SSDA sponsor - Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd
Collaborative working
Everyone in the industry is accustomed to Requests for Information and while they can
be crucial for resolving issues, they can hinder the progress of a project. However, with
greater collaboration between all parties and the better use of software on a project,
they can be minimised. Here, Steve Insley, Business Development Manager at Trimble
Solutions (UK) Ltd explores the problem, the solution and why steelwork contractors
should influence change within the supply chain.
10 NSC
October 19
As we know, Requests for
Information (RFIs) are generally
used to clarify information in
the documentation, drawings and the
specifications of a project, or to provide
information that was not complete at the
time the contract was agreed. However,
unfortunately they have long been a sore
point for all within the industry, as they can
lead to costly delays.
For example, if a steelwork contractor
urgently requires vital positioning
information for a steel component, they
have to submit an RFI, which means they
are unable to proceed, resulting not only in
delays within their manufacturing facility,
but also delays to the work being carried
out on site. It becomes a bottle neck for
productivity – something the end client
does not want to hear; they just want their
project completed on time and to budget.
People are able to process visuals 60,000
times faster than text (according to research
compiled by 3M). Therefore, in order to
reduce RFIs, the industry should look to
incorporate cloud-based BIM software
within a project, allowing relevant people
in the supply chain to physically see the
3D model (rather than a 2D drawing),
which means they will be able to highlight
issues easily, while also providing a more
informed decision on how to solve a
problem, in order to keep pushing the
project forward to meet the deadline.
And the good news is that any party
within the supply chain can instigate the use
of this software, even if the main contractor
is not already using their preferred cloudbased
BIM software.
For example Trimble Connect, and other
collaboration tools such as Viewpoint for
Projects, have been designed to not only
help the construction industry build better,
but to improve communication between
the contractor, structural engineer and
steelwork contractor, to create a coordinated
environment where all parties can review the
latest models, plans and schedules.
By making information easily visible,
accessible and sharable, it enables everyone
involved in a construction project to know
what is happening at all stages during a
project and more importantly, what needs to
happen next – encouraging a higher level of
communication, productivity and efficiency.
Steelwork contractors are often one of
the last parties to join the design team for a
project, it is even more important that they
influence this change, as when they join a
project, those involved earlier on will have
moved on, meaning if they have a technical
query, then it could be a while before an
answer is received. What’s more, steelwork
contractors are probably one of the most
prepared members of a supply chain, having
already used a 3D model for fabrication
purposes, so it might be easier than they
think to become the influencer – especially
as they are well accustomed to the benefits
BIM can bring to a project.
Indeed, if you bring all consultants
and suppliers together by allowing them
to remotely login to a visual session and
effectively communicate with one another,
all queries can be understood more quickly
and resolved collaboratively. Providing
more people with access to BIM models and
project plans can reduce the amount of time
wasted on site and, labour and cost overruns,
with fewer design clashes, the need for less
rework on site and more informed schedules,
meaning that the work is more likely to run
to programme.
For example, assuming the average site
rework item costs £5,000 to resolve, before
the cost of delays are considered, using
inexpensive software to visualise the problem
and resolve it as quickly as possible becomes
the obvious answer.
The change may not happen overnight,
but by applying pressure to incorporate
software or early engagement strategies,
steelwork contractors can have a positive
impact on the whole workflow of a project –
and be seen as more proactive.
For more information, please visit
www.tekla.com/uk/products/trimble-connect
Trimble Solutions (UK) Ltd is
a sponsor of the Structural
Steel Design Awards
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/Modelling_and_analysis#Modelling
/Construction
/Design
/Fabrication
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