Voices from industry speak out about technology directions today and tomorrow

Today’s pioneering A/E/C businesses thrive on technology solutions. Today, these might include 3D, building information modeling (BIM), data management and advanced communication systems such as Web-enabled and wireless tools. These tools and techniques are critical to a new era in working relationships for the building and construction industry, which will ultimately drive greater quality, accuracy and timeliness. From design and estimates to project schedules and construction management, every part of a project will feel some impact from this era of 3D and collaboration.

Through an in-print roundtable forum, industry leaders and developers come together to discuss issues and the solutions that will help any size A/E/C company take advantage of this new environment to speed and improve processes.

More information is available on all these topics at the upcoming 2006 Technology for Construction show, a premier feature within the World of Concrete sponsored by McGraw-Hill Construction in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 16-20, 2006.

Roundtable Interviews

Kristine Fallon, FAIA President, Kristine Fallon Associates, Inc.

Vicky Speed: Have virtual technologies changed the AIA industry vision?

KF: Yes, particularly in the AIA’s thinking about the future of architectural practice. The AIA, at the board level, has realized the significance of BIM-related technology and taken steps to rethink architectural practice in light of the process these technology tools make possible. Through dedicated working groups, the Institute is carefully looking at the contractual, insurance and other obstacles to delivering projects in a different way.

VS: What should the industry do to drive this process?

KF: We’ve got to start thinking beyond our individual practices and reach out to the engineers, product suppliers, fabricators and the rest of those groups that are involved in every project. Right now, there are some excellent examples of BIM tools supporting this kind of project collaboration, but they are isolated instances. Once it is possible to use the same BIM to inform multiple analyses—space, cost, energy, structural, etc.—all project participants can benefit from improved speed, cost savings and quality, as long as compensation reflects each team member’s contribution.

VS: Are there key technologies that A/E/C should look to now?

KF: First thing to keep in mind is that BIM tools include much more than intelligent CAD systems. There are a good number of BIM technologies developed for niche markets, such as those for fabricators, energy analysts, and general contractors. The tools are available—our industry needs to hold hands and take the plunge.

Jim Bedrick Director of Systems Integration, Webcor

VS: From a contractor point of view, what is BIM?

JB: It’s much more than just 3D geometry. A BIM is an object-based computer model of a building with links to other information beyond the size and shape of its elements. This technology enables the process of virtual design and construction— using a BIM to support effective collaboration among the extended project team during the design and construction of the building. Bottom line, with BIM, you have real information. The relevance and meaning of the building elements to each other and to the building are embedded in the model itself, thus aiding the project team in sharing knowledge with each other.

VS: When did Webcor first start using BIM?

JB: We’ve been at it for about three years. For the most part, we create these models from 2D drawings provided by architects, using them to get quantity takeoffs, visualize schedules, resolve coordination issues, and so on. The most significant benefit to us is reliability—we’ve found these models can reduce field rework to almost nothing because the process of construction is worked out on the computer model first.

My advice to those just getting into this is to just start. It doesn’t require a lot of investment in technology. While there is a significant learning curve, most people who have already developed some facility with traditional 2D CAD pick it up pretty quickly.

Robert Mauck, AIA, PE Vice President, Advanced Technologies, GHAFARI Associates, LLC

VS: How has 3D modeling changed Ghafari’s business style?

RM: Bottom line, our focus is to identify ways that technology can best serve our customers. How can it reduce costs, improve and accelerate design AND construction, provide time-to-market advantage?

It is more about lean thinking and workflow—the technology part rests with knowing how to exchange 3D model data directly across the design/fabrication/construction supply chain, and the payback is enormous.

VS: Is 3D modeling used on every project?

RM: To some extent, it is used on nearly all of the medium to larger projects. On small projects, it depends on complexity, delivery model and schedule, customer needs. We’ve found that in every case where it is used, the process and the model create a quality business model.

Naturally, there is a learning curve for everyone who adopts this methodology, whether you are an architect, engineer or contractor. My advice is to understand your supply chain, and lean principles makes it much easier to identify the paybacks.

VS: How do you see the BIM framework evolving?

RM: While we are already deploying the 3D BIM model to fabrication and in the field, there are still big opportunities for using the model data for construction sequencing (4D), cost estimating and further down the road transitioning the build model to commissioning and asset tracking. That’s where we’re looking for the next big change.

Shaun Yancey Vice President Corporate Development, PCL Construction Services Inc.

VS: How does BIM fit into your business strategy?

SY: We believe that BIM is the future of our industry. However, much like CAD, its adoption will be an evolutionary process, taking several years to catch on at all industry levels well beyond the leading designers, engineers and contractors. In reality, until all the subtrade community adopts this modeling approach, we’ll continue to rely on dual paper and electronic systems.

VS: Have you realized those benefits on projects today?

SY: Definitely. We’ve used 3D and 4D modeling (3D with scheduling links) extensively in industrial operations and many civil projects. In fact, we’re finding that some of the more complex projects can’t be built without BIM. Our people realize that if we don’t have that expertise in our organization, we’re not going to be able to compete.

Beyond that, it just makes sense. This framework makes a project team much more collaborative. If you utilize BIM to the fullest benefit, the up-front coordination saves everyone from the owner to the designer to the contractor a lot of time, energy and aggravation during the entire process. The greatest value to the owner is obtained when the entire team is assembled right at the start of a project to work together collaboratively—that’s where the significant savings are found.

Mike Gillum Director of Research & Development, Quest Solutions

VS: Have your customer demands changed in the last year?

MG: Like every other business, everything is moving into an electronic environment. While construction is notoriously slow to adopt technology, we’ve really seen a jump in the interest in and application of tools particularly for 3D design. Part of this is because there are many low cost solutions that are available off-the-shelf that help even the smaller firms put together a 3D picture of a house or building, for instance.

VS: Has this changed Quest Solutions’ direction?

MG: Absolutely—it’s our job to help our clients—estimators and contractors—take full advantage of the digital environment to improve their business processes and better communicate in this increasingly digital world. In the last year, we’ve converted our popular Visual Assemblies from 2D to 3D. Currently, we have 41 different 3D visual assemblies for different trades such as sitework, concrete, tilt-up, framing and interior/exterior finishing. These assemblies tied directly to the estimate really help estimators—and their clients—visually understand the building elements and associated costs.

The next step for us is to pull 3D models from a building information model (BIM), such as Revit, seamlessly into our solution. That capability will be available to our customers very soon.

Steve Williams Vice President, Software, U.S. COST

VS: What is the role of estimating software in the 3D world?

SW: We’re all connected. There is a lot of interest and excitement with regard to visual modeling—using 3D models to generate cost estimates—which fits perfectly in our development direction. Our core competency is developing quality estimating solutions and then delivering the most sophisticated, robust ties to other systems that include CAD and scheduling. As a foundation, we’ve created the complete Success Solutions estimating and cost management suite that includes a true web based component. Within that we’ve also built Schedule Exchange, a flexible, bidirectional data exchange engine for the seamless synchronization of a Primavera® schedule and Success Estimator. That latest thread in this visual modeling connection is the links we’re building with Autodesk’s Revit building information modeling (BIM) system.

VS: How will the link with Autodesk BIM environment work?

SW: Once an architect develops a model using Revit, the estimator can use that same model to create a cost estimate based on the design’s family of objects. These estimates can be built on a firm’s own legacy cost information, RS Means assemblies, or a combination of both. A simple mapping device allows the user to map Revit objects to cost assemblies and continue to re-use and grow the list of mapped objects from project to project.

VS: Why is this important to an estimator?

SW: At the process level, the value is speed and accuracy. Bottom line is that these tools allow estimators to spend less time putting together quantity takeoffs and more time focusing on the subjective components of estimating, changing market conditions and analyzing the project to see cost saving options. In essence, they can become an estimator.

At the bigger industry level, these tools provide the unofficial bridge between the project team. It allows the estimator and scheduler, for instance, to share information without forcing either side to adopt each other’s methods. This speaks to our core philosophy—we never want to force the estimator to change the way they estimate, but instead to enhance and enable that work while facilitating the overall concept of the integrated project team.

Paul McKeon President, BID2WIN Software Inc.

VS: How is the industry moving to a more integrated business?

PM: For many, the first order of business is to manage information better internally, in preparation for this digital data sharing environment that has begun to emerge. That requires interoperable tools, tools that allow individuals to share and use information wherever and whenever they need in a secure environment.

Software developers can and should deliver solutions that fit this environment. There is no reason that estimators shouldn’t be able to access bids online while they’re traveling. Project teams should have the ability to work together through the Internet or protected web sites to get projects built faster, safer and with greater quality.

VS: How does this shift change the role of estimating software?

PM: These tools must also ‘link’ with today’s technology solutions that support the people, project and data integration that make up the integrated business. For us, that means expanding the online, web-driven functionality. For instance, we are releasing the BID2WIN Service Pack 3 that includes among other things, a module for mobile estimating. Through it, an estimator can simply log into their company server, check out a BID2WIN product license and pull down necessary bids—no extra cost, no extra permissions. As bids are created in the field, the estimator can just as easily connect back to the server, check in the estimating software license, and synchronize the new bids to the server through an easy-to-use electronic
wizard.

VS: Why is mobile estimating so important today?

PM: We’ve talked for years about deploying software across an enterprise —that includes in the car, at home or on the job. We are an increasingly mobile society and estimators, in particular, are frequently on the road—the tools and related information must also be available in this environment. Our job as developers is to make sure our clients are able to access the right information quickly, easily and safely anytime, anywhere.

VS: How can you guarantee an interoperable environment?

PM: Our solution is built on the Microsoft SQL database that is scalable, secure and flexible, and thus able run on a laptop for a single user or on a server where it is accessible to multiple estimators at the same time without degradation of system performance. We also make it possible for our users to export budget information into nearly 30 construction accounting systems and export estimating data to Microsoft Project or Primavera products such as SureTrak to set up a schedule. It’s this kind of interoperable environment that must be created to support the integrated building and construction business so critical to our industry’s success.

Greg Duyka Sales Support Manager, On Center Software

VS: How is digital technology changing conventional business processes?

GD: We’re in the midst of a major paradigm shift for estimators and project managers. For years, these individuals have used paper documents and plans to do takeoffs and prepare estimates. Now many of those documents are in the form of electronic, 2D drawings in a wide variety of CAD formats. There are also several other electronic file formats available such as .cal, .pdf, .tiff. and even digital photos taken on site. Many construction companies today do not yet have the familiarity with these electronic plan environments, or for that matter, the software necessary to view, or even do quantity takeoffs from these files. They need the right tools to help them communicate and compete in this environment.

VS: Are these electronic plan file viewing tools available now?

GD: Increasingly, estimators and project managers get a first look at viewing tools from planrooms. One source of viewer software is from On Center Software Inc., which has a viewer called On-Screen Takeoff Planviewer® that lets the user open and view most electronic file formats quickly and easily. However, now there is a need for a tool that can do more than that. We believe that this tool should speak to the entire process of takeoffs, estimating and finally to managing the project—all in the electronic, on-screen environment. This method is more accurate, far more visual, and faster than conventional hand methods. In fact, with our latest full version of On Screen Takeoff®, the program not only allows the user to view plans but also adds the ability to do detailed takeoffs for multiple conditions. In addition, it provides an overlay feature that lets the estimator or project manager electronically set the original drawing on top of an addendum drawing and visually see any changes instantly. That information along with the takeoff data and estimate can then be utilized in the project management stage.

Today more and more, both general contractors as well as subcontractors are learning about programs that can combine digital takeoffs with computerized estimating and project management. They believe that this will increase efficiency and help them reduce waste and improve productivity and profits. We agree.

VS: Can technology improve construction industry waste?

JW: The industry faces a big challenge in its effort to respond to the recent NIST report stating that construction industry wastes $15.8 billion annually—and many are looking to technology as the fix. However, resolving these issues is not a technology problem. It’s a work process problem. Certainly, technology can improve efficiencies, but often times the process itself is where the inefficiencies are found.

New directions like 3D and building information modeling (BIM) provide the means to improve this workflow.

VS: How can NavisWorks help drive this improvement?

JW: We provide a CAD neutral platform, a work environment designed to push and pull information among the project team regardless of the software that originally created the design. It’s a collaborative environment different from the common definition. I’m talking about collaboration in terms of the human element. That means a collaboration between team members all seeing an integrated model and all physically collaborating to create a project early in the design process.

VS: Does this include 3D directions?

JW: Yes, though most people in the CAD world still rely primarily on 2D, there is a huge movement to move to the more intuitive 3D environment to improve communication and data sharing. Our products serve as a bridge to make it easier to get there. The perception is that it is difficult to use 3D, but it doesn’t have to be. NavisWorks is not hard to use, and in fact makes the transition to working in 3D much more enjoyable, as the interface is intuitive and logical.

David De Rego Vice President, Vertical Marketing, Sage Software Construction and Real Estate Solutions

VS: How are you driving the integrated practice?

DD: There is a dramatic industry shift to operational solutions as the main driver of technology change. Therefore, we have aimed our development direction toward operational efficiencies across the organization, as gained by business process improvements, which in turn are supported by tightly integrated financial and operations software. Our goal is to help our customers achieve this by automating financial and operations processes and then building interactive links to the many ancillary products such as scheduling or CAD.

VS: Does 3D CAD fit into the estimating world?

DD: I think the industry should take note of the building information model (BIM). We certainly are. Owners are starting to demand this framework more because they can visualize the building and the built-in intelligence. This intelligence goes well beyond the design objects to include estimating and scheduling information. Therefore, it makes sense that BIM tools and business tools like ours communicate in order to continue the integrated environment that we all envision.

We’ve been working with industry organizations for many years to further this ability to integrate with BIM and enhance the efficiencies of information exchange. We’re currently partnering with companies that are on the forefront of BIM. In the next year, the industry will see some very innovative links and solutions begin to emerge that will move them more easily in to the 3D, 4D and even 5D world.

VS: What is your advice for right now?

DD: The key to taking advantage of BIM, and other future technology, is to find the partners who share that vision and start working with them toward a common goal. It takes a tremendous amount of coordinated effort to ensure that multiple data points properly connect among the varied and often disparate disciplines, such as CAD to estimating for example.

Also the industry as a whole must realize that a fundamental shift has to take place in terms of how we think about information and the manner in which it is created, captured, and delivered. Such a shift in thinking must take place for BIM to work at a significant level. Still, as we’ve said, we will see some exciting developments in the short term as the industry moves forward in these efforts.

Kevitt Adler President, MC2

VS: How has the role of estimator changed?

KA: Interestingly, estimators today face the same issues they faced 40 years ago—the need to get takeoffs done faster, more accurately, and (for multi-estimator situations) with standardization and consistency. We, as developers, are just doing a better job of giving them the electronic tools to get this done.

VS: What about the basic functionality?

KA: The functionality of estimating software has of course evolved. For instance, 40 years ago, estimators using MCÇ software had the ability to perform 10 to the 10th power of combinations for specifications. Today, that is 35 to the 35th power. Also, in 1965, the Construction System provided for 10 Dimension entries; today, that number is unlimited. These expansions have made it easier for us to help customers enter takeoffs faster and more concisely. In many respects, this has enabled us to enlarge our takeoff formats to keep up with trends.

VS: Will the new 3D and online capabilities change estimating?

KA: It already has. As the industry matures in the use of computers, we are able to advance our user-customized features. Customers who are migrating from spreadsheets and spreadsheet-based solutions often have some legacy in terms of methods and reports. We can help them
automate those typically manual systems, and gain the benefits of specialized estimating software, without losing their current work processes. Add in the virtual tools, such as online
functionality and Internet-based communication tools, and those benefits improve exponentially.