis saves construction time for architectural company in Europe

point-cloud-to-3d-cad-revit-model

Revit experts at TrueCADD created a 3D CAD model with architectural modeling for a Europe-based company. With a need to demolish a section and renovate it based on a new design, the precise 3D model helped the client save construction time, and achieve accurate load calculations for the new building.

Save costs with detailed damage analysis with 3D Revit models.

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4. Improved planning with as-built drawings extracted from 3D Revit models

Contractors can leverage 3D model-extracted section drawings to create site plans, ceiling plans, etc. As-built drawings provide contractors with information such as plans, sections, and elevations which are important for building restoration. Plan drawings include all details such as plan details, site plans, roof plans, etc. while elevation drawings include interior elevations, elevation details, etc.

As-built drawings extracted from 3D models are accurate and detailed and enable contractors to improve planning and decision-making to optimize the building reconstruction.

52% of rework is caused by poor project data and miscommunication.

Autodesk® + FMI

Accurate conversion of laser scans to CAD drawings saves time and cost for a company in France

Point Cloud to CAD Conversion

A French company required data of a mining site that was scanned by drones to be converted into CAD drawings.

The team at TrueCADD created accurate documentation as per required standards. This helped the client save time and cost using an easy and safe workflow for mine digging operations.

5. Digital reconstruction using 3D models preserves aesthetic value

3D models built on standardized industry codes promote higher accuracy and efficiency. Contractors can generate construction plans and layouts without destroying the integrity of the building. Annotated 3D visualization to add or modify the existing site helps contractors focus on alterations, repairs, occupancy, etc.

Digital reconstruction to achieve fully-functional building integrated with real-time walkthroughs enables stakeholders to interact with building components before actual renovation begins. With greater project clarity, stakeholders can make more informed decisions and ensure that the aesthetic value of building is maintained.

3D Scan to BIM model ensures timely and within budget completion of renovation for a heritage building

bimcs-point-cloud-bim-modeling-16th-century-heritage-monument-uk

A laser scanning service provider from the UK approached TrueCADD for scan to BIM conversion of a 16th-century heritage monument. Navigating around renovation challenges, the team built a LOD 400 Revit BIM model for improved renovation purposes and facilities management. Built on the pre-existing layout, the client was able to use the 3D model to extract accurate material quantity, manpower budget, and restoration timelines.

Futuristic view: Reinforcing point cloud to BIM with AR/VR to enhance project speed and accuracy

VR has become an invaluable addition in the field of construction. AR/VR visualization of 3D point cloud to BIM models enables contractors to understand context, emphasize collaboration, and diminish ambiguities. Contractors working on the renovation of complex monuments can validate point cloud to BIM models in an immersive 3D representation through detailed realism.

Collating data from a BIM mock-up with 3D point clouds in a virtual setup improves the renovation or restoration process. Real time visualization of the renovation site at a 1:1 scale helps stakeholders merge planned and actual workflows. VR software helps visualize the duality of data sets in a virtual environment.

Contractors can boost their business bottom lines by visualizing schedule and cost data in real-time following an immersive experience. The adoption of AR/VR drives multi-stakeholder collaboration for renovation reviews, better cost management, and faster decision-making. Democratizing data on a single platform helps architects convey what has been built as per the actual design intent.

Conclusion

The potential of point cloud modeling is limitless for contractors. As greater number of buildings require renovation or restoration, contractors need to adopt point cloud to BIM modeling at the earliest to check the feasibility of extension or expansion of projects.

Reality data capture reinforced with BIM modeling will benefit contractors in providing cost-effective Point Cloud to BIM Services with quick turnaround time and gain a competitive edge in the AEC sector.

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SolidWorks is a proven CAD platform for creating sheet metal design drawings with a lot of design detailing. SolidWorks drafting, with a range of features and functions, addresses the challenges of personalization, reduce engineering design time, optimize quality and hep conformity to design standards.

The efficiency of sheet metal fabrication projects lies in the preciseness of the design briefing by the CAD shop. With increasing personalization of products, design briefs get more detailed and specific. The final designs hence go through a series of iterative processes before being released to the machine shop.

2D drafting is extremely time-consuming and inept at handling this level of design detailing and specificity. This is where 3D CAD platforms play a critical role.

solidworks market leading cad platform
Source: Partsolutions.com

With speed, flexibility, and precision in design drafting, 3D offers a winning edge to small and medium-sized sheet metal fabricators. Parametric features and sheet metal modeling in SolidWorks reduce iterations to accelerate design development. They also factor in shop floor processes to develop design drafting seamlessly.

Challenges for sheet metal fabricators

Creating great design and drawings call for multiple skills, a knowledge bank of manufacturing processes and materials, a need for cost consciousness, and a brief of manufacturing capabilities. A sheet metal designer, thus wears multiple hats to deliver optimized, manufacturable and robust designs that are consistent with fabrication methods and operational conditions.

Some of the challenges that SME sector manufacturers face:

SolidWorks offers a good fitment covering end-to-end drafting needs right from concept development to detailed technical drafting. It has a set of tools dedicated to sheet metal design drafting that can help create parts with ease.

Find out how CAD drafting resolves sheet metal fabrication challenges.
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How SolidWorks revolutionizes sheet metal design and drafting

Let’s look at some of the benefits of using SolidWorks specifically for sheet metal design and drafting:

Flexibility

SolidWorks offers the flexibility to design the part as a 3D model (non-sheet metal) and later convert it into sheet metal to incorporate DFM requirements. The designer can also start with sheet metal directly if the component is simple and all features are well planned.

The order of design preference to be followed while creating sheet metal parts from a 3D model:

Intuitive design

SolidWorks 3D intuitive design for sheet metal gives you the design flexibility to produce sheet metal parts and accurate virtual prototypes. It is important in sheet metal design that designers should plan their design approach.

TrueCADD’s sheet metal design experts adopted a flexible top-down approach for 3D modeling and drafting of hoppers and walkway for a recycling plant. It empowered the manufacturer to accelerate engineering cycle and increase deliverables to an average volume of 55 hoppers/month.

Walkways Model
Handrail Drawing

User friendly sheet metal modeling features of SolidWorks

Ideally, a single 3D model for sheet metal products should have comprehensive design features to ensure clear design intent communication. For example, a typical sheet metal part model can have more than 20 features. This shows the need for an efficient CAD platform like SolidWorks with specific sheet metal design drafting features.

SolidWorks has provisions to:

Transform metal sheets into flawless products with error-free CAD detailing
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Ease in design drafting and modeling

The user-friendly program interface in SolidWorks allows the design engineer to complete the model in a progressive manner with required level of design detailing.

SolidWorks helps designer with:

Efficient engineering documentation

While creating sheet metal parts, the designer needs to perform several technical tasks along with basic 3D sheet metal modeling.

SolidWorks offers:

Scalable software architecture

The overall software architecture of 3D CAD SolidWorks is scalable and flexible with many customizable scripts, macros, and plug-ins. It also allows integration of external application, for sales, and manufacturing through APIs. It has a relatively simpler user interface and hence you need minimal training and maintenance.

Using SolidWorks you can:

Advanced applications of SolidWorks with design automation

SolidWorks has extended applications that meet the requirements of digital product life cycle and manufacturing ecosystems. It allows companies to go from concept design to prototype and manufacturing faster than ever before.

Manufacturing Ecosystems
Source: blogs.solidworks.com

3D visualization with a high-level rendering for product marketing and sales

With SolidWorks Visualize, the designer can accurately simulate a real-world environment with lighting and advanced materials. High-level rendering allows 360-degree spins and animation of models in real-time.

All this enhances user experience, sales effectiveness and collaboration across the value chain.

Development of an interactive configurator

SolidWorks with DriveWorks allows designers and manufacturers to create CTO-based product offerings with the help of visual product configurator. Advanced configurators not only incorporate product mix but also automate the workflow from sales order to manufacturing.

This digitizes the manufacturing process. The configurator generates quick documents like quotes, drawings and Bill of Materials (BOM) for sales, manufacturing and supply chain.

Looking for other ways to automate designs for custom sheet metal products?
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Seamless design collaboration of MBD with different teams

Using SolidWorks MBD, the designer can create 3D model and assemblies. These can be used to create 3D drawings with manufacturing specifications.

The embedded information is directly fetched from the model by various users like manufacturing, suppliers, and sales teams. It speeds up manufacturing with accuracy and high-level collaboration.

Industry-wise usage of Dassault SolidWorks

Today, more than 6,300,000 product designers and engineers across 300,000 companies use SolidWorks for better tomorrow. It is highly popular among companies having 10-50 employees and 1M-10M US$ in revenue. Here is a breakup of SolidWorks usage by industries in the USA.

dassault-solidworks_industry
Source: Enlyft.com

Wrapping Up

With SolidWorks, you can design and create detailed drawings with agility and precision. It remains one of the most widely used and trusted CAD tools for most designers and manufacturers around the world. By teaming up with expert CAD drafters, sheet metal fabricators can make the most of advanced features offered by the tool and remain cost effective.

SolidWorks helps create deliverables for sheet metal detailing that are both, durable and elegant with the inbuilt intelligence of DFM rules. Moreover, with advanced applications like MBD and product configuration of SolidWorks, manufacturers can not only improve the design and manufacturing value chain but also extend the benefits to other functions like sales and marketing.

Explore the benefits of SolidWorks drafting for sheet metal fabrication

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MEP BIM coordinated models deliver deep collaborated insights into design and constructability issues for all stakeholders. Through enhanced visualization of the MEP ecosystem, they enable early inter-disciplinary clash-identification and resolution, driving optimized building system designs.

Design and installation of MEP systems are one of the more complex construction processes, calling for a high level of detailing and synchronization. Building design and quality problems including interdisciplinary clashes hit building contractors when the MEP layouts do not fit into the final design.

Accurate content-rich MEP BIM models help effective and optimized layout for fabrication and installation of MEP equipment. Early conflict detection and resolution facilitated by an MEP coordinated model also improves spatial coordination and constructability of a building. Being able to visualize the results in three dimensional coordinated MEP spaces helps building contractors build a unified MEP ecosystem.

Collaboration between architectural, structural, and MEP trades through three dimensional BIM models keeps everyone on the same page on design insights. Extraction of shop drawings from a coordinated Revit® BIM model drives improved fabrication and installation of MEP components, ensuring structurally sound and sustainable buildings.

In this blog, we talk about the factors affecting the building design and quality of MEP systems and how MEP BIM coordination improves building design and quality.

advantages of mep bim coordination

Factors affecting the design and quality of MEP systems

For complex and large-scale construction projects, building contractors are often challenged with issues such as modifications to MEP systems after designs have been approved. Even minor changes can result in inaccurate MEP layouts, impacting the overall construction. For instance, large equipment placed later on in an already spatially coordinated area, can lead to design and quality failure.

Unproductive activities eat into 30% of construction costs.

Here are some factors affecting the building quality and design of MEP systems

How MEP BIM coordination improves building design and quality

Defining conflicts at the design stage through 3D MEP coordination eliminates clashes later on during the actual onsite construction. It enables efficient and integrated project delivery for better building.

MEP coordination ensures proper placement of equipment, electric conduit, ceiling, elevations and support systems, insulations, wall openings, etc. which ultimately results in hassle-free onsite installations. Through coordinated processes and workflows, contractors can mitigate risks of wasting material and labor, increase site safety, and meet deadlines for onsite installation with better accuracy.

Based on a survey by Dodge Data and Analytics, 59% of the contractors feel an integrated MEP workflow delivers better design quality.

MEP coordinated models ensure accuracy in design constructability

Design or content validation lays a strong design foundation in the preconstruction stage. Building a coordinated 3D model in Revit with parametric capabilities enables real-time modification tracking. Being able to access and share updated model content that includes elevation, sections, views, LOD, etc. ensures design accuracy is upheld.

2D CAD to 3D conversion with information-rich 3D models promotes greater design performance. Difficult to visualize or cramped up spaces are better represented with realistic components using accurate annotations and dimensions.

Nearly 61% of MEP trades use BIM for constructability evaluation and to make better design decisions regarding inter-disciplinary clashes.

3D coordinated MEP model at LOD 300 improves design constructability for a healthcare facility, Australia

An MEP BIM modeling project was outsourced to TrueCADD for Hospital construction. The client required a 3D coordinated BIM model at LOD 300. With 2D plumbing drawings provided as project input, the team at TrueCADD built a coordinated 3D model for plumbing layout and hydronic equipment. Detailed drainage systems for upper and underground drainage were visualized and validated to make informed decisions for improved design constructability.

Detailed MEP 3D Model

Detailed MEP 3D Model

Revit MEP 3D Modeling

Revit MEP 3D Modeling

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3D MEP models reduce design errors between trades with greater visibility & coordination

Individual trades such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing integrated into one federated model improve coordination. Checking for various design inconsistencies in a 3D environment drives greater visibility. Real-time walkthroughs enriched with AR/VR assist building contractors to visualize the dimensions and location of MEP equipment. Ambiguities can be identified, highlighted, and resolved to improve coordination outcomes.

3D modeling and coordination of various systems such as HVAC ducts, mechanical piping, electrical components, sanitary systems, fire protection systems, etc. promote informed decision making. Clear and accurate visualization of essential spaces for MEP installation for room layout, ceilings, riser locations, etc. reduces design errors between multiple trades.

Early clash resolution eliminates rework leading to better design performance

Rework points to inefficient design and inferior building quality. Ignoring MEP clashes in the design stage can lead to design failures at every project stage. 3D MEP coordination eliminates the need for rework through pre-emptive clash detection and resolution. Disconnected MEP systems can create a serious malfunction in the overall performance of the building. Identifying soft, hard, and workflow clashes and storing them in viewpoints accelerates the clash detection process whilst realizing greater design performance.

Clash-free MEP model reduces rework for a commercial project, USA

TrueCADD were outsourced an MEP BIM modeling project to create a coordinated BIM 3D MEP model for commercial construction. CAD & PDF files containing 2D MEP drawings were provided as input to begin the project. Navigating around challenges that included missing technicalities, complex 2D to 3D conversion, etc. a coordinated 3D MEP model was handed over to the client. The client leveraged the coordinated and clash-free MEP model to smoothen the MEP installation process.

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BIM model-based shop drawings help fabricators build spatially accurate MEP components

Shop drawings for various MEP systems are crucial deliverables for fabricators to manufacture spatially accurate MEP equipment. Coordinated and clash-free 3D MEP models help contractors extract model-based shop drawings to reduce installation conflicts. BIM-driven MEP coordination reduces the numbers of RFIs and change orders leading to a better understanding of design and construction intent. This leads to greater building quality through efficient design workflows.

MEP coordinated drawings lead to 100% MEP component installation for airport facility, Muscat

TrueCADD built a clash-free 3D LOD 400 model supported by MEP coordination drawings for an airport project. With proactive clash identification, the client could save $7 million, achieve 100% MEP installation, reduce field conflicts, and change orders.

Material choice based on Revit libraries for MEP ensures better building quality

Material choices are important for sustainable designs and construction. Parametric Revit families ensure resolution and compatibility with multiple trades to enhance MEP component routing. With the shelf life of every MEP component extended and excessive run times reduced with accurate fabrication and installation, building contractors can reduce operating costs.

Fabricators can use standardized and custom Revit libraries, to better fabricate precision components. Sub-contractors use them to improve building insulation and reduce lag.

Based on a survey by Dodge Data and Analytics, 76% of the contractors feel an integrated MEP workflow delivers better schedule performance.

Improving building design and quality with MEP generative designing using automation

Generative designs enriched with parametric modeling tools can help design professionals spin up optimized model prototypes. AI or machine learning algorithms based on various design parameters can create multiple model versions for the best possible outcome. Designers and engineers are increasingly using the power of Revit Automation reinforced by Dynamo, APIs, and Plugins to create quick and error-free designs.

Agile workflows weed out repetitive tasks and enhance design efficiencies. Customized code scripting helps validate design integrity, automate manufacturing compliance, and manage BIM uniformity. Workflow automation, customized interfaces, automated conflict identification etc. help promote productivity and derive greater value for building contractors.

Conclusion

Sustainability is pivotal to building construction projects. Streamlining onsite MEP installation with “first time right” MEP design, fabrication, and reduced field conflicts helps stakeholders make informed decisions and save millions of dollars. The right Revit MEP BIM services partner can enhance building design through MEP coordination to project a clear picture of what needs to be built, manufactured, and constructed.

Precisely marked locations in MEP documentation exhibit reliable and consistent functions for onsite installation. Exceeding design expectations for seamless and high-quality construction helps set the baseline to meet client needs. If you’re looking for MEP BIM coordination services to foster accuracy and efficiency through every project stage, contact TrueCADD today!

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MEP shop drawings drive accurate fabrication and installation through precise and detailed information and advanced visualization that clearly communicate design intent. Extraction of detailed drawings from Revit®, for each MEP component, ramps up project speed and streamlines construction.

In an extremely competitive construction market, delays, budget overshoots and quality compromises can cripple project efficiencies and ROIs. MEP contractors must ensure seamless and true to design fabrication and installation of every MEPF component – be it mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or fire protection.

Spatially coordinated MEP shop drawings with granular details related to dimensions, design specifications and standards help onsite teams execute as-is design intent. The detailing and cross functional visualization enable clash-free fabrication and MEP component installation.

MEP shop drawings extracted from Revit models also facilitate ease of coordination of contractors with suppliers, fabricators and manufacturers for MEP installations. The finer component-level detailing they provide related to turning, bending, welding, assembling, etc. help accurate and safe fabrication. Through minimal iterations, they ensure on time project completion and controlled costs.

In this blog we discuss the challenges faced by building contractors with legacy processes and the advantages of MEP shop drawings for them.

The MEP challenges faced by building contractors

Opening up walls or ceilings to install connections or relocating equipment at a later stage could cause costly rework. MEP shop drawings effectively minimize this by enabling higher first time right MEP installations.

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Benefits of MEP shop drawings for building contractors

Accurate component installation with model-based MEP shop drawings

Extraction of accurate and information-packed MEP shop drawings from coordinated and clash-free Revit 3D BIM models assists contractors with precise MEP installation. With every MEP component, detailed, annotated and tagged for representation and final assembly, contractors can visualize MEP components from every angle. Step-by-step directions, exhaustive material lists, etc. guide contractors to achieve hassle-free installation.

“The improved communication and exceptional accuracy from BIM workflow allow for detailed, precise shop drawings and improved productivity across project lifecycles.”
– Autodesk

productivity-using-bim

MEP shop drawings extracted from BIM models help manufacturers and fabricators in error-free fabrication and installation of MEP components at an offsite location. With every dimension, material specification, and other information mentioned accurately, fabricators can manufacture MEP components. General contractors can capitalize on this capability to reduce onsite installation time and lower project costs leading to an improved overall project ROI.

Better design intent and visualization

Design objectives are crucial details that require attention in the early design stage or preconstruction stage. Clear visualization of an MEP layout and components through standardized codes creates a better standpoint for MEP engineers and specialists to gain greater control over project design.

Coordinated MEP shop drawings catch discrepancies before they occur on site by leveraging dimensional accuracy of fabricated components. This ensure seamless installations and promotes enhances constructability.

detailed design workflow

Efficient budget planning with detailed information about MEP components

Accurate accounting of MEP components or systems for large-scale and complex construction projects is a core requirement for effective and efficient cost planning. General contractors face a series of challenges when it comes to presenting accurate MEP component budgets. MEP shop drawings are an excellent source of information to precisely determine the cost of materials needed for fabrication.

Preventing material wastage is a decisive factor to optimize costs. Overspending on materials can lead to project costs going over budget, or underspending on inferior materials can compromise building quality. Efficient cost planning is supported by accurate scheduling of MEP components onsite. Getting logistics to comply with building schedules enriched with walkthrough sequencing diminishes workflow clashes leading to quick and transparent MEP installation.

“MEP shop drawings consist of diagrams, dimensions, geometric forms, schedules, material, notes and illustrations of prefabrication and field installations, detailed part assemblies, etc.”

Detailed MEP shop drawings drive cost savings for European plant room project

A European BIM consultant approached TrueCADD for Revit models with detailed MEP shop drawings for a plant room. The input files shared included 2D files and manufacturing details of MEP equipment.

The clash-free 3D MEP model and shop drawings generated for the plant room layout drove informed decision-making on the project as well as saved on costs.

3D MEP Modeling Revit
MEP 3D Modeling for Plant Room

Standardize products with Revit MEP libraries

An exhaustive data-set of Revit MEP libraries for modeling and 2D shop drawings draws better accuracy reinforced with project specifications. System and loadable Revit families for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire-fighting components make shop drawings:

Customized MEP Revit libraries simulate real-world functions and ensure high quality and quick turnaround within projected costs. With complete metadata and product literature that includes technical datasheets, industry standards like COBie, model type, etc. fabricators and building contractors can collaborate effectively and efficiently.

Construction documents continue to get worse, and that’s impacting mechanical contractors greatly…BIM improves communication with the team onsite and helps get them ahead of potential change orders.
— Josh Bone, National Electrical Contractors Association, Director of Industry Innovation

Better collaboration with integrated workflows via MEP BIM models

MEP BIM models are driven by exhaustive collaboration from various trades. A single, coordinated, and clash-free 3D Revit MEP model assists stakeholders with better documentation and construction outcomes. Integrated workflows from an early design make sure general contractors receive accurate and high-quality deliverables to ease the onsite installation of MEP systems.

Integrated MEP workflows save time and cost for an Asian company

An Asian pre-cast manufacturing company required a coordinated Revit structure model for an office building.

revit structure model

The team of experts at TrueCADD delivered a clash-free Revit 3D model at LOD 450 for architectural, structural and MEP disciplines. Detailed construction drawings extracted from the MEP model promoted better collaboration and ensured streamlined installation and fabrication. The first time right installations, reduced material waste and timely deliveries increased project efficiency.

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The future – Use of robotics in MEP drawings

BIM-embedded construction robots can handle mundane or dangerous tasks, improving safety increasing performance on the construction site. The Building information model data could be used as a map for the robots working on site. It can be operated with minimal assistance and supervision and mitigate the risk of expensive errors.

Robotic Total Stations (RTS) and handheld devices like smartphones or tablets can be used to accurately pinpoint hanger positions through lasers. Using 3D visualization, points can be identified and marked. Operators are given directions of the distance between various points to mark points and move ahead. Lasers precisely pointing locations saves on rework and diminishes project delays.

Some of the benefits of robotic-driven MEP drawings and workflows include:

A combo of Robots can also be used to report from the field to the project office via cloud computing resulting in increased productivity within budget and schedule.

Conclusion

MEP shop drawings serve as another set of eyes for building contractors to streamline fabrication and onsite installation as they precisely document design intent. However, it is imperative, that contractors seek specialists to create MEP coordination drawings that can help save on rework.

Serving as a basis, before actual construction starts, shop drawings can overcome complex challenges to derive an effective and efficient build procedure. Laying out a sound MEP system that works in sync with the structure, without interfering with one another helps contractors and stakeholders build strong, sustainable buildings and improve construction efficiencies.

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Errors in sheet metal fabrication drawings hamper decision making and adversely impact product quality. Adoption of universal dimensioning practices and detailing for drawings and models promote standardization and clarity of communication across stakeholders.

There is a substantial gap between the initial concept sketch and the final model for any building product made of sheet metal. For example, while designing a metal canopy, initial drawings and models pass through an iterative process to meet the customization needs. This includes changes in fundamental canopy frame, design concepts, look and feel etc. before it is released for fabrication.

A majority of these changes come from following Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing stages. Although revisions consume enormous time, they are indispensable in many cases.



Sheet metal detail drawings developed using CAD tools like SolidWorks, Inventor®, SolidEdge, Creo etc. abide by design rules and enable seamless collaboration. They also address the need for standard methods of dimensioning by following the rules of region-specific and universal drafting practices.

Challenges in sheet metal design for seamless fabrication

challenges in sheet metal design

1. Need for detailing as per design consideration

Sheet metal fabrication drawings involve major design considerations that the designers need to interpret and depict in the drawings. Bend radius, k-factor, holes positioning, etc. are a few of the many design factors that change with changing thickness of metal sheets.

For instance, while designing an HVAC duct, which is often bent across the building facility, the designing may be affected. In absence of these details in the drawings, operator will have to halt the HVAC metal fabrication every now and then.

2. Emergence of small firms with dimensioning competences

A large part of sheet metal work is done solely by small firms, as in most cases fabrication doesn’t necessitate high-end machining centers. Small companies are entering sheet metal fabrication markets, especially for building products fabrication, but they often lack detailing capabilities. These emerging design drafters often overlook the right approach to detailing and are unaware of global industry best practices.

3. Issues in traditional ways and adopting new design technology

Small building product firms still rely on paper-based drawings. They are erroneous, unreadable at times, and often overloaded with notes, red lines and markups and multiple revisions. Over time they become clumsy. Despite the popularity of digital CAD technology such as 2D and 3D CAD drawings and models, small fabricators still rely on paper-based drawings. In absence of skilled CAD drafters, making the shift is beyond their imagination.

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How 2D/3D CAD resolves detailing challenges in sheet metal drafting

Sheet-metal fabrication units use CAD-CAM integrated environment handled by experienced engineers and a range of matured software. Setting up machines for unique designs and material combinations is a big task.

Many of them use a combination of in-house and outsourced resources and design teams to build the optimal workflow with regard to time, costs and accuracy. Modern and advanced CAD platforms have proved useful for building product designers in creating designs, fabrication drawings for shop floor and seamless design handoffs.

Following sheet metal design rules in 2D drawings

A fabricator needs to make bend deductions based on the tool tolerances, materials, and other factors. So, initial flat pattern dimensions supplied by the designer will mostly be unusable. But 2D sheet metal shop drawings that are developed considering these factors ensure uninterrupted fabrication.

Advanced 2D and 3D CAD platforms are programmed to provide insights for bend dedications, k-factor, and other such considerations for various sheet metals. They help to create accurate shop drawings for products like door and window frames, enclosures etc. without missing any considerations.

Flat pattern considerations

Creating flat patterns before fabrication begins is an important step to showcase bend lines, zones, punch locations, etc. With CAD drawings, creating flat patterns directly from drawings is easy and accurate. Unless drawings are properly dimensioned and detailed, metal fabricators will need an actual part sample or 3D model to process the part, and lead times will increase with multiple design rework cycles.

Create sheet metal drawings with optimal dimensional details

Holistic design communication to the fabricator includes both formed view dimensions and the flat pattern. So, it is always prudent for fabricators to ensure that the product designs they receive from designer meet their tool requirements. In case of door designs, they must be made aware of design standards to ensure meeting industry regulations.

To ensure seamless fabrication at remote shop floors, design drafting teams should include following information in sheet metal drawings:

See below for example of typical details included in sheet metal part drawings:

sheet metal part drawings

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Getting the correct way of dimensioning in sheet metal fabrication drawings

Best design practices should be followed so that the 3D dimensions match the 2D design. This is of course, now much easier to do with modern CAD software and tools. The following reference pictures and information illustrate the correct dimensioning information to give to a fabricator, and that which a fabricator needs to be sure of.

An example of correct dimensioning:

correct dimensioning

An example of incorrect dimensioning:

incorrect dimensioning

Tips for sheet metal design dimensioning

While there are several thumb rules and guidelines for dimensioning the drawings for sheet metal fabrication, we have enlisted a few important and frequently used aspects.

In sheet metal designing for fabrication of building, it is important to include as much information as possible in dimensional prints. The drafter must be aware of the final application of the product and who is going to read the drawings to include appropriate amount of details.

Gearing up for the next gen sheet metal fabrication needs

Increased personalization has resulted in developing building products with unique parameters, new material combinations and designs requirements. At the same time, deadlines are getting shorter with personalization treated as an ordinary expectation, and little slack given to routine delivery cycle lengths. This pushes the SME segment metal fabricators against tremendous pressure.

In response, sheet metal fabricators are going digital with adoption of advanced CAD-CAM technology for sheet metal detail drawings and cloud-based designing solutions. Stepping into the digital and standardized environment offered by CAD platforms is providing the way for sheet metal fabricators to stay responsive to market needs.

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MEP BIM-enabled conflict resolution powers seamless fabrication, installation and construction processes with minimal errors and uncompromised quality. Contractors are increasingly unlocking the BIM clash resolution advantages to optimize project costs and shrink project timelines.

Inaccurate or clash-ridden MEP systems can seriously jeopardize fabrication and onsite installation. Designing and building complex projects requires perfect synchronization and harmony between multiple MEP components. Identifying and resolving clashes and any discord at the pre-construction stage through visual 3D MEP models improves onsite installation efficiency through reduced rework, fewer project delays and minimal cost overruns.

The cost of rework fueled by a single onsite clash is estimated to range from $1500 up to $8000, depending on the disciplines involved and the building stage at which they are detected.
Source: beyonddesign.typepad.com

MEP coordination, brought in at an early design stage, integrates various MEP models with architectural and structural models into a single coherent model. The 3D coordinated BIM model promotes enhanced visualization of every component across functional stages. Conflict resolution of a coordinated 3D model with renders for MEP layout helps contractors reduce change orders, facilitate quicker cost estimation and accurate scheduling for construction projects. MEP shop drawings extracted from 3D models enable fabricators to manufacture precise MEP components for hassle-free onsite installation.

Korman and Huey-King estimate that MEP costs make up 60% of the total cost of a building project. This makes it even more crucial for contractors to optimize their construction costs by leveraging customized MEP BIM coordination tools.

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Challenges MEP contractors face with traditional coordination systems

The traditional 2D methods for MEP coordination used by contractors are expensive, time consuming, and inefficient at conflict detection.

Here are some of the challenges faced by MEP contractors:

So, can MEP BIM coordination help contractors resolve these challenges effectively?

7 ways in which a BIM-based MEP coordination system overcomes these challenges

Enhances 3D visualization of clashes and eases clash resolution

The coordinated BIM model provides a three dimensional view of the entire building project during pre-construction, enabling MEP contractors to easily visualize any design clashes.

The detailed 3D views of the corridors, fire walls, interstitial space, and sheer walls help contractors to examine the actual or exact space available. This helps to accommodate all the services efficiently and avoid physical interferences between MEP systems. MEP contractors and general contractors can easily mitigate construction delays caused due to rework by devising alternate solutions for the clashes. For example: changing the conduit sizes or the service routes.

Enhanced visualization of a public park in US speeds up MEP fabrication process

3D Modeling Services

A construction firm in the US, needed BIM LOD 300 models of architecture, structural and MEP disciplines for a public park. TrueCADD created a clash free MEP model ensuring that the new portion of the utility system installation is constructed without disturbing the existing MEP systems.

The enhanced 3D visualization helped the MEP contractors detect and resolve the clashes between the existing and the proposed architectural and MEP elements both above and below the ground. The coordinated MEP models minimized delays and RFIs, while speeding up the MEP fabrication process and project delivery.

Automates clash detection process

The distribution of MEP elements such as ductwork, electrical equipment, plumbing water pipes, VAV boxes etc. makes construction projects complex. It also results in numerous conflicts in MEP coordination.

BIM (Building Information Modeling) based MEP coordination systems automate the coordination and clash detection process by identifying soft clashes, hard clashes and workflow interferences at the pre-construction stage. This saves hundreds of man-hours required for the manual process.

Automated MEP clash-detection saves construction cost for a multistorey building, US

MEP BIM Model

An architectural firm in US specializing in hospitality, required coordinated and clash free models for all trades for a multi-storey building. The team at TrueCADD created 3D Revit models at LOD 300 for architectural, structural, MEP and FP systems.

The coordinated 3D BIM model helped the MEP contractors optimize the placement of components in congested spaces and decreased RFIs. The client saved on construction cost, while meeting the project’s aggressive schedule.

Gets stakeholders on the same page in initial kick-off meetings

If various disciplines are not in sync, MEP coordination and clash-free installation becomes virtually impossible. A 3D coordinated MEP BIM model integrates all the project information into one model, making it a one-stop reference for all the different teams. This increases the effectiveness of the kick-off meetings in the pre-construction stage, allowing contractors and various stakeholders to be on the same page and gain better clarity.

Increased collaboration from 3D MEP model enables firm make informed decisions, Asia

3D MEP BIM Modeling

An Asian architectural firm required a Revit model of all disciplines, including BOQ and clash detection reports for a data center. The team at TrueCADD created architectural, structural, and MEP BIM Revit models and provided clash detection reports using Navisworks®.

With increased collaboration via the clash-free 3D MEP models and 98% accurate quantity estimations, the client was able to efficiently plan and manage on-site activities and decrease construction waste.

Ensures accurate component pre-fabrication for MEP renovation projects

The use of MEP BIM modelling is also beneficial in renovation or extension of existing buildings. An as-built BIM model of an existing building provides information about the installed MEP systems including precise measurements about the ductwork. This facilitates hassle-free pre-fabrication, coordination and installation of the new MEP systems.

An 85-year-old Kreger Hall building at Miami University at Ohio, used 3D MEP BIM coordinated models from laser scans for renovations, delivering a USD 12-million upgrade with minimal rework.

Facilitates accurate construction and site activity planning

The MEP coordinated BIM model clearly shows the placement of all the services and the corresponding structural components. 4D BIM enables contractors to designate material access paths and staging areas and plan and schedule material deliveries. Coordination with other stakeholders on the workflow schedules, facilitates accurate construction and onsite activity planning, ultimately resulting in clash-free construction.

Coordinated 3D MEP model improves site activity planning for residential building, US

LOD 400 Modeling in Revit

A US based architectural, needed a coordinated 3D BIM model for MEP elements of a residential building. The team at TrueCADD created a clash-free, coordinated 3D BIM model with LOD 400 as per AIA standards.

This helped stakeholders clearly visualize the placement of building services and components and thus accurately schedule construction activities. It also resulted in savings of cost and time.

Leads to smoother execution with zero change orders

Coordinated MEP BIM models provide contractors with exact dimensions of MEP fixtures and components, as well as corresponding offsets, materials and insulation at the pre-construction stage. This helps contractors to ensure accurate fabrication of the parts required and to speed up the ductwork and coordinate an efficient construction sequence, with zero rework. It also assists in making pre-emptive changes in duct sizing, pipe rerouting, equipment, and splitting of the electrical ladder.

MEP BIM coordination saves $7 million in 6 months for an airport project in Muscat

MEP Clash Detection

A Muscat-based construction company, needed clash-free MEP 3D models and MEP coordination drawings for an airport construction project. The team at TrueCADD created a coordinated BIM model created at LOD 400, used BIM/VDC tools and collaborative project delivery approach. This helped the client save $7 million on construction cost and install the entire MEP system with zero changes orders.

Improves facility management

Coordinated BIM models improve facility management by providing access paths for the maintenance of existing equipment such as air conditioners, plumbing lines, and electric wiring. It also ensures safe vendor access to these facilities by accurately mapping the interstitial building space. Contractors also use the models to plan upgrades to the existing technology used in the buildings for energy conservation and for the corresponding decrease in the running costs.

Coordinated BIM model enables project management firm gain seamless FM, Saudi Arabia

LOD 500 Modeling in Revit

A project management firm in Saudi Arabia needed a coordinated BIM model for MEP, architectural and structural disciplines for a hospital facility. TrueCADD created a coordinated BIM model at LOD 500 with required parameters for quick collaboration, leading to smoother operations, maintenance, and facility management.

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Automating MEP design with Revit Dynamo

BIM software such as Autodesk Revit® and Navisworks® help in design process, coordination, conflict detection, and timeline simulation. The process is often time consuming, so integrating it with Dynamo, automates repetitive tasks and speeds up MEP processes and workflows. Dynamo improves MEP coordination as it allows you to add clash detection information directly from Revit, without interrupting workflows or processes.

Dynamo scripts allow users to:

Thus, integration of Dynamo with Revit and Navisworks produces clash-free and coordinated BIM MEP models with greater accuracy and speed.

Conclusion

MEP coordinated BIM models increase collaboration among stakeholders, resolve conflicts and facilitate resource, material planning and management with error-free service executions. With all its simulations and automated processes to reduce repetitive tasks and speed up workflows, MEP BIM coordination is more than just an interference check for the contractors. It is a combination of agile processes, lean construction, and the complete digitalization of the design and modeling processes.

With the advancement in technology, the future will ring in Robotic Total Stations (RTS) wherein MEP BIM coordination would be carried out with robotic construction methods. This would ensure minimal errors leading to hassle-free onsite installation Conflict resolution of a coordinated 3D model with renders for MEP layout helps contractors reduce change orders, facilitate quicker cost estimation and accurate scheduling for construction projects.

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BIM implementation enables contractors to effectively design, execute and manage building projects while offering greater control over their construction sites and projects.

Delivering projects within the stipulated time and budget, while managing digital workflows between multiple stakeholders, is critical to the success of any project. BIM facilitates a collaborative construction process across settings- preconstruction, construction and post-construction – helping contractors gain huge efficiencies.

BIM implementation offers contractors enhanced design quality, better scheduling, lesser rework and more efficient maintenance planning. Content rich, coordinated and clash-free 3D models deliver detailed project information and enhanced visibility. A collaborative BIM model allows various project stakeholders including architects, contractors and sub-contractors to communicate with ease for quicker decision-making.

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In this blog, we talk about 5 FAQs that can assist contractors with seamless BIM implementation.

5 FAQs related to BIM implementation for contractors

1. How can contractors extend BIM to onsite project execution for improved onsite collaboration?

Contractors can improve onsite collaboration by extending job site project execution with BIM-driven digitalized workflows. Accurate and detailed construction and shop drawings enable contractors to understand what needs to be installed, and what needs to be built. With 3D models and accurate construction drawings at their disposal, contractors have a better ability to understand design intent in taking the project forward and achieve final deliverables.

The integration of BIM for onsite processes improves construction phasing and site coordination.

BIM reduces onsite surprises by making contractors aware of:

Contractors can begin work with a higher level of confidence and preparedness by utilizing the full potential of BIM intelligence.

Knowing the requirements of a project and understanding onsite challenges is key to make decisive calls and plan BIM adoption. Standardized workflows to collect, store, and analyze job site generated data, help better connect onsite activities with offsite teams in a transparent and collaborative environment.

BIM experts at TrueCADD created a coordinated and clash-free 3D BIM MEP model in Revit at LOD 400 for an airport terminal in Oman. Detailed visualization and better project insights offered by the model, drove hassle-free onsite installation, saving the client $7M in operational costs.

BIM Clash Detection

Traditional 2D methods of managing change orders can be challenging as these solutions are not dynamic in detecting onsite modifications.

BIM enables contractors with improved change order management workflows through:

2. How can BIM help contractors with accurate project bidding?

To build accurate project bids for clients or owners, contractors need precise cost calculations of building materials, equipment and other building resources. Traditional methods of estimating costs based on 2D tools are ineffective, time-consuming and often inaccurate.

While BIM models are built with objects that contain comprehensive information and geometry, contractors can propose accurate quotes based on precise quantity takeoffs. It makes the process quick, accurate, and effective.

BIM provides contractors with:

McKinsey reports that 75% of the companies that have adopted BIM have witnessed a positive ROI.

Contractors can win greater projects when clients witness well planned BIM workflows leading to enhanced efficiencies. BIM helps contractors win complex contracts that include Public-Private (PPP’s), Lump-Sum Turnkey (LSTK), and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

TrueCADD developed a clash-free 3D BIM model in LOD 500 with accurate quantity take-offs and construction scheduling for a University hospital building in Saudi Arabia. The Project management firm was able to streamline construction activities, reduce rework, save time during construction and garner better ROI.

LOD 500 modeling in revit

By using BIM technology, contractors can control the project cost, and resolve bidding challenges through accurate BOQs. With an accurate interpretation of each building component in 3D, the final model can be analyzed, and construction processes can be optimized in the bidding. Contractors can leverage BIM to enhance quotation rationality and management by comprehensive visualization of funds at various stages of the bidding.

Improve onsite coordination, reduce project delays and cost overruns with our clash-free BIM models.

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3. How can BIM help in improved scheduling or sequencing for contractors?

Inaccurate scheduling or sequencing can turn the project in a negative direction leading to delays or rework. BIM provides contractors with visualization for planned schedule versus actual project progress. A detailed view of the project through an animation sequence gives contractors the ability to see what sub-contractors are doing and what needs to be built.

Better job site management leads to quick and quality construction through a transformation from labor-intensive workflow to a digital BIM-enabled workflow. 4D scheduling assists contractors by finding a solution to problems in the design phase, rather than during onsite construction. This helps contractors deliver greater project value and improve their ROI.

4D BIM benefits for contractors include:

TrueCADD created a 4D BIM model for an architectural firm in Manchester, UK with construction scheduling using Revit® and Navisworks®. They provided added sequential video that helped the client improve design intent communication with their end customers, save costs and reduce reworks by a huge amount.

Architectural bim model

As the push for 4D grows, merging the BIM model with scheduled activities validates the accuracy of planned sequences in the project schedule. General contractors using the tools of 4D scheduling to simulate construction, help build a perimeter of confidence for owners and promote better project delivery.

4. How can BIM facilitate fabrication for contractors?

Construction or fabrication drawings extracted from 3D BIM models contain no ambiguities. Coordinated and clash-free 3D BIM can help contractors extract or export accurate 2D fabrication-ready drawings, which serve as a precise guide to executing building equipment fabrication.

With accurate details on sections, views, dimensions, welding information, standards, and other details, fabricators can:

The use of BIM for fabrication drives a fully digital process from design to manufacturing. Design models can be used to save time and gain better fabrication efficiency. A highly accurate, coordinated, and consistent BIM model provides a single source of truth.

TrueCADD created a 3D model with general arrangement and fabrication drawings with part count for each wall of a 22 storey building, in Netherlands. The client gained smooth and hassle-free documentation, with full sheet setup. Using BIM 360® along with automation tools reduced production time by 20% and improved output quality by 100%.

Structural model with formwork

The cost of the overall structural frame can be lowered by getting designers and fabricators to collaborate early on fabrication considerations. With agreements in steel tonnages and coordination between building components and steel fabrication, onsite issues can be resolved, reducing installation costs. As models and fabrication drawings are created back-to-back, fabrication can begin sooner, leading to quick steel installations.

5. How can BIM improve onsite construction safety for contractors?

Adopting BIM can immensely improve construction site safety for contractors, by pre-visualizing onsite hazards at the design stage, leading to minimum risks and construction clashes at a later construction stage. Pre-visualization of the project keeps stakeholders on the same page, leading to timely completion of the project with least clashes and maximum savings.

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), every year around 60,000 people are killed on construction sites (one death every 10 minutes in rough estimations). One in 5 of all fatal workplace accidents take place on construction sites. (https://www.letsbuild.com/blog/bim-for-safety)

BIM can serve as a key element for a safer construction site. Here are some ways in which BIM helps contractors make construction sites safe.

BIM is the perfect tool of the future for contractors to help minimize and reduce construction related accidents by eliminating and addressing all the flaws in the design stage itself. Real-time data updates and Cloud technology have made BIM a contractor’s best ally. The use of BIM is on the rise by contractors due to the host of benefits it offers -resolving clashes, reducing rework, saving construction costs and completing projects with stipulated timelines.

Conclusion

The adoption of BIM enhances project productivity, efficiency, value and safety of construction sites for contractors. It showcases a bigger picture for building owners to invest in high-quality deliverables for cost savings in the long-run. Opportunities can be further leveraged after a project is complete to handle facilities management with BIM–led data and intelligence.

BIM serves as a single source of truth to get every stakeholder on the same page. Contractors and sub-contractors must participate early on through project collaboration. Connected collaboration between contractors and various stakeholders helps deliver projects on time and within cost. The use of BIM ensures errors are identified and resolved early on to improve onsite construction processes. BIM allows contractors to take complete control of their project over the complete building lifespan.

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Custom metal fabrication demands a close-knit approach from sales to manufacturing else it results in an iterative process and increases lead times. Design automation streamlines customization and eliminates iterations through logical rules-based automated approval.

Manufacturing of bespoke fabricated metal products needs design engineers to coordinate between sales and manufacturing teams with exact customer specifications. The traditional design process for custom products like furniture, architectural ornamental products, industrial equipment etc. leads to flawed designs and increased cycle time.

Design automation using DriveWorks or CAD macros speeds up RFQ stage and cuts lengthy approval cycles. It is backed by powerful logical rules to automate product configuration and auto-generate manufacturing documents.

To explore the benefits of design automation for sheet metal manufacturers, let us first understand how lengthy lead times affect metal fabricators.

Effects of lengthy lead times on custom metal products manufacturing

Read also: How DriveWorks helps you to reduce lead time in manufacturing

The primary focus of metal fabrication firms is delivering the best product design without affecting project cost and product quality. CAD macros and related advanced technology for automation have a lot to offer to sales, engineering, and manufacturing divisions and help achieve this.

Benefits of design automation

From easing the sales process to saving on project costs, custom metal product fabricators can avail several benefits and add variety to their offerings. The benefits of design automation to fabrication firms for products like doors, windows, shelves, roofing, cabinets, panels, etc. are many. Here are some of them.

Benefits for sales teams and customers

Benefits for design-to-manufacturing teams

How design automation resolves custom metal fabrication challenges

1. Design automation through user-defined macros and scripts

When we talk about metal fabrication, it mostly encompasses sheet metal component designs and fabrication. 3D Sheet metal part design deals with features such as holes, slots, bends, notches, reliefs etc.; and most of them are repetitive. Experience says that depending upon the complexity of the sheet metal part, it would take an hour to more than six hours to model these features. And a few more in creating detailed 2D drawings.

Clearly, without automation it becomes a tedious job for designers, let alone the errors and time spent in QC. But advanced CAD tools like SolidWorks, Inventor®, Creo, and AutoCAD® lifts designers’ productivity along with design quality. These CAD tools offer inbuilt macros and allow creating user-friendly scripts to reduce engineering design and detailing hours.

When CAD design automation is employed efficiently, designer can:

TrueCADDs’ automation engineers developed .swp files SolidWorks macros and auto-create DXF files for a sheet metal fabrication firm. Direct DXF generation from CAD models reduced lead time from 5-7 minutes to 2 minutes and saved a few minutes in modeling each part. The firm’s design division could make time for design research and development.

Automatically Create Sheet Metal Components
Automatic Cutting of Sheet Metal Part

Speed up SolidWorks design tasks by 30%
Deploy customized macros  »

2. Advanced design automation using DriveWorks

Tools like DriveWorks offer advanced design automation for complex parts and large scale custom manufacturing. This automation platform has a range of user-friendly plugins to automate designs on higher levels. Additionally, DriveWorks Pro Application Program Interface has provisions to customize the plugins for project-specific functions.

Typical tasks include:

DriveWorks 3D Viewer allows the design engineer to view any CAD product file for enhanced collaboration. It supports all major CAD formats offered by SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, SolidEdge, Inventor etc.

The CPQ DriveApp integrates with business systems like ERP, PLM, CRM and SolidWorks to automate and increase efficiency across the value chain. This integration enables you to:

TrueCADDs’ automation specialists implemented DriveWorks-based online configurator for a pressure vessel manufacturer. It streamlined and shortened design process for metal sheets used in pressure vessel body. The entire process from sales to manufacturing was automated. The client could offer higher customization and save time with a simplified communication channel.

CAD Configurator for pressure vessel
Product Configurator for pressure tank

Read also: Product configurator: How did we save 100s of design hours?

Conclusion

Design engineers and fabricators cannot win custom manufacturing market segment with standalone CAD tools. They are time consuming and tedious to work with. On the other hand, design automation with macros and tools delivers faster design cycles for customized product manufacturing. It helps you make the most of your CAD system.

It requires skills and expertise to deploy design automation as per the need and nature of your business. TrueCADD offers expertise in both, DriveWorks implementation as well as custom macro creation for custom manufacturers around the world.

Find efficient solutions to your product design customization challenges

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BIM technology enables small AEC firms to mark higher productivity and build an impressive portfolio by facilitating efficient planning, design and construction.

Big players in the AEC space already depend on BIM for planning, design, construction and management. BIM technology also offers great potential to small AEC firms as it evolves beyond mere visualization to the data management.

Often small AEC firms use traditional CAD practices on account of financial constraints or reduced budgets. This increases inaccuracies and manual errors leading to rework and unnecessary expenses during construction. At the same time, when stakeholders are not on the same page, it affects decision making process regarding resource and material allocation as well as construction costs.

Some small AEC firms understand the need to adopt BIM tools to achieve accurate deliverables and complete projects within budget and time. However, others are still hesitant and question the need and viability of adopting BIM technology.

A market report suggests that only 44% of small AEC firms have 1-2 years’ experience in using BIM.

Improve project efficiency by more than 40% with BIM.

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Do BIM services really offer a technology edge to small AEC firms?

BIM offers small AEC firms effective collaboration, time savings, increase in profitability and renders clients with cost-effective design and construction alternatives and solutions. Every industry, including government and private, is looking at projects with a BIM-ready workforce.

In this blog we discuss about the challenges faced by small AEC firms and how adopting BIM technology enables small AEC firms to overcome these challenges and gain a competitive edge in the construction sector.

7 reasons why transitioning to BIM is beneficial for small AEC firms

To reach its complete potential, BIM needs to be fully adopted and implemented across the entire project lifecycle. Here are some reasons why transitioning to BIM is advantageous to small AEC firms.

1. BIM provides the “wow” element

Often clients connected to small AEC firms aren’t fully aware of the design and construction process. The use of BIM helps create a “wow” factor through intricate visualization based on 3D models and diverse viewpoints. Efficiencies built into the BIM program through immersive project realization, accurate scheduling (4D), and precise project costs (5D) can help small firms win businesses.

Based on a Connecting Teams Study, 96% of BIM users have made up their cost of investment.

2. BIM saves time by shortening feedback loops

Complicated 3D designs can be challenging for smaller AEC firms. BIM delivers an equal opportunity for small AEC firms to deliver services with effective parametric 3D modeling tools. With capabilities to perform more, coupled with quick turnaround times, it is possible to deliver high-quality deliverables within scheduled timelines and build stronger relationships.

A project management firm saves construction time by adopting BIM

A Saudi Arabia based project management firm partnered with TrueCADD on a healthcare construction project. The TrueCADD engineers created a coordinated 3D BIM model at LOD 500. The information rich model streamlined the construction activities and resulted in accurate scheduling, reduced rework, shorter timelines and higher ROI.

LOD 500 Modeling in Revit
LOD 500 Modeling in Revit

3. BIM is the future for AEC firms

Competition is more pronounced than it was ever before and small AEC firms using 2D tools continue to stay at a loss with static design. Every player in the building lifecycle and supply chain from architects to designers, and engineers to general contractors need to deliver projects within stipulated cost and schedule.

Clients will continue to command model-based visualization and complete and accurate document sets. BIM adoption figures, owner requirements, and industry trends are clear indicators for small AEC firms to take a closer look at BIM processes and tools.

4. BIM is an effective tool to market your firm

Extensive BIM implementation across the supply chain helps every small AEC firm become self-reliant. With complete communication and collaboration, BIM can help add greater credibility, enhance efficiency, and impress clients to win more projects.

BIM works on every level to convey comprehensive project realization through 3D models and detailed documentation. Clash-free and coordinated models can be used for immersive walkthroughs, renders, and animation for effective marketing.

Architectural firm improves design intent with 4D BIM model

An architectural firm from Manchester, UK outsourced its requirements to TrueCADD for 4D BIM deliverables for a mixed-use construction project. The team at TrueCADD generated a coordinated and clash-free 4D model using Revit® and Navisworks® two months to improve design intent. The firm was able to share accurate deliverables with its clients in a timely manner. Reduced rework further saved on project costs.

Project Deliverables

5. BIM helps your firm become more self-reliant

Using latest BIM tools, small AEC firms can gain complete self-reliance to deliver high-performance BIM services. Utilizing a cutting-edge toolset, small AEC firms can execute building projects based on their capabilities.

6. BIM ensures quality to build trust and secure repeat clients

With results that BIM delivers along every design and construction milestone, small AEC firms can put up high accountability, credibility, and clarity. With clients looking at one single point of truth or 3D BIM model, the value of trust is reinforced in the closing built deliverables and quality.

7. BIM helps you get a competitive edge and compete with a larger firm

Small AEC firms can successfully compete with their larger counterparts to win more work. The application of BIM tools enables teams to do more in a lesser time frame. This helps strategic decision-makers to consider small AEC firms as significant contributors to the BIM community.

With renders and walkthroughs in place, small firms can produce effective visualization sophistication and extract valuable information through BIM practices. In a quick-paced design and construction landscape, BIM helps small AEC firms get the best outcomes for their projects.

70% of architects surveyed in a study in the US, believe BIM has reduced project errors.

Is BIM really worth the investment for small AEC firms?

BIM can be worth the investment for small AEC firms if implemented correctly. Deploying BIM tools and processes with uncertainties can create a hurdle to achieve bigger and better projects. Several small AEC firms are under a mindset that states – if a contract does not demand BIM deployment, why spend time and cost adopting it?

While logical and acceptable to a certain point, this mindset can suppress an opportunity for AEC companies to achieve better ROI. Adopting BIM capabilities across the board are proven to be cost-effective and efficient.

How much does BIM software cost?

BIM does incur upfront costs, but it’s the long term dividends that matter. Although BIM software may seem expensive initially and the cost may even run in thousands, but with the various features and host of benefits that it offers, the investment is totally worth it.

How expensive is BIM training?

BIM training “can be expensive” or “not be expensive” depending on the type of training people choose. Institutes do provide various modes of training such as classroom training, e-learning courses and virtual learning. Advanced BIM training might turn to be a bit expensive, whilst the basic e-learning and virtual counterparts are affordable for a greater AEC audience.

What is the return on investment offered by BIM?

BIM has the potential to raise a company’s efficiency by more than 40%. Yet, BIM is not a short-term proposition and requires long-term adoption of more than 4 years to achieve higher ROI’s. For small AEC firms looking at expanding their business horizon in building design and construction, BIM sure has the tools and technology to make it happen.

Streamline and improve project design and construction with BIM.

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Steps to implement BIM

Small AEC firms can strike gold with explorative design prototypes and 3D models to speed up project approvals. With that in mind, we’ve identified key steps that can speed up the adoption process and lead the change.

51% of AEC companies report cost as an impediment to adoption of collaborative BIM.

– Connected Teams

BIM-implementation-phases

Futuristic view – Automation is not an expense but an investment for small AEC firms.

BIM isn’t confined to mere visualization and monotonous tasks. The future of BIM continues to evolve in the field of “automation”. Moving a step further, small AEC companies can utilize the power of BIM automation through APIs, Macros, Dynamo and other automation tools.

While the price of automation is not as high as it seems, the results are quite evident. Reducing hundreds of designing or modeling tasks and hours to a mere few, helps architects, designers and engineers achieve quick, accurate and efficient outcomes.

Conclusion

In a fast-paced AEC world, small scale AEC firms usually follow in the footsteps of their larger counterparts. Although the road for smaller firms to adopt BIM may seem to be a challenging one, yet, it fosters long-term relationships with clients for perpetual and sustainable business success.

Once small AEC firms understand how BIM can impact efficiency and success rate, they use BIM to enhance design, construction speed, gain accuracy and obtain better ROI for their services.

Complete projects within scheduled time and budget with BIM.

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2D drawings have limited usability due to their high technical detailing. 3D CAD workflows allow industrial product designers and manufacturers to speed up design development with comprehensive design information and a single source of truth for all stakeholders.

2D CAD drawings are the actual blueprint of the conceptualized product design. Only shop floor technicians are well-versed in interpreting them accurately. The frontline staff or customers will often struggle to interpret these technical drawings and therefore the usage of 2D drawings is limited to technical teams.

Given these limitations, manufacturing and design firms are increasingly moving away from traditional 2D processes and embracing 3D CAD drawings and models. 3D workflows rope in all stakeholders for product design finalization as against 2D and enable seamless communication.

3D CAD drawings allow every stakeholder to:

Research suggests that an increasing number of companies are adopting 3D CAD workflows as compared to 2D drawings.

But before we discuss the advantages of 3D drawings, let’s take a detailed look at where the traditional 2D process lacks and how it impacts the product development process.

Chart - Rising adoption of 3D CAD across the industry
Rising adoption of 3D CAD across the industry

Inherent Problems with 2D CAD Drawings

Ideally, while creating new product designs, a prototype is built once 2D drawings are approved. Prototypes bring all stakeholders and customers on the same page to understand design intricacies and provide inputs/feedback.

However, this, approach has two main issues:

Both these challenges surface once production begins. And then it may be too late to correct drawing errors without dedicating additional time for manufacturing reworks or adding to costs.

3D CAD drawings help product design firms to overcome these challenges by offering design intent and clarity in 3D space with usual 2D annotations.

Adopt 3D CAD workflows for product design and development
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5 Ways 3D CAD Drawings Improve Product Development

Whether it is a single-piece product or an assembly of several parts, 3D drawings offer easy-to-interpret design information that every stakeholder can comprehend and give feedback on. Let’s find out how it leads to improved product development.

A US-based retail industry furniture manufacturer adopted 3D isometric drawings by converting and detailing the concept sketches. It enabled the manufacturer to have quicker design communication and saved 70% design costs. This was visible by a sharp decrease in number of RFIs and change orders requested by the shop floor engineers.

3D Detail Installation Manufacturing Drawings
3D Detail Installation Manufacturing Drawings

Concept to Detail Design
Concept to Detail Design

A furniture manufacturer specializing in museum quality exhibits across the USA improved design communication among designer, contractors, and manufacturing engineers using 3D CAD drawings. Detailed 3D drawings for manufacturing of cabinets and other casework offered as-is interoperation of drawings on shop floor and the frontline contracting foremen.

Display Cases Drawings with Model
Display Cases Drawings with Model

Display Cabinet Drawings & Model
Display Cabinet Drawings & Model

A hollow metal door and frame manufacturer based in the US accelerated engineering lead time by 70% for custom door manufacturing by using DriveWorks design automation. While a retail furniture manufacturer in the Europe for a fast-food store automated manufacturing drawings generation meeting 99.9% quality standards despite heavy design customization.

3D Door Configuration
3D Door Configuration

3D Door Component Configuration
3D Door Component Configuration

What’s next for 3D CAD drawing?

The detail-rich nature of 3D drawings positions them better for tapping into the future technologies of Industry 4.0 and direct digital manufacturing. When CAD drawings are created directly from 3D solid models, they can be used to create CNC files for machines with data connectivity. Additionally, neutral file formats like IGES/STEP ensure seamless design data exchange between cross-functional teams.

Today, manufacturers also leverage advanced AR/VR enabled tools to explain complex design intent to potential customers. AR devices when focused on light-weight 3D CAD drawings can augment the product in 3D. It increases customer interaction and ensures clear design communication.

Choose 3D CAD Drawings for Your Next Product Design and Development

2D drawings are critical in a product design and have been in the industry for a long time; however, these drawings do nothing more than providing technical details for manufacturing. They’re often difficult for non-technical teams end up with loss of resources, time, and revenue.

3D CAD drawings developed using 3D design workflows give an objective view of the conceptualized product and facilitate seamless production. A drawing or model in 3D is the key to success when it comes to establishing a robust product design. If the idea of starting your product design in 3D doesn’t convince you yet, speak with one of our engineers and get valuable insights on how 3D workflows can improve your product development process.

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Adding the value of “time” or “the fourth dimension” in a 3D model provides accurate schedules and planning precisions of materials and resources, to track onsite projects visually and improve construction performance.

Visual scheduling or reinforcing a layer of time in 3D BIM models offers project stakeholders the ability to identify parallel workflows. Fast-track construction requires forward-thinking processes and tools like 4D BIM transform project workflows based on efficient progress monitoring, risk mitigation and enhanced coordination.

Contractors and owners adopt BIM to gain a phasing sequence of planned construction and compare it to the actual construction schedules. As projects progress through various milestones, the information in BIM gets detailed and refined based on as-built conditions, shop drawings, etc. These capabilities can be leveraged to analyse and resolve onsite construction clashes.

Project challenges faced during construction

4D BIM resolves a number of project challenges for contractors, architects and other stakeholders.

Get real time construction sequence simulations with 4D BIM.

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Benefits of integrating 4D construction schedule in a 3D model

The adoption of 4D BIM can substantially help contractors and owners achieve greater planning precision and conform to defined budgets.

Better planning

With digitalized workflows, project planners can set a sequence of events, with the flexibility to improve their plans based on updated information. With better planning, contractors and owners can prevent costly and unnecessary rework, remove workflow clashes and have an affirmation of what is coming next and how to place the right materials and tools at the right place and time.

Enhanced interdisciplinary coordination

Workflow clashes are common challenges faced by contractors. 4D BIM delivers valuable benefits in terms of functional coordination whilst reducing the need to run countless hours of unproductive brainstorming. Accurate and straightforward visualization of scheduled events makes it clear for every discipline to stay on the same page and prevents workflow disputes.

Improved project monitoring

Improved project monitoring

Complex and large-scale projects can be challenging to monitor on a perpetual basis. The integration of 4D sequencing animation allows stakeholders to visualize a step-by-step sequence of events unfold before them. Every activity, material, and equipment can be scheduled and recorded simply. Most of all, project monitoring becomes more prudent with 4D BIM by comparing evident deviations from the original plan.

Realistic 4D BIM simulations enabled a Middle East client working on a dorm project gain better onsite project control. Enhanced planning saved construction cost and time. TrueCADD presented the coordinated 4D BIM clash-free model with precise timelines and dates.

Conflict prevention and resolution

An unproductive discourse on construction sites is one of the most common problems faced by stakeholders. A data-packed 4D BIM model signifies a single point of truth placed in a Common Data Environment (CDE). This capability adds project clarity and credibility for the complete project. Conflicts are prevented and resolved by tracing the exact source of the problem and rectifying it on priority.

Safer data and construction sites

The safety aspect of 4D BIM can be explained through project data security and work force onsite safety. Data is stored at a centralized and secure location that prevents security breaches or loss of data. On the other hand, accurately visualizing a complete set of events and details about the placement of materials, equipment and tools helps drive onsite safety.

Reduce delivery time and increase cost savings with 4D BIM scheduling.

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Understanding various phases of 4D integration into 3D models

Integrating 4D BIM into the 3D design helps contractors, owners and other stakeholders demonstrate a sequence of events through the entire lifetime of the project.

4D BIM at pre-design stage

This stage determines project construction feasibility. The preconstruction phase can add great value at the front-end or win project bids. Consistent and combined data help build precise plans for sequence phasing, space analysis, and schedule improvements. Highly detailed pre-bid presentations offer a comprehensive view of the construction process.

4D BIM at design development stage

The addition of 4D phasing to 3D models validates constructability and sustainability, and list out the benefits of various sequences of the project. The design-development phase in the 4D BIM model includes all the construction activities, crew schedules, timescales, site events, resources and work methods.

4D BIM at GC selection/ bidding stage

Contractors can utilize comprehensive 4D scheduling automation to win more bids through a straightforward onsite process. Clients can gain a better understanding of the project with accurate and visual 4D sequencing of activities at the bidding stage. A detailed understanding of the project through workflows, space analysis, etc. helps build a detailed representation of system design, onsite clashes, supply chain, and onsite personnel.

4D BIM at construction stage

The construction stage is where 4D derives its full value through coordination between design and onsite teams. Constructability reviews, site-flow processes, progress tracking, risk management, etc. are key processes that can be leveraged to make onsite construction effective and efficient. “What-if” situations can be easily managed through an accurate insight of construction progress.

6 best practices to keep in mind while creating 4D BIM models

1. Gather initial information

Creating a 4D model requires detailed information collection. This information can be collected via two ways- generating an information index and through kickoff meetings.

A kickoff meeting outlines model usage, information exchange and team roles.

An information checklist is a set of project deliverables that are required including 2D drawings, 3D models, construction schedules, etc.

2. Create model

Once the baseline information is set, the modeling process can begin with a thorough check of gathered data. This process can include multiple changes or updates between various models and the schedule. The 4D model can be further processed based on progressive team reviews.

3. Review model

A constant review and update of the model needs to be done to incorporate changes or insights into the 4D BIM model. During the review process, project teams should take into account the modeling schedule, model intent, LOD values and model completeness.

4. 3D modeling for 4D phasing

3D models comprise of building elements layered together, but actual construction demands layers to be constructed one after another. A 3D layering scheme is deployed to match 4D modeling activities. Precise layering promotes better accuracy and function of the 4D model.

Modelers can implement this process by:

TrueCADD created a 4D BIM Model for Multistorey Mixed-use Building in UK using Revit® and Navisworks®. The 4D BIM model helped improve design intent communication with their customers, saved costs and reduced reworks by huge amount with sequential video.

5. Scheduling for 4D phasing

Initiating 4D sequencing requires explaining work areas through various categories such as general, project-definite, activity-based. These attributes can include various activities that include resources, cost, space planning, non-constructional activities, etc.

6. Linking the 3D model and schedule

Building a 4D BIM model becomes easy if the 3D model is linked accurately with the schedule. The linking process is difficult and requires a careful inspection to ensure the linking is precise. This includes precise detailing of the 4D model and its representation. Elements or activities can be set in groups or detailed individually, including unchanging objects, site models, etc.

4D BIM Implementation challenges

While 4D BIM has acknowledged benefits, the construction industry continues to face challenges in implementing 4D BIM.

Lack of awareness in project teams

Teams from various project disciplines may be unaware of the benefits offered by 4D BIM. Project teams need to be educated and updated on the latest processes and tools surrounding 4D BIM.

Initial high overheads

4D scheduling requires a strong initial budget as it involves software like Revit and Navisworks as well as hiring skilled personnel. Although companies that have adopted 4D BIM consider it totally worth the investment, smaller companies are still hesitant to adopt 4D BIM.

Poor information exchange

Poor information exchange across design and onsite teams can create serious bottlenecks in the supply chain. It becomes challenging to adopt 4D BIM efficiently if changes or updates are not communicated effectively.

Traditional schedule updates

Project stakeholders are often hesitant to convert from traditional to digitalized versions or manage traditional scheduling techniques that integrate well with 4D schedules.

Level of detail

Assessing the correct Level of Detail (LOD) based on owner requirements is crucial to a 4D setup. Clients would want to see more information being projected visually through a 4D model than it was intended. Setting the right balance across the board and between different trades can be quite challenging.

The Future of 4D BIM

The further capabilities of 4D BIM have been identified for “Live Safety Tracking” wherein real-time data in the model will be used to track activities, objects, people onsite. 4D planning will continue to take enhanced planning and management a step further thereby reducing uncertainties in the field.

4D BIM will provide greater visualization into health and safety risks for material management and specific repetitive operations during the design phase. Workspace congestion is a point of highlight with 4D modeling, wherein clashes will be identified and work sequences will be optimized.

Big data and artificial intelligence will be significant game-changers in the world of 4D scheduling. Various sequencing and phasing options would be provided through machine learning or deep learning algorithms based on specific parameters.

Conclusion

Coordinating in 3D BIM is not enough; it requires the integration of scheduling, site logistics, and routing of heavy equipment to improve onsite effectiveness and efficiency. The advancement of 4D BIM can help create an intelligent construction site, and improve onsite productivity.

Consider 4D simulations as a means to augment prefabrication requirements, track objects, and automate methods of construction delivery. 4D scheduling software will continue to enable contractors, owners and project managers with smoother workflows and organized procedures. These tools will lead to a better onsite execution plan to ensure success in the field.

Execute and manage construction projects better by optimizing project scheduling with 4D BIM.

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Fabrication drawings guide fabricators and shop floor engineers during machining. Compromising accuracy on drawings means compromising accuracy in fabrication. We bring you 4 tips to ensure accuracy in drawings to stay on course with project cost and deadlines.

Designers and manufacturers often get carried away by the idea of getting the right product design the first time. But in reality, it involves a lot of revisions. And even after that, transferring designs into fabrication drawings involves an arduously iterative process to meet shop floor needs.

There are unavoidable conditions on shop floor such as machine tool tolerances, inherent allowances of manufacturing processes and so much more. These factors demand clear specification of allowances and geometrical dimensions in fabrication drawings to keep errors at bay and save cost and time.

The rule is simple: the higher the accuracy in drawings, the lower is the error-frequency during fabrication.

Adverse impact of inaccurate drawing details

Fabrication drawings are developed considering ideal conditions but in the real world of fabrication, there is hardly anything that is ideal. More or less every operation deviates from perfect conditions.

For example, it is assumed that the X mm diameter of the hole can be punched using a tool of X mm. While in reality, the diameter is X+n mm, where n is the clearance between the tool and metal sheet for heat dissipation through air.

This deviating measurement could be as small as the 10th part of a millimeter; but cumulatively in a multi component assembly these variations result in major gaps. This is why you need fabrication drawings that accurately depict precise dimensions with accuracy in tolerances and limits and avoid any major geometrical deviations.

Research suggests that about 24% of errors in CAD drawings are related to manufacturability. If these are fixed, a lot of cost and time can be saved.

Here are 4 tips to ensure accuracy in fabrication drawings:

1. Follow “Design for Manufacturability” guidelines

Follow Design for Manufacturability guidelines
Follow Design for Manufacturability guidelines

Design for Manufacturability, or simply DFM, enables design engineers to consider important factors while designing the components and guide the drafters accordingly. It tells you to assign specific tolerance for processes like punching, bending, notches, drilling etc.

For instance, the drawings specify the use of filler electrodes, direction of welding etc. using technical pre-defined symbols. In case of two consecutive welds, a pitch of 10 times the thickness of the material being welded should be maintained to avoid shunting effect or weld nuggets. There are several such thumb rules in DFM guideless for the designer.

DFM is essentially a rulebook that deals with thumb rules and exceptions for various machining processes like drilling, welding, punching, cutting, bending etc. fabrication operations. Drawings developed following DFM guidelines have lesser chances of errors and higher accuracy.

When limits and tolerances are specified in advance, the machine operator can make informed decisions. Adoption of DFM strategy during CAD drafting avoids iterative design, drafting and manufacturing processes which results in:

CAD drafters at TrueCADD create drawings for metal canopies and sheet metal enclosures with strict DFM guidelines as specified by chief design engineer on the project. This eliminates revisions and ECOs in drawings and enables manufacturers to carry out uninterrupted sheet metal fabrication.

Reduce interruptions with detailed fabrication drawings

2. Arranging the views for clear design communication

When CAD drafters develop fabrication drawings, they create quite a few views for the shop floor engineers, leaving no room for guesswork. A fabrication drawing illustrates different perspectives of a component using views to describe all the features of the component, orientation in space and with respect to the assembly’s center of gravity.

Out of all the views used, following three are the most comprehensive and communicate detailed design intent:

Sectional / cross-sectional view

Sectional views are the drawings made by taking a cross-section of a component or an assembly and drawn by looking at it from a plane perpendicular to the cross-section. They are especially useful during fabrication operations as they depict interior details that are otherwise shown with hidden lines and involves a lot of assumption.

Axonometric views

An axonometric view, a pictorial drawing without dimensions, [to avoid clutter] is used to portray the understanding of the orientation of the component. This view combined with an isometric view shows part orientation and dimension with simplified design details.

Orthographic projections

Orthographic drawings are the most intuitive representation of any part by illustrating the design and geometrical details at 90° for each view. This includes creation of three drawings, the front view or the elevation, the top view or the plan and the side views [viewed from right or left], with readily available dimensions in at least one of the drawings to keep calculations out during manufacturing.

At TrueCADD, our CAD teams follow a strict quality check process to ensure that various views generated by CAD drafters are in sync with each other. Final fabrication drawings are verified by a senior QC engineer by comparing with the input drawings before releasing for the shop floor.

Early identification of drawing errors saves big money

3. Avoiding excessive and overloaded details

Avoiding excessive and overloaded details
Avoiding excessive and overloaded details

Fabrication drawings include instructions for weldments, roller and bend tolerances, casting allowances and so much more. These are represented by symbols and hence for a large and multi-component assembly, drawings could be too overwhelming to read.

Thus, to control the information, drawings could either miss out important piece of information or could be overloaded with details. Both these are undesirable as they restrict design intent interpretation and are sent back to the drafters.

The confusion can be avoided by adding only those details that address manufacturing conditions, shop floor tooling capabilities, intent of product etc.

For example, our CAD engineers while designing Stairlift, developed 3D models as well as 2D fabrication drawings to communicate design intricacies as well as fabrication operations details with two separate set of deliverables. This avoided confusion and enabled quick decision making.

Test and track your fabrication drawing details

4. Following the drawings-model approach

Following the drawings-model approach
Following the drawings-model approach

The world is moving towards 3D for easy design communication. But heavy dependence on 2D drawings by fabricators and shop floor engineers make 2D drawings indispensable. So when models are created using drawings approach, drafters can easily generate final fabrication drawings. Platforms like AutoCAD® have provisions for this with inbuilt tools like section plane, live section, add jog, create block, Flatshot etc.

This conversion preserves design intelligence in models and the design intent is conveyed accurately to the shop floor. It will lead to fewer rejections and enable delivering drawings closer to the pre-defined quality parameters.

Get the right drawing approach for your project

Creating the specification list separately involves heavy drafting work. But with the drawings-model approach this can be avoided. In fact, the benefits for accuracy don’t end here; with model-drawings approach, there is much more.

“What is the most important thing you produce from 3D models?” the audience asked Chris Naujok, a SolidWorks expert, during his presentation.

“Bill of materials!” he replied without a second’s delay.

Yes, BoMs needed during fabrication can be easily generated from model. Thus, to calculate the correct quantity takeoffs for parts to be purchased or manufactured, one needs to get the models accurate.

Conclusion

For today’s fast moving fabrication industry, achieving high levels of accuracy is of the utmost importance. Especially for metal fabricators who depend upon drawings created by an external CAD drafting expert team. Slight compromises in drawings could lead to erroneous fabrication, compromised quality of final product, and reduced operational life of the machine tools.

Following best practices can play a critical role in improving drawing accuracy by leaps and bounds. Not only that, accurate drawings result in fewer ECOs from shop floor, save tools from extensive wear and tear, and allow planning of fabrication to complete within stipulated timelines.

Our CAD drafters help you save time with drawing accuracy

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Navisworks allows stakeholders to visualize project data in 3D coordinated BIM models at a granular level. It detects and resolves space, sequence and other functional clashes at pre-construction stage, ensuring informed project control and error-free construction.

The most difficult part of project designing lies in the proper positioning of elements and entities. Clashes emerge when designs of two or more entities show elements colliding in space or time sequence. If the clashes are not resolved at the design phase, they lead to rework, wastage, inevitable delays and budget overruns during the construction stage.

According to a McKinsey report, rework in construction accounts for almost 30% of overall construction cost in a typical project, and 98% of megaprojects overshoot their budgets by at least 30%, while 77% projects are 40% late in construction schedule.

Navisworks®, an Autodesk® software, offers a solution by accurately spotting clashes between models at the project design stage. It generates clash detection reports for contractors and architects by reading the geometric and time data of the models submitted by separate stakeholders.

With 3D clash free BIM models, Navisworks helps contractors and architects reduce possibilities of multi-level design changes, thereby avoiding budget overshoots and construction delays. It works seamlessly with other BIM software like Revit and is fully compatible with IFC models.

Understanding Clash Detection

Clash detection in a BIM workflow involves identifying clashes and collisions between separate models or their elements to resolve such issues at pre-construction stage. Usual clashes include space overlap of models or their parts, models in same project having parameters incompatible with one another, or an anomalous time sequence in 4D BIM modeling.

Want to detect and resolve clashes using Navisworks for your building construction projects?
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3 Types of Clashes

Navisworks clash detection and clash resolution ensures maximum compatibility between various architectural, structural, MEP models in a project.

Top 5 benefits of Navisworks in clash detection

Navisworks is focused on review of designs, clash detection of models and elements, sharing and coordination, advanced simulation and validation, and realistic visualization and animations. It makes the designing phase of a project faster, when multiple stakeholders are using disparate designing software for their individual works.

1. Enhanced coordination to easily identify clashes

A clash free federated BIM model developed by TrueCADD for a mix-use building in Manchester, UK, improved design intent communication across stakeholders, significantly reducing costs and potential reworks.

The model used for construction sequencing seamlessly built on Revit and Navisworks capabilities.

MEP BIM Model
MEP BIM Model

Detect clashes early to reduce costly delays and control rising budgets.

2. 3D visualization to resolve clashes

A clash free Revit model with 4D simulation using Navisworks Manage, was developed by TrueCADD for a student dorm room in the Middle East.

The 3D visualization offered by the BIM model provided greater project clarity at the initial stages of design. This lead to reduced reworks due to minimal clashes and the client was able to save on construction cost and time.

Navisworks Clash Detection Student Dorm Building
Navisworks Clash Detection Student Dorm Building

Get over design failures with proactive clash detection through Navisworks.

3. Accurate collision detection

4. Reduced errors using clash-detective tool

A clash free 3D Revit model was developed by TrueCADD for a university building in the US.

The 3D BIM model improved design quality and saved construction time by 20% with simulated construction schedules using Navisworks.

The client completed the project within scheduled time and also saved on cost.

Navisworks Clash Detection Office Building
Navisworks Clash Detection Office Building

Take complete control of your design validation during preconstruction.

5. Detecting time-based clashes in 4D design projects

A clash free 3D MEP Revit model with LOD 400 along with clash detection reports in Navisworks for an International Airport in the Middle East, helped the client save $7 million in 6 months.

The team of experts at TrueCADD assessed the IFC drawings at DD level to identify and resolve clashes with accurate material and resource planning.

3D MEP Revit Model
3D MEP Revit Model

The BIM/VDC tools as well as the collaborative project delivery approach led to early project completion and 100% of MEP system installation with zero change orders with minimal conflicts.

Bring your clash-detection challenges to us for accurate coordination and clash resolution.

4 Features of Navisworks for Clash Detection

The principal features of Autodesk’s Navisworks that helps it to control projects include:

1. Aggregation of data and model files

This feature of Navisworks allows users to combine data of design, construction, and other project data into a unified project model.

Navisworks scans and intelligently extracts relevant data from separate and original design files imported from various design software. It displays the data coherently as also visually, within a unified model.

2. NWD and 3D DWF publishing

An NWD file can include all loaded models, markups and comments, viewpoints, scene environment and everything required to provide a project ‘snapshot’ within a single file.

NWD files can be opened in any Navisworks edition. NWD files are much smaller than the original CAD files and can be opened with greater ease to have a bird’s eye view of an entire project.

Read here: How BIM Detects & Resolves Clashes in Construction Projects

3. Automated caching

One of the best features of Navisworks is that it creates a corresponding Navisworks cache file as soon as a CAD file is opened in it. When the same CAD file is opened again in Navisworks, the software first checks for modification in the file if any, and updates the cache.

If there is no modification, it loads the cache file making visualization faster. Navisworks uses NWF files when simultaneously referencing multiple CAD files, and the Navisworks cache helps to cut down on the load times of these CAD files.

4. Photorealistic visualization

Advanced simulation and rendering tools in Autodesk Navisworks allows extremely photorealistic visualization that virtually creates accurate representations of the design in 3D space.

With smaller files and better rendering features, Navisworks allows easy creation of virtual walkthroughs of a project. It includes each part of the representation being tied with data that can be retrieved and inspected instantly.

Clash detection process using Navisworks [Infographic]

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Conclusion

By enabling all stakeholders to visualize, understand, and remove clashes at pre-construction stage, BIM clash detection has changed the world of construction designing. Navisworks has come to dominate the market as the tool of choice to reveal clashes.

With its outstanding features like detection of time-based clashes, photorealistic visualization, easy file sharing, automated referencing of multiple CAD files, Navisworks has become indispensable in BIM design workflows.

Navisworks is increasingly being used by all stakeholders in construction projects including civil engineers, architects, and structural engineers, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers. Even non-engineers who need to visualize the project, are adopting Navisworks.

Our BIM clash experts can help you save project cost & time.

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Furniture manufacturing industry offers numerous design options for a single product to address personalization needs. It has led to increased turnaround time and delays. DriveWorks design automation leverages logical rules to configure products faster and avoid process delays.

For manufacturers operating in today’s saturated markets, reducing the lead times and scaling up bespoke product deliveries is critical for sustainable business growth. To drive sales, they must be able to design and manufacture custom products faster, sell smoother, and ensure on-time delivery.

Slow approval processes delay manufacturing and create longer lead-time, directly impacting customer satisfaction. Customers may look for alternatives in such cases, adversely affecting sales. Implementing DriveWorks automates the repetitive modeling process and speeds up approvals, reducing time to market.

Factors affecting lead times in custom product manufacturing

Automated tools and 3D product configurators through design automation platforms, help sales teams sell well and eliminate repetitive design tasks to accelerate design cycles.

How DriveWorks eliminates bottlenecks and reduces lead time

1. Automating the design modeling and drafting process

Automating the design modeling and drafting process

Manufacturers know that in order to beat competition, they must be quick to bring the product to market. However, for manufacturers who develop products which look the same but are customized for specific customer requirements, multiple design iterations and troubleshooting can eat into a project’s time and expense.

DriveWorks offers design automation to help manufacturers work smartly by automating repetitive design tasks.

The logical-rules for design automation in DriveWorks ensure:

These factors collectively eliminate time consuming processes at any stage during designing and drafting.

Furniture manufacturer in USA gets 70 times faster design cycles with DriveWorks

Design automation engineers at TrueCADD have reduced design lead time for a metal and wooden furniture manufacturer in the USA to deliver 70 times faster design cycle. Automation specialists developed logical rules to eliminate non-productive and repetitive tasks using rules-based configuration for furniture products.

CAD Configurator
CAD Configurator

Design Automation Metal and Wooden Furniture
Design Automation Metal and Wooden Furniture

2. Automating sales quotations

Automating sales quotations

Offering customized products is a great way to win more customers and generate more sales. However, to manage greater volumes of new business and to simplify the buying process also requires automated sales configurator.

DriveWorks reduces errors and saves time with automated quotations and cover letters. It allows dealing with customer queries faster, resulting in more orders, reduced operational overheads, and better customer service by integrating with ERP systems.

The integration of DriveWorks with SolidWorks and other ERP, CRM, SCM, etc. offers:

These aspects of DriveWorks essentially guide the customer during the sales process offering enhanced experience. Further, when connected, the integration can give insights for the opportunities to cross-sell and up-sell products.

DriveWorks helps speed up quotes with 100% accuracy for table manufacturer

A UK based stainless steel retail furniture manufacturer enhanced customer satisfaction by generating custom quotes using DriveWorks. DriveWorks engineers at TrueCADD partnered with the firm to setup a custom furniture configurator that generated 100% accurate sales quotes along with sales documents to respond to customers on time.

Online Configurator for SS Furniture
Online Configurator for SS Furniture

Sales Quotes and Documentation
Sales Quotes and Documentation

Ensure 100% accuracy in customized sales quote

Let’s set up your configurator together  →

3. Automating inventory management

Automating inventory management

Efficient management of inventory is a crucial step in managing a smooth production flow. Unavailability of certain items can put the whole production on hold. Failure to replenish raw materials increases the lead time. Being able to accurately forecast growth or demand for your products is only half job done.

Inability of suppliers to deliver materials on time can become a manufacturing challenge. At the same time, holding too much inventory is expensive and may lead to wastage.

DriveWorks design automation platform offers integration with ERP automation to ensure all resources are put to optimum use. It helps to automate the stock-taking process, optimize supply chain management, and balance working capital by acting as a bridge between ERP, engineering, and manufacturing.

By connecting a design automation platform with ERP you get to:

4. Automating the manufacturing data generation

Automating the manufacturing data generation

Manual collection and formalization of plant and process data is the most time consuming and prone to errors. Most of the required data can be found in engineering data and data generated by other integrated systems like ERP, MES, SCM and more.

3D product configurator made with DriveWorks gives you the toolset to automatically and accurately create manufacturing drawings and other supporting documentation. It offers automation of manufacturing data, emails, sales quotes and more based on the existing and captured data library.

Advantages of design automation for manufacturers:

Tank manufacturer reduces ECOs by 99.9% to save time with DriveWorks configurator

A USA based pressure vessel manufacturer approached TrueCADD to automate manufacturing drawings generation which was time taking, as all vessels had to abide by strict ASME Standards for the highest safety. TrueCADD’s DriveWorks specialists captured design knowledge from Master CAD model and replicated it to customize drawings as per predefined rules based on design standards. This accelerated manufacturing drawing generation with BoMs and reduced ECOs from shop floor.

CAD Configurator for Pressure Vessel
CAD Configurator for Pressure Vessel

Product Configurator for Pressure Tank
Product Configurator for Pressure Tank

Conclusion

Shorter lead times help to achieve reduced carry costs, streamlined operations, and improved productivity. Lead times vary from industry to industry but they should be consistent and short to drive success in a business. An authorized partner can help you implement DriveWorks from start to finish as per your business needs.

If you are looking for implementing design automation, and accelerate lead time, reach out to us. We, at TrueCADD, are the authorized service partners for DriveWorks. Our automation specialists will not only help you implement but also enable informed decision making for further scope in future.

Choose an expert to build a custom configurtaor for your business

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Product personalization frequently results in delays and missed deadlines, causing manufacturers to incur significant losses in materials and budget. By using a product configurator, manufacturers can expedite the design cycle by eliminating repetitive tasks, potentially saving hundreds of design hours.

Modern-day customers demand products that precisely match their vision, seeking uniqueness in every purchase. This desire for customization spans a wide range of products, from furniture to industrial equipment, with users expecting tailored design features for their specific needs. However, this level of personalization poses significant challenges for product manufacturers and designers. They often grapple with iterative design processes that can consume hundreds of hours, struggling to meet these highly individualized demands.

Table of Contents

Challenges faced by custom product manufacturers

The key to overcoming lengthy and labor-intensive design phases lies in reducing modeling, drafting, and approval times through the use of a product configurator.

At TrueCADD, we’ve successfully implemented several product configurators, utilizing platforms such as DriveWorks, Configuration360, and MS Excel Spreadsheets. These tools enable us to automate designs, saving numerous man-hours previously spent in the design process.

Our design automation engineers are capable of reducing cycle times by up to 70%, cutting down the design phase to just a few minutes. With a product configurator, tasks that once required multiple CAD engineers can now be efficiently managed by a non-technical sales representative or even the customer themselves. The 3D configurator’s interactive interface allows design engineers to complete what used to be hours-long modeling jobs in just minutes.

How can product configurators enhance design customization and streamline the design process?

Product configurators can significantly enhance design customization and streamline the design process in several ways:

Product configurators uplift the design process by enhancing customization, reducing manual efforts, and integrating closely with manufacturing, all while improving customer engagement and satisfaction.

Cases where 3D product configurators reduced custom design cycle time

DriveWorks automated tools reduced 70% design cycle time for a door manufacturer

Challenges faced by the door manufacturer

A USA based hollow metal door manufacturer was operating with vaguely defined flow of internal requests. The orders and the customer specifications were spread across the teams resulting in long time lapses between receipts of enquiries and responding to them. A simple hollow metal door took about 4-5 days to pass through the iterative design phase let alone the approval and initiation of manufacturing and had high chances of design errors.

Solution: Using DriveWorks configurator alongside SolidWorks

To streamline the sales order process and eliminate repetitive drawing tasks, TrueCADD engineers developed an SQL database for collecting customer design specification at one place. Simultaneously, master models of the door, locks, accessories, hinges, frames etc., were developed in SolidWorks. Coders worked on developing logical rules to capture design intelligence and reuse it for customization.

DriveWorks design automation was used in collaboration with SolidWorks to create and deploy a configurator interface and allow customization. The interface was populated with design options using SQL database for the doors and accessories which led 70,000+ complete different doors.

The entire design process and approvals were eliminated and it took about only 15 minutes to finalize the door design and provided shop floor with error-free BoMs and manufacturing drawings. The latter were auto generated based on the logical rules which eliminated possibility of any drawing mistakes and production could be started the same day.

Following impacts other than time reduction were achieved with SolidWorks and DriveWorks automated tools:

3D Door Configuration
3D Door Configuration

Door Component Configuration
Door Component Configuration

Address your customers’ sales queries faster
Implement DriveWorks today »

Deployed Autodesk Inventor iLogic to achieve same day manufacturing for a process tank manufacturer

Challenges faced by the tank manufacturer

An industrial equipment manufacturer based out of Netherlands was using Excel spreadsheets-based tools to assimilate customer specifications data and generate SolidWorks models. It needed their designers to invest 10-12 hours per tank for design configuration of tank body, accessories, mounting etc. and generating manufacturing drawings. The cycle from order receipt to delivery to the end client was of 2-3 days as the design process involved iterative changes and long approvals.

Solution: Configuring tank design with iLogic and Configurator 360

As the client was looking to move from SolidWorks to Inventor our engineers suggested adopting Built-To-Order with design automation practices using iLogic rules and Configurator 360. This was aimed at reducing long man-hours invested by client’s CAD engineers in modeling and enable faster time to market.

TrueCADD’s automation team collected broad inputs from customers based on which master model was developed along with logical rules. It was populated with design options within permissible limits to avoid any ECOs from shop floor due to short of tooling capabilities.

These logical rules generated using scripts and codes in iLogic automated manufacturing drawings generation with part lists, BoMs, with custom pricing using scripts and codes in iLogic. Relevant sales documents, part list and assembly and installation guides were also immediately shared with the end customer for transparency in timelines. This logical rules-based 3D product configurator completely eliminated the iterative design process and made it possible to kick start tank production the same day.

Following impacts, other than time reduction were achieved with iLogic rules and Configurator 360:

Tank for Design Configuration
Tank for Design Configuration

Tank Product Configuration
Tank Product Configuration

Give your customers the design flexibility they need with Inventor iLogic
Talk to our design automation specialists »

Reduced design time for door manufacturer using Excel-based automated design solution

Challenges faced by the door and frame manufacturer

The small-scale door manufacturer had a range of 30-35 products for doors and frames which could be customized as per customer’s request. With this high range of product options and a small team of design engineers, the modeling task and approval took a long time. Also, managing database for every customer’s input was difficult with no automation tool. The drawing generation was error prone due to mismanagement of data and long took long times for corrections.

Solution: Cost effective configurator using MS Excel Spreadsheet

The automation team led the project with primary investigation to analyze the scope of automation across the sales order and requests for customization. Since the client was already using MS Excel spreadsheets, the team suggested developing macros using VBA scripts in MS Excel which connects with the primary CAD platform.

Master CAD models were developed in SolidWorks and logical rules, based on the types of customization, for door designs received in the past were created. It ensured that most of the popular design specifications were covered in the logical rules for developing the 3D product configurator.

Any design revision in dimensions, end client data, project name, option for generate DXFs could be fetched from the Excel and saved in CAD library. This saved time in generating manufacturing drawing or resining them. All technical documents were also generated automatically and saved time by reducing design cycle time from 15 days to a few hours.

Following impacts, other than time reduction were achieved with MS Excel based configurator:

Excel based Solidworks automated
Excel based Solidworks automated

SolidWorks Automated Solution
SolidWorks Automated Solution

Reduce engineering lead time with a cost-effective product configurator
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Time to automate designs with product configurator now!

Just as CAD reformed the drawing practices of paper drawing by the virtue of parametricity and easy design corrections, product configurators, today, are revamping iterative custom designing in standalone CAD.

Many manufacturers are constantly searching for an automated tool suitable to their business and technical needs to get to the markets faster.

It’s time you leverage automation using product configurators – the platform that suits your business needs and your primary CAD tool!

Reach out to us and let our automation engineers study your CAD systems as well as your product mix along with your budgets to deploy the optimum configurator for design automation.

Let’s deploy a configurator for your business today

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As the millwork industry goes all out to offer quality personalized products to customers, it is imperative that they innovate to control costs. Outsourcing millwork drawing and drafting services has consistently proven to be a winning formula to meet this business challenge.

Any seasoned furniture manufacturer will tell you, the key to achieving superior quality millwork is seamless communication across the project. It is achieved by aligning millwork drawings with architectural plans with the right set of technology and human capital skilled in millwork CAD drafting.

Businesses have now recognized outsourcing to offshore engineering companies as an excellent solution to get quality millwork drafting at optimized costs. CAD business partners are experienced and flexible to command projects of any complexity. They can easily scale up or scale down resources to accommodate business peaks and valleys.

Read also: CAD Drawings: Essentials for Millwork, Casework and Bespoke Furniture Manufacturing

Major challenges faced by millwork furniture manufacturers

Reworks, often a little too late

A recurring problem for millwork developers is the frequent rework in joinery drawings during the design and conceptualization stages. Flaws detected later in the production stage push back manufacturing deadlines, dragging the project for months and shooting up project costs.

Heavy investment

Engaging a team of millwork drafters with dexterity in operating multiple CAD platforms puts pressure on manufacturing budgets not just in terms of high salaries, but also head hunting and training costs. Arranging the technological infrastructure in terms of hardware and software are additional financial drains.

Delayed project schedules

The learning curve for acquiring joinery drawing and drafting skills is pretty steep and time consuming. In house workforce has also proven to be less flexible in terms of extended working hours. This invariably jeopardizes project deadlines.

Compromised skills and expertise

The challenges of bringing on board and training CAD resources to produce detailed shop drawings from design drawings and architectural floor plans are high. This often has manufacturers settling for less.

Manufacturers now realize that if they need to continue to engage customers with brilliant and personalized furniture at affordable costs, they need to explore millwork and joinery partnerships with expert CAD outsourcing firms.

Reduce up to 60% design costs with our skilled CAD teams

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Benefits of outsourcing your millwork shop drawings

Flexibility and scalability

Flexibility and scalability

Initial millwork drawings often go through iterations and invite a series of rework leading to confusions on the shop floor, missed deadlines, and added costs. Your outsourcing partner, with a pool of experts, can quickly revise the drafts within timelines and adhere to quality benchmarks.

A CAD outsourcing partner also offers resource scalability that can be ramped up when the work influx rises. And soon as the demand restores to normal, you can drop-off the extra resources to save costs. This way you can select all the projects you want without worrying about resource availability.

Cost effective

Cost effective

Working with a dedicated CAD drafting service provider ensures that your partner invests in hiring and training of skilled manpower, right CAD software for millwork design and drafting needs, and infrastructure. This allows you to operate lean and save significantly on operating costs. Some of the largest furniture manufacturing firms are today experiencing the positive impact of outsourcing their millwork shop drawings on their project costs.

Outsourcing retail store millwork furniture drafting saved 30% design costs

Outsourcing retail store millwork furniture drafting saved 30% design costs

A leading furniture manufacturing company from the United Kingdom partnered with TrueCADD to prepare detailed CAD drawings for fitting room furniture.

The partnership resulted in

Also see: How Does 3D CAD Modeling Help Furniture Manufacturers?

The time zone advantage

The time zone advantage

Millwork furniture manufacturing companies around the world are now using time zone difference to their advantage. And the best example of this is outsourcing where the experts work round the clock in shifts.

Typically when your in-house interior designer or architect shares the designs with the offshore drafters – located in different time zones – the work gets started immediately. At day end, they share the updates and reports which can be accessed by you and any exigency is avoided.

Get the time zone benefits with offshore CAD managers

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Joinery manufacturer reduces turnaround time by 25% with an offshore CAD partner

Joinery manufacturer reduces turnaround time by 25% with an offshore CAD partner

A joinery designer and manufacturer based in the UK partnered with TrueCADD to streamline the processes from ideation to manufacturing. TrueCADD engineers developed a resource-rich library of building blocks for all their furniture products.

The partnership helped client:

Expertise and field experience

Expertise and field experience

Collaboration with offshore companies offers long standing experience and domain knowledge to understand market trends and technicalities better. Their resources are skilled and trained at delivering superior quality drawings.

For instance, an expert helps determining how much raw materials will be needed using accurate Bill of Materials before the bids are placed. This saves huge costs for manufacturers by keeping waste and rework to a minimum level.

Also read: Millwork Shop Drawings for Appealing Designs of Retail Shops

Institutional furniture design firm eliminates 100% rework by outsourcing CAD drafting

Institutional furniture design firm eliminates 100% rework by outsourcing CAD drafting

A USA based institutional furniture design and manufacturing firm partnered with TrueCADD for offshore millwork CAD drafting of museum furniture. The partnership resulted in seamless communication between architects and contractors and decreased time lags.

The partnership helped client:

Your dedicated offshore team

Your dedicated offshore team

All millwork projects involve multiple stakeholders and drawings are revised frequently. There are no strict boundaries on how much work will be done in what phase of drawing development. In such cases, having a dedicated team of offshore CAD engineers is a huge comfort. While the costs work in your favor, you are not constrained by project hours and scope. Administrative hassles of managing the team are taken care of by your offshore partner.

Bringing it all together

If you are a millwork manufacturer, there’s really only one thing that you care about – providing your customers with the best quality products. That means you’re always looking to create an effective, hassle-free process. And outsourcing helps you achieve exactly this.

Offshore CAD companies empower you with all the above mentioned benefits through their state-of-art technology infrastructure and implement error-free automated processes. Currently, India is the most preferred location for many manufacturing and engineering firms as it offers highly skilled professionals at affordable costs.

We, at TrueCADD, take great pride in the fact that we’ve been able to serve our global clientele with our expert CAD services and have helped them significantly ramp up their business revenues.

Our experts can eliminate drafting reworks up to 100%

Outsource to us →

BIM tools and its collaborative interface allows stakeholders to foresee construction conflicts at pre-construction stage. Its clash detection features allow easy resolution of clashes, reducing rework and optimizing resource utilization.

Construction projects often throw up clashes between multiple disciplines in terms of positioning, material or scheduling. The prime contributor of such clashes, which lead to reworks, material and manpower waste and schedule overruns, is poor interdisciplinary coordination. 2D drawings prove to be inept at detecting these clashes.

Parametric 3D BIM models in Revit are capable of visualization and real time collaboration across disciplines and geographies. They detect and resolve clashes early on in the design stage, preventing costly rework and delayed schedules.

No wonder then that construction and architectural companies around the world are adopting BIM to enhance efficiencies and ROIs.

Nail the construction clashes early on. Reduce rework by 36%.

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What makes BIM an ideal solution for clash detection in construction projects?

Traditional construction drawings involve a lot of manual work which often results in irregularities and poor coordination across various disciplines. This increases instances of construction clashes, most of which get identified when the building elements are almost constructed.

Let’s look at some instances of construction clashes:

Fixing such clashes is expensive and very time-consuming.

BIM modeling software such as Revit® have built-in clash detection capabilities which help detect and resolve clashes during the design phase. Supported by clash detection tools such as Navisworks, they help reduce material waste and construction rework.

Every identified clash saves up to USD 17,000 in a construction project. Large-scale projects usually have around 2,000-3,000 clashes, which translates to a savings of about USD 34 million!Association of Construction and Development

Read here: 5 Aspects to Consider Before Selecting a BIM Partner

Detecting a clash and resolving it

During a Level 2 BIM process, a number of federated models are produced and coordinated data drops are used to inform the master model. By using Revit BIM models and BIM integration tools such as Navisworks®, designers combine the federated models and identify clashes by running a clash detection scan. The scan produces a report that lists any duplicate instances of the same issue.

For instance, if a single run of pipework clashes with five beams, the report shows five clashes. In such cases, resolving one issue (placement of pipework) will eliminate all the clashes.

Revit Modeling and Clash Detection for a Data Center Building, India

A leading architectural firm in India needed a coordinated clash-free 3D model with sheet setup, schedule and joint details for a data centre building. The BIM experts at TrueCADD studied the 2D drawings sent by the client, used Autodesk® Revit and Navisworks to develop a coordinated clash-free 3D model that helped the client leverage smooth and hassle-free documentation with a complete sheet setup. The client was able to remain within budget and ensure a cost effective construction project.

3D Coordinated BIM Modeling
3D Coordinated BIM Modeling

3D MEP BIM Modeling
3D MEP BIM Modeling

Save up to 30% on construction cost with clash detection solutions.

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Why Navisworks is a great tool for BIM Clash Detection

Various disciplines in the design and construction team including structural, architectural and MEP teams work on different software as per their specific usage and convenience. If these tools cannot be integrated, it results in poor coordination and project clashes.

Navisworks is an excellent clash detection software with robust integration capabilities. It promotes cross functional collaboration. Navisworks tools have built-in review and markup capabilities which help provide a real-time 360 degree visualization for a faster and more efficient construction process.

4D BIM Modeling of a Multistorey Mixed-use Building, UK

An architectural firm in the UK needed a federated BIM model in 4D with clash detection reports for a multi storey mixed use building. The team at TrueCADD assessed the technical requirements of the team and detected and eliminated interdisciplinary clashes using a coordinated model in Revit and Navisworks. Once the clashes were eliminated, a 4D BIM model and time liner video was created. This helped the client improve design intent communication with their customers, save costs and reduce reworks during the final construction stage.

MEP BIM Model
MEP BIM Model

Structural BIM Model
Structural BIM Model

Quick wins to get 100% accurate clash detection reports

Also read: Benefits of Outsourcing MEPF Designs for Construction Projects

Conclusion

Clash detection benefits through advanced and robust technology are driving project owners, contractors, architects, engineers, and stakeholders in the construction industry to embrace BIM to maximise productivity and hit higher ROIs. Coordinated BIM models and CDE help real time review and resolution of clashes, saving on rework and material costs and keeps projects within schedule.

BIM tools ensure a high level of interoperability and empower cross functional teams to interact in real-time. Different project teams can use different tools to develop their own models. Importing and overlapping those models for real-time clash detection is soon becoming a reality.

Get 100% accurate clash detection reports for your construction projects.

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The furniture manufacturing process involves multiple stakeholders across stages, be it millwork, casework or bespoke furniture. CAD drawings effectively resolve resulting communication glitches, rework and delays by seamlessly connecting designers and the shop floor.

Across the furniture manufacturing landscape, CAD drawing services form the foundation for engineering decisions made by architects, designers or manufacturers. High-quality and detailed manufacturing shop drawings prevent errors and engineering change notices.

Manufacturing drawings in CAD are more than mere graphical representation on paper of the products to be manufactured. They are essentially sets of technical information and instructions related to shape, size, location, tool path and tolerances, limits, allowances. Production drawings basically warehouse every piece of information needed for seamless machine operations. Given such detailed documentation, CAD drawings, unarguably are the pillars for manufacturing.

3D CAD modeling impacts furniture manufacturing
See how  »

3 major application areas of CAD drawings in furniture manufacturing

1. Millwork shop drawings

Millwork shop drawings
Click to Enlarge

The millwork industry needs precisely detailed CAD drafting for machine shop and production. Millwork CAD drafting service providers deliver custom furniture drawings, finishing details and engineering detailing with BOMs.

Millwork includes building components such as base, molding, trims, railing, stairs etc. for which shop drawings are closely interwoven with architectural plans. Ideally, all millwork shop drawings include details for manufacturing, assembly and construction of finished product using standard CAD drafting practices.

How millwork shop drawings benefit you:

Joinery Shop Drawings from Architectural Plans for Office Floor, UK

Architectural Plan details drawings

At TrueCADD, millwork engineers resolved the acute challenges of coordination between designer, furniture manufacturer and contractors for a joinery design firm based in the UK.

The partnership focused on developing detailed millwork and joinery shop drawings needed across the architectural plans.

Reimagining Architectural Millwork Design & Drafting to Drive Succes
Read more  »

2. Casework shop drawings

Casework shop drawings
Click to Enlarge

For casework, it is said that proper planning and adequate detailing in drawings as per architectural plans can avoid poor performance and increase deliverable quality. By partnering with a CAD drafting expert for detailed casework drawings, you can avoid the costly reworks if not eliminate them completely.

For example, when the contractor or site engineers realize that the kitchen cabinets received from warehouse do not fit the spaces designed by architect it creates clutter on site. To avoid such mess, creating casework shop drawings with detailed limits and tolerances after in-depth study of architectural plans can help the manufacturers deliver what contractors expect.

How casework drawings impact your business:

Detailed museum casework drawings simplify design communication process

Casework Shop Drawing

A furniture design and manufacturing firm partnered with TrueCADD to develop millwork and casework shop drawings from architectural plans for a museum. The firm faced challenges related to lack of communication between designers, manufacturers and the contractor.

The TrueCADD casework specialists prepared detailed casework drawings and documents like design process monitoring, project register and design change register. This resulted in:

Millwork vs. Casework: A Detailed Study of Differences and Comparison
Learn more  »

3. Bespoke furniture CAD drafting

Bespoke furniture CAD draftingClick to Enlarge

Bespoke furniture manufacturing is the most complex and high risk as far as profits are concerned. Developing furniture designs, getting them approved and drafting the final manufacturing drawing take the longest. In such a situation, errors in manufacturing or delays are clearly not affordable.

As a result, both, designers and manufacturers, rely on furniture CAD drafting experts. Unlike the previous two, furniture drawings demonstrate detailed study and construction drawings related to each small part of the assembly.

Retail store achieves significant cost reduction for its fitting room projects

Manufacturing Drawings

TrueCADD furniture experts developed furniture drawings with meticulous assembly and installation guides for a retail store furniture manufacturers’ fitting room projects.

Close collaboration between the two teams and detailed study of hand sketches helped work around challenges of limited floor space availability and need for quick TAT.

The manufacturing drawings generated with BOMs resulted in:

Read also: Millwork Shop Drawings for Appealing Designs of Retail Shops

Final words

To bring it all together, furniture manufacturing sector is a large industry with its specific demands and challenges. But what stays common for all the verticals is conveying the right design intent to shop floor through the medium of a CAD draft with appropriate amount of detailing and as per industry laid standards.

Whether you are a millwork developer, casework or a cabinet maker, or a bespoke furniture designer, your go to place is a standard CAD draft for transforming your design into a tangible profitable product.

Get the best rates for CAD drawing and drafting services

Outsource today →

3D CAD modeling stands as a game-changer, melding precision with efficiency to redefine furniture manufacturing norms. Parametric furniture CAD models give a winning edge to manufacturers by eliminating design errors with unparalleled accuracy and cost-effective approach.

Table of Contents

New-age furniture is more than just comfort and storage. Customers today want customized furniture pieces with remarkable efficiency. Though the furniture manufacturing industry is adapting to such changing preferences and offers functional and aesthetically appealing furniture, it suffers on turnaround time and quality. The cost is going skyward.

From reducing errors and costs to enabling a sustainable manufacturing approach, furniture needs streamlined design process. 3D CAD Modeling for furniture manufacturers has offered faster design development with quality and accelerated design-to-manufacturing cycles.

3D CAD modeling saves time by allowing you to make changes in the existing design without having to build it from scratch, along with better design communication and improved quality.

Save up to 60% design costs with knockdown approach


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Furniture modeling challenges without 3D CAD

Contemporary furniture designing and manufacturing is dependent on the abilities of the designer to combine function with fashion. And as customer needs increase, challenges in manufacturing such furniture increase further.

Furniture modeling challenges without 3D CAD

Benefits of 3D CAD for furniture design modeling

The furniture industry has embraced 3D CAD modeling as one of the biggest technological innovations. Significant advancements are seen with the introduction of 3D modeling and photorealistic 3D rendering. The capacity of designers to make life-like models that potential buyers can envision inside their facility has permitted them to draw in more customers.

High precision and intricate detailing

CAD software allows for exact measurements and fine detailing, ensuring every aspect of the furniture design is accurate to the millimeter. This precision is crucial for complex joinery and intricate designs, ensuring that all parts fit together perfectly during manufacturing.

Decreased cost of operations

This concept aligns with the theory of Postponement, where again, parametric modeling emerges a true hero. It can help you conveniently design and manufacture semi-final assemblies from the Bills of materials (BOM). These semi-final products can wait until the final demand arrives wherein they can be quickly assembled and dispatched. A modular design approach like this helps you create multiple final configurations with same semi-final parts and saves cost by achieving economies of scale in production.

Rather than mass-producing a particular design in one color or fabric, you can first understand the market demand and create products that get the most orders.

Furniture manufacturer saves 60% design costs with 3D CAD drafting

Furniture manufacturer saves 60% design costs with 3D CAD drafting

A furniture manufacturer was facing difficulty in understanding the original design intent and accommodating changes within. They outsourced their design detailing to TrueCADD and the decision resulted in:

Check out Project Samples »

Speed in design process

With CAD, changes that would have taken hours by hand can be done in minutes. Automated features like copying, mirroring, and repeating patterns streamline the design process, allowing designers to explore multiple variations quickly and efficiently.

Realistic 3D visualizations for sales and marketing

Realistic 3D visualizations for sales and marketing

CAD provides the ability to create detailed 3D models, offering a realistic view of how the furniture will look in a real-world setting. This aids in better decision-making regarding materials, colors, and overall aesthetics, reducing the likelihood of costly changes later in the production process.

High-quality 3D renderings and animations created from CAD models can be powerful marketing tools. They allow potential customers to visualize the furniture in a realistic setting, making it easier for them to make purchasing decisions.

Easy and fast customization with design automation platforms

CAD software enables designers to easily modify designs to suit specific client needs. Whether it is adjusting dimensions, adding unique features, or experimenting with different materials, these customizations can be made quickly without having to start from scratch.

3D CAD models make design approvals faster and can introduce manufacturing early in the engineering cycle. By building a precise 3D CAD model of furniture product; this model with strategic points will help create DXF files for manufacturing.

TrueCADD team delivers 70 times faster design cycle for furniture manufacturer

TrueCADD team delivers 70 times faster design cycle for furniture manufacturer

A furniture manufacturing client needed to reduce engineering lead time and improve accuracy in customization. Based on the custom design specifications, our SolidWorks engineers developed 3D CAD models which were later customized in DriveWorks.

The results achieved:

Check out Project Samples »

Creative freedom in design exploration

With CAD, designers can experiment with more innovative and complex designs without the constraints of manual drafting. This freedom allows for the exploration of new forms, structures, and functionalities, pushing the boundaries of traditional furniture design.

Reduction in errors, material waste

The accuracy of CAD modeling significantly reduces the chances of errors that can occur in manual drafting. This precision leads to a more efficient use of materials and a reduction in waste, as the dimensions and specifications are clear and accurate. Often, a CAD service provider offers minimal to nil errors because of their teams experts in their respective domains.

Furniture manufacturer reduces errors with 3D CAD modeling

Furniture manufacturer reduces errors with 3D CAD modeling

A US-based client from the furniture design and manufacturing space, faced the challenges of slow-paced design cycles. Due to iterative designs and improper communication between the designer, manufacturer, and general contractors the engineering lead time was increasing.

TrueCADD engineers developed comprehensive manufacturing drawings, accurate assembly and installation guides to eliminate rework which resulted in:

Check out Project Samples »

Effortless scaling of designs

CAD software allows for easy scaling of designs, maintaining the accuracy and proportions of the furniture piece. This is particularly useful when creating a range of products in different sizes or when adjusting a design to fit a specific space.

Seamless collaboration with other teams

CAD models can be directly used in CNC machines and other manufacturing processes, reducing the time and potential for errors in translating a design into a physical product. This integration streamlines the production process, making it faster and more cost-effective.

Digital CAD models can be shared easily with clients, manufacturers, and other stakeholders, regardless of their location. This facilitates clearer communication, as everyone can view the same model and provide feedback, leading to a more collaborative and efficient design process.

Conclusion

As a furniture manufacturer, you would want to offer unparalleled precision, efficiency, and creativity to your customers. While putting resources into expanding your manufacturing capacities is necessary, quality furniture models and design development are a central point that represents your furniture manufacturing proficiency.

3D CAD modeling for furniture manufacturers helps customers visualize products before manufacturing to make informed decisions. By embracing 3D CAD modeling, furniture manufacturers can not only enhance product quality and design innovation but also significantly reduce costs and time-to-market.

Unleash the power of 3D modeling for your furniture business

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The pressure is building on manufacturers to get to market faster than ever. With no room for errors or extended lead times in globally tough times, partnerships with CAD outsourcing firms offer viable solutions.

With the global outbreak of COVID-19, businesses have hit rock-bottom. While some manufacturers fear losses, other predicts a steep rise with new laid norms and operational challenges. At this juncture, the critical need for profitability raises a need for new business strategies.

The new mantra: Manufacture fast and without errors

Shorter Design Cycles

One of the ways to achieve this is reduction in design cycle time by eliminating drawing changes. A competent CAD drafting support partner can help reduce drawing changes to almost nil by aligning initial drafts with the shop’s tooling capabilities.

This essentially needs error free drawings but that is a herculean task. The reason being, that deploying CAD and automation tools such as AutoCAD®, Inventor®, SolidWorks, DriveWorks or Tacton needs extensive expertise for handling complex designs.

Such situation presents global manufacturers with three scenarios:

Albeit, given the current situation, none of these are viable options. So what should manufacturing firms do? Let’s dig deeper and understand the challenges.

What are the challenges in engineering design cycles?

Overcoming the challenges: Collaborating with a CAD design support company

Collaborating

An external support from a design and drafting support partner can not only help you with high quality drafting but also optimize time because of their expertise. Offshore CAD support partners are virtually an extended design arm for your product design, development and engineering teams.

Let’s look at some engineering areas where external CAD design, drafting and automation teams help you to achieve benefits through their services.

1Product design and engineering: Save on costs and get better quality

Product Design Engineering

Offshore design support companies have on their rolls dedicated CAD drafters and industrial design engineers well-versed with industry leading CAD tools to support your design engineering tasks.

Outsource CAD engineers help you achieve seamless manufacturing by offering comprehensive 3D CAD models and 2D CAD fabrication drawings with instructions related to cutting, welding, punching etc.

These CAD companies associate with you through various engagement models, such as man-month or hourly basis, which best fits your project needs and budget. Further, dedicated CAD engineers bring valuable insights before you start manufacturing and help you save costs and improve quality.

A UK based furniture manufacturer struggled to meet customer demands and get to market fast during these COVID impacted times. His partnership with TrueCADD assured him hassle free and on time installation through resource scalability and quick ramp up opportunities.

The client was able to achieve:

  • On time delivery of drawings
  • Detailed documentation for site assembly & installation assistance
  • 70% overall project cost saving

Save upto 50% cost on your CAD modeling projects!

2Design automation: Get the benefit of shorter design cycles

Design Automation

Another major reason to collaborate with external design firms is their competency to implement automation to eliminate repetitive tasks. They develop versatile master models that can be customized at later stages as per customer needs.

Entrusting design automation tasks to service partners will not only help you save on engineering lead time but also allow your design engineers to dedicate their time to more productive areas such as design innovation and process optimization.

Good outsourcing CAD engineering companies have authorized partnerships with technology and automation companies. Partnering with such business partners gives you a competitive technology edge. Also, given the variety of work and exposure that these offshore companies offer in the area of design automation, they are able to attract experienced and competent talent across verticals. These engineers are more versatile in implementing various logical rules and skilled to mix and match the rules for any complex design customization of your product designs.

A hollow door manufacturer supplying doors to healthcare industry and government projects in the US partnered with TrueCADD’s DriveWorks automation team. The automation engineers developed product configurator for custom door design and deployed it online.

The partnership resulted in:

  • Reduction of engineering lead time from 4-5 days to a few hours
  • Increase in quality of deliverables up to 99%
  • Reduced engineering cycle time by 70%

Get design automation to reduce design cycle time by 70%

3CAE: Test new designs and obtain proofs for new design concepts

CFD Analysis

While there are manufacturers who have pressing needs to meet deliveries, there are several verticals that have come to a stand-still due to the pandemic. Design engineers contributing to these verticals are currently dedicating their time to inventing new designs.

When being engrossed in new designs development, obtaining proofs of concepts can be too much to ask for, although extremely necessary. At this point of time an external design firm and their CFD or FEA analysts having expertise in virtual prototype testing prove very valuable.

Some benefits of CAE include:

TrueCADD’s CFD specialists have vast experience ranging from analyzing thermal and flow behavior of gas exhaust from chimney to CFD analysis of an airport area. While our FEA analysts can help you get insights on component and assembly design stress and safety limits to make necessary changes in geometry for optimum strength and material utilization.

Test designs with CAE and avoid manufacturing hazards.

Final words

At a time when the world fights an unknown enemy, manufacturers and design engineers, who contribute a fair share towards a better tomorrow, are advised to turn to time-tested solution of partnering with external experts.

Because talking about achieving accelerated engineering lead times, shorter design cycle and excellent product design engineering and making it happen are two different tasks. From planning a shorter design cycle and implementing will have specific set of roadblocks which needs to be carefully dealt with optimum resource usage.

Partnering an external engineering design support company that essentially acts as an extended design arm for your design units opens doors for better results.

Outsource your CAD drafting projects to us

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In the construction industry more than half of the projects exceed their agreed timelines. However, studies show that with 4D BIM’s unleashed potential, companies are more likely to deliver projects on time and win more of them.

The current scenario for BIM

The debate on whether BIM adoption will have any positive impact on the construction business no longer exists. The 2019 National BIM Report shows that out of 1,000 industry professionals, 60% say that BIM has brought them cost efficiencies and over a half agree that it sped up delivery. About 75% say that it results in operation and maintenance savings.

BIM Adoption Scenario

The stats clearly show that the construction industry has acknowledged the benefits of model-based approach by incorporating BIM into the design and construction process.

Has BIM implementation increased your ROI?

Talk to a BIM expert now  →

4D BIM takes construction to the next level

BIM is an imperative for companies to improve communications, accelerate workflows, and reduce rework.

However, getting BIM-ready is just the beginning. To unlock the full potential, forward-thinking construction organizations must consider taking BIM to the next level with 4D BIM. This fourth dimension in the model-based approach takes productivity to the next step by sequencing construction and trade work activities.

When you add the data of these activities to the project information model, significant savings are realized for all the stakeholders, both in terms of time and money.

Optimize your construction schedules to stop project delays

Implement 4D BIM now  →

Leading companies have already realized the value 4D BIM can bring to their businesses. For example, KONE, a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry uses 4D BIM to increase predictability during construction, sequence trades, and improve schedules. The approach allowed the company to introduce prefab and modular building solutions that significantly improved construction time.

Source: KONE Inc.

Let’s discuss three potential benefits of 4D BIM

Improved planning and management of construction activities

One of the key benefits of 4D scheduling and simulation lies in the reduction of uncertainty in the planning process. This is made possible through a digital workflow that involves the integration of time-related data to the information model.

By rehearsing the construction activities of the proposed build in a virtual environment, planners get a clear picture of the project right from design to completion without even breaking the ground.

Besides, by bringing the visibility of CAD into the planning process, the stakeholders do not require spending time on interpreting the Gantt charts or reviewing a stack of 2D drawings. Rather, they can simply interrogate the 3D model that already includes the schedule and get whatever level of details they want at any stage of the project.

Read here: Types of 4D BIM Construction Scheduling Techniques

It then becomes easy to review the plan, detect clashes, make necessary adjustments, optimize the supply chain and rehearse the plan virtually to ensure there are no mistakes during the execution.

4D BIM holds equal importance in managing construction progress on-site. By recording all the activities and materials on the field and comparing this data with the construction sequencing animation, project managers and owners can quickly trace and control the building process.

Looking for BIM experts to improve your scheduling and sequencing?

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Safer working site

Being a fast-paced industry, construction often involves high-risk activities that can lead to accidents and even fatalities.

According to the 2019 Health and Safety Executive report, an average of 142 workers were killed at work in the UK over five years since 2014. While there is a decline in the number of fatalities and reportable injuries within the construction industry, the figure of 142 still suggests large improvements be made.

With 4D BIM, it is possible to bring down this number to a significant extent. Having access to all the information about the location of material, machinery, and the workers, project managers are always aware of what’s happening on-site.

4D BIM provides a platform to identify potential hazards and offers an opportunity to implement potential solutions to mitigate the risks right from the early stages of the construction.

Read here: Leveraging the Benefits Of BIM 4D For Maximizing ROI

Savings in time and money

By enabling access of construction project information to all stakeholders, 4D BIM minimizes the need to conduct frequent meetings to ensure that everyone is on the same page. In fact, with construction sequencing, every project stakeholder will remain a step ahead of the actual construction stage. This saves a considerable amount of time for everyone involved in the project.

4D BIM also allows schedule optimization to eliminate any stops and starts during the project execution. When the daily progress and man-power data is added to the schedule, planners can compare the actual productivity rates with the sequencing information and make necessary adjustments.

Saving more on time has a direct impact on the cost component of the project as well. Since 4D BIM serves as an early warning system, all the project stakeholders can identify and resolve all the construction issues right from the beginning. This helps prevent the project from going over budget or falling behind the schedule, ultimately leaving the owner with better profit margins.

4D BIM modeling of a multistorey mixed-use building, UK

architectural-bim-model

An architectural firm in the UK was able to improve the design intent communication with their end client by developing a 4D BIM coordinated model with construction sequencing for a mixed-use building project. They partnered with Hitech CADD Services on this project. This resulted in significant savings in terms of time and cost. The firm was also able to eliminate rework through the aid of sequencing animation.

Move to the next dimension

You’ve experienced the benefits of 3D BIM. But, this is just the beginning. Realize the full potential of the model-based construction approach by integrating construction sequencing to your information model.

Revolutionize your planning and scheduling activities, achieve the highest level of coordination between the stakeholders and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle. In an industry where more than half of the projects exceed their agreed timelines, studies show that with 4D BIM, companies are more likely to win more projects and deliver them on time.

Leading construction companies have already moved to this next dimension to experience benefits in terms of efficiency and profitability. Forward-thinking organizations like yours shouldn’t fall back.

Make your move and seize the 4D BIM opportunity!

Get clash-free 4D BIM models to identify and resolve project conflicts.

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Rising demand for sheet metal doors and windows requires you as the manufacturer to fabricate products with minimal scrap and rework to achieve on-time delivery. DFM strategy for sheet metal designs and modern design tools will help you to achieve these goals.

The demand for metal doors and windows is expected to rise at 3.7% per year through 2022, benefitting manufacturers with strong sales over the coming years. The demand forecast might sound lucrative you to, but in order to become reality it implies the need for a more competitive work environment for sheet metal doors and windows manufacturers.

There is, hence, an imminent need for you to improve existing sheet metal design and manufacturing processes by adopting the right design tools with integrated automation to stay competitive.

Why you should be concerned about the design process.

1. Sheet Metal Design Using DFM (Design for Manufacturing) Strategy

One of the major concerns while designing doors and windows is the lack of a designer’s knowledge of sheet metal design. Unlike solids, sheet metal design involves a sound understanding of the physics and manufacturability, as sheet metal parts behave differently in a real-world environment.

Following are some of the key sheet metal design considerations a good designer should know to maintain the design intent and maximize the manufacturing efficiency:

Minimum Bending Radius

Minimum Bending Radius
Fig. 1

Bending radius is critical when considering door and window designs, and it varies depending on the grade of sheet metal used. The frames and plinth of metal doors and windows are an excellent example of section profiles that use bending process.

Insufficient bending radius on these components compromises the flatness of the rabbet on which the door will actually rest. This leads to further inaccuracies in installing and operating the door.

As a rule of thumb, the minimum bending radius for a mild steel sheet metal should be equal to the thickness of the sheet.

Minimum Bending Radius for Sheet Metal
Fig. 2

Bending radius also depends on the type of brake tool used. The frames for doors and windows usually employ a roll forming method for bending. (See fig.1) Bending the sheet to a designer specified bend angle may lead to spring-back effect – a tendency of the sheet metal to retain its original flat form. This happens because the top surface of the sheet undergoes tension and the bottom one is under compression.

This is the reason why the brake operator will overbend to the bending angle, so that the desired bent angle is achieved once the part is released from the pressure.

In sum: The designer must predict and efficiently account for the springback while developing the designs for doors and windows to avoid change orders later during the manufacturing stage.

Grooves, Ribs, and Holes

Punching or Drilling for Holes
Fig. 3

While holes are important for fastening the doors and windows using hinges, they also do the job of imparting strength to the formed part. The metal around the area where holes are punched or drilled gets stretched and becomes more tensile, providing better structural rigidity to the sheet. However, the size of the hole and the distance between the two holes are important to consider before punching or drilling them out. (see fig.3)

As a thumb rule, the hole diameter should not be less than the sheet thickness, and the distance between two holes must be at least two times the sheet’s thickness. The diameter goes up to two times the thickness of the sheet for stainless steel or alloy material.

Maintaining the hole diameter to stock thickness ratio is important, as punching holes that are smaller than the material thickness causes the stamping forces to spread out instead of going downwards through the material. (see fig 4.)

Grooves and Ribs
Fig. 4

When this ratio is not followed, the punch often gets stuck into the material, and in many cases, deforms the part altogether. Ultimately, this results in an increase in cost per run and demands more maintenance, delaying the fabrication process further.

However, in case of metal doors, there is a need to punch smaller holes in order to accommodate fastening the locks and hardware items. In such situations, holes are usually produced through drilling or machining process.

Grooves and ribs offer additional strength without adding to the wall thickness and are often used in doors and windows to offer weather tight seal between sections.

In sum: The designer needs to consider keeping a provision for these elements early during the design stage will reduce the possibility of errors during the punching process.

Design sheet metal parts with DFM strategy

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Notches and Tabs

Notches and Tabs
Fig. 5

Sheet metal doors and windows need notches and tabs to make provisions for hinges and locks. But there are a few design parameters to consider when specifying the notch. (see fig. 5)

The rule of thumb here is that the notch width shouldn’t be narrower than 1.5 times and the length should be maximum 5 times the sheet thickness.

In sum: The designer needs to consider the minimum distance between a bend and a notch should be 3 times the material thickness plus the inside bend radius. And, when there are two notches, the space between them should not be less than 2 times the sheet’s thickness.

Notch 1
Fig. 6 Wrong method
Notch 2
Fig. 7 Right method
Tabs 1
Fig. 8
Tabs 2
Fig. 9

Minimum Flange Width

Flanges are often useful in reinforcing tops and bottoms of doors with inverted horizontal channels. Reveal flange, for example, is an essential part of the door frame profile which extends from the return and formed parallel to the wall.

In sum: The designer needs to consider the minimum height of a bent flange should be proportional to the material thickness, bend radius and length of the bend. The minimum width of a bend relief should at least be equal to the material thickness or 1.50 mm, whichever is greater.

Welding Alternatives

Welding is an ideal solution to join two parts of the material together, but a more important question one needs to ask here is that is it necessary to use welding or fasteners can do the job? Removing the welding process helps reduce manufacturing costs considerably.

For example, making use of knockdown metal door jamb instead of welded ones can reduce the need of welding process to a certain extent. However, these types of jambs are often suitable where the interior walls are finished with drywall or plaster.

Simple modifications in the design such as extending the bracket from the base material instead of attaching it separately can eliminate welds and bring significant cost reductions.

In sum: The designer must consider the available bending technology at the shop floor before redesigning the part without welds.

2. Sheet Metal Design Tools

While these design tips ensure better efficiency for you in manufacturing doors and windows, achieving these results require the right technology tools that support the DFM strategy and offers to you as the designer the flexibility to quickly design sheet metal parts and generate fabrication drawings for the shop floor.

Popular 3D parametric CAD tools such as SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor® offer an array of features for the designers to easily develop sheet metal parts with accurate forming and welding details. The tool automatically generates flat patterns with bend compensation, pushing the design to your production faster.

3. Integrating Design Automation

What follows after adopting a 3D sheet metal design tool is the ability to automate repetitive design tasks. Design automation is extremely useful while designing custom sheet metal doors and windows that are specific to the building requirements. From the automatic generation of 3D models and flat patterns to cut lists and fabrication drawings, automation shrinks the design cycle to a significant extent.

Tools like DriveWorks for SolidWorks and iLogic for Inventor take automation to the next level by offering the opportunity to develop sales configurator for doors and windows. Such configurators promote guided selling, where a customer simply inputs the sizes and configurations as per his/her requirements and the 3D model along with an estimated cost is displayed upfront.

Hitech helped a leading US-based manufacturer of custom hollow metal doors reduce the design cycle by 70% by implementing design automation and product configurators using SolidWorks and DriveWorks. The engineering lead time was reduced from a 4-5 days turnaround to same-day engineering and manufacturing.

Open the Door to Greater Efficiency

To meet the growing demand of high-quality sheet metal doors and windows for residential and commercial buildings your design team must adopt DFM strategies to minimize manufacturing errors. For this, your designer must have a clear understanding of the fab shop and the material used in the process.

With the right CAD tool, implement sheet metal design knowledge and automate repetitive tasks. Open the doors to higher efficiency and ensure better profit margins in a competitive market.

Increase sheet metal design productivity with CAD experts

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Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) provides 100% accurate quotes, automates and speeds up configuration of products. It assures increase in sales/revenue, enhanced customer satisfaction with features of upselling, cross selling, price optimization and 3D visualization.

Business Need

CPQ software provides a “five times greater year-over-year revenue growth rate” and minimizes “the complexity of the quoting and proposal process by minimizing the people and functions involved”.Source: Aberdeen

Solution

According to Gartner, by 2019, 40% of B2B ecommerce sites will use a CPQ tool to “calculate and deliver product pricing dynamically.”

Configure, design and deliver custom products faster than ever before.

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8 Features of CPQ that Benefit Sales & Manufacturing Companies

Real-time price and quote for specific configurations as per customer requirements makes CPQ an imperative for accelerated sales and enhanced revenues. CPQ enables customers to modify specifications and update price while recommending multiple options to help customers make smarter decisions.

Accuracy & SpeedAccuracy & Speed
Price OptimizationPrice Optimization
3D Visualizations3D Visualizations
AReal-time Visibility with IntegrationsReal-time Visibility
with Integrations
Upselling & Cross SellingUpselling & Cross Selling
Multi-platform SupportMulti-platform Support
ReportingReporting
Guided SellingGuided Selling
100% Accurate and Faster Quotes

1100% Accurate and Faster Quotes

The Automated Quoting and Pricing Management feature of CPQ ensures that quotes are updated automatically as and when customers configure their orders. In addition, the pricing management ensures that pricing updates automatically get applied system-wide to create accurate and faster quotes within a few seconds.

100% Accurate Quotes offered 98% Faster

Mounting customer demands put pressure on a leading steel door manufacturer in the US to shorten quote times while increasing accuracy. Hitech CADD Services provided end-to-end CPQ solutions that brought down the quoting process from 4 hours to 5 minutes, positively affecting the sales process and customer experience, while achieving shorter lead times.

According to data from Aberdeen Group’s Research Report, companies that use CPQ have 57% greater margins than the companies who do not use CPQ.

Price Optimization

2Price Optimization

CPQ provides insights into the behavior of potential customers in response to how they react to different prices by analyzing large sets of data. It uses calculations to envision how demand differs at different price points and combines that data with cost and inventory levels to create a lucrative price point for that product or service. Manufacturers, then use this analysis to determine the pricing, promotions, discounts etc. thereby providing the customer with the most optimum pricing available.

Automated Price Optimization

VanAire, USA, a leading Environmental Solutions and Engineered Valve Automation Hardware company, relied on the CAD department to gather dimensional data, manually type it and design the kit using the latest policies determined by market analysis, which was time consuming. With SolidWorks and DriveWorks, they designed kits based on current rules, pricing, current Valve and Actuator dimensions and customer expectations that resulted in a 3D model and shop drawings that were generated automatically and guaranteed to be correct as they are based on VanAire’s current rules, pricing, discounts.

“This whole process now takes less than two minutes. The end result is a 3D model and shop drawings that are generated automatically and guaranteed to be correct because they are based on VanAire’s current rules.”

Tony Lambert, Vice President, VanAire, LLC

3D Product visualization

33D Product Visualization

All customers want to see what they are purchasing. 2D and 3D product configurators allow the customer to configure products as per their requirements, and enables them to view the product visually in 3D. This provides a more accurate depiction of their order with enhanced purchasing experience.

95% Accuracy offered with 3D Models

A leading furniture manufacturer needed to digitize their designs in editable format and generate 3D CAD models from 2D for future needs while gaining access to all product development stakeholders. Hitech CADD Services converted the 2D images to 3D CAD assembly and part models and submitted finalized CAD files with standard layers, attributes, custom properties and exploded views. This enabled the client to convert and view designs in 3D models and all designs passed prototype tests by nearly 100%.

Real-Time visibility with Integrations

4Real-time Visibility with Integrations

CPQ is equipped with an advanced rules engine that removes any product combination, pricing, bundling or calculation errors. It formalizes rules and pricing over all departments based on an organization’s pricing structure and database and integrates with ERP and CRM systems of a company, providing Real Time visibility. The built-in CPQ intelligence ensures that quotes created contain the suitable product mix for business necessities as well as customer wants, eliminating the burden on sales staff to manually create and configure products, without worrying about addressing product complexities such as knowing if, part X is compatible with part Y or Z.

CPQ Closed the Gap of CRM

An Aircraft Interior Manufacturing in USA, had a data management system where they had to fetch data manually from ERP system as components were stored in an excel file on a local system that was accessible only by a single user. Hitech CADD Services created an intuitive user interface, which was shared with different teams for improvement in flow process. The dashboards for different team to work on included the “Top Down” approach, which enhanced the visibility of Order status/Progress in different departments’ viz. sales, planning, engineering and manufacturing, closing the gap of CRM.

Upselling and cross selling with shorter sales cycle

5Upselling & Cross Selling with Shorter Sales Cycle

Upselling and Cross Selling in CPQ shortens the sale cycle by enabling customers to self-configure products as per their requirements, give instant quotes while providing relevant product options to help customers make smart decisions.

Upselling Feature Increases Sales Productivity

A B2B Company in U.S. struggled to sell services and accessories, which affected the company’s revenue, as cross selling and upselling were too time consuming.

Based on previous transactions, CPQ provided information at the speed of conversation in a simple, streamlined way, enabling sales reps to see whether customers who bought a certain base model would be likely to buy a particular extended warranty and specific option or accessory enabling a dramatic increase in sales productivity.

“The average sales cycle for non-CPQ enabled companies is 4.68 months which is reduced to 3.42 months (33%) using CPQ.”

According to data from Aberdeen Group’s Research Report, companies that use CPQ have 57% greater margins than the companies who do not use CPQ.

Multi-Platform Support

6Multi-Platform Support

CPQ solutions enable sales personnel to easily access orders, quotes, pricing on a multi platforms on any mobile friendly interface. This multi-platform support feature of CPQ increases the accessibility for the sales department so that they can make any required updates or tend to customers from anywhere at any time.

Looking to create / manage your own custom configurator that suits your business needs?

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Reporting

7Reporting

Make smarter business decisions by merging sales and finance with complete visibility across the customer lifecycle from quote to retention. Reporting, an essential feature of CPQ allows companies to see where in the ordering process customers are losing interest, current customizations that are popular, what promotions and discounts have worked etc. Using these important insights, companies can make improvements to their ordering experience, increasing their sales efficiency and revenue.

Reporting Enables Informed Business Decisions

Redox, a leading name in healthcare, struggled to comprehend their sales pipeline, the estimated value of sales opportunities and whether their sales numbers were reliable.

Salesforce CPQ was used to establish a consistent sales process and optimized workflow that provided important company metrics. By creating intuitive procedures that matched Redox’s sales process, they were able to see consistent reports that matched their sales goals enabling all levels of the organization to be confident in the company’s sales data, and help make quick sales decisions.

Guided Selling, Comparison of Products for Customers

8Guided Selling, Comparison of Products for Customers

Customized quotes with suggestions of options as well as guided selling that also allows comparison of products, all within a few minutes while enabling customers to adjust the product as per their needs, enhances customer-purchasing experience. The increased access to customers leads to better customer retention.

Recommendations

CPQ is the preferred “go to” tool in the current market as it offers a better understanding of customer needs and assists them to act quickly, bringing greater precision, accuracy, speed, and improvement in every aspect of the sales cycles; from product pricing to complex product configurations.

process

CPQ integrates with ERP and CRM systems, providing the technology edge to the estimation process.

Manufacturers today are opting for CPQ as it provides features like upselling and cross selling which helps the sales personnel to provide various options to a customer, get more business by helping the customer make smart decisions.

Modern technology tools like integrating AI (Artificial Intelligence) with CPQ have emerged which makes business analysis much easier, faster, and cost effective, along with real-time transparency.

As technology advances, CPQ users now have access to mobile-enabled CPQ tools that enable sales reps to create quotes as per their customer’s needs, anywhere and at any time!

Are you interested in moving to an innovated, automated CPQ solution?

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In 2024, the architectural millwork manufacturing industry is expected to undergo significant changes in trends and practices. To adapt to these evolving demands, millworkers will need to rethink and update their design development and drafting processes to remain current and relevant.

Table of Contents

Architectural millwork manufacturers are fine blend of tradition and innovation. Millworkers and millwork design engineers have to find the perfect blend of engineering and aesthetics during millwork design development and manufacturing.

As per a report by AIA, business conditions in the custom architectural millwork industry will continue to soften during 2024 and show a slight decline compared to 2024. The ABI score dropped to 44.3, with declines reported in all regions, although at a slower pace in the Midwest and South. Firms specializing in commercial/industrial (43.7) and multifamily residential (40.1) projects saw billings drop further, while those for institutional (49.1) dipped moderately from last month’s score of 50.1.

For architectural millworkers, it is imperative to understand the rising trends, challenges and ways to navigate them to stay profitable. Ensuring that every component is manufactured as designed is the important to have no slips in custom millwork design drafting. Final woodwork products are as flawless as woodwork shop drawings. But there are umpteen challenges in creating quality shop drawings.

Challenges in Modern Millwork Design Drafting

Since every millwork project is bespoke, both, millworkers and design engineers encounter hurdles that keep them from accelerating engineering lead time. Some millwork project management challenges include:

millwork drafting challenges

Navigating these challenges requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and a forward-thinking approach. For architectural millwork companies, success hinges on their ability to adapt and innovate in the face of these evolving demands. Benefits realized by outsourcing millwork shop drawings and drafting proves to be beneficial in restructuring the practice.

How millwork design drafting should evolve to reimagine custom millwork products

Reimagining millwork design drafting process is not just a technological upgrade, but a transformative journey that redefines the essence of design and manufacturing. Here are some factors that millwork design drafting should focus on:

collaboration-between designers architects manufacturers

Collaboration ensures that each stakeholder’s expertise is utilized, leading to more efficient workflows, reduced production times, and higher-quality outputs. It also opens up avenues for innovative solutions and creative problem-solving, driving the industry towards new heights of excellence.

What are the software used for millwork design?

Millwork companies need to get over with their legacy 2D CAD systems that offer little scope of productivity improvement, and move to 3D parametric CAD tools. Tools that understand the design intent and offer intelligent features to compliment and expedite the millwork design process.

Inventor for millwork drafting and design

Autodesk’s Inventor®, for example, offers designers with an opportunity to create architectural content such as cabinetry, furniture, millwork, store fixtures, etc. using simplified workflows. The parametric design approach makes it easy to build the design intent for millwork designs and keeps 3D model as a ‘single source of truth’. This means that all the design data, including 2D drawings will always remain consistent, reducing errors on the shop floor.

Reduced 60% design costs with detailed millwork shop drawings

CAD drafting experts at TrueCADD transformed architectural plans to detailed millwork shop drawings to enable accurate furniture manufacturing. Because of offshore team collaboration, the architectural millwork manufacturer could save time and overall project costs.

MillWork Shop Drawings
MillWork Shop Drawings
MillWork Detail Drawings
MillWork Detail Drawings
MillWork CAD Drawings
MillWork CAD Drawings
Manufacturing Shop Drawings
Manufacturing Shop Drawings

check out project samples »

Furthermore, one-button CNC can be a reality with Inventor’s CAM feature that helps in generating CNC programs for the model geometry quickly as per the woodworking machine tools. At TrueCADD, our design engineers create lightweight models and neutral CAD file formats to suite CNC machine coding needs.

Besides, designers have access to an extensive library of hardware and materials with their own cutting data, bringing down the manufacturing cycle time significantly. On top of all these features, there’s iLogic, a technology to generate parts, models and assemblies through rule-based design. This essentially means that repetitive design tasks and configuration of basic parts can be fully automated.

SolidWorks for millwork design and drafting

SolidWorks is an equally powerful 3D CAD modeling tool for millwork and woodworking projects. Best known for its user-friendliness, SolidWorks also has a set of partner products such as PASCAM, SWOOD Design, and DriveWorks that expedite the process of developing production-ready millwork designs.

DriveWorks, for instance, is an intuitive tool to consolidate automation for ‘same but different’ millwork design elements. DriveWorks implementation shrinks the manufacturing cycle and offers an easy access for customers to configure their furniture product. This powerful tool also helps generate quotes quickly, all through automation rules that can be developed right inside the SolidWorks environment.

Is technology adoption enough?

With the right tools, however, the job is only half done. A major part of the efficiency equation relies on the right skills; skills that effectively convert the architectural sketches to manufacturing-ready shop drawings. But, considering the current state of manufacturing in the U.S., this skill gap is continuously widening. As per a Deloitte survey on skills gap in the US manufacturing industry, technical and computer skills form two of the most serious skill deficiencies.

Technology Computer Skills
70%
Technology Computer Skills
Problem Solving Skills
69%
Problem Solving Skills
Basic Technical Training
67%
Basic Technical Training
Math Skills
60%
Math Skills

Millwork manufactures employ CAD drafting companies like TrueCADD who are proficient in delivering both 2D & 3D CAD drawings with intricate details. However, the high degree of customization required in executing certain millwork drafting services, poses severe challenges in terms of scaling production while reducing lead times.

A major roadblock to efficiency also comes in the form of training the resources and encouraging them to adopt new technology tools. While initial resistance to new technology is expected, succumbing to this pressure could be detrimental to productivity and adversely impact business bottom lines.

Saved overall project time with CAD drawings in millwork manufacturing

Millwork CAD drafting experts at TrueCADD transformed hand sketches into detailed drawings for a retail store’s changing room furniture. Use of shop drawings resulted in saving 45% of transportation costs and 60% design costs of the project.

3D Models and Manufacturing Drawings for Retail Store Fitting Room
3D Models and Manufacturing Drawings for Retail Store Fitting Room
Concept Drawings to CAD Detail Design
Concept Drawings to CAD Detail Design

check out project samples  »

Involving millwork design and drafting specialists

As a millwork company, the ultimate goal for you is to deliver high-quality architectural millwork that will augment the space where it will be installed. However, chances are that your team spends most of the time perfecting the design and shop drawings so that it fits well with what the architect or the contractor has envisioned. This delay significantly affects your engineer’s ability to create documents for the downstream jobs, ultimately affecting the overall manufacturing process. The right way forward to deal with this situation and eliminate the non-value adding activities is through a partnership with millwork design and drafting services providers.

While traditional drafting companies do take care of your non-core processes, millwork drafting specialists essentially extend your existing design capabilities. With a sound experience in developing design and shop drawings for a wide range of custom millwork, they complement your engineering processes and enable you to meet your business goals more effectively.

The technologically equipped millwork drafting experts work with your team in cohesion, understand your manufacturing processes thoroughly, and are well aware of the AWI standards. Whether it’s about kitchen cabinetry, retail store fixtures, custom furniture or wall paneling, they take the burden off of your in-house drafting and engineering teams when dealing with custom millwork designs.

Wrapping Up

With increasing competition from casework imports and low-priced alternatives, millwork companies must reimagine their existing design and engineering competencies. Adopting the right technology tools and enhancing the existing skillset through partnerships with specialists is the right way forward. Specialists who understand millwork and its intricacies to the core and extend the design and drafting capabilities can significantly bring down lead times and offer millwork companies a competitive edge in the market.

Partnering with a millwork drafting company offers unparalleled advantages in terms of access to an experienced pool of engineers, advanced technologies and reduced operational costs. Your association with TrueCADD for millwork drafting company gives you an access to onshore as well as offshore engineering design support to help overcome challenges.

Discuss your millwork project details with our experts today

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Point cloud modeling has revolutionized renovation projects by plugging in the power of laser scans into BIM. Point cloud conversion of laser scan data into 3D models helps surveyors and construction firms resolve critical challenges, as the geometries of all building assets and their as-built conditions can be captured with high accuracy.

Renovation projects of buildings of high significance, including heritage monuments, are difficult to execute with legacy tools and traditional surveying methods. Using conventional tools leads to spatial inaccuracies in surveys and consequent issues in accurate retention of the architectural essence of a structure.

Point cloud conversion of laser scan data to 3D models offers a non-invasive tool to surveyors that significantly reduces surveying time, can capture every detail, derive information accuracy, lower risks, and achieve positive project outcomes.

A point cloud to BIM coordinated model created using Revit, delivers in-depth visualization of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Firefighting (MEPF) equipment within cramped spaces, resulting in enhanced visualization capabilities for renovation and retrofitting.

Point cloud modeling helps in accurate and complete documentation of as-built conditions to enable architects, structural engineers, and surveyors understand the intricacies of a heritage structure and preserve it. Provided with the right data set as input including drawings, scans, 360-degree photos, and other information, a coordinated as-built 3D model can help from creating accurate surveys to designing effective facilities management.

Scan to BIM Conversion
Scan to BIM Conversion

Point Cloud BIM Modeling
Point Cloud BIM Modeling

Point cloud to BIM modeling of an institutional project, London, UK

Decoding the Tech: What is point cloud conversion to BIM?

Point cloud to BIM conversion or point cloud modeling of laser scan data in BIM, involves creating a 3D model from millions of data points scanned by a laser scanner and aggregated into a point cloud. A point cloud to BIM model is built within BIM tools like Revit ensuring data accuracy and integrity. This coordinated 3D model in a virtual space is used for renovations, remodels, and facilities management.

The process of transforming laser scan to 3d BIM modeling begins with data acquisition. A 3D laser scanner is used to record the physical attributes of the site or structure, forming a dense collection of data points, or a “point cloud.”

This raw data is then processed using specialized software, cleaned, and filtered to remove noise and irrelevant points. Multiple scans from different perspectives are then registered and aligned in a process called ‘stitching,’ to create a holistic and accurate 3D depiction of the site. The incorporation of scan to BIM benefits enhances the accuracy of the model and facilitates more efficient workflows.

With the completion of the point cloud, it’s imported into BIM software like Autodesk Revit. The BIM model is created by tracing over the point cloud data, forming the elements of the building including walls, floors, roofs, and systems like Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEPF).

This model’s accuracy is cross verified against the original point cloud data, ensuring true representation of as-built conditions. Once validated, the model helps in further design, analysis, or facility management, and to enhance collaboration and reduce error risks.

What are the challenges of using legacy processes and tools in surveys?

How does point cloud modeling enable surveyors to achieve their design and renovation objectives?

Scan to BIM Conversion
Scan to BIM Conversion

BIM Revit Model
BIM Revit Model

Point Cloud to Revit
Point Cloud to Revit

3D View
3D View

Point cloud to BIM conversion for a 16th-century heritage monument building, UK

Best practices to get an optimal 3D point cloud to BIM model

The following tips ensure a point cloud to BIM model will garner high accuracy, lower project time, improve visualization, and drive recommended project mapping.

Why Revit is the most popular tool for creating point cloud modeling

Autodesk Revit with its comprehensive set of tools has become a leading software for surveying firms engaged in point cloud conversion and 3D BIM modeling. Here’s a quick snapshot of Revit features that make it the top choice for scan to BIM modeling:

Exterior Details
Exterior Details

Revit 3D Model Converted from Scan Data
Revit 3D Model Converted from Scan Data

Point cloud to BIM conversion for a coffee outlet, USA

How does outsourcing point cloud to BIM requirements help surveyors?

Surveyors or surveying firms gain by outsourcing the point cloud modeling to specialized point cloud conversion companies. It ensures,

Conclusion

Point cloud to BIM technology, including Point Cloud to Revit BIM Modeling Services, has emerged as a game-changer for surveyors, offering unparalleled accuracy, efficiency, and visualization capabilities. By leveraging the power of point cloud data, surveyors can generate highly detailed and precise BIM models, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions, detect clashes early, and streamline construction processes. As the construction industry continues to embrace digital transformation, the integration of point cloud to BIM technology is poised to reshape the way surveyors work and contribute to the success of construction projects.

Moreover, the integration of point cloud to BIM technology with other emerging technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), further enhances the capabilities of surveyors. AR and VR can overlay point cloud data onto the real-world environment, allowing surveyors to visualize and interact with their models in real time. This not only facilitates on-site decision-making but also enhances construction coordination.

Outsource your point cloud to BIM modeling needs.

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Better designs of retails shops, for apparels, food or any other industry, appealing interiors of shops are a trademark for sellers to establish brands and attract customers. The undisclosed efforts to the success of better architectural plans and spaces lie in quality millwork shop drawings. Higher the quality of millwork CAD drafting, higher will be the precision in manufacturing the casework and furniture which will be reflected in the direct correlation with proposed architectural plans.

Retail shop owners and architects search for an ideal offshore millwork drafting partner to avail the best quality designs at low and affordable costs. Development of millwork shop drawings from architectural plans and preparing DWG and DXF formats will lead to accuracy in manufacturing respectively.

Superior quality millwork drafting & drawings can help make your building project a success.

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Millwork CAD Drafting focus for Retail Shops

If we look around any typical retail shop let’s assume, a retail food chain shop, there will be multiple millwork and casework items that need drafting attention and details. Amongst the most popular products, cash counters, booths, benches, doors and windows, display racks, food and drink serving station of SS, kitchen counters, food preparation counters etc. and casework like display cabinets, mantelpieces, kitchen cabinetry etc. are the most important in development of interiors.

Using technical manufacturing drawings developed in AutoCAD® or any other suitable CAD platform aids cabinet makers and furniture manufacturers in understanding the exact design needs and manufacture accordingly.

Read here: Reimagining Architectural Millwork Design & Drafting to Drive Success

Benefits of using Millwork Shop Drawings

Just like an architect makes a visual presentation of the architectural plan, millwork shop drawings serve as a visual presentation to design engineer when the manufacturing of furniture starts. It gives a general idea of what is to be manufactured, the material used, the finishing, joinery details, etc. to the manufacturing company or cabinet making company.

Technically, the process of developing millwork shop drawings start with conversion of architectural plans or sketches into shop drawings in a suitable CAD platform. Details for each element and store fixtures are added later by discussion with the shop owner and stake holders at shop owner’s end. Custom millwork drawings are developed for each project and casework details are provided with precision with CAD shop drawing service provider.

Ideally, architectural drawings become realistic only when converted to millwork shop drawings, because millwork drawings will be assigned with appropriate dimensioning systems, tolerances and place allocation on the floor. Also, architects will be benefited to plan the interiors in collaboration with interior designing firms in utilizing the spaces economically.

Get custom millwork drafting and quality casework shop drawings

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Areas in Retail Shop that need Millwork Drafting

Retail shops often find places in shopping malls where the construction is mixed-use and space available is very compact. It means that maximum space is to be utilized with the best possible aesthetics. All these indications points to the fact that interior millwork will no longer be limited only to cabinets, doors, window and kitchen counters.

Some other applications include:

Read here: Millwork vs. Casework: A Detailed Study of Differences and Comparison

Reach out to an Expert MillWork Drafting Partner

A CAD drafting service provider specializing in architectural millwork and casework drafting can undertake a project of any complexity and volume still deliver satisfactory results. We at TrueCADD having a team of 80+ millwork draftsmen with an experience of 25+ years in offshore project management are well-equipped to deliver you millwork drafting needs.

Drop us an email for queries at info@truecadd.com and speak to our millwork drafting experts.

Millwork and Casework, the two often interchanged terms, are connected with the building architecture and construction. Falling under the umbrella of carpentry, both the terms have distinct application from CAD drafting and manufacturing perspective.

What is millwork?

Millwork or millwork design refers to finished building products or woodwork produced in a mill such as doors, crown molding, wall paneling, display counters, custom kitchen cabinet drafting, etc. However, the elements that are integral parts of the building itself, such as ceiling, flooring, or siding etc. are not included here, although made of wood.

A few more examples of millwork products would include trim pieces, window frames and windows, closet doors, stair banisters and more. These products essentially enhance the interiors of the building and often called architectural ornamental products.



Custom Millwork Drafting
Millwork Drawing from Architectural Plans

Millwork products are usually custom made and hence each design and manufacturing aspect of the product is engineered-to-order. Millwork design experts calculate the size requirements based on architectural floor plan drawings for designing geometry of millwork products. Customer’s choices are then factored in to finalize the millwork design and necessary details are added to develop detailed millwork shop drawings.

What is casework?

Casework, as the name suggests, is all about manufacturing the boxed furniture such as cabinets (display and storage), racks & drawers, bookcases, storage spaces, etc.

Kitchen cabinets can fall under both millwork and casework. But since they are more often custom made and deep embedded within the building architecture are referred to as kitchen millwork. It includes every storage cupboard, pantry furniture and drawers.

Casework Shop Drawing
Casework Drawing and Models from Architectural Plans

Ideally, casework construction doesn’t include furniture that is custom made and usually finds applications in modular usage. The central idea of any cabinet maker or other furniture manufacturing company (or the casework CAD drafters) is to deliver the pre-fabricated building products (or casework CAD shop drawings) that can be assembled at the site for the end product.

The Difference between Millwork and Casework

Major difference between the two is that millwork is custom, while casework isn’t. Casework pieces are not made to fit the spaces, they are rather made after taking the specific geometrical dimensions of the space. There, of course, can be multiple variants and customization of colors, surface finish, etc. can be done at the end of the user in case of casework.

Now a question arises that are windows considered under casework or millwork? Ideally, windows, trims and etc. qualify as millwork as they are all custom made woodwork products. They are designed as per the need of the customer. So obviously manufacturers find it difficult to manufacture and deliver the final millwork product on time. But architectural millwork design drafting help drive efficiencies in highly custom millwork products.

Differences Between Millwork and Casework
Custom Sketch for Kitchen Cabinetry and Millwork

Another difference lies in the method of production. Casework can be mass-produced, and hence is usually less expensive. Millwork, on the other hand, is only made for a specific space of the building and the same geometrical drawings cannot be reused for another project. Thus, millwork is relatively expensive.

Costing: Millwork vs Casework

Casework is simpler compared to millwork that is custom made and hence the latter is costlier. Clearly, the cost of per piece of millwork is higher but also offers better quality. It needs time and detailed attention of CAD drafters in deciding the space decoration, utility, and uniqueness.

Thus, it is extremely important that the quality of millwork shop drawings is of the highest standards which can be attained by partnering with millwork drafting service provider. Mantelpieces or armoire are the most appropriate examples of detailed carving and meticulous designing.

MillWork-Casework Characteristic

For smaller projects, customers usually tend to opt for casework as it allows picking up from the readily available factory products which are relatively available at affordable costs as against the custom made. But this also means that the final product quality may not be at par with the millwork products.

Thus, at first glance, it might seem that casework is not expensive, but evaluating the other parameters will lead to a conclusion that the architectural aesthetics available in molding and trim of room is unparalleled in millwork. It all boils down to the end customers’ project needs.

Casework or Millwork: Which is preferable?

The above mentioned differences between millwork and casework, it is clear that both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Casework, falling under Division 12 of construction and millwork falling under Division 6 of construction are thus integral parts of any building construction project.

Casework, on one hand, provides consistent, quick storage options and comes for immediate use. It is very crucial in case of retail shops like food chain shops or restaurants. And for architectural millwork, it is convenient and allows customizing the CAD drawings as per the individual project needs. Mainly, it adds value and quality to the completeness of the project and thereby enhances the architectural space as a whole.

Since both, casework and millwork, have their own set of peculiarities, it is hard to say which one to undertake. One deciding factor could be how simplified the production shop floor activities can be with the final aim of cost reduction and utility. With this in mind, casework is modular and economical which makes it a more viable choice.

But from a customer’s perspective, casework is accommodating to the manufacturer’s product and millwork drafters’ ideas. Thus, if the customer’s want tailored designs, millwork is a better alternative. Millwork is also important while accounting for woodworking and bespoke furniture designing. Widely, CAD drawings for bespoke furniture manufacturing help furniture designers communicate design intent to the shop floor.

Bringing it all together

Now that you know the fundamental differences between millwork and casework, you can differentiate the two. Apart from the differences mentioned here, there are many more. Both, millwork and casework, find application in projects including commercial offices, retail stores, parks, hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, upholstery for furniture items, lightings, display counters, racks and shelves, mantelpieces etc. And hence they need to be designed with attention.

Custom Door Design
Custom Door Modeling and Designs

You as a millwork contractor, what matters the most is having architect, interior designer, home-builders, contractors and manufacturers on the same page during the project lifecycle. It is, thus, imperative for you to deliver millwork shop drawings with accuracy and correctness.

Outsourcing millwork shop drawings has proven to be profitable not just in terms of cost but also getting excellent quality, turnaround time and highly detailed documents. Through a close collaboration with external CAD drafting companies, millwork developers can reap the maximum benefits of outsourcing millwork shop drawings.

There are many CAD drafting companies that offer professional millwork and casework CAD drafting services to help you design custom CAD shop drawings. Building long term relationships with them help you get the best quality and display uniqueness of your space.

4D BIM is an excellent tool for managing material and resources on the field. The logical sequencing of onsite tasks and accurate budget estimation catalyze the way construction projects are designed, managed and developed.

Traditional scheduling techniques have multiple challenges and limited benefits though the AEC industry is still comfortable with it. 2D scheduling and bar charts often throw up inaccurate layouts and obscure presentations, hampering informed decisions, delaying projects and adding to costs.

4D BIM’s accurate scheduling and sequencing features backed by visualization and coordination capabilities transforms the way architects, contractors and other stakeholders operate. Optimized construction costs, on time project completion and better interdisciplinary communication are some positive outcomes experienced by BIM users globally.

READ HERE : What does 4D BIM Mean for Your Construction Business?

Why is 4D BIM scheduling important for construction projects?

4D BIM Scheduling is important for construction projects as it helps engineers, designers, estimators and schedulers link 3D models to schedules. It helps leverage the opportunities of real-time scheduling in terms of responsibilities and allocation of each discipline/trade during each phase as well as identifying flaws. With fully animated 4D schedules, project stakeholders can mitigate the risk of delays through re-sequencing and coordination optimization.

Architectural firm saves on construction cost and time

A UK based architectural firm partnered with TrueCADD to develop a federated BIM model with construction sequencing for a multi-storey mixed-use building.

The TrueCADD team completed the project with 4D BIM simulation using Revit® and Navisworks® in two months.

The 4D BIM model delivered along with a sequential video helped the architectural firm:

  • Improve design intent communication with its customers
  • Save on construction costs
  • Reduce reworks substantially with sequential video

Save on construction time with accurate 4D construction simulation.

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What are the types of 4D construction scheduling techniques?

1.Bar Charts or Gantt Charts

Bar Charts or Gantt Charts

A Bar or Gantt chart helps construction stakeholders track the status of a construction project. Bar Charts predominantly help AEC stakeholders manage the project better. A Gantt chart or Bar Chart is a significant technique or tool for project managers to schedule tasks and monitor them.

It also helps Project managers track and monitor activities until each activity gets completed as well as the people who are working on each activity. Using a bar chart, the tasks are illustrated on the Y-axis, and the time is illustrated on the X-axis.

Benefits of Bar Charts

  • Manage and monitor task relationships.
  • Manage job completion and update status.
  • Identify issues and assign scheduling resources.
  • Visualize project progress and make informed decisions.
  • Simplify complex workflows and reduce delays & rework.
  • Linked Bar Charts use various shapes like lines and arrows to link items and activities for every scheduled.

Disadvantages of Bar Charts

  • It has been recorded that Bar charts fail to give proper results for an activity count that is greater than 30.
  • Inability to create detailed tasks through a bar chart is not useful.
  • Meetings or review processes are not handled by bar charts.
  • May become more complex based on the project count.
  • Difficult to track changes and supervise resources.
  • Challenging to review on paper.

2.Critical Path Method

Critical Path Metho

The Critical Path Method or CPM is used for scheduling and planning. It is represented by a network that depicts duration, sequence, and interrelation of activities.

CPM can identify the entire track or chain of tasks or activities. During the initial stages of a project, the number of activities and costs might be high. But as the project moves forward, CPM uses various algorithms to sort out into routine.

There are various CPM schedules such as Feasibility Studies, Presentation, Budgeting, Milestone, Baseline, etc. that project managers can leverage. By using CPM through Primavera, Microsoft Project, etc., project managers can identify time and float in the project.

Resource utilization can be optimized using the Critical Path Method through abbreviations like ES or Early Start, EF or Early Finish, LS or Late Start, LF or Late Finish, D or Duration, TF, or Total Float.

Benefits of CPM

  • Better representation of development work.
  • Accurate planning and effective task or activities arrangement.
  • Defines important tasks.
  • Saves time and manages deadlines.
  • Compare planned and real status.
  • Identify critical activities.

Disadvantages of CPM

  • CPM for large projects becomes complex, difficult and ineffective if not well-defined.
  • Unable to handle sudden changes.
  • Resource allocation is not monitored accurately.
  • Difficult to estimate activity completion for multi-dimensional projects.

READ HERE : Benefits of 4D & 5D BIM to Construction Projects

3.Line of Balance Sequencing

Line of Balance Sequencing

The Line of Balance Sequencing is a series of inclined lines that depict the rate of working between repetitive operations. It is also called as “Repetitive Scheduling Method” or RSM. Line of Balance Sequencing is best used for high-rise buildings, horizontal BIM infrastructure like highways, railways, pipelines, etc.

A-Line of Balance (LOB) is a technique that depicts repetitive tasks or work that exists in a project as a single line on a graph. In simple words, the LOB chart shows the rate at which work for all activities needs to be done to stay on schedule and the relationship between various trades or processes is defined by spaced lines.

Benefits of LOB

  • Shows and optimize resources used for repetitive activities.
  • Faster time and cost optimization analysis for each activity.
  • Offers better visualization and presentation assuring better management of project sub-contractors.
  • Quicker to modify, change, and update.

Disadvantages of LOB

  • Inability to generate a clear CPM of the project schedule.
  • Cannot divide the project in terms of trades, users can only divide it by location.
  • Does not include productivity rates, or the complete effect of learning curves, crews, or any changes in resources.

4.Q-Scheduling

Q-Scheduling

Q-Scheduling is defined as Quantitative Scheduling wherein quantities to be scheduled or executed at different locations of the construction project are used to form the elements of a schedule.

With Q-Scheduling, project managers can extract quantities from various project locations and make the model move closer to real-time. It helps schedulers determine cost and relationship through a sequence of performed tasks.

In simplicity, it is the only technique that can form a relationship between a sequence of performing a task and cost to be incurred for it.

Benefits of QS

  • Indicates relationship between tasks sequences and costs.
  • Suitable for different volumes of repetitive activities at different locations.

Disadvantages of QS

  • A relatively new technique that hasn’t received significant traction.
  • Needs a lot of resources to establish task schedules.

READ HERE : 5 Ways 4D BIM Maximizes Construction Project ROI

Conclusion

All-in-all, it has become apparent that 4D BIM is a complete game-changer for the AEC industry. The potential to visualize detailed depiction of project progress is extremely robust. This saves the sector valuable time and keeps the projects within the budget. A solid understanding of its function and scheduling techniques can help a project team make the most out of its application. It also gives project owners a clear and complete visual on how a site would appear without any curiosity or disappointment.

4D BIM also offers project stakeholders greater opportunities and benefits in terms of time-related information based on interdependencies, lead time, construction and on-site installation. On-site rework and material waste reduces saving on time and cost.

With BIM simulations helping stakeholders focus on spatial and workflow clashes, more and more project stakeholders are adopting 4D Scheduling to implement project prototypes.

Leverage comprehensive 4D capabilities for your BIM project.

Contact our 4D team →

How well you evaluate your potential BIM partners on critical criteria such as expertise, collaboration, technology, references, and compliance, defines the success and profitability of your BIM projects.

AEC firms have been adopting and implementing BIM to create increasingly productive and economical setups. But the continually changing standards, regulations, infrastructure requirements, team training needs, and the complexity of data management often lead to sub-optimal use and implementation of BIM, if not handled by experts. This is where a BIM outsourcing partner plays the role of enabler, especially in leveraging BIM for small AEC firms.

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However, the booming BIM market, projected to reach USD 14.68 billion by 2028 has led to a proliferation of BIM service providers, making it confusing to select one that suits your requirements and objectives most closely.

This is why, in this article, we have discussed the five key aspects you need to be aware of when selecting a BIM partner: from scrutinizing BIM capabilities and infrastructure to legal compliance considerations.  Whether you’re seeking to outsource BIM work or avail Revit services or looking for a reliable BIM Outsourcing Company or Contract Partner, this guide will help you make the right decision.

challenges in finding the right bim partner.

Five Aspects to Consider Before Picking a BIM Outsourcing Partner

By exploring the five critical aspects of selecting a BIM partner, including experience and expertise, collaborative approach, technology and tools, track record and references, and regulatory compliance, organizations can create value-driven and long-term BIM provider partnerships.

BIM Experience and Expertise

Choose a BIM partner with a strong track record and relevant experience in your industry and project type. Experience empowers a BIM partner to tackle challenges and foster innovative solutions that enhance project outcomes.

Check the Relevant Experience: Don’t just go by how long the possible BIM partner has been in business, but also how long they have been offering the services you need.

Industry Experience: Selecting a BIM partner with a proven industry track record in BIM design and BIM construction is crucial, as their experience provides insights into sector-specific challenges and requirements and enhances project outcomes.

Team Competency: Check out the skills and abilities of the people on their team. A qualified and skilled team can make a big difference in the success of a project. Look for Autodesk Certified Professionals (ACP) or Building SMART certifications.

Project Management Skills: Assess their project management proficiency, as it is crucial for BIM partners to efficiently plan, execute, meet deadlines, and adhere to budgets.

Quality Control and Assurance: Ask about their quality assurance procedures, as a dependable BIM partner should have established protocols to guarantee the precision and quality of BIM models and data.

Flexibility and Scalability: Assess their ability to adapt to changes and scale up or down as needed during the project’s lifecycle.

Alignment with Project Goals: Confirm that your BIM partner shares your project goals and is committed to achieving them.

Prioritizing experience and expertise in your choice of BIM partner is the foundation for successful, efficient, and high-quality project delivery.

In just two months, our team completed a 4D BIM simulation project, enabling the architectural firm to enhance design communication, achieve substantial cost savings, and significantly reduce rework through sequential video presentations.

2D Drawings mixed use Building

2D Drawings mixed use Building

Architectural BIM Model mixed use Building

Architectural BIM Model mixed use Building

MEP BIM Model mixed use building

MEP BIM Model mixed use building

Entrance Elevation Details

Structural BIM Model mixed use building

View Case study »

Collaboration and Communication

Look for a partner who can effectively collaborate with your team. A cooperative and communicative relationship is essential for project success. When evaluating a BIM partner’s collaborative approach, consider these key points to include in your assessment:

Communication: Evaluate the partner’s communication methods and tools, as effective and transparent communication is vital for keeping all project stakeholders informed and in sync.

Integration with Stakeholders: Examine the partner’s ability to integrate seamlessly with other project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.  Look for partners who employ the Level of Development (LOD) approach to enhance collaboration, ensuring that project stakeholders have access to the right level of detail at each phase, optimizing communication and decision-making.

BIM Collaboration Software: Assess how the partner utilizes BIM collaboration software platforms like BIM 360 or Trimble Connect, as these platforms enable real-time collaboration and data sharing among project participants.

Coordination of BIM Models: Examine how the partner manages the coordination of BIM models across diverse disciplines, as their expertise in identifying and resolving clashes is essential for early conflict resolution in the project.

Regular Meetings: Review the frequency and format of project meetings. Consistent meetings support collaboration, provide progress updates and offer a platform to address concerns.

Feedback Mechanisms: Examine how the partner seeks and responds to feedback from project stakeholders, showing their dedication to ongoing improvement through feedback integration.

Documentation and Reporting: Verify that the partner maintains comprehensive records of project decisions and actions, as these well-documented records aid in tracking progress and serve as valuable references for resolving disputes.

A robust collaborative approach sets the foundation for seamless teamwork, effective communication, and efficient coordination, ultimately driving the success of BIM projects.

BIM Technology and Tools

A BIM partner’s expertise with advanced technology and tools forms the cornerstone of streamlined processes and enhanced project outcomes, demonstrating their commitment to staying at the forefront of industry innovation.

Consider the following key aspects:

BIM Software Proficiency: Evaluate the partner’s competence in using BIM software tools, including but not limited to Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and similar applications. Their expertise in these tools is fundamental to smooth model creation, collaboration and data sharing.

4D and 5D BIM Capabilities: Ask about their proficiencies in 4D (time-based) and 5D (cost-based) BIM applications. Look for partners who create precise 4D BIM models in Revit®, incorporating accurate data from multiple sources, project managers, and planners, ensuring their clarity and resilience. A partner well-versed in these aspects can significantly improve project scheduling and cost estimation.

Clash Detection and Resolution: Examine their strategy for detecting and resolving clashes with the help of tools such as Navisworks or Solibri. Efficient clash resolution plays a vital role in reducing conflicts and interruptions during the construction phase. Look for services that include thorough model analysis, ensuring seamless and error-free project execution.

Laser Scanning and Point Cloud Data: Evaluate their proficiency in using laser scanning technology and processing point cloud data to produce precise as-built models. This technology holds significant value, particularly for renovation and retrofit projects.

Mobile and Field Technology: Assess their use of mobile and field technology for on-site real-time data capture, which plays a pivotal role in project monitoring, issue tracking, and ensuring quality control.

BIM Libraries and Templates: Assess whether the partner has a library of BIM components and templates that can streamline model creation and maintain consistency across projects.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Explore their integration of AR and VR technologies for enhanced project visualization, client presentations, and design reviews.

It’s crucial to verify that your chosen BIM partner has access to the latest BIM software and tools. The adoption of cutting-edge technology has the potential to streamline your project processes and elevate the overall project results.

TrueCADD developed a clash-free 3D BIM model, exceeding the capabilities of traditional CAD software. This model empowered our client to analyze energy efficiency, leading to substantial cost savings of 30% to 35% during the construction of a healthcare facility.

3D Architectural BIM Model for Eye Hospital

3D Architectural BIM Model for Eye Hospital

BIM Model for eye hospital Indoor View

BIM Model for eye hospital Indoor View

BIM Model for Eye Hospital Sky View

BIM Model for Eye Hospital Sky View

CAD Rendering Model

CAD Rendering Model

View Case study »

References and Past BIM Projects

Looking into a BIM partner’s references and past projects gives you a first-hand look at their track record and skills, which is very helpful for making an informed choice. Review their portfolio and speak with past clients to gauge the quality of their BIM work and their reliability.

Client Testimonials and References: Reach out to former clients to collect feedback on their satisfaction with the partner’s services and evaluate the partner’s effectiveness in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving during past projects.

Project Portfolio: Examine the partner’s project portfolio, with a focus on both the range of projects they’ve handled and those that align closely with your project’s specific scope and needs. Successful BIM projects across the industry showcase the transformative potential of this technology.

Reputation and Industry Recognition: Research the partner’s industry reputation by examining online reviews and ratings and assessing their receipt of awards, certifications, or recognition for their achievements.

Timeliness and Budget Adherence: Ask about their track record in meeting project timelines and budgets, ensuring a history of timely completion and financial responsibility.

Quality of Work: Inspect the precision and quality of their BIM models and project deliverables while considering the thoroughness and level of detail in their previous works.

A comprehensive evaluation of references, past projects, and reputation will provide the assurance needed to select a BIM partner with a proven track record of delivering successful and dependable outcomes.

Our 3D BIM model prevented reworks and material waste, enabling structured planning, cost savings, and enhanced safety for the client’s public-business infrastructure project. It also provided accurate BOQ/BOM estimates for floor paving and equipment.

3D BIM for Public Park

3D BIM for Public Park

3D Model of Public Park

3D Model of Public Park

Public Park Aerial View

Public Park Aerial View

Public Park Main street View

Public Park Main street View

View Case study »

Evaluating legal and BIM standards compliance ensures a BIM partner’s ability to navigate regulatory complexities and minimize project risks. Here are important points to consider:

Licensing and Certifications: Confirm that the BIM partner possesses the essential licenses and certifications required in their region to provide BIM services and validate the legitimacy of these credentials.

Contractual Agreements: Review their standard contracts and agreements to ensure they are fair, legally sound, and protect the interests of all parties involved, including dispute resolution mechanisms.

Data Privacy and Security: Confirm that the partner has data privacy and security measures in place to protect sensitive information and comply with data protection regulations, such as the GDPR or HIPAA, where applicable.

Intellectual Property Rights: Discuss intellectual property rights, including who owns the BIM data and models, and ensure these are clearly defined in contracts to prevent any disputes in the future.

Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure that the partner complies with health and safety regulations on construction sites, which can impact the safety of workers and the public.

Ethical Practices and Codes of Conduct: Evaluate the BIM partner’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and industry-specific codes of conduct, verifying their adherence to integrity and ethical values in their professional undertakings.

By evaluating these points, you can gain confidence that your chosen BIM partner is committed to legal and ethical compliance, reducing the risk of potential legal issues and ensuring a trustworthy and reliable partnership.

As a BIM service provider, we offer a wealth of experience, advanced technology expertise, and a history of successful project delivery. Our collaborative approach ensures that your unique needs are met efficiently. We prioritize compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Select a partner committed to excellence.

Types of BIM Services that are Commonly Outsourced

BIM offers a spectrum of services, including architectural design, structural engineering, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) coordination, clash detection, 4D scheduling, and facilities management, revolutionizing the entire lifecycle of construction projects.

Here are some common types of BIM services:

Challenges in Finding the Right BIM Partner

Finding the right BIM partner can be challenging for various reasons. Here are some common challenges:

Conclusion

In the journey to find the perfect BIM services partner, it’s crucial to consider various factors carefully. Whether you are a BIM technical firm, design firm, or contract partner, the selection of the ideal BIM outsourcing partner is a decision that can profoundly influence your project’s outcome.

By evaluating their experience, approach to collaboration, technology and tools, track record, and commitment to legal and compliance standards, you can make an educated decision. Your chosen BIM outsourcing company should align with your project’s unique needs, contributing to its efficiency, innovation, and ultimate success. By using the comprehensive approach outlined in this article, you can ensure the selection of a BIM partner that aligns with your project requirements and contributes to its successful completion.

A structural design details plan of any building facility or the infrastructure undergoes several stages of inspection, analysis, and redesigning before it is sent for fabrication of steel and execution on site. Once the plan is finalized, Tekla detailers prepare steel shop drawings to coordinate with the steel fabricator. One thing that is ensured during the transition of drawings from designing to fabrication is that the structural integrity is given the highest importance.

Importance of Structural Integrity in Modern Construction

For most modern buildings have a frame structures, which have columns and beams along with trusses as an integral part of the structural frame and the structural integrity depends on the strength of these elements.

Hence the structural steel detailing becomes crucial. Imparting appropriate strength through an appropriate hybrid of steel and rebar to critical structural members ensures desired load carrying capacity.

Simultaneously, the construction industry has also seen a rage of prefabrication in recent times. Modular housing in the UK has gained a significant importance to solve population-space crises. Structural works have adopted this concept since long by fabricating steel works at a factory to remain profitable and maintain the ease in fabrication.

Offsite fabrication activities and on-site assemblies have become the new normal for the industry and this demands the structural drafters to develop structural drawings, fabrication drawings and erection drawings accurate in nature.

Steel Detailing Drawings aid Structural Steel Fabricators

Owing to this increasing acceptance of offsite construction methods, fabricating steel becomes an intricate process. Furthermore, welding, riveting, bolting, straightening, twisting, bending etc. add to the challenges. Also, every fabricator has their specific way of work. To avoid conflicts and collaborating better with the steel fabrication contractor, they use steel shop drawings to establish standards for meeting the exact design requirements.

Two-way Channel for Detailers & Fabricators

When it comes to developing such high-level information drawings upon which the stability of the entire structure depends, they have to be developed with substantial precisions. Structural engineers cannot let the mistakes in interpretation overpower the decisions making.

2D structural drawings and steel detailing information using Tekla are changing the game completely by developing acute needs and establishing an efficient communication channel between design engineer and the shop floor foremen.

In fact, not only design details but the information related to fabrication materials, BOMs, order quantity and much more are included in the Tekla detailing drawings to enable the fabricators to gain more accurate insights.

Additionally, Tekla drafts and steel detailing drawings offer a higher accuracy and pave a path for seamless communication, which can be ensured by partnering a Tekla detailer team or a structural design support partner.

Grandiose Structures and Stability

Steel detailing drawings have always remained a center of importance for structural engineers for a very long time. Brooklyn Bridge in New York is the finest example of the steel structure. It remains the first suspensions bride constructed using steel wire built back in 1883 which carries 150,000 vehicles and humans on a daily basis today.

Creating such grandiose structures and the stability it has over hundreds of years is the fact of accurate steel detailing and fabrication methodologies. More than that, the coordination between structural engineers and fabricators plays a very important role.

The example of Brooklyn Bridge dates back to the times when engineers dealt with hand drawing. Today, the drawings and designing, as well as the fabrication practices, have evolved and become more sophisticated. Coordinating in a right manner with the design engineer is the key element to make the most of steel detailing drawings for any structural steel fabricator.

In the construction industry, shop drawings refer to accurate, in-depth, and scaled diagrams generated by project stakeholders for the respective parts of their work. They provide detailed information about dimensions, materials, techniques, and whatever is necessary for the fabrication, installation, and assembly of architectural, structural, and MEP components.

Construction shop drawings are important for project coordination and execution, in accordance with the intent of the architect and engineer. They provide precise instructions for all perceptible structures, including steel beams, architectural elements, HVAC systems, electrical wiring and plumbing equipment.

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The inability to create and use accurate and complete construction shop drawings can lead to a lack of clarity about project scope, execution errors, costly rework, greater labor costs, material waste, onsite conflicts, and legal consequences. Accurate shop drawings enable AEC stakeholders to improve construction project risk management.

Challenges faced without accurate shop drawings in construction

Shop Drawings: A Detailed Insight

Types of Shop Drawings (Architectural, Structural, MEP, etc.)

Construction shop drawings are precise, detailed, and scaled to deliver specialized information for multiple elements. They include architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans for precise construction and ensure that building elements comply with design, codes, and safety protocols.

Architectural Shop Drawings

Architectural shop drawings are meticulous plans or blueprints created by architects to offer accurate details of construction elements, including doors, windows, and finishes. These drawings serve as guides for craftsmen and builders for the accurate and complete realization of architectural design and for achieving effective construction in synergy with the architect’s vision.

Structural Shop Drawings

Structural shop drawings are explicit blueprints that illustrate important parts of the building framework or structure. Generated by structural engineers, these shop drawings provide precise plans of concrete elements, such as beams, columns, and connections. These drawings serve as an essential guide to ensure accurate construction based on component load bearing to guarantee structural integrity.

MEP Shop Drawings

MEP shop drawings lay a greater focus on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Detailed plans provide intricate information on HVAC systems, electrical wirings and connections, and plumbing systems.

Built by MEP engineers, these drawings provide specifications for HVAC components, electrical layouts, and plumbing equipment. These play a vital role in supporting seamless coordination between various building systems and offer system specifications, including ductwork, pipes, wiring, and other equipment.

MEP shop drawings also serve as a roadmap to guide the construction process for MEP elements to function in harmony for various projects, including residential, commercial and other project types.

Role of Shop Drawings in Ensuring Design Intent

Shop drawings play an important role in realising design intent within construction projects. Serving as detailed and customized plans generated by contractors, manufacturers, and fabricators, these drawings bridge the gap between practical implementation and conceptual design, allowing designers and clients to visualize the finalized product. Meticulous detailing of dimensions, construction techniques, and materials, these construction shop drawings assure that the finished product aligns with the intended design to ensure precision, functionality, and project wins.

Importance of Accuracy in Shop Drawings

Accurate information carried by shop drawings streamlines communication between various teams and stakeholders to achieve a unified understanding of design. Furthermore, accuracy and precision ensure design integrity, increasing building efficiency and keeping construction costs under control.

Reducing Risks through Shop Drawings

Ensuring Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations

Shop drawings play an important role in reducing risks within construction projects through compliance with regulations and building codes. These elaborate blueprints produced by contractors show accurate material specifications and installation techniques. Thorough reviews of shop drawings support architects and engineers in confirming that the proposed plans align with local regulations and safety standards.

Thorough assessment supports the identification of potential problems before actual construction begins and helps mitigate expensive errors, ensuring the project conforms to legal rules and regulations. Furthermore, the use of precise shop drawings lowers the risk of insecure and inefficient construction.

Identifying and Resolving Design Conflicts and Issues

Construction shop drawings minimize risks during construction projects through the identification and resolution of design conflicts and issues. Accurate, detailed and updated shop drawings serve as a bridge between architectural plans and on-site realization of design intent.

Exhaustive audits of shop drawings mitigate clashes and ambiguities in the preconstruction stage by rectifying them before actual construction begins. This preemptive method prevents costly problems and ensures swift construction. Thus, shop drawings are vital deliverables that improve construction project risk management.

Minimizing Miscommunication among Project Stakeholders

In construction projects, risk reduction depends to a great extent on accurate shop drawings. They address miscommunication issues between project teams and stakeholders.

Enhancing Collaboration between Contractors, Architects, and Engineers

Shop drawings promote project-wide collaboration between architects, contractors and engineers. Better collaborative workflows improve understanding of design intent and resolve potential issues faster. This ensures project errors are minimized, leading to improved construction project management and minimal setbacks or issues.

Liabilities in Construction Projects

Common Liabilities Faced by Contractors and Project Owners

Ignoring building codes, standards and regulations poses a serious threat for construction projects, contractors and project owners. Common liabilities include preventing building defects, workplace accidents and project delays. Contractors may be held responsible for below-average work or schedule overruns leading to legal issues.

Project owners face liability implications related to quality, adherence to regulations and build quality. Rigorous contracts need to be set in place to address these liabilities based on risk assessments and strong safety protocols to safeguard every party involved in the construction process.

Legal Implications of Design Errors and Omissions

Construction design errors and omissions produce significant legal issues that lead to cost overruns, delays, and structural problems that expose architects, contractors, and engineers to legal liabilities. Contractors may face contract breaches based on flawed designs, while architects and engineers could be held accountable for professional failures.

Legal problems arising from errors emphasize the need to generate comprehensive documentation that includes construction shop drawings, extensive quality control, and collaboration to resolve liabilities. Proactive risk management and adherence to global construction standards are crucial to avert legal issues and uphold project performance and reliability.

Financial Consequences of Construction Liabilities

Construction non-compliance has significant financial implications. Architects, contractors, and owners face a great number of cost-based delays, defects, and safety breaches. Fines, premiums, and legal battles increase the financial strain.

Furthermore, resolving errors requires additional expenses that could significantly impact budgets. Delays in projects can lead to hefty penalties. These consequences emphasize the need for extensive QC, regulations compliance, and complete risk management in the construction industry.

The Role of Shop Drawings in Reducing Liabilities

How Accurate Shop Drawings Prevent Design Errors

Construction shop drawings help manage liabilities in construction projects through preemptive error detection and resolution. Depictions of specifications and construction details and reviews ensure that the intended vision connects with the proposed design.

Shop Drawings as Documentation for Compliance

Ensuring compliance to mitigate liabilities is achieved through the use of accurate, complete, and data-rich shop drawings. These drawings deliver a sharp representation of project execution through the illustration of building materials, architectural, structural, and MEP dimensions, and their installation methods.

These detailed shop drawings serve as benchmarks to achieve compliance with architectural blueprints and industry norms. Thorough review and approval of these drawings lowers the risk of errors, serves as a complete compliance record, safeguards liabilities, and adheres to specifications.

Shop Drawings in Dispute Resolution and Legal Cases

Dispute resolution and legal cases are significantly lowered through the use of shop drawings. With every detail illustrated within shop drawings, contractors can leverage clear project documentation with accurate specifications and clear intentions.

In the case of a dispute or a legal issue, construction shop drawings are indispensable proof for resolving conflicts based on visual representations of the proposed plans. These drawings improve transparency, diminish legal liabilities, and lead to fair project resolution to protect all the parties involved in the project.

Get precision, efficiency, and innovation for project with TrueCADD.

mailLearn about our MEP Coordination Services

Top 5 steps to create accurate shop drawings

Creating accurate, information-rich, and detailed shop drawing sets is crucial for construction projects. Here are the top 5 steps to achieve the creation of excellent shop drawings.

Understand Project Details

A comprehensive understanding of architectural and engineering plans is important for creating shop drawings. Collaborate and communicate with architects and engineers to understand project requirements and ensure an accurate representation of the plans.

Measure

Produce precise measurements and on-site inspections to collate accurate dimensions and specifications. Paying close attention to detail mitigates errors in the final drawings.

Communicate

Build open and effective communication in the construction industry with various teams and stakeholders, such as architects, engineers, and contractors. Addressing queries quickly and making sure everyone is on the same page for design intent and project needs.

Utilize Specialized Software

Deploy advanced CAD software to generate accurate and detailed shop drawings. These cutting-edge tools enable the use of annotations, precise modeling, and documentation to ensure information richness and accuracy.

Review and Approval

Conducting extensive reviews and approvals from various project parties, such as architects and engineers, before the final shop drawing set is prepared improves accuracy, completeness, and adherence to required specifications. This step reduces errors during construction.

Shop Drawing Success Stories

The client was an engineering contracting company specializing in engineering consulting and contracting. With 2D drawings supported by markup drawings, the team at TrueCADD built coordinated MEPF models with accurate shop drawings for the Irish hospital project.

Corridor Plan Layout for Plant Room

Corridor Plan Layout for Plant Room

3D Revit MEP Coordinated model for Plant Room

3D Revit MEP Coordinated model for Plant Room

3D MEP Model for Plant Room

3D MEP Model for Plant Room

3D MEP Coordinated Corridor Section Model

3D MEP Coordinated Corridor Section Model

The client was a BIM consultant who partnered with TrueCADD for a clash free plant room layout project in Europe. 2D files in PDF format and the manufacturing details of MEP components were provided as input. The team at TrueCADD analyzed the client input and created deliverables that included Revit models, MEP shop drawings, and 3D rendered images.

MEP BIM Modeling for Plant Room

MEP BIM Modeling for Plant Room

MEP BIM Modeling for Collage Campus Plant Room

MEP BIM Modeling for Collage Campus Plant Room

Conclusion

To conclude, the importance of shop drawings in construction projects is not overstated. Accuracy, extensive detailing and compliance with project specifications lower liabilities and risks.

By serving as a communication tool for various stakeholders, these drawings illustrate clarity, mitigate misunderstandings, and improve the overall efficiency of the project. Embracing the use of shop drawings showcases compliance within a collaborative system to ensure on-time and successful project delivery. Construction professionals need to embrace the transformative capabilities of shop drawings to reduce risks and enhance standards of building excellence.

Manufacturers, architects and contractors rely on 2D CAD drafting and 3D CAD drafting for production and projects. It affects both project execution and quality if the accuracy, turnaround time and quality of these drawings do not meet the benchmarks. Whether it is about manufacturing a quality product on time, or finishing a construction project within deadlines, CAD design and drafting services have a crucial role.

For large and medium-sized companies focused on freeing up core resources, outsourcing CAD drafting to India is the best option. Outsourcing saves time, reduces overall costs, decreases infrastructure liability, and provides high-quality deliverables with expertise. It also increases flexibility, as drafting operations can be scaled up or down depending on demand.

What is 2D CAD Drafting?

2D CAD drafting involves creating 2-dimensional technical drawings using a CAD platform such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Autodesk Inventor. Ideally, these 2D drawings consist of three different views – top view, side view, and front view – to convey the complete product design and geometry.

In each CAD draft, the product geometry is annotated with technical details like manufacturing footnotes, tolerances, manufacturing process, and machine allowances. CAD deliverables such as fabrication drawings, manufacturing drawings, shop drawings, sheet metal shop drawings, etc., primarily utilize 2D drafting.

What is 3D CAD Drafting?

3D CAD drafting, also known as 3D CAD modeling, involves developing 3D models within a CAD environment. These models can be solid 3D models or sheet metal CAD models, depending on the product being manufactured. Various industry segments such as industrial products, furniture manufacturing, and building construction utilize 3D CAD modeling services.

What is the difference between 3D and 2D drafting?

The fundamental difference between 2D drafting and 3D drafting is that the latter adds an extra dimension of depth to height and width. This additional dimension makes 3D models more comprehensive for clear design communication across teams.

Secondly, since a 2D drawing uses only lines to depict product designs, it can only describe limited shapes. Designers need to create multiple views of the product design. With 3D drafting, all shapes and products can be easily created in a single file. This is helpful for developing complex product designs for stakeholders who are from non-technical domains.

What are the advantages of 2D or 3D CAD drafting services?

Professional 2D and 3D Drafting Services

One advantage of 2D over 3D CAD drafting is that there are more experts and workers across the manufacturing industry who are familiar with 2D drawings. Most of the time, 2D drawings are sufficient to communicate design intent and share design information between design engineers and shop floor engineers. They can understand how each part fits with every other part in a multi-component assembly just by looking at the drawings.

However, design engineers often spend hours on iterative design drafting. Therefore, they often outsource it to expert CAD engineers in offshore locations. CAD design and drafting companies readily take up drafting work and free up design engineers.

Many times, manufacturing companies may have legacy designs from before the pre-CAD era, preserved on paper. This not only causes design preservation issues but also hampers the engineer’s ability to efficiently add value or recreate the part. As a result, 2D CAD conversion services have become an essential part of outsourcing CAD drafting. Although simple, it requires significant time and attention to edit the drawing details.

Why outsource CAD drafting services to India?

India remains the outsourcing hub for an array of industries, including engineering CAD drafting. CAD drafting is a time-consuming task that involves detailing and close coordination with design engineers and other product stakeholders. Some benefits of hiring CAD outsourcing companies in India include:

A team of expert CAD drafters

SolidWorks CAD Drafting

Excellence in CAD drafting extends beyond accuracy and compliance with design standards. It requires a deep understanding of precise geometry, drawing symbols, and clear communication of manufacturing processes.

Offshore CAD drafting teams meticulously mark slopes, depths, arc curvatures, datum symbols, orientations, and other features in manufacturing drawings or shop drawings. They utilize various parametric CAD platforms like Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, etc., to share accurate design intent through 2D and 3D drawings.

Enhanced quality and faster turnaround time

Top Quality and Faster TAT

The quality of drawings and the turnaround time are crucial aspects of CAD drafting projects. These factors heavily influence every step of production and project execution. Lack of quality at any point results in wasted time, rework, and delays. When an outsourcing company handles a CAD drafting project, they assign dedicated teams and help overcome these challenges.

For example, offshore CAD teams work 24×7 in shifts, leveraging the time zone difference. If you share inputs at the end of your day, the offshore teams can pick up the work because it’s the beginning of their workday. They update you on work completion at the end of their day, so your work is ready on the table when you begin work the next day.

Furthermore, offshore CAD teams have years of experience and expertise. They help identify design loopholes and highlight them for elimination. They are also capable of developing design drawings that comply with internationally accepted standards such as IS, ASME, or ANSI.

Improved productivity by leveraging 3rd party software and APIs

Multiple CAD Drafting Software

CAD platforms, despite their multifaceted functionalities, sometimes require external applications and APIs to enhance the design process. Outsourcing companies have specialized engineers who can create customized macros and APIs for 3rd party software. These additions increase your design team’s efficiency and expand your capacity to offer add-on services.

For example, adding repetitive features such as holes in sheet metal modeling can be time-consuming. Using 3rd party software like DriveWorks or running a CAD macro can automate the command and generate the pattern quickly. Platforms like Bluebeam also allow markups in digital drawings, which are highly useful for cost estimation and quantity takeoffs.

Quick ramp-up and ramp-down of resources

Easy Resource Scalability

The manufacturing industry experiences market fluctuations throughout the year. This means that the workload for design engineers increases during peak times and decreases at other times. However, hiring and firing resources based on varying demands isn’t a sustainable option.

Having an offshore CAD team on board allows you to tackle this situation efficiently. The outsourcing model empowers you to bring in more resources when the workload increases. They can work during busy periods and help meet timelines. When the workload reduces, the extra resources can be benched, and you don’t have to worry about costs and legalities.

How much does CAD drafting cost?

Ratio of CAD Drafting Price to Quality & Time

The cost of CAD drafting depends on several factors, such as expertise, level of detailing required, and the type of drawings. However, one can expect the cost to range between $120 and $150 per hour. Some CAD companies also charge CAD drafting fees based on engagement models like staff hours or the number of drawing sheets.

When searching for CAD drafting services in India, it is important to consider the following factors before finalizing the hourly rate for drafting services:

Conclusion

Collaborating with a CAD drafting outsourcing company enhances the overall efficiency of your design team and expedites the project lifecycle. Manufacturers can dedicate their in-house design engineers to design optimization and innovation.

An overseas CAD company has a dedicated taskforce for close coordination with your teams at various stages of design development. At True CADD, we offer different engagement models for collaboration based on your project length and scope of work. Email us, and we’ll respond within 24 hours to address any queries you have regarding a project or idea.

5D BIM digitizes cost estimation process across the construction project lifecycle. Accurate projection of material costs aids better decision-making, reduces risks and keeps projects within budget.

Construction scheduling and cost estimation are critical proceses that ensure construction projects are contained within budget and meet delivery schedules.

5D BIM Advantages

Poor site management, unplanned change orders and inaccurate project estimates are major pain points for architects, builders, cost planners, and estimators, threatening to jeopardize projects.

5D BIM perfects the estimation process by digitizing it. The tool draws on design, cost and schedule data from coordinated BIM models to produce accurate valuations.

“Large projects typically take 20 percent longer to finish than their scheduled time and are up to 80 percent over budget.“

“5D BIM drives 20 % reduction in project life span and material costs.”

Challenges of traditional estimation methods

Read here: Benefits of 4D & 5D BIM to Construction Projects

How 5D BIM resolves manual project estimation challenges

The 5D cost functionality integrates design, schedule and cost information.

Accessing information from a 3D model eases data extraction from drawings. It enhances accuracy and serves as a reference point to build a robust 4D schedule for building materials, equipment, and other onsite resources.

Quantity estimation is crucial for calculating quantities and measurements before the actual cost estimate is performed. BIM software like Revit® or Navisworks® helps surveyors and estimators derive accurate cost data through live linking of a 4D BIM model with an extensive cost database.

Auto-generation of quantities and costs helps architects, BIM consultants, AEC companies and owners leverage parametric cost estimation based on quantity takeoff in real-time. It also provides cost data for precise cost planning and accurate bid cost estimates based on 5D BIM forecasting, thereby reducing risks.

5D Estimating

What are the benefits of 5D BIM for construction projects?

Accurate 5D cost estimates result in shorter project lifecycles, time savings and visual modeling capabilities while providing a better understanding of project design, scope and cost drivers. With time saved in taking quantities from BIM model, estimators can utilize their time focusing on other important project issues.

5D BIM allows stakeholders to identify, analyze and record the impact of changes on project costs and scheduling with accurate quantity take offs and cost estimates.

15D BIM offers enhanced cost management

5D BIM enables ongoing update of cost connected data as project progresses. It makes it easier for project managers to monitor changes while keeping the project running within the agreed budget. Over time, this improves cost predictability and resource management.

TrueCADD’s 5D BIM solutions track construction costs at every stage and positively impact effectiveness of cost estimation of large-scale construction projects.

Explore the 5D BIM opportunities offered by TrueCADD.  →

25D BIM enables early risk identification

5D BIM provides automatic notifications when changes or modifications are made. The visual and intuitive nature of 5D BIM, enables stakeholders to identify risks easily and make better decisions. Project planners can easily visualize and estimate the impact of a proposed change in design on project costs and schedule.

TrueCADD has been assisting engineers and contractors for more than 20 years to integrate cost estimates with BIM along with time and schedule data in IFC (open standard) format.

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35D BIM provides heightened cost forecasting

5D BIM derives precise quantity of building components from the 3D model with current purchasing rates to estimate cost of a structure. Using the data from 4D BIM model, one can easily track predicted vs. actual amount spent over the course of a project. This enables stakeholders to get regular cost reports and budgeting, ensuring proper utilization of resources and that the project stays within the estimated budget.

Read here: What does 4D BIM Mean for Your Construction Business?

MEP 3D Modeling with LOD 500 for a Hospital, Saudi Arabia

LOD 500 Modeling in Revit

For a healthcare construction project, a leading project management solutions firm in Saudi Arabia appointed TrueCADD to perform interdisciplinary clash detection, material takeoffs and scheduling.

TrueCADD created information rich BIM model with LOD 500 as per AIA standards, for MEP, architectural and structural disciplines by using Autodesk Revit and Navisworks. With the use of Navisworks and Revit, TrueCADD provided accurate material take-offs, construction scheduling, thereby enabling accurate cost estimation and a hassle-free construction process. Read the complete case study here.

45D BIM provides shorter project execution life cycle

5D BIM provides shorter project execution life cycles and saves time from documentation to material costs. With accurate data, material cost and BOQ, unnecessary wastage and clashes are eliminated leading to shorter project execution life cycle. With such successful results, governments in countries like Britain, Finland and Singapore have adopted the use of 5D BIM for all public infrastructure projects.

55D BIM enables stakeholders to gain multi-platform access

The addition of cloud technology to 5D BIM model allows data to be accessed on any device anywhere. This helps them in better coordination with their teams to discuss schedules or to communicate any change in design or plans.

Read here: Benefits of Outsourcing MEPF Designs for Construction Projects

How TrueCADD exports quantities and material take off data from BIM models to cost estimating systems

BIM engineers at TrueCADD extract quantities and material take-off data from Revit models and export them to a cost estimating system or exisiting ERP to derive detailed and accurate estimates during early stages of construction.

The quantification capabilities of Revit ease out the task of cost estimation. This precise scheduling and cost estimation helps clients in better decision-making, while meeting design and cost expectations as well.

BIM Dimension Terminology

Conclusion

Tight timelines and project costs have pushed the demand for new technology-enabled cost estimating solutions which can be integrated into the workflow. 5D BIM’s increasing acceptance in the construction world promise exponential improvement in productivity and service quality.

5D cost estimation gets added value from the Common Data Environment (CDE). Its high interoperability enables sharing of coordinated models for review within teams and with estimators enhancing accuracy of cost estimates.

Integrated 5D cost estimation will allow clients to visualize impact of changes in the design and timeline on project cost. It will reduce delivery time, enhance quality control, eliminate budget overruns and add significant value to a project.

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Today’s BIM technology comes with augmented BIM models with the additional dimensions of calculating material and cost estimates. 4D BIM scheduling and 5D BIM modeling enables better-planning and more cost-effective construction.

In today’s digitalized world 4D BIM and 5D BIM are leading the BIM technology wave and are set to revolutionize the construction industry. By integrating information rich 3D BIM models with additional dimensions of scheduling and cost and material estimations, 4D and 5D BIM modules manage better the effect of change in orders on project costs and scheduling.

This promises to reverse the construction industry’s annual losses pegged at $177B due to poor communication, rework, and bad data management.

Importance of 4D and 5D BIM in the AEC industry

From 2D to 3D BIM modeling, BIM technology has come a long way. 4D BIM adds the dimension of time to 3D models, by incorporating scheduling data, thereby allowing stakeholders to visualize project progression over time.

BIM Dimension Terminology

Visualizing the construction process from start to finish, considering the sequence of activities and the timeline for each task leads to efficient project planning, resource allocation, and identifying potential delays. AEC stakeholders can also identify potential clashes or bottlenecks, and make informed decisions to optimize the construction process.

On the other hand, 5D BIM combines 3D geometry with cost data, enabling real-time cost tracking, accurate estimation, and better budget management. This advanced insight into both scheduling and cost aspects enhances decision-making, minimizes risks, and improves overall project efficiency, making 4D and 5D BIM invaluable tools for optimizing construction processes and outcomes.

What are the common challenges for cost and schedule overruns?

The most common issues are:

business-need-right

Read here: Types of 4D BIM Construction Scheduling Techniques

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Benefits of 4D BIM to construction projects

Builders and contractors have several construction sequencing options to choose from, including the simple and conventional 4D scheduling techniques, which can help them, keep construction projects on schedule. It provides several prominent alternatives for addressing the project requirements and to overcome any challenges. With various capabilities including, a 4D BIM model and 4D construction simulation supports furthermore the accurate information collection process.

In more detail, 4D in construction can do the following for your organization:

Clash-free 4D BIM Scheduling

It generates information about the schedules of building products and creates a visual in a step-by-step method. For different building components, 4D BIM scheduling incorporates time related information like lead-time, construction and installation time, allowances for drying and mixing period, and inter dependency on other products.

4D Graphical Visualization

The scheduling data is utilized within Navisworks 4D simulation and is easily convertible into graphical design, which helps in comparing the scheduled plan with the actual plan.

Optimal Resource Utilization

Properly planned data in the form of graphs and datasheets lends greater visibility and aids resource mobility and better resource planning. The coordinated approach also helps in optimal resource utilization, achieving higher operational efficiencies and in meeting timelines.

Better Interdisciplinary Coordination

Since rework is minimized and each worker on site is adequately informed about what he would be working upon at a particular phase of construction project, there is better coordination among various disciplines. The contractors can easily link this with activities of other disciplines and plan in a logical manner by maximizing the work efficiency of each worker on construction site.

Top 10 best practices for accurate 4D BIM scheduling in construction

4D BIM scheduling in construction involves reinforcing time-related information into the 3D BIM model, allowing for better visualization and planning. Provided below are best practices to achieve accurate and effective 4D BIM scheduling with a 4D BIM model.

4D BIM scheduling for a mixed-use project in the UK reduces rework and saves costs

An architectural firm from the UK outsourced its project to us to create a 4D BIM coordinated model with sequencing and a project introduction in video form. Our team utilized Revit, 3DsMax, and Navisworks for this mixed-use building project and built a coordinated 4D BIM model with construction scheduling within a timeframe of 2 months. The deliverables helped the client improve design intent, save costs, and reduce rework by a significant amount.

Read the case study here »

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Benefits of 5D BIM to construction projects

5D BIM, is the next step up from 4D (time scheduling), but furthermore integrates design with estimates such as for and cost, and includes the generation of quantities (BOMs/BOQs), development of rates and overall cost.

Enhanced Cost Forecast and Estimation

The exact quantity of various building components generated by higher level of detailing with manufacturer details from the 3D models can be compared with the current purchasing rates with 5D modeling to estimate the cost for entire structure.

More Accurate and Faster Quantity Take offs

On an average, estimators spend 50% to 80% of their time in creating a creating a quantity take off for cost estimating. 5D BIM in construction reduces human errors, saves cost and time. With more time on their hands, estimators can focus on other important project specific factors like assessing financial risk factors and identifying construction assemblies involved, generating pricing etc.

Over 60% of construction failures are due to economic factors, mostly because of lack of liquidity on daily activities. This problem is simply solved by linking cost information to the traditional 3D model and scheduling, also known as 5D BIM. This dimension allows the instant creation of financial estimations against time, greatly reducing the time consuming task of quantifying resources and estimating costs from days to minutes while also minimizing errors.

Automated Quantity take offs as per Design Modifications

Whenever a single component is modified, the direct impact on the cost is calculated automatically. By using 5D BIM cost estimation instead of drawings, the take-offs, counts and measurements are generated directly from the underlying model. Therefore, the information is always consistent with the design. When any change is made in the design, the change automatically ripples to all related construction documentation and schedules, take-offs, counts and measurements that are used by the estimator.

Easy Selection of available Options

Accurate and quick BIM cost estimation while analyzing various design options within a fraction of time makes it easier for the architect to choose design option as per the client’s requirements. This also helps owners, contractor and sub-contractors during bidding phase.

Multi-Platform Access

Addition of cloud technology to BIM allows access of data from anywhere and on any device to contractors and project managers. You don’t need to be physically present on the construction site. This helps you coordinate better with your teams on schedules or change in design or plans.

Read here: 5D BIM for Pre-Construction and Early Designs

Top 5 best practices for accurate 5D BIM cost estimation in construction

5D BIM modeling is an advanced approach to construction that reinforces the 3D BIM model with cost estimates. It fuels accurate and detailed cost analysis throughout the construction project lifecycle. Provided below are five best practices to achieve accurate and effective 5D BIM in construction:

Implementing these best practices, draws in more accurate cost estimates, better cost control, and improved decision-making, leading to successful project outcomes.

BIM model at LOD 500 saves construction time for a UK-based healthcare project

A project management solutions client from Saudi Arabia approached our team for a healthcare construction project. MEP BIM modeling services were required from our end to create a coordinated 3D model using 2D drawings. Our team utilized tools like Revit and Navisworks to create a 3D BIM model at LOD 500 and resolve clashes. The interference-free model helped the client lower rework, streamline construction, and save construction time.

LOD 500 Modeling in Revit
LOD 500 Modeling in Revit
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The Future of 4D and 5D BIM: AI and machine learning tools

In the rapidly evolving construction industry, AI and machine learning tools are becoming game-changers, making processes more efficient and accurate. Embracing these technologies for 4D BIM scheduling and 5D cost estimation has brought remarkable improvements. 4D BIM scheduling involves creating dynamic models that show the construction progress over time. AI algorithms help analyze historical data and resource availability to optimize schedules and anticipate potential issues. This proactive approach helps in reducing delays and cost overruns, benefiting both construction teams and clients.

5D cost estimation powered by AI helps crunch vast amounts of data from past projects while considering various factors like material costs, labor rates, and market trends. These tools deliver incredibly precise cost forecasts. They even adapt to real-time changes, like design modifications and supply chain fluctuations, keeping cost estimates up-to-date throughout the project.

The integration of AI and machine learning doesn’t just save time and resources but also enhances decision-making and project outcomes. Construction companies are witnessing increased productivity and better cost control. The future looks even brighter as these technologies continue to evolve, driving sustainable growth and innovation across the construction sector. Embracing AI is undoubtedly the way forward for construction businesses seeking success in this competitive landscape.

Conclusion

It is apparent that 4D and 5D BIM are revolutionizing the construction industry. The integration of information rich 3D BIM models with added dimensions of scheduling (4D) and cost/material estimation (5D) ensure better management of change orders on project costs and scheduling. Integration of the cloud technology with BIM, allows stakeholders to access data from anywhere on any device.

Governments in most countries across the world have mandated BIM adoption for professionals in the AEC sector. There are clear directives to implement new trends in BIM technology for efficient deployment of resources, planning, designing, managing and reducing rework during the construction process.

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With BIM, MEP engineers use digital tools to plan, design and manage heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing systems of buildings to make them energy efficient, secure, and sustainable.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an advanced process that includes the creation of accurate, information-rich, and detailed 3D models for architecture structure, and MEP systems. The model is enriched by accurate and detailed information about multiple elements and functions that supports architects, engineers, general contractors.

In BIM, all construction stakeholders collaborate on a single coordinated and clash-free 3D model. 3D MEP BIM modeling improves communication, reduces errors, and optimizes construction by driving real-time visualization, clash identification, resolution, and information management throughout the project lifecycle.

Table of Contents

The growing importance of BIM for MEP projects

BIM offers tools to create clash-free 3D models, accurate schedules, cost estimates, and more. Its importance for MEP projects, lies in its ability to improve project collaboration, deliver project visualization, and streamline communication between various stakeholders.

It enables an in-depth digital representation of buildings that allows architects, MEP engineers, contractors, and other key players to synergize their expertise on a single platform. BIM drives real-time visualization in 3D space to identify and resolve clashes between designs by various trades and accelerates project timelines, ensures safer construction, and helps execute sustainable and sophisticated building projects.

Furthermore, BIM’s data-driven approach drives accurate cost estimates, improved financial planning, and precise schedules. Its integration with other processes and tools makes it a powerful choice for modern construction.

5 Reasons why MEP engineering firms should reconsider adopting BIM technologies

bim for mep engineering firms

Enhanced Collaboration and Coordination

BIM workflows and tools ensure swift collaboration between Architects, MEP Engineers, Contractors, and other stakeholders. Based on a shared digital platform supported by real-time collaboration, BIM assures improved coordination, a reduction in conflicts, and lower rework during actual construction.

Efficiency in Design and Analysis

BIM for MEP consultants and MEP engineers enables design accuracy and MEP design optimization with detailed 3D models of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems. An information-rich digital representation takes planning, design, fabrication, construction, and renovation to the next level, as it supports in-depth analysis, testing, and simulations that lead to energy-efficient, high-performance, and sustainable buildings.

Error Reduction and Clash Detection

With 3D modeling capabilities through Revit, BIM also supports clash identification and resolution using Navisworks, which identifies conflicts between various trades, including Architecture, Structure, and MEP in a virtual environment. This leads to the prevention of expensive errors and on-site delays. This preemptive approach ensures accelerated, error-free and swift construction.

Cost and Time Savings

BIM workflows are not silos but collaborative; thus, connected workflows lead to significant cost and time savings. They promote effective collaboration, accurate design and error reduction, mitigate project delays and changes. Precise quantity takeoffs and material estimates assist in budget planning, keeping projects on track financially.

Future-Proofing and Competitive Advantage

Utilizing BIM processes and tools, MEP engineering firms can be at the forefront of innovation and excellence. As greater numbers of projects adopt BIM, construction firms can gain a competitive edge. Furthermore, BIM helps firms acquire the necessary project skills for construction relevance and sustainability.

BIM and its relevance to MEP engineering

In the area of MEP engineering, BIM has shown a significant impact, as it integrates various MEP elements on a singular platform. These tools use a 3D model of the entire MEP system to improve design, coordination, and construction. This analysis and simulations using 3D models guarantee optimal performance and energy efficiency in different scenarios. Clash detection helps identify and resolve interferences before onsite work starts.

This reduces errors and expensive revisions. Improved decision making is driven by real-time data access and modification by various teams and stakeholders. Using automation tools like Dynamo and scripts with Revit helps speed up 3D modeling, reduce errors, and minimize repetitive tasks. Extracting BOQs and other 2D documents like shop drawings, construction drawings, and other 2D deliverables from the 3D BIM model improves MEP component fabrication and installation.

How BIM enhances collaboration among different stakeholders in construction projects

BIM is an exceptional tool for enhancing communication and collaboration among construction stakeholders. Architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders can collaborate in real-time using a centralized 3D model on cloud-based construction management platforms. A shared platform keeps every team on the same page and ensures that they work on accurate and updated data to reduce conflicts. Virtual visualization of the project makes decision-making quicker and more effective at every stage of the MEP project.

BIM enables seamless information exchange, helping MEP engineers align their layouts and specifications with architectural and structural designs. BIM collaboration allows global teams to work together synchronously and achieve better project results.

Advantages of BIM for MEP Engineering Firms

benefits of bim for mep engineering firms

Improved project visualization and simulation capabilities

BIM offers MEP engineers and MEP engineering firms the opportunity to utilize real-time visualization and simulation to view every MEP component from a bird’s eye view. MEP equipment like HVAC systems, Ducts, electrical wiring, and plumbing equipment and systems are viewed in a 3D environment.

Energy simulations of the entire building in 3D through multiple scenarios facilitate faster and more accurate decision-making. Generative design in Revit driven by automation through Dynamo optimizes design and refines MEP systems for effective and efficient project results.

Enhanced coordination and clash detection, reducing errors and rework

BIM offers Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing engineering firms advanced and AI-driven to identify interferences in a coordinated 3D BIM model. Architectural, Structural, and MEP models are created separately and then coordinated into a single 3D model to check for clashes and resolve them in the preconstruction stage. The removal of clashes in this stage fuels faster and error-free onsite installations, removes project delays, and reworks during construction.

The accuracy and precision of MEP component fabrication through high-quality shop drawings streamlines documentation and ensures that MEP elements align seamlessly with each other and architectural and structural disciplines. Consequently, these firms draw in a series of opportunities with swift workflows, better project timelines and higher cost savings.

Efficient design and analysis tools lead to cost and time savings

BIM for MEP Engineering firms offers a wide range of benefits for analysis and efficient design. Advanced capabilities offered by BIM support MEP engineering firms in creating accurate and intricate Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems that are time and cost efficient. Precision within energy and lighting simulations optimizes the design and building performance for occupants.

With lower numbers of revisions and faster design refinements at every project stage, MEP engineers can support the construction team with faster installations, leading to cost and time savings. Seamless integration of various MEP components benefits MEP engineers with greater project efficiency, higher accuracy, and overall quality of MEP engineering.

BIM’s role in sustainable and energy-efficient MEP systems

BIM has been instrumental in achieving energy-efficient and sustainable MEP designs and systems. Based on its sophisticated 3D digital representation of building systems, BIM supports MEP engineering firms by meticulously analyzing and optimizing MEP systems for optimal efficiency. It drives the seamless integration of renewable technology for HVAC systems and advanced lighting design, which contributes to a significant reduction in energy consumption.

Real-time simulations within a BIM environment provide MEP engineers with insights to assess the environmental footprint of MEP equipment and to make informed decisions for greater sustainability. This technological advancement supports MEP engineering firms with environmental designs for energy-efficient buildings and a sustainable future.

Overcoming Challenges in BIM Adoption

MEP engineering firms often fact common challenges when adopting BIM. Transitioning from traditional processes and tools to BIM can be challenging for MEP Engineering firms. Here are 5 top challenges that MEP Engineers face while using BIM processes and tools.

Skill and Knowledge Gap

Challenge:

Lack of necessary knowledge and skills to use BIM tools and software.

Impact:

Knowledge and skill gaps lead to errors, inefficiencies, and higher project timelines as the workforce struggles to adapt to advanced BIM technology in construction.

Software Compatibility and Integration

Challenge:

MEP Engineering firms use various software or tools for different tasks that lead to format incompatibilities. Ensuring swift integration and compatibility between BIM software and existing tools can be a challenge.

Impact:

Incompatibility problems cause miscommunication, information loss, and project delays that impact overall efficiency and client feedback.

Data Management and Standards

Challenge:

As BIM projects generate vast data, managing them effectively, safely, and adhering to industry standards can be challenging. MEP engineering firms can face issues related to data consistency for the entire project lifecycle.

Impact:

Substandard information management leads to inaccuracies, ambiguities, and misinterpretations of project data that can compromise design quality and increase the risk of costly errors.

Collaboration and Communication

Challenge:

BIM drives collaboration between various trades and stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors and owners. Reaching optimum levels of communication and collaboration can be daunting for project members.

Impact:

Breakdowns in communication can lead to conflicts, resulting in delayed decision making. MEP engineering firms need to set effective communication channels and regulations for swift collaboration among various trades and teams.

Initial Investment and Return on Investment (ROI)

Challenge:

Implementing BIM requires a significant amount of initial investment in training, software, hardware, and infrastructure upgrades. MEP firms may be concerned about ROI and the time it would take to reimburse costs.

Impact:

The inability to commit completely to BIM based on financial issues would lead to a loss in efficiency, greater rework and poor project quality.

BIM Best Practices for MEP Engineering Firms

Overcoming the above challenges faced by MEP firms to transition from traditional processes to BIM requires strong strategies. Here are the top 5 strategies MEP engineering firms can use to overcome the challenges effectively and efficiently.

Invest in Comprehensive Training and Skill Development

Strategy: Deliver in-depth programs to train the workforce for skills and knowledge enhancement with BIM tools and software. Encouragement to earn software certifications is an added advantage.

Establish Clear Protocols and Standards

Strategy: Deploy standardized protocols and regulations for file naming conventions, information management, and communication techniques. Adhering to industry-wide BIM standards like IFC drives standardized data management.

Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Strategy: Create a culture of communication and collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and other players with regular meetings, planning sessions, and inter-trade workshops.

Implement Gradual Adoption and Pilot Projects

Strategy: Beginning with pilot projects involving BIM can help identify challenges and screen workflows. Increasing project complexity in gradual increments can improve the confidence and proficiency of the team.

Evaluate Long-Term Benefits and ROI

Strategy: Assess cost-benefits to understand the long-term benefits of BIM use. Consider parameters like project quality, rework, and client satisfaction to create an accurate and complete assessment.

Top 5 Tips for effective collaboration among stakeholders through BIM

effective bim collaboration

Clear Communication Channels

Use standardized communication platforms and protocols that ensure consistency and clarity within interactions.

Share Comprehensive Data

Create and hand over accurate and detailed 3D BIM models enriched with MEP data for key parties to make informed decisions.

Collaborate in Real-Time

Use cloud-based BIM tools for complete team access to foster collaboration in real time and quick issue resolution.

Regular Coordination Meetings

Frequent meetings between multiple project trades or disciplines can help improve progress, resolve concerns, and align the project to the required scope.

Embrace Openness to Feedback

Encourage feedback for continuous improvements and effective problem solving between all parties.

Importance of data management and standardization in BIM projects

Future-Proofing MEP Operations

The role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing BIM capabilities.

AI and ML will improve BIM MEP capabilities for engineering firms. AI algorithms will analyze data from BIM tools and 3D BIM models to provide faster and more accurate predictions for improving MEP system performance, clash tests, and energy usage. ML techniques and tools driven automated detection will flag design inconsistencies and provide optimal alternatives to lower human intervention and errors, leading to lower project delays.

Furthermore, AI-driven generative design will assist in generating effective and efficient layouts based on various parameters. These technologies will make BIM MEP workflows smarter, more efficient, and more adaptive. This would lead to enhanced design, improved workflows, greater sustainability and effective construction outcomes.

MEP BIM Success Stories

The client is a project management solutions firm that partnered with TrueCADD for a hospital project in Saudi Arabia. 2D drawings were provided as input by the client. The team at TrueCADD created a coordinated 3D BIM model at LOD (Level of Development) 500.

LOD 500 Modeling in Revit

LOD 500 Modeling in Revit

View Case study »

A general contracting company from the Middle East contacted TrueCADD for an airport project. Architectural and Structural BIM models and IFC drawings were provided as input by the client. The team at TrueCADD created a coordinated and clash-free 3D model at LOD 400 with MEP coordination drawings.

BIM Clash Detection

BIM Clash Detection

Clash Resolution

Clash Resolution

MEP Clash Detection

MEP Clash Detection

MEP Conflicts Checking

MEP Conflicts Checking

View Case study »

Conclusion

BIM is essential for MEP Engineering firms to avail MEP BIM coordination services to transform projects with advanced concepts, execution, and management. The capacity of BIM to enhance collaboration, build communication, fuel efficient design, and perform analysis has become significant on a global level. Standardizing protocols and promoting company-wide training supports firms to move around challenges, ensure seamless integration, and optimize the utilization of BIM tools.

Furthermore, AI and ML enrichment will augment BIM MEP capabilities to achieve solutions that are predictive, intelligent, and sustainable. As the industry continues to move forward, BIM would not only shape the present of construction businesses but also define the future of MEP engineering firms, fostering greater innovation, efficiency, and sustainable construction practices.

Revit overcomes complex ductwork design and fabrication process challenges to ensure seamless operations by easy design intent communication and early clash detection.

MEP engineers working on complex ductwork networks are many a time confronted with design coordination challenges and resultant inaccuracies. These arise largely because of the inability to visualise the entire duct network. Poorly communicated, incomplete or non-self-explanatory ductwork design and fabrication details can potentially cause delays in on-site and off-site fabrication processes.

Revit® MEP supported fabrication tools serve as the perfect platform for stakeholders across disciplines to design, estimate and manufacture ductwork in a seamless and cost effective manner. Detailed and design intended Revit MEP models ease the generation of shop drawings to facilitate smooth installation of complex ductwork. These fabrication tools further enhance accuracy and improve collaboration between multiple MEP stakeholders including designers, engineers, manufacturers, contractors and installers.

The argument for and against AutoCAD MEP and Autodesk Revit

Often favoured by MEP technicians for fabrication and ductwork, AutoCAD® MEP, a 2D software, has relatively easy to operate tools. Standardized diagrams of MEP symbols created in AutoCAD MEP further ease production of 2D mechanical drawings.

But AutoCAD MEP has its own constraints. It cannot produce building information models. Two dimensional drawings makes it hard to visualize complex ductwork networks with multiple elevations. Limited multi-disciplinary coordination and collaboration also delays the fabrication process.

The benefits of Revit MEP far outweigh the ease of use of AutoCAD MEP. Here are some that make it the preferred choice:

AutoCAD
Multiple data sources are required to collect & retrieve data
2D lines presents real object displays Display dimensions
Single design view
A single user can update only a single file
Modifications are manual and time consuming
Disable to create intelligent parametric objects
Manual design coordination
Revit
Revit collects and stores all project data as single source
3D parametric object with real-life customizable properties
Multiple design view
Multiple users can work in a single file at the same time
Modifications are instantaneous and less time-consuming
Creates intelligent parametric objects
A coordinated BIM model automates the process

A US-based engineering firm appointed Hitech CADD Services to produce LOD 400 MEP model of a residential building. The higher LOD model could provide the benefit of hassle-free, seamless fabrication and erection of the MEP component on the shop floor and on site, respectively.

Read also: BIM to Address MEP Challenges for Stadium Projects

So, how do the Autodesk fabrication tools deliver operational advantages?

The fabrication tools help the MEP stakeholders to export the model for designing, estimating, and fabricating mechanical systems like ductwork, pipework, electrical containment, etc.

Directly linking Revit MEP model to the tools eases the designing, material management, installation, estimation and the downstream fabrication process. The tools improve visibility and productivity by providing help in tasks like generation of ductwork network, creation of detailed slope pipes, vertical annotation, and so on.

Autodesk Fabrication Tools

Simplify design to fabrication processes for ductwork by using Autodesk Revit MEP.

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The 3 step fabrication process

1Creating fabrication model

By using content from the Autodesk® fabrication product, a design intent Revit MEP model can be converted to a detailed fabrication model within Revit MEP. An individual design element, a run or an entire network of ductwork can be converted into highly detailed fabrication components that contain information for estimating, prefabrication, construction and installation processes. The fabrication model can be modified by the fabrication tools and can be used to generate shop drawing.

Also read: Skills a Revit MEP Professional Must Possess From Building Construction Industry Perspective

2Costing and estimation

Using fabrication database, accurate geometry, information on connection types, material and labor, the fabrication model can be used for bids and estimation. Autodesk ESTmep enrich with features like enhanced database, manufactures content, real-world pricing and costing data, built-in Harrison codes, color coded cost tool and value engineering option tools enables more accurate cost estimates for duct-work and other MEP systems. The tool also records all Adds and Omits on a job to support tracebility and promote accountability for changes.

3Fabrication

Fabrication tools help extracting flat patterns from 3D models part for cutting sheets of various gauges at shops for manufacturing elements. Autodesk Fabrication CAMduct is manufacturing and ductwork fabrication software with project management tool to produce HVAC systems. Features like sheet metal and linear nesting, bar coding and QR coding to labels and worksheets, duct fabrication component library, shared content library and database further facilitates the fabrication process. The tool has built-in post processors to control production line of any size.

The Chicago-based building construction and O&M company, The Hill Group uses BIM to simplify the design-to-fabrication process by using single platform for the processes. The use of Autodesk fabrication tools with Revit MEP right from the beginning helps in the generation of real-world 3D models that provide information regarding material estimate and budget early during the design process. Programmers of manufacturing machines in sheet metal shops can also use this model to extract information for sheet cutting and manufacturing elements of ductwork. Leveraging the information created at the initial stage to streamline the processes of manufacturing eliminates human errors and increases manufacturing accuracy.

Also read: Why MEP Engineering Firms Should Give BIM a Second Thought?

Revit has its own challenges

Having gone over the multiple benefits of Revit for ductwork, it is equally important to understand that the design and modelling advantages are not without operational challenges. There are dependencies related to positioning of ductwork in relation to surrounding elements and related structures.

Conclusion

A single file of Revit MEP saves the entire project lifecycle, from design layout to fabrication details, without affecting the original design. The software supports designers, engineers, and contractors across MEP disciplines by facilitating a detailed and coordinated building information model of the HVAC and ductwork project. This model also helps in the estimation, analysis, documentation, fabrication, and installation. The Revit MEP model can streamline the engineering design process and communicate the design intent to stakeholders before construction. Thus, by helping make informed decisions, Revit MEP reduces risk, develops better quality designs, and improves building performance.

BIM for MEP facilitates seamless fabrication and erection of ductwork component.

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Outsourcing MEPF (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire) designs delivers substantial advantages such as access to skilled resources and expertise, significant cost savings, higher construction efficiencies and project scalability.

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire (MEPF) design services are crucial for functional integration of these systems in every building project, ensuring safety, efficiency and comfort. However, not every contractor, architect or construction agency can afford to conduct MEPF designing, clash detection and resolution and compliance tasks in house. Against this backdrop, outsourcing MEPF designs has emerged as a strategic solution.

Table of Contents

Recent market analyses show the global engineering services outsourcing market, encompassing MEPF design outsourcing, is set to expand at a CAGR of 27.6% from 2021 to 2028. This represents a growing trend toward leveraging external MEPF design expertise and solutions.

By adopting outsourced MEPF design services, construction projects gain cost-efficiency in MEPF designing and also gain access to a global pool of specialized MEPF design consultants and experts. And as the construction sector continues to adopt global collaboration, understanding the nuances of the MEPF design outsourcing process and its impact becomes necessary.

In this article, we will assess MEPF design outsourcing benefits, focusing on four key advantages: cost-effectiveness, efficiency, specialized expertise, and innovative collaboration. We will explore how partnering with the right MEPF design company or providers can significantly raise the quality of construction projects setting new benchmarks in the field.

The Strategic Advantage of Outsourcing MEPF Designs

Outsourcing of MEPF (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire) design services to specialized service providers is reshaping how projects are conceptualized and executed. So, we need to understand what it is all about.

About MEPF Design Outsourcing

MEPF design outsourcing refers to the practice of delegating the design aspects of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire systems to specialized external firms. This approach is increasingly being adopted due to its ability to enhance project outcomes through specialized expertise and advanced technological integration.

MEPF Design Outsourcing Advantages in Construction

Today’s construction sector is underscored by the increasing complexity of building systems and the need for specialized knowledge in areas like sustainable design and energy efficiency. For instance, an MEPF design outsourcing company might employ advanced simulation tools to optimize the energy performance of a building, a task that requires specific expertise not always available in-house.

The shift from traditional in-house design to global talent pools

Traditionally, MEPF design has been handled in-house, often limiting the scope of the expertise available within the firm. However, the shift toward global talent pools through outsourcing has opened doors to a world of specialized skills and diverse perspectives.

This transition is exemplified by projects like the Burj Khalifa, where multiple MEPF design experts from around the globe collaborated, bringing together a wealth of knowledge and experience that significantly contributed to the building’s ground-breaking design and functionality.

The role of MEPF design companies in modern construction projects

MEPF design companies are at the forefront of revolutionizing construction project execution. By offering outsourced MEPF design solutions, they enable construction firms to focus on core competencies while ensuring that the MEPF systems are designed with the highest standards of efficiency and innovation. An example of this can be seen in projects like the Shanghai Tower, where MEPF design outsourcing benefits play a crucial role in achieving its sustainability goals, including significant reductions in water and energy usage.

The integration of advanced technologies by MEPF design firms

Advanced technology integration is a hallmark of modern MEPF design firms. They employ tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D laser scanning to create more accurate and efficient designs. For instance, the use of BIM in MEPF design outsourcing not only enhances collaboration among various stakeholders but also allows for more precise modeling of MEP systems, leading to reduced construction costs and a minimized risk of errors.

Overview of outsourced MEPF design services as a strategic business decision

Outsourcing MEPF design aligns with strategic business objectives, offering a competitive advantage in the fast-paced construction market. Leveraging external expertise helps companies in project timeline acceleration, risk mitigation, design optimization, cost reduction, and quality enhancements in their projects.

Strategic MEPF Design Outsourcing for Project

Outsourcing MEPF design:

4 Benefits of Outsourcing MEPF Designs for Construction Projects

Let us now get into detail about the four major benefits of outsourcing MEPF designs for construction projects.

Cost-Effectiveness and Financial Flexibility

MEPF design outsourcing efficiency offers a significant strategic advantage in terms of cost effectiveness and financial flexibility, crucial in the budget-conscious construction industry.

Analyzing Cost-Effective MEPF Design Outsourcing

Outsourcing MEPF designs typically results in substantial cost savings compared to maintaining in-house design capabilities. This efficiency stems from reduced labor and training costs, a minimized need for specialized software and equipment, and the ability to leverage economies of scale. Additionally, outsourcing transforms fixed overhead costs into variable costs, directly aligning expenses with project needs and allowing for more efficient resource allocation.

Case Study Highlight: Cost Savings in the Hospital Project

In a hospital project, outsourcing MEPF design demonstrated significant cost savings through efficient clash detection and resolution. TrueCADD leveraged advanced BIM technologies enabling early identification and resolution of design conflicts. This prevented expensive mid-construction changes. Also, the proactive approach to error reduction in MEPF designs minimized the risk of costly rework and delays. It also streamlined the overall construction process, enhancing financial efficiency.

2D Drawing for Hospital Building

2D Drawing for Hospital Building

Construction Level 2D Drawings

Construction Level 2D Drawings

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Comparing In-House vs. Outsourced MEPF Design Solutions on a Budgetary Basis

When comparing in-house and outsourced MEPF design solutions, the financial benefits of outsourcing become evident. The ROI of MEPF outsourcing is higher due to lower expenses in labor, technology and time-to-completion. This approach leads to a more predictable and often lower-cost structure, especially in complex or large-scale projects.

Additionally, outsourcing provides access to a global talent pool, often at a lower cost than local market rates, without compromising quality. This global expertise can bring innovative, cost-effective solutions aligned with the latest industry standards.

Access to Specialized MEPF Design Expertise

The second major benefit of outsourcing MEPF designs is gaining access to specialized expertise, which is crucial for handling complex systems and staying abreast of the latest industry practices.

The Value of MEPF Design Experts and Consultants

Outsourcing MEPF design tasks to experts and consultants brings in niche expertise that is particularly valuable for complex MEPF systems. These professionals possess deep knowledge of their respective fields, enabling them to tackle intricate design challenges that might be beyond the scope of general in-house teams. Additionally, outsourcing MEPF specialists and design consultants play a pivotal role in ensuring that the design practices are up to date with current industry standards and innovations. Their involvement guarantees that MEPF systems are not only functional but also optimized for current and future requirements.

Case Study Highlight: MEP 3D Model for a Residential Building

In the case of a residential building project, the outsourced team’s expertise in creating detailed 3D MEP models was instrumental. This expertise allowed for a comprehensive visualization of the MEP systems, facilitating better planning and coordination. The technical benefits of such expertly crafted MEP designs include enhanced accuracy, reduced risk of errors and improved integration of MEP systems with other building components. The practical benefits extend to smoother construction processes, easier maintenance, and overall better performance of the building’s MEP systems.

MEP Clash Detection Output

MEP Clash Detection Output

Construction Documents

Construction Documents

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How MEPF Design Outsourcing Providers Maintain High-Quality Standards

Experienced MEPF design teams maintain high-quality standards through several key practices.

This commitment to continuous learning ensures that the outsourced MEPF design services are not only current, but also forward-thinking, aligning with the evolving demands of the construction industry.

Enhanced Efficiency and Time Savings

The third major benefit of outsourcing MEPF designs is the significant efficiency gains in project execution. This efficiency is not just about doing things faster; it’s about smarter, more streamlined workflows that save time and resources while enhancing the overall quality of the project.

Exploring Efficiency Gains from MEPF Design Outsourcing

Outsourcing MEPF for project optimization ensures streamlined project workflows. These providers bring focused expertise and efficient methodologies to the table. This specialization translates into faster completion of the design phase, allowing subsequent construction stages to commence sooner. Real-world case examples have shown that projects involving outsourced MEPF design expertise can save considerable time, particularly in the planning and design stages, leading to earlier project completion dates.

The Impact of MEPF Design Outsourcing on Project Timelines and Efficiency

Outsourcing MEPF designs can lead to reduced project cycles. By delegating these complex tasks to experts, construction projects can avoid the common delays associated with in-house design limitations or learning curves. Testimonials from project managers who have embraced outsourcing often highlight the time efficiencies gained, noting how these time savings have positively impacted overall project timelines and delivery.

Case Study Highlight: Clash-free MEPF Models for Hospital Project

TrueCADD delivered accurate shop drawings and clash-free MEPF models for an Irish hospital. The client, an engineering contracting company, required coordinated MEPF models with shop drawings based on 2D basic drawings and mark-up drawings. The deliverables included a corridor plan layout for the plant room and a 3D Revit MEP coordinated model, showcasing TrueCADD’s ability to efficiently handle complex MEPF requirements in healthcare projects.

This case study exemplifies how outsourcing MEPF design can lead to precise, error-free models, which are essential for the smooth execution of large-scale construction projects like hospitals.

Corridor Plan Layout for Plant Room

Corridor Plan Layout for Plant Room

3D Revit MEP Coordinated model for Plant Room

3D Revit MEP Coordinated model for Plant Room

3D MEP Model for Plant Room

3D MEP Model for Plant Room

3D MEP Coordinated Corridor Section Model

3D MEP Coordinated Corridor Section Model

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Fostering Innovation through Collaborative Efforts

The fourth major benefit of outsourcing MEPF designs is fostering innovation through collaborative efforts. This collaboration, often spanning different geographies and cultures, brings together diverse perspectives and expertise, leading to more creative and effective solutions.

The Role of Collaboration in Outsourced MEPF Design Processes

Effective collaboration is key in outsourced MEPF design processes. This involves employing tools for remote collaboration that overcome geographical barriers and ensure seamless communication. Technology platforms play a crucial role in this, providing a shared space for design teams to work together in real time. These platforms include cloud-based tools and BIM software, which allow simultaneous access to design models and documentation, facilitating a more integrated and cohesive design process.

Collaboration Tools and Techniques in MEPF Design

An in-depth look at the software and systems used for collaborative MEPF design reveals a range of tools that enhance teamwork and efficiency. These include BIM software like Autodesk Revit and cloud-based collaboration platforms like Autodesk BIM 360 or Trimble Connect.

These tools enable real-time sharing and editing of designs, fostering a collaborative environment even when teams are dispersed globally. Successful collaboration in large-scale projects is often attributed to the effective use of these technologies, as seen in case studies in which complex MEPF designs were achieved through coordinated efforts across different teams.

How MEPF Design Outsourcing Contributes to Innovative Solutions

The integration of project management methodologies into MEPF design outsourcing is crucial for driving innovation. Project management in this context involves structured processes and clear communication channels, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and project goals are met efficiently.

This structured approach often leads to innovative outcomes as it allows for the incorporation of new ideas and technologies into the design process. Examples of such innovation can be seen in projects where outsourced MEPF design teams have introduced cutting-edge sustainable practices or implemented novel technologies that enhance the functionality and efficiency of the building systems.

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The Outsourcing Process and Partner Selection

The success of MEPF design outsourcing hinges on a well-structured process and careful selection of the right outsourcing partner. This involves a series of steps and criteria that ensure alignment with project goals and quality standards.

Top 5 Steps in the MEPF Design Outsourcing Process

The MEPF project delivery relies on the structured journey within the outsourcing process, beginning with an initial consultation and culminating in the final delivery of services. This process ensures that every phase of the project aligns with predefined goals and quality standards.

Criteria for Selecting the Right MEPF Design Outsourcing Partners

Selecting the right MEPF design outsourcing partner is pivotal for project success. It involves evaluating potential partners based on various criteria, including their reputation, technical capabilities, cost structure and cultural compatibility.

Ensuring MEPF Design Outsourcing Quality and Alignment with Project Goals

Ensuring quality and alignment in MEPF design outsourcing involves setting benchmarks, conducting regular alignment checks and performing audits. This approach guarantees that the outsourced services meet the project’s objectives and maintain high-quality standards.

Have you selected your MEPF design outsourcing partner yet?

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Conclusion

Outsourcing MEPF (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire) design services marks a significant change in how construction projects are approached. It offers immediate cost savings and efficient budget management. Beyond financial benefits, it provides access to specialized expertise, ensuring adherence to high-quality standards and industry best practices. The streamlined workflows result in efficiency gains, reducing project timelines and enhancing overall execution. Collaboration fosters innovation by bringing together diverse skills for creative solutions.

Finding a partner aligned with technical needs and business values elevates projects, ensuring competitiveness and sustainability. Overall, outsourcing represents a fundamental shift, combining financial advantages, expertise access, efficiency gains, and collaborative innovation for exceptional project outcomes.

Custom product design market demands product manufacturers to optimize overall product design costs and offer excellent product quality to stay competitive. Outsourcing your CAD drafting is the winning formula to bridge the skills and technology gap to optimize product design development and control costs.

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Within the manufacturing space, custom and discrete manufacturing is evolving rapidly. Companies manufacturing products like furniture, millwork, and fabricated sheet metal products seek methods to enhance efficiency and reduce costs for product design development. For this, they have prioritized comprehensive design drafting with precision.

The concept of outsourcing CAD drafting has proven to be a strategic move to reshape the way these industries approach product design and development. Outsourcing CAD drafting is not just a trend, but a significant lever for reducing product design development costs.

Costs of product design and development

Factors contributing to costs of product design development

On an average, total cost of developing modest and simple products is $30,000. This includes costs of designing, prototyping, testing, and launching the new product. Product design development costs go on increasing as the design complexity rises. Sometimes these costs go up to thousands of dollars just for development.

Collaborating with a CAD outsourcing company, custom product manufacturers can unlock new levels of cost-effectiveness and innovation. They get access to automation and transformative solutions for their businesses and thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Reducing costs through outsourcing CAD drafting in product design

When evaluating the cost implications of CAD drafting, it’s essential to consider both direct and indirect expenses. In-house CAD drafting involves not only the salaries of the draftsmen but also the associated costs of recruitment, training, and retention. In contrast, outsourcing CAD drafting to specialized firms offers a more streamlined financial model. These firms often have a team of experienced draftsmen, eliminating the need for extensive training and recruitment processes. Additionally, outsourcing can lead to cost savings in terms of reduced overheads, as the responsibility for equipment, software, and workspace shifts to the service provider

Initial setup and software costs

Setting up an in-house CAD drafting team requires significant initial investment. This includes purchasing high-end computers and licenses for sophisticated CAD software, which can be prohibitively expensive. Moreover, these costs are not one-time; they recur with software updates and hardware upgrades.

Initial-setup-and-software-costs

Outsourcing, on the other hand, transfers these expenses to the service provider, who typically has the latest technology and software, ensuring that clients benefit from advanced tools without bearing the full cost.

Staffing: Salaries, training, and benefits for in-house teams

Staffing costs for in-house CAD teams is a substantial ongoing expense. It encompasses not just the salaries, but also the costs associated with employee benefits, training, and development. The need for continuous training to keep up with evolving CAD technologies adds to the expense. In contrast, outsourcing firms are responsible for the training and development of their staff, allowing client companies to bypass these costs and complexities.

Outsourcing: Flexible pricing models, no overhead for training and/or infrastructure

One of the most appealing aspects of outsourcing CAD drafting is the flexibility it offers in terms of pricing. Outsourcing firms often provide various pricing models, such as per-project or hourly rates, allowing for better cost control and predictability.

This flexibility in CAD services is particularly beneficial for custom product manufacturers who deal with variable workloads. Additionally, outsourcing eliminates the need for investment in training and infrastructure, as these are managed by the service provider, leading to significant savings in both time and money.

Reduced 70% design cost with Inventor iLogic for a vanity unit manufacturer

A marine furniture manufacturer based in Ireland was facing challenges to generate generating furniture drawings that were compatible with iLogic. They also lacked effective communication for timelines, revisions etc. with five different engineers working on the team. This resulted in costly mistakes for product design and drafting.

By collaborating with TrueCADD’s offshore CAD drafting team, a proper communication mechanism was set up. It enabled streamlines design flow request and reduced change order. Overall, the manufacturer could reduce 70% of the project cost.

Vanity Unit CAD Model and Design Drafting
Vanity Unit CAD Model and Design Drafting
Vanity Unit Model and Detail CAD Drawings
Vanity Unit Model and Detail CAD Drawings

Check out the project details here »

Outsourcing CAD drafting to streamline design efficiency and turnaround time

Outsourcing CAD drafting streamlines the design process in several ways. Firstly, it allows manufacturers to bypass the time-consuming steps of recruiting and training in-house CAD drafters. By leveraging the expertise of specialized outsourcing firms, manufacturers can immediately tap into a ready pool of skilled professionals. These firms often employ advanced project management tools and methodologies, ensuring that CAD drafting tasks are completed swiftly and accurately.

Especially for furniture manufacturers specializing in retail store furniture, who have an ongoing need for CAD drafting benefit the most from outsourcing CAD drafting. Furthermore, outsourcing firms can operate in different time zones, enabling round-the-clock work cycles that expedite project completion.

Access to a larger pool of specialized expertise

One of the significant advantages of outsourcing is the access it provides to a diverse range of specialized expertise. Manufacturing companies can significantly improve manufacturing efficiencies with CAD engineering outsourcing. Typically employ a team of professionals with varied skill sets and experience in different CAD drafting niches. This diversity enables them to handle complex and varied project requirements more efficiently than a standard in-house team. For custom product manufacturers, this means that no matter how unique or specialized their CAD drafting needs are, they can find the right expertise through outsourcing, leading to better quality designs and faster project execution.

CAD drafting specialist for stainless steel furniture accelerated design detailing by 50%

The impact of outsourcing on project turnaround times is not just theoretical but is evidenced by numerous real-world examples. For instance, a leading millwork furniture of stainless-steel manufacturer reported a 50% reduction in shop drawings development time after switching to an outsourced CAD drafting model.

Stailess Steel Compartment Sink Cabinets
Stailess Steel Compartment Sink Cabinets
Millwork Drafting for Commercial Kitchen Unit
Millwork Drafting for Commercial Kitchen Unit
MillWork Detailing for Commercial Work Table
MillWork Detailing for Commercial Work Table
MillWork CAD Drawings for Restaurant Kitchen Sink
MillWork CAD Drawings for Restaurant Kitchen Sink

check out project samples »

These examples underscore the tangible benefits of outsourcing in accelerating project timelines, allowing manufacturers to respond more quickly to market demands and opportunities.

Scalability and risk mitigation through offshore CAD drafting team

One of the key enablers for scalability for businesses in the product manufacturing sector is offshore CAD drafting team. It allows manufacturers to adjust their design capabilities in response to fluctuating market demands without the constraints of fixed staffing levels and infrastructure.

When a business experiences a surge in demand, outsourcing partners can quickly ramp up their services to meet the increased workload. Conversely, during slower periods, companies can scale down outsourced services, thus maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This level of scalability is challenging to achieve with an in-house team, where fixed costs and resource limitations can hinder rapid adjustment to changing market conditions.

Risk reduction in terms of project overload and staffing issues

Outsourcing CAD drafting also plays a significant role in risk mitigation, particularly concerning project overload and staffing challenges. By leveraging the resources of an outsourcing partner, businesses can avoid the pitfalls of overburdening their in-house teams, which can lead to burnout, reduced quality of work, and missed deadlines. Additionally, outsourcing circumvents the risks associated with staffing, such as the challenges of recruiting, training, and retaining skilled CAD drafters. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures that projects are not delayed or compromised due to staffing issues.

Access to advanced technology and expertise in CAD drafting

Outsourcing CAD drafting offers a significant advantage by providing access to state-of-the-art CAD software and highly skilled drafters, without the need for direct investment. This approach eliminates the substantial costs associated with purchasing, licensing, and updating advanced CAD software.

Moreover, it spares companies the expense and effort of recruiting and training drafters proficient in these sophisticated tools. By partnering with an outsourcing firm, businesses can leverage the latest in CAD technology and expertise, ensuring high-quality design output that meets contemporary standards, all while maintaining a leaner cost structure.

Outsourcing firms’ constant adaptation to the latest CAD design drafting software

A key strength of reputable outsourcing firms is their commitment to staying abreast of the latest technological advancements in CAD drafting. These firms invest in cutting-edge CAD platforms and continuously train their staff to master new features and techniques.

More than adoption of new tool, this also means using latest versions, plugins etc. for specific needs of the manufacturer. For example, using an SWOOD plugin for SolidWorks while developing woodworking shop drawings or PSCAM for manufacturing needs or Woodwork for Inventor in Autodesk Inventor.

Sometimes, it is not just plugins. It is also using specialized software for specific purposes. For example, 2020 Design is used to accelerate kitchen and bath cabinets. Likewise, there are modules too within the CAD platform for special purpose 3D CAD modeling. For instance, Sheet Metal Module in SolidWorks offer specialized features and commands to create sheet metal parts and assemblies.

This ongoing adaptation of modules, features and plugins ensures that they can offer their clients the most advanced solutions available in the market. For manufacturers, this means having access to top-tier CAD capabilities without the need for constant internal upgrades and training, allowing them to focus on core business activities while still benefiting from the latest technological advancements.

Use of 2020 Design delivered accurate production-ready models for luxury kitchen cabinets

A US-based manufacturer of kitchen and bath cabinets recorded an acceleration of 20-30% using 2020 Design. The team interpreted the architectural plans according to NKBA standards, using reference documents and handbooks. Based on this, and using specialized software for cabinet drawings, the manufacturer accelerated modeling time for kitchen millwork.

Using standard component library in 2020 Design and drag and drop feature, TrueCADD drafting teams delivered shop drawings and countertop details at a faster rate. They could also deliver accurate production-ready models.

I Shape Kitchen
I Shape Kitchen
L Shape ada Kitchen
L Shape ada Kitchen
L Shape Kitchen
L Shape Kitchen
U Shape Kitchen
U Shape Kitchen

Read more details about the project here  »

Focusing on core business operations through outsourcing

For manufacturers, the decision to outsource CAD drafting offers a strategic advantage: the ability to concentrate on their core competencies. By delegating the specialized task of CAD drafting to external experts, companies can redirect their resources and focus towards areas where they excel, such as product innovation, market expansion, and customer service. This reallocation of focus and resources away from non-core activities helps in streamlining operations and enhancing the company’s core strengths, which are crucial for gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Impact on overall productivity and innovation within the company

Outsourcing CAD drafting not only frees up valuable resources but also positively impacts the overall productivity and innovation within the company. With the technical aspects of CAD drafting handled by specialized partners, in-house teams can devote more time and energy to strategic planning, creative design, and innovation. This shift in focus can lead to the development of more innovative products and services, improved operational strategies, and a more agile response to market changes. The enhanced productivity and innovation can drive growth and profitability, reinforcing the company’s position in the market.

A manufacturer focuses on core design development by outsourcing sheet metal detailing

A Russian metal fabricator was struggling with tight deadlines due to shorter time between input receipt and release of final drawings for manufacturing of structural metal products. As a result, they had little time for designs innovation and research.

By collaborating with TrueCADD’s drafting team, they could developed detailed 3D CAD models assembly drawings and models. They could also delivered STEP file, DXF and PDF of all the drawings. This freed up the design drafting and focus on quality to ensure custom properties for accuracy in overall dimension.

Steel Structure Shop Drawings
Steel Structure Shop Drawings
Metal Parts CAD Drawings in SolidWorks
Metal Parts CAD Drawings in SolidWorks
Metal Parts Assembly Drawings
Metal Parts Assembly Drawings
Metal Building Product 3D Model
Metal Building Product 3D Model

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Quality assurance and industry compliance with outsourced CAD drafting

Outsourcing firms specializing in CAD drafting are not just service providers; they are custodians of quality and compliance. These firms understand the critical importance of adhering to industry standards and ensuring high-quality outputs. To achieve this, they employ a combination of skilled professionals, advanced technology, and rigorous process management.

Custom manufacturers should stay abreast of the latest industry standards and regulations, ensuring that all CAD drafts comply with the relevant norms and guidelines. This commitment to quality and compliance is particularly crucial in industries where precision and adherence to standards are non-negotiable, such as in aerospace, automotive, and construction.

The role of quality checks and certifications

Quality checks and certifications play a pivotal role in the outsourced CAD drafting process. Reputable outsourcing firms implement stringent quality control procedures at various stages of the drafting process to ensure accuracy and precision. These checks may include peer reviews, automated error detection, and compliance audits, among others.

Additionally, many of these firms hold certifications from recognized industry bodies, which serve as a testament to their commitment to maintaining high standards. These certifications often require regular audits and reviews, ensuring that the outsourcing firm continually upholds and improves its quality standards. By entrusting CAD drafting to a certified and quality-focused outsourcing partner, manufacturers can be confident that the outputs will not only meet but often exceed industry standards, thereby safeguarding the integrity and reliability of their products.

Read here: Four reasons why you should outsource 2D & 3D CAD drafting services

Long-term strategic partnerships in CAD service

The establishment of long-term relationships with outsourcing firms goes beyond transactional interactions, fostering a deep understanding and consistent quality in CAD drafting services. When manufacturers engage with an outsourcing partner over an extended period, the partner becomes intricately familiar with the manufacturer’s specific needs, preferences, and expectations.

strategic partnerships in CAD service

A familiarity allows the outsourcing firm to tailor its services more effectively, ensuring that the CAD drafts align precisely with the manufacturer’s requirements. Over time, this relationship evolves into a strategic partnership, where the outsourcing firm acts as an extension of the manufacturer’s own team, contributing not just technical expertise but also valuable insights and suggestions for improvements.

Example of a successful long-term partnership

A notable example of a successful long-term partnership in the realm of CAD drafting involves a leading home appliances manufacturer and its CAD drafting service providers. The relationship, spanning over a decade, has been built on mutual trust, consistent quality, and collaborative growth.

The outsourcing firm has gained an in-depth understanding of the manufacturer’s design philosophy and market strategy, enabling them to provide highly customized and efficient CAD services. This deep integration has resulted in the development of several innovative appliance designs, significantly reducing time-to-market and enhancing the manufacturer’s competitive edge.

For the outsourcing firm, this long-term partnership has provided stability and the opportunity to grow and refine its expertise in line with the evolving needs of the manufacturer. The relationship has been mutually beneficial, with the manufacturer gaining from the outsourcing firm’s dedicated support and expertise. Likewise, the outsourcing firm enjoys sustained business and the chance to showcase its capabilities on a larger stage.

Addressing concerns and myths in offshore mechanical CAD drafting

Modern outsourcing practices have evolved significantly to address these concerns effectively. Regarding the fear of losing control, outsourcing firms now employ collaborative approaches that keep clients involved at every stage of the CAD drafting process. This collaboration is facilitated by advanced communication tools and project management software, allowing for real-time updates, feedback, and modifications. This ensures that the offshore mechanical CAD drafting services align closely with the client’s expectations and requirements.

When it comes to security, reputable outsourcing firms understand the importance of data protection and adhere to stringent security protocols. These measures include secure data transfer methods, confidentiality agreements, and compliance with international data security standards. Additionally, many outsourcing firms undergo regular security audits and certifications to ensure that their data handling practices are up to date and foolproof.

By addressing these concerns through transparent communication, collaborative processes, and robust security measures, modern outsourcing firms have debunked the myths surrounding outsourcing. This has paved the way for more companies to embrace outsourcing as a safe, efficient, and reliable solution for their CAD drafting needs.

Conclusion

In summarizing the key aspects of this discussion, it’s clear that outsourcing CAD drafting offers a multitude of benefits for furniture, millwork, and sheet metal manufacturers. The primary advantages include significant cost reduction, enhanced efficiency in design processes, access to specialized expertise, and the ability to focus more intently on core business operations.

Outsourcing CAD drafting not only alleviates the financial burden associated with in-house drafting teams but also streamlines the design development process. By tapping into a pool of skilled drafters equipped with the latest technology, manufacturers can ensure high-quality outputs while adhering to industry standards. This approach also allows businesses to scale their operations flexibly, adapting quickly to market demands without the constraints of staffing and resource limitations.

Furthermore, the strategic value of outsourcing extends beyond mere operational efficiency. It enables manufacturers in specialized sectors like furniture, millwork, and sheet metal to concentrate on innovation and customer engagement, which are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. By entrusting the technical aspects of CAD drafting to expert outsourcing partners, these manufacturers can redirect their resources towards enhancing product quality, exploring new market opportunities, and strengthening their brand presence.

In conclusion, outsourcing CAD drafting emerges not just as a cost-saving measure, but as a strategic decision that can drive long-term growth and success for manufacturers in these industries. It represents a smart alignment of resources, where the focus shifts from managing operational complexities to achieving business excellence and innovation.

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Harnessing the power of Scan to BIM has transformed renovation, retrofitting, and As-Built documentation workflows in the AEC industry. Conversion of 3D laser scans or point clouds of existing buildings into accurate and information-rich 3D models has opened the way for high accuracy in design information, and in calculating measurements of missing components.

Accurate visualization, clash detection, and effective project management supported by scan to BIM modeling now help renovations align seamlessly with existing structures. This is important for designing and creating digital representations of areas that are difficult to access, in heritage conservation, in urban planning and in other critical AEC work.

Table of Contents

Definition and Explanation of Scan to BIM

Point cloud to BIM or Scan to BIM is essential today for renovations, retrofitting, and As-Built documentation in architecture and construction. It involves converting raw point cloud data from 3D laser scans into accurate, data-rich, and intelligent 3D BIM models. Point clouds capture the dimensions and shape of existing areas or spaces in a coordinate system.

Specialized software enables surveyors to convert point clouds into 3D BIM models. This allows us to add valuable data including component properties, spatial relationships, and building materials. Conversion of 3D laser scans into scan to BIM models provides architects, engineers, surveyors, and other parties with precise, updated, and real-time data.

Scan to BIM for the AEC industry has workflows and tools to capture and transform physical structures into 3D models. This ensures design precision, preemptive interference detection, and project planning. It reduces errors and improves project scheduling.

The biggest scan to BIM services benefits include improving project visualization, team collaboration, and delivering productive insights for decision-making. Point cloud to BIM enhances precision and efficiency of construction processes, leading to swift and cost-efficient projects.

Understanding Scan to BIM Technology

Point cloud data consists of precise coordinates of objects and surfaces in 3D space. This data is captured by laser scanners or other tools. Each point cloud is defined in X, Y, and Z coordinates to accurately capture positions and shapes of objects. In the AEC industry, point cloud data provides an accurate and detailed interpretation of real-world spaces for accurate analysis, measurements, and visualization.

Methods of Capturing Point Cloud Data (Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, LiDAR)

Point cloud data capture methods include techniques like Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry, and LiDAR. Laser scanning uses concentrated laser beams to assess object surfaces, while photogrammetry utilizes 2D images from various angles to generate 3D points. LiDAR uses sensors based on lasers to precisely map surfaces making these tools significant in the field of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC).

Laser Scanning for Point Cloud

Laser scanners capture accurate point cloud data through laser beam emissions by measuring the time it takes for the beam to hit an object and return. This technique generates a detailed 3D data representation of spaces and objects, making it a popular tool in renovations, retrofitting, and As-Built drawings. Laser scanning may use terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) or mobile laser scanners. Today, beyond LiDar, laser scanning mostly refers to stationary TLS used for high density and high-resolution point clouds that are slower to generate and carry both coordinates and RGB and intensity data.

Photogrammetry in Point Cloud

Photogrammetry captures Point cloud data by analyzing 2D photographs from different angles. Common points within these images are identified, and industry-specific software calculates the 3D coordinates to generate an in-depth and precise point cloud. Photogrammetry is versatile, cost-efficient, and used in various fields including forestry, geology, and urban planning.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LiDAR technology uses laser sensors on terrestrial or aerial platforms for distance measurement and creating detailed point cloud depiction of objects and surfaces. It falls under Laser Scanning, but focuses more on time-of-flight measurements. LiDAR equipment emits laser pulses and measures the time taken for them to return after hitting the object surface, allowing accurate 3D mapping. LiDAR sensors can be mounted on drones, vehicles, etc, and they are often used for topographic mapping of wide areas. LiDAR is widely applied for autonomous vehicles, environmental monitoring, and cartography based on its ability to capture high-resolution and large data sets effectively and efficiently.

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Top 5 Benefits of Scan to BIM Technology in AEC

Accurate 3D Representation

Point cloud technology or Scan to BIM enables the creation of accurate 3D BIM models of existing structures. Capturing millions of data points through laser scanners delivers a precise 3D visualization of the existing space that includes complex details, spatial relationships, and measurements. This accuracy is invaluable for architects, engineers, and surveyors to ensure designs are aligned with real-world data.

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

Point cloud to BIM facilitates communication and collaboration among stakeholders in the AEC industry. Detailed Scan to BIM models help surveyors to visualize the project on a single platform. A shared understanding of the project reduces communication ambiguities, mitigates errors, and ensures cohesive teamwork for successful project outcomes.

Streamlined Renovation and Retrofitting

Point cloud to BIM provides a set of efficient processes and tools for renovation and retrofit projects. By generating accurate and information-rich 3D models, surveyors can assess existing space effectively. Identifying clashes, plan changes, and seamless integration of new components with existing ones streamlines renovation and retrofit processes. This reduces costly errors and optimizes resource usage.

Efficient Clash Detection and Coordination

BIM software supports designers by allowing overlaying of point cloud to BIM models for coordination analysis and clash detection. Identifying interferences between building elements like ducts, pipes, and structural elements on screen in a virtual environment helps resolve issues and reduce site clashes. This approach saves time, improves efficiency and mitigates rework.

Cost and Time Savings

Using point cloud to BIM for renovation and retrofit projects ensures significant time and cost savings for the entire project lifecycle. Accuracy within 3D models provides insights for surveyors to make informed decisions. By reducing errors and rework, construction processes become efficient, reducing the overall project schedule. Precise data from point clouds supports accurate and faster quantity takeoffs (QTO) and improves project planning, optimized resource use and cost savings.

Challenges in adopting Scan to BIM

Data Complexity and Volume

Capturing point cloud data through laser scanners is detailed and dense. Handling a large dataset of millions of data points can be challenging. Processing and managing a high volume of point cloud data to ensure accuracy and effectiveness requires expensive computational resources and a skilled workforce.

Data Integration and Alignment

Enriching point cloud data within BIM models with accuracy can be challenging. Aligning captured point cloud data with existing 3D models or CAD files requires careful attention. Misalignments can lead to inaccuracies, clashes, and problems in the final design. Lack of data integration and alignment results in expensive revisions during renovation and retrofitting.

Interoperability and Software Compatibility

Various software tools used for point cloud processing and 3D modeling can lead to interoperability issues between platforms. It can require additional expertise and effort to address standards, data formats, and compatibility issues that can affect efficient information exchange.

Skill and Expertise Gap

Deploying point cloud to BIM requires a very high level of expertise. Many AEC professionals may lack the skills to manipulate and navigate point cloud data within BIM workflows. Training existing staff or employing specialists in-house can be costly and time-consuming.

Cost and Budget Constraints

Investing in Scan to BIM tools can be expensive for SMBs. It may be challenging to allocate budgets for equipment, personnel and software. Managing costs for updates, licenses, maintenance, and data storage can be difficult without expertise.

Scan to BIM: The Conversion Process

Data Acquisition

Capture site data or existing space using laser scanners, photogrammetry or LiDAR. Generate dense point clouds through laser scanners to accurately represent the physical geometry and structure.

Point Cloud Registration

Multiple scans done from various positions are aligned and registered to generate a single point cloud. Specific software is used to map overlapping points for precise alignment of the unified point cloud data. Accurate and complete scan registration is critical to achieve high precision of the final 3D BIM model.

Point Cloud Processing

Upon registration of the point cloud, it needs to be processed and refined through removal of noise, unwanted components, and outliers. Specialized software tools help designers and engineers to clean the data and enhance 3D model quality. Various filtering tools and techniques are used to remove irrelevant points for accurate representation of the structure.

BIM Modeling

Processed point cloud data serves as a reference to create the point cloud to BIM model. Using specialized BIM software like Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, or Bentley systems, surveyors can leverage Scan to BIM models of the building components. Doors, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and other architectural components are modeled based on accurate measurements from point cloud data. These 3D BIM models are supported by additional information like specifications, spatial relationships, and materials.

Quality Control and Validation

After creating the 3D BIM model, it undergoes stringent validation and QC processes. Comparing the 3D BIM model with original point cloud data ensures accuracy. Errors are rectified and the model is refined to achieve optimum requirements. Quality control checks include clash detection to identify conflicts and interferences among building elements. Once the point cloud to BIM is validated, it is ready for use in renovation and retrofitting projects.

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Role of Advanced Software and Algorithms in Scan to BIM Conversion

Specialized software and advanced algorithms are essential for converting point cloud to BIM with efficiency and precision. These tools process large point cloud datasets through complex algorithms for noise clearing, aligning scans, and extracting geometric data. Feature recognition algorithms automate the recognition of structural elements to transform raw data into Scan to BIM models. Clash detection algorithms and software integrate new designs into existing ones quickly. This simplifies workflows, improves accuracy, and augments point cloud to BIM conversion for renovations, retrofitting, and As-Built projects.

Applications of Scan to BIM in AEC

Detailed 3D Modeling for Architectural Designs

Scan to BIM has transformed architectural designs with accurate and detailed 3D modeling. Capturing real-world buildings within digital representations helps architects receive invaluable insights for effective decision-making. Scan to BIM provides measurement accuracy, precise detailing, and a complete understanding of spatial relationships. It improves design visualization, simplifies renovations, and ensures seamless integration of new components with existing areas.

Precision in Structural Analysis and Engineering

Scan to BIM improves structural analysis and engineering within the AEC sector. Detailed 3D models of existing buildings support engineers in making accurate structural assessments. This accuracy helps identify ambiguities, ensure optimal load distribution, and conduct effective and efficient renovations and retrofitting. It enables structural engineers to make informed decisions based on data and enhance the overall stability and safety of construction projects.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have transformed scan to BIM workflows in the AEC sector. AI algorithms assess large point cloud datasets, extract features through automation, and recognize complex patterns. Machine Learning tools improve the accuracy through data-based learning and optimization of the conversion process. Automated object recognition, semantic segmentation, efficiency improvements, clash detection, and reduction of human intervention enable greater accuracy, accelerate renovation and retrofitting, and streamline project workflows.

Scan to BIM Success Stories

A building survey company specialized in design, construction, and management solutions partnered with TrueCADD for a retail coffee outlet project in the US. Point cloud Scans to Revit 3D modeling services were required from the team. With input from the client including point cloud Data drawings, scans, and 360 photos, the team at TrueCADD created deliverables that included an As-Built Revit model, pdf files with elevations, ceiling plans, floor plans, and coversheets.

Revit 3D Model Converted from Scan Data

Revit 3D Model Converted from Scan Data

Entrance Elevation Details

Entrance Elevation Details

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A topographic services company from Europe approached TrueCADD for a commercial building project. Point cloud Files were provided as input to the team at TrueCADD. Point cloud Data was successfully converted to Architectural Structural models and 3D CAD output was taken from Revit software.

Point Cloud to 3D CAD Revit Model

Point Cloud to 3D CAD Revit Model

Point Cloud to BIM Model

Point Cloud to BIM Model

Point Cloud to CAD Conversion

Point Cloud to CAD Conversion

Scan to 3D CAD Model

Scan to 3D CAD Model

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Conclusion

A topographic services company from Europe approached TrueCADD for a commercial building project. Point cloud Files were provided as input to the team at TrueCADD. Point cloud Data was successfully converted to Architectural Structural models and 3D CAD output was taken from Revit software.

Scan to BIM has numerous applications including architectural visualization, structural analysis, and other areas. Through advanced algorithms and software, point cloud to BIM or scan to BIM has driven cost-effective projects, enhanced safety, and reshaped construction practices. Partnering with professionals to adopt advanced technology and tools is important for achieving excellence, efficiency, and sustainability in construction projects.

FAQs related to Scan to BIM

The accurate three-dimensional perspective on building projects offered by 3D BIM visualization and animation to architects, design engineers, man ufacturers and owners brings in greater project clarity. This enhances operational efficiencies due to lesser clashes in construction.

Visualizing, simulating and rendering graphic designs by creating an excellent illustration of any item or shape gives 3D BIM a winning edge over 2D. Stakeholders can experience what the structure will actually look like way before the actual construction. 3D BIM is a powerful marketing tool that not just generates pre-construction images using software, but also allows early detection and resolution of clashes. It further ensures minimal information loss and maximum collaboration between disciplines.

BIM 360®, a value add-on to the 3D BIM portfolio, is a collaborative tool operating via cloud and connects multiple stakeholders across locations and time zones in real-time, from the initial design through the final construction. It provides enhanced data transparency, supports informed decision-making and leads to more predictable and profitable outcomes.

Challenges faced by architects and design engineers with legacy methods

The absence of 3D BIM in animation and visualization, can impact architects, design engineers, manufacturers, and owners. It creates problems in communication, collaboration, clash detection, decision-making, and client engagement.

Here are the top 6 challenges faced by professionals when 3D BIM animation and visualization are not utilized:

Benefits of 3D Animation and 3D Visualization

3D BIM shows a rich three-dimensional world, eliminating the boundaries between reality and imagination. It ensures that all project errors and clashes are identified and remedied in advance with suitable alternatives.

1Realistic Visualization


2D image vs. 3D image
2D image vs. 3D image

A major challenge faced by the construction business is keeping all stakeholders on the same page by depicting a mental picture of what kind of a structure is to be created. By turning 2D drawings into reality, 3D animation and visualization enables clients to get a three dimensional view with real effects which the 2D effect failed to offer.

Realistic 3D visualizations, 3D rendering and animation help design a comprehensive recreation of the building or structure in a manner as it would appear in real-time. Clients can experience and take a virtual tour of the structure before its actual construction while architects and developers can get a better understanding of every floor, critical areas, landscape, textures, elevations etc.

A US based Environmental consultancy firm approached TrueCADD to develop a 3D architectural model and 3D rendering of a wall with detailed information from a hand sketch. TrueCADD created a 3D architectural model where the client could get a 360 degree visual of the entire structure before it was actually constructed.

2Reduced Clashes, Easy Re-modeling and Corrections


Easy Re-modeling and Corrections
Modifying light in an area as per client specifications before buying the actual material.

3D visualizations enable easy identification of loopholes and errors in design from the initial phase of design, which are fixed immediately or a suitable alternative is provided. Further, modifying errors in the 3D model is easier before finalizing the design, ensuring minimal costly post-construction changes.

The smallest of details like adding landscaping or choosing the color and texture of the floor, modifying lighting in a specified room or making furniture and décor choices before buying the actual material allows the client to explore all options.

3Accurate Measurements


3D Interior Visualization
Three-dimensional view with accurate measurements.

Precise input of dimensions make designs vivid and accurate, saving time, which was earlier utilized to draw accurate lines. Views from various angles can be experienced even before laying a single brick of the foundation with the new 3D interior visualization tools.

Customers can view and modify arrangement of objects based on their size, available space etc. A 3D design layout clearly depicts the physical measurements of the items and their distance in relation with other items.

4Saves Cost and Improves Equipped Efficiency

3D visualization technology identifies errors and loopholes in design during the initial process of design. A lesser amount of money is spent in fixing errors, thereby saving costs. In addition, it accelerates operational efficiency as developers, contractors, investors etc. have better coordination as they are on the same page having viewed a 3D image of the project.

5Powerful Marketing / Interactive Tool


3D BIM Model
3D BIM allows client to check if a plan is viable.

Compared to 2D drawings, viewing 3D models is more interactive, fascinating and satisfying to potential clients. Chances of winning over customers increase as visuals and graphics in a 3D model create deeper impact on the client’s mind. In addition to being a powerful marketing tool, it is easier to check whether a new plan is viable or how small design changes would

6Easier Government Approvals

Often the local management may reject structures due to the ‘uncertainty’ element in the appearance of buildings and developments. 3D animation and visualization provides an accurate and realistic model, reducing the uncertainty and increases the chances of getting government approval.

7Minimal Information Loss and Maximum Coordination

3D designs are practically instruction-less minus any language barriers, as compared to 2D designs, which need clear and precise instructions on how to obtain design information. There is minimal information loss in 3D models and the visuals and graphics provide clarity to all stakeholders involved in the construction process. This increases the coordination and collaboration between the various disciplines involved in the construction process.

3D BIM Coordinated Architectural Model (with shadow diagram)

3D BIM Coordinated Architectural Model

A leading architectural firm, specializing in planning & designing of iconic projects across Australia was challenged with creating a detailed coordinated Revit architectural residential model, with wall finishes, door and window families, kitchen equipment and bathroom fittings as per client company specifications. The client needed a shadow diagram as per his project location and sun path, three times of the day.

TrueCADD used Revit® to create a shadow diagram, with inter disciplinary clash detection. They raised RFIs as needed. The final deliverables also included a detailed documentation of the model, with full sheet setup which helped the client save on cost and resources.

Best Practices for 3D BIM Animation and Visualization

Achieving effective 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) animation and visualization requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and attention to detail.

Provided below are best practices to create compelling and accurate 3D BIM animations and visualizations:

Popular 3D Animation and Visualization Tools

There are various tools used for a clash-free, enhanced 3D model of BIM. Each one has its own pros and cons.

Popular 3D Animation and Visualization Tools

The Future of 3D BIM Visualization and Animation using AI tools.

In a rapidly evolving construction sector, the future of 3D BIM visualization and animation is set to evolve through AI tools. 3D visualization when integrated with VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) will allow design projects to be experienced in real time. It will take the process of creating architectural designs and projects to a completely new level of quality and speed.

With the help of Smart glasses or a headset, all angles of the structure, building or product will be easily viewed, sensed, enjoyed and altered as per specifications in a VR environment. Customer satisfaction will be enhanced with three Dimensional images and visualizations, which may enhance the possibilities of increased sales. The seamless integration of AI and 3D BIM will unleash greater levels of innovation, productivity, and sustainability across the design and construction landscape.

Furthermore, AI-powered 3D BIM visualization and animation will not only optimize the construction phase but also extend its capabilities for the entire lifecycle of a building. With perpetual data collection and analysis, AI algorithms will facilitate predictive maintenance, enabling proactive identification of structural issues and reducing costly repairs.

Collaborative AI tools will connect architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders in real-time, enhancing communication and reducing potential delays.

As AI systems continue to learn from past projects, they will offer invaluable insights and churn out best practices, for continuous improvement and innovation within the construction industry.


Future of 3D Visualization
Developers can quicken the designing process by using high-tech CGI tools like Insite.

Conclusion

Keeping 3D BIM as the base, it has become imperative for designers, contractors and investors to adopt new and upcoming tools and provide services that ensure growth, profit and customer retention. In the construction industry, businesses dealing with animation and visualization frequently boost up their functioning by being more exclusive and innovate through services like animation, 3D walk-through, architectural visualization, three dimensional design of interior and exterior parts of structures and buildings etc.

A designer, contractor or investor can easily sell their designs or property, if they empower their customers with the ability to walk through projects via VR interaction, where customers can feel space, volume and design even before the project is ready. The customer connect is thereby enhanced.

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