Like most industries, building and construction is moving with the times. Having long since realised the efficiencies that computers can bring, it is now taking this to the next level with the increasing adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Chris Lloyd, Managing Director of electrical enclosure manufacturer, Spelsberg UK, looks
Franke Sissons, world leader in providing washroom solutions for all industries, embarked on a journey to get ‘BIM-ready’ in 2017. Following a move to an outstanding new manufacturing site in Poland, covering 12,000m2 and with more capability than ever before, Franke wanted to combine its lean manufacturing processes and in-house
CALA Homes, one of the UK’s most upmarket major homebuilders, has agreed a partnership with the nation’s fastest broadband provider. It will offer residents day one access to gigabit broadband speeds across its new housing developments in West Scotland. The partnership will see Hyperoptic, the largest gigabit provider in the UK,
Nearly half (47%) of construction firms surveyed are still on the journey to GDPR compliance, with only 3% fully compliant by the deadline, according to survey data shared today by Crimson, a UK IT solutions and recruitment company. The data emerges from the 20th annual CIO Survey, created by Crimson’s
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC
Our world and everything in it is developing at such a rapid speed that it is often hard to keep abreast of all the latest developments. New technologies in the trucking industry are concentrating on efficiency, autonomy, and safety, especially as far as driver fatigue is concerned. It is estimated that
NBS has updated its free-to-use BIM Object Standard and National BIM Library with content for use across Australia, adding to its existing UK and Canadian content. Widely adopted across the UK and used around the world, the NBS BIM Object Standard will allow manufacturers to share their product information digitally
More and more companies are looking for ways to use connected devices to improve field service and George Walker, managing director of field service management software provider Novotek UK and Ireland, explains how the Internet of Things (IoT) is changing field service. Field service management has traditionally been responsible for
Fulcrum, the UK’s leading independent utility infrastructure and services provider, has partnered up with ChargePoint, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network, to support the Government’s ambitions to grow Britain’s network of EV charging stations. Both companies will deliver an end-to-end service for commercial and residential development customers, while
Fusion Building Systems, the offsite designer, engineer, manufacturer and installer of light gauge steel superstructures can now provide its clients with ‘as manufactured’ digital models of their completed structures, thanks to its integration of MWF Pro Metal software from StrucSoft Solutions. Running as an add-on to the widely-used Revit design
Like most industries, building and construction is moving with the times. Having long since realised the efficiencies that computers can bring, it is now taking this to the next level with the increasing adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Chris Lloyd, Managing Director of electrical enclosure manufacturer, Spelsberg UK, looks at the principles of BIM and its potential to improve construction management. The UK construction sector is worth about £90bn a year (7 percent of GDP) and provides work for over 3 million people. As such it is an important part of the national economy and therefore needs to remain competitive by adopting new management and construction techniques. For 50 years or more, the industry has looked to technology to constantly improve the way it operates, in both the design and construction phases as well as for long term building care and maintenance. Some decades ago, computers were adopted in the management of larger construction projects. Then, more recently, the advent of laptops opened up smaller jobs to the benefit of digitalisation. The internet, smartphones and tablets took things another step further, but, because they let many different people use programmes of their own choosing, a degree of confusion or information overload began to emerge. Spelsberg UK makes a wide range of electrical enclosures and distribution boxes, so is very much involved in the nitty-gritty details of specifying new buildings and supplying new equipment for refurbishments, extensions etc. The company has developed a very broad range of standard products and can also customise enclosures for specific jobs. The majority of standard products from the Spelsberg range is Building Information Modelling (BIM) capable, so that accurate-to-the-second information can be shared with appropriate third parties. The National Building Standards define BIM as: a process for creating and managing information on a construction project across the project lifecycle. One of the key outputs of this process is the Building Information Model, the digital description of every aspect of the built asset. This model draws on information assembled collaboratively and updated at key stages of a project. Creating a digital Building Information Model enables those who interact with the building to optimize their actions, resulting in a greater whole life value for the asset. BIM starts with 3D modelling, typically during the architects’ design phase and is augmented with further information relating to costs and time (initially for the construction schedule, then later for the life of the building). Added to this are product specifications for all the components, from the main structural elements to the smallest fixtures and fittings. Further information can also be added to provide information, on for instance, natural light levels, projected and actual energy usage, occupancy levels, traffic levels through circulation spaces, security equipment and services, exterior landscaping, etc. In fact BIM is intended to be open-ended, so that it can be extended as much as required for each individual building. Ideally it should be maintained until the building’s ultimate demolition. The underlying idea is that at any point during the life of the building, managers can instantly look up any information they need. This could be the manufacturer, supplier and warranty details of the light switch in the third-floor cleaners’ cupboard; equally it could include highly technical performance specifications for the entire plumbing system, load calculations from the structural engineers, or fire and safety systems design. Critically, all parts of a BIM model are interactive, so that if a change is logged all consequent changes are accounted for. This can be by auto-adjustment (for example, when an internal partition wall is moved, making one room larger and its neighbour smaller), or by highlighting the need for a manual update procedure (such as deleting the specification of a broken fitting and replacing it with that of the new replacement). The purpose of BIM is to create a virtual information model to be handed from the design team (surveyors, architects, structural engineers, building services engineers, etc) to the main contractor and subcontractors and then on to the owner/occupier. Each adds their data and information to the model, so that it is fully comprehensive, a source of all relevant information. The overall objective is to provide a tool that drives efficiency into both the construction and life-long management of a building. Spelsberg is contributing to the development of BIM by providing all its product information in a BIM compatible format. Perhaps more importantly it is promoting the adoption of BIM by championing it at every level.
Franke Sissons, world leader in providing washroom solutions for all industries, embarked on a journey to get ‘BIM-ready’ in 2017. Following a move to an outstanding new manufacturing site in Poland, covering 12,000m2 and with more capability than ever before, Franke wanted to combine its lean manufacturing processes and in-house engineering expertise with BIM models and online data to continue to produce exceptional quality products that have served the industry for over 230 years. In 2017, Franke extended its relationship with NBS to host its first series of BIM objects within the NBS National BIM Library and in this time, the company has seen nearly half a million impressions on its products every month. “The recent changes have had a positive impact on the business and have helped the company consolidate and grow its offering, both online and offline,” said Sarah Hallam, Marketing Coordinator at Franke. The company partnered with NBS long before it’s journey to get ‘BIM-ready’ and has had its products’ technical information embedded in NBS specification software with NBS Plus and published product catalogues, technical documents and design files in the industry-leading online index of manufacturers’ product information, RIBA Product Selector. With hundreds of projects throughout the years, the specification process is something that Franke is looking to develop more in the future. BIM has provided a key opportunity to help support and develop relationships with public and private sector architects, designers, and industry professionals. After launching the first of its BIM Models in early 2017, which received a high response rate online, this has created many opportunities with architects, contractors and other businesses within the industry. The results so far have been very positive, and as its profile grows, and more models are hosted on the NBS National BIM Library, Franke hopes that these relationships will continue to thrive. Sarah continued: “We now have nearly half a million impressions every month which is an outstanding breakthrough for us on a digital level. According to research from NBS, 71% of specifiers need manufacturers to provide them with BIM objects, which is why we are providing models of our products. “Although we do not use BIM as a way of manufacturing our products, we see BIM as a positive aid for the specification process, developing our relationships, and enhancing product knowledge for architects and designers. “In the future we believe that BIM will become more integral to all sectors, not just in the public sector, and we see BIM becoming the norm within many industries. As part of this we are striving to develop further models of both existing and new products to ensure that information is easily available during the specification process. We are eager to continue our BIM journey and are striving to make as much progress as possible, and we are excited to see what the future holds.” Franke Sissons has been actively involved in NBS events and is part of the RIBA CPD Providers Network, sharing best practice and knowledge, especially around sustainable architecture with a range of CPD materials on offer under the sustainable architecture category. As one of the world’s leading providers of washroom solutions, Franke are very conscious of its responsibility for contributing to a sustainable environment and are actively engaged in this challenge. Working to reduce the environmental impact of its operations, taking into account the commercial viability and availability of environmentally friendly technology, Franke has implemented a number of measures to ensure that its environmental footprint is reduced; these include sustainable buildings, reduction of water use, resourcing efficient products and demonstrating material efficiency in production. To find out more about NBS visit www.theNBS.com
CALA Homes, one of the UK’s most upmarket major homebuilders, has agreed a partnership with the nation’s fastest broadband provider. It will offer residents day one access to gigabit broadband speeds across its new housing developments in West Scotland. The partnership will see Hyperoptic, the largest gigabit provider in the UK, install its services across its seventeen new housing sites. The development locations include Strathaven, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, Bearsden, Cumbernauld and Larbert. Hyperoptic’s full fibre cables go all the way to the building, which is why it can offer symmetrical gigabit broadband services – over 22x faster than the average broadband speed in Scotland. Many competitor fibre networks only go as far as a cabinet in the street, relying on slow copper cables from there to the building; this means a lower speed that also varies according to where you live along the street. Hyperoptic is rolling out the largest gigabit network in the UK. Its full fibre network is already live in Glasgow and Edinburgh, passing over 15,000 homes and businesses. This partnership with CALA Homes includes over 1,800 homes. Liana Canavan, Sales and Marketing Director for CALA Homes (West): “We pride ourselves on being renowned as a premium housebuilder. This reputation is built upon our commitment to give our customers the best living experience possible. This partnership addresses and exceeds the digital needs of our future residents. Being able to immediately get online, via the fastest broadband connection in the UK, is just phenomenal. This information will be incredibly well received by our future customers and will positively impact their move-in experience.” Sharon Maybury, National Manager, Hyperoptic, adds: “This partnership with CALA Homes enables us to expedite our Scottish expansion via installing our services at the build stage. Hyperoptic is committed to lead the charge to Gigabit Scotland. We announced our intention to expand our full fibre network to Scotland in 2015. Since then we have been working steadily to expand our footprint, with the aim of connecting hundreds of thousands of Scottish residents in the coming years.” The first development due to be completed is 21 Mansionhouse Road, a magnificent collection of 101 luxury apartments and penthouses in one of south Glasgow’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. For more information, please visit: https://www.cala.co.uk/homes-for-sale/west-of-scotland/21-mansionhouse-road About Hyperoptic Hyperoptic was founded in 2011 to shake up the UK broadband market and is now the country’s largest and fastest-growing gigabit network provider. It delivers the nation’s fastest broadband speeds of up to 1Gbps (1,000 megabits per second), which is over 22x faster than the UK average. Hyperoptic is a leader in “full” fibre optic technology, delivering fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) not just fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC). Its future-proofed infrastructure is bringing transformational internet speeds and connection stability to millions of people across the UK. Hyperoptic works with property owners, developers and professionals, designing and installing dedicated fibre infrastructure to new buildings and existing developments. It focuses exclusively on urban areas, often in areas neglected by other providers and network builders. The company has been awarded ‘Best Superfast Broadband’ provider by the Internet Service Providers’ Association for the past six years in a row, and was crowned the ‘Most Innovative Provider’ in the 2017 Broadband Genie home broadband survey. For more information visit: www.hyperoptic.com
Nearly half (47%) of construction firms surveyed are still on the journey to GDPR compliance, with only 3% fully compliant by the deadline, according to survey data shared today by Crimson, a UK IT solutions and recruitment company. The data emerges from the 20th annual CIO Survey, created by Crimson’s parent company Harvey Nash in partnership with KPMG. The survey polled 3,958 IT leaders across 84 countries and a range of industries. Across all sectors, operational risk and compliance, and data security are the two biggest growth areas of concern for the board. Managing operational risk and compliance was named as a key priority by 38% of IT leaders, an increase of 12% from 2017. On 25 May 2018, the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force, introducing severe penalties for any data breaches affecting EU citizens that result from non-compliance. Fines can be as high as EUR20 million, or 4% of global annual revenue for the previous financial year, whichever is higher. Yet, construction firms are lagging in their compliance. On average, 38% of firms across all sectors were on track to miss the deadline when the survey was conducted. In construction, 47% reported they would still be on the journey, and 50% expected to be mostly compliant. Only 3% expected to be fully compliant, the lowest of any sector studied, and significantly behind the leaders in telecommunications (29%), technology (27%) and oil and gas (27%). Construction firms are particularly exposed to the risk of data breaches, with 41% of them saying they have been subject to major IT security or cyber attacks in the last two years, considerably higher than the global average of 33%. Construction and engineering companies consider themselves slightly better prepared than average to identify and deal with cyber attacks. Only 11% of construction companies say they are not well prepared, compared to the global average of 14%, and figures of 22% for education, 20% for oil and gas, and 15% for manufacturing and automotive. Despite underperforming in GDPR compliance, 54% of IT leaders in the construction sector have seen salary increases, putting them in second place behind the leisure industry (56%), and significantly above the global average of 46%. Across all sectors, cloud investment continues to grow, with 70% of IT leaders characterising their investment as significant or moderate. By way of contrast, headline-grabbing technologies blockchain and virtual reality are only attracting a similar level of commitment in 10% of companies. Many organisations struggle to manage customer-focused capabilities. Only 27% said they were very effective at measuring profitability by customer, and just 26% were very effective at creating engaging customer experiences. Half said they were not at all or only slightly effective at achieving a single view of customer interactions across all service channels. “Having fragmented customer data makes it harder to create consistent and engaging customer experiences, and can make it difficult to meet GDPR compliance requirements,” said Mark Britton, Head of Marketing, Crimson. “Construction companies can see their compliance project as an opportunity to migrate to a single, consistent customer relationship management (CRM) solution. Having a single view of the customer helps to achieve actionable insights, and helps to ensure customers have the smoothest experience in their dealings with you.” To download the Harvey Nash / KPMG CIO Survey 2018, courtesy of Crimson, please visit https://www.hnkpmgciosurvey.com/
Engineering software developer, Envenio, has launched an online BIM (Building Information Modeling) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Survey. The 5-6 minute survey has been designed to collect baseline data directly from industry, and aims to find out more about BIM and the role for CFD in building design and HVAC system optimization. “The results will enable us to better understand how BIM and CFD tools are being used, and identify new areas where they could be used” says Scott Walton, VP of Envenio. Respondents will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win $500 worth of compute time on Envenio’s cloud hosted, on-demand CFD platform EXN/Aero. Advances in both BIM and CFD technology have enabled complicated building models to be digitally constructed with precise geometry and accurate information to support the project construction, fabrication, analysis and procurement activities. Mapping 3D flow patterns, evaluating occupant thermal comfort, and predicting contaminant dispersion are just some of the reasons more and more in the built environment have been turning to CFD as a general purpose flow simulator, and engineers are using CFD to trial new design ideas at low cost or to identify problems with existing systems during retrofits. The survey will ask questions about existing BIM and CFD use, identifying current attitudes and perceptions, training and usability issues, and costs. Results from the survey will be shared in September. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.
Our world and everything in it is developing at such a rapid speed that it is often hard to keep abreast of all the latest developments. New technologies in the trucking industry are concentrating on efficiency, autonomy, and safety, especially as far as driver fatigue is concerned. It is estimated that approximately 40% of truck crashes in the UK are related to driver fatigue, reiterating the importance of having systems in place that can not only monitor fatigue but notify the driver when he is in danger. The following developments are all contributing towards reducing the number of fatigue-related accidents that occur on the roads of the UK every year. Fujitsu develops ground-breaking IoT device At the beginning of the year Fujitsu launched a new and innovative IoT (internet of things) powered wearable with the aim to drastically reduce fatigue-induced trucking accidents in the United Kingdom. The device, known as the Driver Drowsiness Detector or DDD is a lightweight device that is worn around the driver’s neck with a tiny sensor clip which attaches to the earlobe, detecting pulse waves. The purpose of the device is to keep track of the driver’s pulse, evaluating fatigue levels and notifying the driver when his risk of possible compromised alertness increases. The system can also be linked to various fleet-management systems to enable managers to also monitor the state of their drivers in real-time. Logistics company DHL is currently testing the DDD in 60 of its trucks, hoping to improve driver accuracy and accountability, while decreasing cover premiums as well. What other technologies can help detect driver fatigue? New advances are constantly being made in terms of wearable technology to monitor trucker fatigue. Wristwatches and fitness trackers like those manufactured by Apple, Garmin and Fitbit can help detect fatigue by measuring the sleep quality the driver is accustomed to as well as track biometrics such as blood pressure and heart rate. There have been significant technological breakthroughs as far as caps and hats are concerned. Mining giant BHB Billiton makes use of such caps to monitor the brainwaves of their drivers for signs of fatigue. Other technologies that have been around for some time but are constantly being subjected to improvements are dashcams, GPS systems and lane departure equipment. If Fujitsu’s DDD is anything to go by, the future of wearable devices to detect driver fatigue looks very bright indeed. Even if only a single truck accident can be prevented in any given year thanks to a detection device it will be enough as one life lost is one too many. When technological advancements are coupled with responsible human driving practices, the outcome can only be good for all concerned, saving not only lives but substantial amounts of money as well.
NBS has updated its free-to-use BIM Object Standard and National BIM Library with content for use across Australia, adding to its existing UK and Canadian content. Widely adopted across the UK and used around the world, the NBS BIM Object Standard will allow manufacturers to share their product information digitally across all three countries, and allow designers and specifiers to download country-specific standardised objects from the NBS National BIM Library. This update from NBS who provide technical information, specification and BIM tools to construction industry professionals, was announced at the BiLT conference in Australia in May and is another step to promoting international adoption of the standard. “At NBS we were quick to recognise that the lack of an industry-wide standard for BIM objects was a significant barrier to the construction industry’s successful transition to a digital future and its adoption of BIM,” said NBS CEO Richard Waterhouse. “Setting an international standard means companies can bring efficiencies when working globally, providing a common way to talk to each other. Our vision is for the entire global construction industry to have access to BIM objects that can be used freely, safe in the knowledge that they contain the same levels of information with the appropriate geometry all wrapped up in a consistent and highly useable format; BIM objects that can deliver accurate data at the right time to inform decisions and minimise risks on any project.” The first Australian manufacturer to sign up to the NBS National BIM Library since the new update is Gunnebo, a global leader in security products, services and solutions. Global Product Manager for Gunnebo, Sergio Zanghellini, said: “BIM objects, and BIM philosophy in particular is setting a new era for specifiers, manufacturers and dealers. Anything to help simplify our job, as well as resulting in better management costs, is beneficial for everyone involved. I consider NBS an excellent and professional organization on a global scale, helping us to provide our clients with the best and most up-to-date services and tools.” In the newly-released 2018 NBS National BIM Report, over three quarters said that the NBS BIM Object Standard is useful and because objects on the NBS National BIM Library conform to this standard, their high quality is assured. In the same report 67 percent agreed that the library provided the highest quality content and 53 percent agreed that it provided the greatest ease of use. The NBS National BIM Library is already used globally but will now give manufacturers operating in Canada and Australia the opportunity to be found more easily by users of the library in the relevant countries. “Through the NBS National BIM Library we deliver rich, up-to-date and standardised product information to the designers and specifiers who need it, by working with manufacturers to describe and structure the information needed,” continued Richard. “Customers trust the quality of our data and its relevance to the requirements of designers, specifiers and other construction industry professionals around the world. BIM objects that meet the requirements of the NBS BIM Object Standard will help to realise the true benefits of digital construction – resulting in better value across the whole life of the built asset.” The NBS BIM Object Standard was published for the first time in 2014, defining clear requirements against which all BIM objects can be assessed. The first of its kind globally, the standard defines what constitutes a quality BIM object, and provides the foundations for a consistent approach that can be adopted by designers, manufacturers and BIM content developers alike and has played a major role in helping organisations implement digital processes, and get the most from digital construction. The first release of the standard was developed in consultation with companies including; AEC3 Ltd, Arup Associates, Bond Bryan Architects, Doncaster Council, Ryder Architecture and Vinci Construction. To find out more about the updated BIM Object Standard or the wider NBS product range call 0345 456 9594 or email info@theNBS.com To find out more about NBS visit www.theNBS.com
More and more companies are looking for ways to use connected devices to improve field service and George Walker, managing director of field service management software provider Novotek UK and Ireland, explains how the Internet of Things (IoT) is changing field service. Field service management has traditionally been responsible for activities such as locating fleet vehicles, scheduling maintenance work-orders and dispatching personnel. However, the advent of the IoT means that much of this model is shifting to real-time, predictive maintenance and those companies that adapt their businesses will benefit the most from the resulting competitive advantage. In the next few years, the number of IoT connected devices is set to surge, going from 27 billion in 2017 to 125 billion in 2030. Sensors help engineers to remotely diagnose problems in many instances, as well as help to remotely repair or prevent further damage to equipment. These hardware sensors however, are just the beginning. Better software will make businesses realise the true potential of IoT in field service management. Modern field servicing software needs to go beyond the basics and offer better and wider integration with the company’s inventory, billing and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. For this reason, Novotek partnered up with ServiceMax, the leading vendor in the industry, and became the sole distributor of GE’s ServiceMax field servicing software in the UK and Ireland. It creates solutions for the people who install, maintain and repair machines across dozens of industries, as the leading provider of complete end to end mobile and cloud-based technology. By using this service, you avoid situations where some technicians are overloaded, while others have white space in their schedules. Moreover, a machine on a customer site can send an alert to the service team, warning them of an imminent failure and potential downtime. Technicians can then be proactively dispatched to site with the right parts to carry out urgent repair and mitigate costly downtime. IoT has already drastically changed other sectors of the industrial landscape and is now making waves in the field service management sector. Whether you’re a utility business, a healthcare provider or even a telecoms business, it’s about time you looked at how IoT will change field servicing for you.
Fulcrum, the UK’s leading independent utility infrastructure and services provider, has partnered up with ChargePoint, the world’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging network, to support the Government’s ambitions to grow Britain’s network of EV charging stations. Both companies will deliver an end-to-end service for commercial and residential development customers, while expanding their capabilities. Fulcrum will actively market its holistic EV infrastructure service, including the supply and installation of EV charging stations, with Fulcrum designing, installing and owning the necessary electrical infrastructure. In addition, the company will become a ChargePoint recommended infrastructure provider to support ChargePoint’s operations in the UK. “We are at the beginning of what is a rapid expansion in the uptake of electric vehicles, with car manufacturers and governments across the world placing an emphasis on developing the technology and associated infrastructure,” said Martin Harrison, CEO of Fulcrum. “The installation and management of EV charging points is a natural development for Fulcrum, building on our utility infrastructure expertise to enter this exciting new market that has the potential to change the face of transport. Thanks to our partnership with ChargePoint, Fulcrum will be at the forefront of this growing technology,” he continued. The partnership will also help overcome the existing challenges of installing EV charging stations, such as dealing with multiple parties. ChargePoint’s decade of industry expertise, combined with Fulcrum’s capabilities and licence to own and adopt electrical infrastructure will also speed up the installation process. “With more than a decade of experience in the electric vehicle space and a quickly expanding presence in Europe, we are excited to partner with a forward-thinking company like Fulcrum to help accelerate the adoption of EV’s in the UK and beyond,” said Christopher Burghardt, Managing Director for Europe, ChargePoint, Inc. The electric vehicle market, and the associated supply chain, is expected to grow rapidly over the coming years as the UK Government and public continue to embrace the quickly developing technology. In the 2017 Budget, the Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, pledged to create a £400m fund for a national charging network and subsidies for vehicle purchases.
Fusion Building Systems, the offsite designer, engineer, manufacturer and installer of light gauge steel superstructures can now provide its clients with ‘as manufactured’ digital models of their completed structures, thanks to its integration of MWF Pro Metal software from StrucSoft Solutions. Running as an add-on to the widely-used Revit design platform, Fusion has invested in MWF Pro Metal to help its construction clients achieve the highest possible degree of accuracy in their projects and have a clear understanding of the finished structure before the offsite manufacturing process begins. By using MWF Pro Metal, just about every element of the design for consideration can be reviewed in detail prior to sign off, then directly instructed to Fusion’s roll-forming equipment at its Northampton manufacturing facility, producing structures which are precise according to design. Robert Clark, Fusion head of business development, said: “For offsite methods to become widely adopted by the construction industry we need to shift from a project by project approach, to one which is led by the product. BIM is the enabler for this. “By integrating StrucSoft Solutions’ MWF Pro Metal into our design, engineering and manufacturing processes, we’re encouraging our clients to focus their attention on the overall product and in doing so, moving closer to the future of MMC.” Fusion had previously been running a bespoke software solution called FusionSoft, which was ahead of its time when first developed. Now outdated and not BIM-ready, StrucSoft Solutions’ MWF Pro was chosen as Fusion’s new platform for integration with Revit and to enable the Company to work to an enviable degree of technical accuracy. Used day to day in Fusion’s design and manufacturing processes, StrucSoft Solutions’ MWF Pro Metal will enable the automated creation of walls and floors, the accurate design of cutbacks and openings around thousands of M&E locations, structural intersections and accessories, as well as allowing Fusion’s engineers to specify directly into the Revit model. Byron Starnes, StrucSoft Solutions’ EMEA business development manager, added: “We created Fusion’s software solution just for them, tailored to the way they build and allowing them to take advantage of the most modern and up to date software solutions for their digital engineering requirements. Their investment in our product marks a revolutionary overhaul of their existing ICT solution, having an emphasis on greater design efficiencies, accuracy and collaboration – especially as it pertains to the design and manufacturing of the bespoke and patented Fusion system.” MWF Pro Metal utilises the built-in intelligence of Revit to automate the creation of light gauge steel framing across virtually any construction project. Developed in conjunction with industry experts, MWF Pro Metal’s automated tools allow users to easily frame entire projects while simultaneously creating schedules, material cut lists, framing elevations and fully dimensioned 2D shop drawings. The tool of choice for professionals framing everything from bathroom pods, right up to billion-dollar healthcare projects. StrucSoft Solutions provided Fusion with initial training on MWF Pro Metal at their Liverpool office and will continue to provide ongoing review work and updates as the solution matures. For further information visit www.fusionbuild.com and www.strucsoftsolutions.com
