A successful four-week Chatbot and Live Chat pilot has led housing association, Platform Housing to sign a new one-year contract with technology partners Futr AI Ltd. This new partnership will enable Platform to offer Chatbot and Live Chat services on their website so that customers can access services 24/7, at
Travis Perkins is the first builders’ merchants to make shopping online and through its app frictionless with the launch of its Online Trade Counter and new shared access feature. The launch of Travis Perkins Online Trade Counter allows trade account holders to shop quickly and seamlessly for products they buy
Caterpillar, in collaboration with Finning UK & Ireland, will exhibit its latest machines, engines and solutions on stand C-ND1/ND2 at Plantworx in Peterborough, 13-15th June 2023. Compact Equipment Four next generation of Cat® compact radius mini hydraulic excavators will be showcased, all delivering increased performance, higher breakout forces, longer service
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the secure management of sensitive spaces is of paramount importance. A crucial tool at the heart of high-security management is an access control system, which provides robust security solutions while ensuring smooth operations. This article will explore how Advanced Access Control Systems contribute significantly to
One of the UK’s leading geospatial technology firms is harnessing the power of augmented reality to improve utility asset visibility and reduce the need for site excavation in major infrastructure projects. Civil engineering contractor, FM Conway, undertakes regular maintenance on buried utility assets across the UK and this often requires
Helping deliver compliant building information at project completion and handover. Taking the pain out of Building Safety Act Gateway 3 regulator approvals. Today, Createmaster, a leading digital handover and building manual solutions provider, introduces its ‘Golden Thread: Gateway 3 solution’. Underpinned by the Zutec platform, the solution combines the Createmaster
MURPHY Geospatial, a specialist in geospatial data, surveys and digital construction, celebrated its 40th year at Digital Construction Week by joining the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations) metaverse. Murphy Geospatial launched its new XR (Extended Reality) technology at the event. The immersive system is the latest in a 40-year
SITECH® UK & Ireland, authorised dealer of Trimble® machine control systems, staged an open day for Tarmac staff to learn more about the efficiency savings that the latest technology offerings can bring to construction projects – including in-depth reporting on carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. To complement Tarmac’s ‘rock to
SymTerra, the construction management software for real time updates and reporting from site, has today launched SymPlan – a scheduling and workflow feature that for the first time connects scheduling, BIM and construction management with the full supply chain on one platform. Building on SymTerra’s record-right-first-time site reporting tool, which
Autodesk, Inc. has unveiled the first set of capabilities of Autodesk Forma, an industry cloud that will unify workflows across the teams that design, build and operate the built environment. Forma’s initial capabilities target the early-stage planning and design process with automations and AI-powered insights that simplify exploration of design
A successful four-week Chatbot and Live Chat pilot has led housing association, Platform Housing to sign a new one-year contract with technology partners Futr AI Ltd. This new partnership will enable Platform to offer Chatbot and Live Chat services on their website so that customers can access services 24/7, at a time that suits them. “Platform’s new Chatbot and Live Chat technology, along with further proposed innovations, will fit in seamlessly alongside our traditional contact methods, helping us to deliver against our promise to make it simpler for customers to use our services and offer them more choice.” explains Michael Bruce, Director of Platform Hub and Income Management. “We have chosen to partner with AI Ltd as they provided excellent support during the trial period to integrate the technology into our systems and ultimately, we share the same mission – to simplify access to services.” In the successful trial, Platform used Chatbot technology, alongside new Live Chat software, to enable them to explore and gather data on both their customers’ preferences and their customer advisors’ user experiences. During the four-week trial period, the automated Chatbot answered 5,028 customer interactions, with only 338 of these customers requesting to speak to an advisor, via Live Chat. This meant that 4,690 potential calls to Platform’s busy customer services centre were averted, enabling their advisors to deal with customers who choose to call us and deal with more urgent enquiries. Andy Wilkins, CEO from Futr AI Ltd said, “I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Platform Housing. At Futr AI, we’re committed to powering transformative customer experiences through advanced AI, and this collaboration marks an exciting continuation of our long track record in the social housing sector. “Platform Housing’s commitment to digital innovation and customer service aligns perfectly with our mission and we’re excited to be working to set new standards for personalised, accessible service.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Travis Perkins is the first builders’ merchants to make shopping online and through its app frictionless with the launch of its Online Trade Counter and new shared access feature. The launch of Travis Perkins Online Trade Counter allows trade account holders to shop quickly and seamlessly for products they buy most at their trade prices without having to navigate through product information and payment screens, reducing the time it takes to order. The Online Trade Counter means customers only need a couple of clicks to complete their order, selecting from their regularly purchased products, and it stores billing and delivery information. This means that customers can order products straight to site more quickly than ever before. Kyle Leivers, Head of Digital at Travis Perkins says: “We’re always looking for new and innovative ways to create a better experience for our customers. We know many builders and tradespeople often purchase from a regular pool of products and want a hassle-free and frictionless route to ordering and delivering to site. They want to find the products they regularly buy quickly, be reassured it is at the same price they normally buy it at and delivered to a site of their choosing. The Online Trade Counter offers customers value, convenience and consistency above everything else.” Travis Perkins has also enabled shared access on its platform, giving firms a new way to offer access to their Trade Account for their employees. Users can choose to give their team access and set permissions based on the tasks they want them to perform. By opening their profile, customers can share their Travis Perkins account with whoever needs it. After choosing their access type, those contacts will be emailed with access details.
Caterpillar, in collaboration with Finning UK & Ireland, will exhibit its latest machines, engines and solutions on stand C-ND1/ND2 at Plantworx in Peterborough, 13-15th June 2023. Compact Equipment Four next generation of Cat® compact radius mini hydraulic excavators will be showcased, all delivering increased performance, higher breakout forces, longer service intervals and lower owner and operating costs compared to prior models. These mini excavators offer common features and consistent control layout to simplify training and operator adaptation. The exhibited Cat 308 CR with Ease of Use technologies – Indicate and E-Fence – allows operators of all experience levels to work more efficiently and consistently. Qualified operators will be able to try out the technology throughout the show, and these features will be showcased in daily 20-minute demonstrations scheduled at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. The Cat 306 CR with TRS6 tiltrotator gives 360 degrees of rotation and 40 degrees of tilt to enable complex digging and grading without the need to reposition the machine. Daily 15-minute demonstrations will take place at 9:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00. The Cat 301.7 CR and Cat 302.7 CR on display offer big performance in a compact design. Both cab and canopy versions can be tilted back in minutes by using a couple of simple tools. The joysticks and travel levers tilt up with the cab, allowing unobstructed access to components for larger service and maintenance tasks. The tilt cab along with ground-level access to all the regular touchpoints for service helps reduce maintenance time and costs. Cabs are sealed and pressurised and offer a clean and quiet environment for the operator and can be equipped with heating and/or air conditioning for all-weather climate control. To support customers during the energy transition to a lower-carbon future, Caterpillar will display the battery electric Cat 906 compact wheel loader prototype powered by a Caterpillar battery prototype, which includes an onboard AC charger. Engines The Cat C3.6 industrial engine offers the perfect balance of compact size, reliability and performance. Offered in ratings ranging up to 100 kW (134 hp) @ 2200 rpm, the C3.6 meets EU Stage V / U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final emissions standards and is designed to meet the needs of many industries and applications, including earthmoving and paving equipment, pumps, compactors/rollers and compressors, among other machines. Smaller in size than its predecessor and delivering 5% more power density and 12% more torque, the C3.6 is a powerful yet compact engine, with flexible aftertreatment mounting options. It is compatible with biodiesel up to B20 and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) to EN15940, to help customers power a better, more sustainable world. Caterpillar is also promoting its remanufactured Cat engines, with a C6.6 that displays the engine both before and after the rigorous remanufacturing process. Reman engines are an efficient, cost-effective solution to optimise uptime as they come fully assembled and ready to run. Remanufactured to like-new standards, Cat Reman engines are backed with the same-as-new Caterpillar warranty. Used equipment Used equipment experts from Finning will support customers who seek an alternative to buying new or are looking to sell their Cat equipment. Cat Financial Team members from Cat Financial will be available to discuss the latest leasing and financing programs as well as extended protection packages to help secure customers’ investments. Whether looking for new or used Cat machines or for repair/rebuild options to keep current machines operational, Cat Financial experts will help customers make the right decision to support their business – no matter how large or small. Recruitment The Caterpillar Talent Acquisition team will be at Plantworx to showcase the diverse careers available within the company and will be available to answer questions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the secure management of sensitive spaces is of paramount importance. A crucial tool at the heart of high-security management is an access control system, which provides robust security solutions while ensuring smooth operations. This article will explore how Advanced Access Control Systems contribute significantly to navigating secure environments effectively. Protecting important facilities and assets from unauthorized access and potential threats is part of high-security management. High-security management’s responsibility, whether in a corporate office, a government facility, or a scientific research lab, is to protect both physical and intellectual property. This sector necessitates a thorough understanding of risk assessment, robust security processes, and the use of cutting-edge technology. Advanced Access Control Systems are an important component of this technological arsenal. These systems control and monitor access to a physical or digital environment, ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to a facility. They range from simple lock-and-key systems to cutting-edge biometric systems and sophisticated networked access solutions. These systems are critical in high-security management. Multi-factor authentication, biometric recognition, real-time monitoring, and extensive audit trails are just a few of the features available in advanced access control systems. These features ensure that access to sensitive areas is strictly controlled and logged, hence improving overall security management. Consider a high-security government institution. To give access to highly sensitive places, an Advanced Access Control System could use multi-factor authentication (key card and biometric identity). A system like this adds an extra degree of security, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot get access even if a key card is misplaced or stolen. Using Advanced Access Control Systems to navigate secure settings necessitates some best practices. Before deploying these systems, one of the essential tactics is to undertake a thorough risk assessment. This procedure aids in the understanding of potential weaknesses and the customization of the security system. Regular system audits are also necessary to ensure that the system is operating properly and to uncover any possible flaws before they become major concerns. Furthermore, these systems must be maintained. Regular software upgrades, hardware inspections, and system redundancy planning all contribute to the system’s smooth running. Another critical factor is employee training. Users should be aware of how the system works, including how to respond in the event of any abnormalities or emergencies. Looking ahead, the field of Advanced Access Control Systems is ripe for advancement. On the horizon are technological developments such as the use of artificial intelligence for predictive analysis. Furthermore, combining access control systems with additional security systems such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems would provide a more comprehensive security solution. Consider the customizing choices offered with Advanced Access Control Systems as well. Every firm has different security demands, and these solutions may be customized to fit those needs. They may be programmed to grant access privileges based on role, time, and location, providing high flexibility while retaining strong security. Additionally, the significance of compatibility cannot be emphasized. Integrating the access control system with other security infrastructure, such as video surveillance or intrusion detection systems, gives a comprehensive perspective of security incidents. When these systems work together, they provide better situational awareness, allowing for a faster, more informed response to possible threats. Another important feature of Advanced Access Control Systems is their scalability. Organizational security requirements change as they grow. Modern access control systems are built with scalability in mind, allowing for simple expansion or modification of the system as the needs of the organization change. This adaptability is critical in ensuring the long-term efficacy of security management. Furthermore, the importance of Advanced Access Control Systems in regulatory compliance cannot be overstated. Many industries, particularly those that handle sensitive data, such as healthcare or banking, are subject to severe security rules. Access control systems can assist firms in adhering to these requirements by keeping track of who has accessed specified places and when resulting in an auditable trial. Finally, because these devices use low power and have a long-life cycle, their environmental impact is limited. Using Advanced Access Control Systems is not only a wise security decision but is also an environmentally sensible one. This component is consistent with the growing emphasis on environmentally responsible business practices across industries. With these considerations in mind, it is evident that Advanced Access Control Systems provide a cost-effective, configurable, and long-term solution for high-security management. They are essential in secure systems and will become much more important as security concerns progress.
One of the UK’s leading geospatial technology firms is harnessing the power of augmented reality to improve utility asset visibility and reduce the need for site excavation in major infrastructure projects. Civil engineering contractor, FM Conway, undertakes regular maintenance on buried utility assets across the UK and this often requires complex and hazardous excavation work to determine the condition of the assets. FM Conway has a wealth of 3D data that it uses to create design models of buried assets, but this is often supplied to on-site engineers in 2D format, which can be challenging to interpret. Their engineers required access to better visual representations of buried assets to safely assess their condition, reducing both the need for excavation and the likelihood of service strikes due to damaged assets. MGISS supplied a situational awareness solution to FM Conway, comprising augmented reality software which integrates all 3D geospatial utility data and presents it through an app, allowing engineers to see both the highway and the subsurface utilities in real time. The vGIS solution uses accurate survey and scan data to create virtual 3D projects with fully customisable layers, providing visibility over buried gas, water, electric, telecoms and unmarked assets, showing a visual representation of their size, depth and exact location. The app is accessible through a QR code, which means anyone with a smart device can investigate the assets in situ, ensuring all relevant personnel have visibility over buried assets in specific sites. Many of the sites FM Conway works on, particularly in central London, are footpaths congested with underground utility networks, so the simplicity and accessibility of this solution delivers valuable insights to the team. This intelligent solution, powered by X-ray vision clarity, is now simplifying field work, improving productivity and streamlining processes for the engineering teams at FM Conway. Darren Harlen, Head of Consultancy at FM Conway, said: “We’re supporting excavations by removing the need for sprayed line tracing, and we’re able to project 3D data demonstrating the size, depth and labels for underground assets which we’ve surveyed using GPR. “Reality capture is enabling us to reduce risk by removing the need to undertake excavations when completing maintenance work on assets we’ve already scanned using the platform. “We’ve worked closely with MGISS to develop a system that works for us, leveraging their skills and expertise to rapidly deploy a solution to reduce risks across our excavation sites.” View a short video of the impact this solution is having here. Daniel Taylor, Technology Platform and Services Sales Manager at MGISS, added: “FM Conway needed a data-led solution that would improve visibility and reduce the need for physical excavation on its sites. “Now, through the power of augmented reality, the team have a robust system in place which is streamlining their design, build and maintenance processes. “This technology has a multitude of applications, across varying sectors, and the MGISS team looks forward to exploring new opportunities to integrate this solution, minimising on-site risk and delivering valuable time-savings to our customers.” Find out more about this solution and MGISS’s geospatial solutions here.
Helping deliver compliant building information at project completion and handover. Taking the pain out of Building Safety Act Gateway 3 regulator approvals. Today, Createmaster, a leading digital handover and building manual solutions provider, introduces its ‘Golden Thread: Gateway 3 solution’. Underpinned by the Zutec platform, the solution combines the Createmaster fully managed digital handover service with a dashboard that enables contractors and developers to understand the information required to fulfil obligations set out by the Building Safety Act at the handover stage of an asset. Gateway 3 refers to the completion or final certificate stage (equivalent to RIBA stage 6), when a building safety case is submitted for review and approval. As a stop/go point in the handover process, building control approval must be obtained from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before registering and commencing occupation of a higher-risk residential building (HRRB). This means getting building safety case approval from the BSR before project completion and handover to an asset owner. The dedicated Gateway 3 dashboard gives contractors and developers real-time visibility to manage their building information deliverables in one place. Users can quickly see what information and documents they have, what is expected, what is in progress, what has been validated for compliancy with agreed information requirements, before handing over to a client. Commenting on the Gateway 3 solution and why it is suitable for contractors who may already have a common data environment (CDE), James Cannon, Commercial Director at Createmaster, said: “Today handover information required by contractors is likely captured across multiple formats, systems, and platforms, including the contractors and subcontractors’ CDE or Quality Management system. While these systems are widely used for effectively managing construction project data, they do not offer a single, consolidated data set for handover to a client and the regulator. “As a single source of truth for digital building information, the solution provides a clear and defined mechanism for collating the evidence required to support a building safety case, and helps our contractors ensure compliant building information and manuals are handed over to a client. This takes the pain out of the handover process and information digitisation on the path to golden thread conformance.” That’s not all. A standard template within the dashboard aligns with the new requirements for a building safety case and golden thread, including digital O&M, H&S File and Fire Emergency File forms, but also adds the full suite of information now required to demonstrate compliance. This means users can easily bring together the right information and identify what is missing to help manage risks on a project. Additionally, with the ability to grant permission-controlled stakeholder access, for example with client teams, consultants and third-party approvers, everyone can input information while managing priorities and data gaps. For contractors looking for support with Gateway 3 compliance, please contact a Createmaster representative or book a demo here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
MURPHY Geospatial, a specialist in geospatial data, surveys and digital construction, celebrated its 40th year at Digital Construction Week by joining the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations) metaverse. Murphy Geospatial launched its new XR (Extended Reality) technology at the event. The immersive system is the latest in a 40-year history of innovation for the Irish-founded company, which is still owned and run by the sons of Peter Murphy, its original founder. The team will be offering limited demonstrations to showcase the new technology at the event, as well as an online session in June to explore the technology. The XR technology will give the wearer of the headset an immersive experience of geospatial data and 3D digital workflows. The tech allows multiple operatives on projects to collaborate in real-time, something which Murphy Geospatial says will support new and efficient ways of working as well as spotting and stopping costly errors which can appear at different stages in a project. Ray Murphy, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer said: “It feels fitting to mark the anniversary by unveiling a new technology for the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) sector. My brothers and I remember growing up with one piece of the latest kit or another in our family home, which also doubled as our original headquarters. Our dad was not one to shy away from making use of technology and we’re proud to carry on that tradition at every stage in the business. The announcement couldn’t come at a better time as we’re sitting on the cusp of the next digital revolution, whilst being very aware that many of our clients are dealing with unprecedented economic pressure. There’s a drive to innovate and find new ways of working but also a need to drive efficiencies as there are no margins for costly errors. For that, we need to offer absolute certainty when it comes to geospatial data with precision detail and analysis.” From humble beginnings 40 years ago, Murphy Geospatial now has six offices across the UK and Ireland, employing over 350 people and has completed more than 27,000 projects, including HS2 and Luas Cross City extensions and famous landmarks and developments such as the Old War Office, RIBA headquarters, King’s Cross station, and Regent’s Crescent. Murphy Geospatial will also be hosting a talk at Digital Construction Week delivered by Director of Construction, Michael Durnin. Michael will focus on the importance of measurement in an increasingly digital world, covering Modern Methods of Construction, automation and digital delivery. To find out more about Murphy Geospatial and Digital Construction week or visit www.murphygs.com/digital-construction-week-2023. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SITECH® UK & Ireland, authorised dealer of Trimble® machine control systems, staged an open day for Tarmac staff to learn more about the efficiency savings that the latest technology offerings can bring to construction projects – including in-depth reporting on carbon emissions and fuel efficiency. To complement Tarmac’s ‘rock to road’ ethos the event demonstrated to site-based staff, contract and project managers how software can be used to support a project from start to finish – from site survey, design and 3D model creation to machine control then final ‘as-built’ and reports detailing the work that has taken place, which also fulfils health and safety file requirements. This can yield significant benefits for productivity and accuracy, which are paramount for Tarmac, in particular on projects such as motorways and runways. For example, machine control software that is fed directly into the operators can be monitored remotely to avoid costly errors, which in a worst-case scenario could see a road have to be resurfaced. This is backed with expert SITECH support to offer technical help if there are any issues with the software being used. However, with the capabilities of site-based software solutions constantly moving forwards it is important that companies stay at the forefront of technology solutions in order to ensure they are making the most of what is available. Craig Topley, National Contracting Technology Manager at Tarmac, said: “The overarching aim of the open day was to raise awareness and increase our understanding of the Trimble machine automation technologies across all of our UK contracting teams. To better support us on the projects that require more precise placement of premium materials. “There are many providers offering similar construction options in the industry so we must keep on the front foot with innovation to ensure our solutions offering reflects our customer needs. Events like this allow time for the key staff to ask the experts all their questions in a more relaxed environment. Being able to see the software demonstrated provides better understanding of how it works on site in practice. “Utilising technology to increase productivity and reduce resources required to operate machinery whilst recording what is being done is a major factor to achieving material, fuel and carbon savings on our construction sites as well as improving safety through the way the workforce is deployed.” Tarmac already uses asphalt planning software on projects across its eleven UK branches as accuracy with paving machines provides smoother roads of higher quality for the benefit of the public. Machine control via specialist hardware and software is one of the many tools that Tarmac offers clients for enhanced scheme delivery. Danielle Barker, Strategic Accounts Manager at SITECH, who organised the event added that as well as built in efficiencies, early use of software can deliver added value that will result in real cost savings. She said: “The comprehensive nature of the software systems, and the in-depth information and analysis that can be provided at the very start of a project allow any issues to be identified at an early point, saving costs that could be incurred if a problem was identified down the line. “The key to efficient construction is reliable, usable data, at every stage. The more available knowledge you have up front and throughout the project, in real time, the more effective and efficient the project will be.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SymTerra, the construction management software for real time updates and reporting from site, has today launched SymPlan – a scheduling and workflow feature that for the first time connects scheduling, BIM and construction management with the full supply chain on one platform. Building on SymTerra’s record-right-first-time site reporting tool, which captures data at the point of work, the launch of SymPlan completes SymTerra’s end-to-end project reporting approach to eliminate risk and hidden costs that result from reporting inaccuracies, difficulty accessing historic data, and weak chain of evidence required for commercial defensibility. SymPlan provides Project Managers with the bird’s eye view of all site data across the supply chain to feed into project reporting – scheduling and workflows – with a level of accuracy and timeliness never-before-seen in construction. From technical queries through to snagging and commissioning, this brings a project’s real time data under one roof allowing project management teams the visibility and control to spot and mitigate risk, measure performance in terms of quality, schedule and safety across the entire supply chain, and ultimately, reduce time waste and eradicate errors from project reporting. John Ryan, co-founder and Director said: “Scheduling and workflow management on projects have been top down since time began; the way information is sourced and reported on – from cost to resource loading – hasn’t changed much since Henry Gantt himself came up with a chart concept over 100 years ago. It is inconceivable that Project Managers today are still manually drawing from multiple static documents – with information sometimes two weeks old – to feed into Project Reviews that are meant to give control and visibility to drive progress and mitigate risk. The impact of inaccuracy and error in construction is a well-documented, multi-billion-dollar re-work and disputes risk that is paralysing both for the progress of projects and the profitability for construction firms in this economic and regulatory climate.” Since launch of the SymTerra site management platform in 2022 – capturing bottom-up BIM data and live reporting from site and eliminating reliance on high-risk alternatives such as WhatsApp – the team has been working with users and customers to expand its application further upstream to complete the information management puzzle. Scheduling and workflows that feeds into Project Reviews, is the next big ‘data’ gap on the information management journey of any project; and for Project Managers, planners, health & safety teams and quantity surveyors, reporting has never been an exact science. Sarah Crawley, co-founder and Director said: “SymPlan is the first scheduling tool that links site to the programme, combined with the SymTerra app to put the right digital tool in the hands of site teams capturing accurate data at point of work – recording it right, first time. This is the final, missing piece in the data puzzle, giving Project Managers full control, access, and visibility; a never-before-seen level of detail they need to understand the impact of change on programmes, and the ability to review historic data to apply greater efficiencies on projects moving forward. It’s the bird’s eye view in one single source of truth, powering your projects.” Tanja Kufner, Head of Startups & Venture Investments at the Nemetschek Group, an early investor in SymTerra said: “Driving innovation and digitisation throughout the entire value chain of construction is central to our strategy, and SymTerra is playing a role in pushing the industry closer to bridging the data gap. We’re excited to support the launch of the SymPlan feature, and to see how the SymTerra platform can provide the end-to-end, seamless reporting infrastructure missing in the sector today. This can only mean greater efficiency at scale across construction, and importantly will help eliminate critical risks associated with data inaccuracy and miscommunication, which are impacting productivity and profitability.” SymTerra was created by John Ryan and Sarah Crawley, construction site experts turned innovators on a mission to fix construction’s information management legacy; a record-right-first-time approach that starts from the ground up – putting digital tools in the hands of those on site to capture data at point of work. Eliminating the need for reliance on WhatsApp and multiple sources of information, SymTerra has taken on construction’s historically absent, incomplete, outdated & incorrect data gap. SymTerra will be exhibiting – alongside major corporate investor Nemetschek – at Digital Construction Week (17 – 18 May 2023). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Autodesk, Inc. has unveiled the first set of capabilities of Autodesk Forma, an industry cloud that will unify workflows across the teams that design, build and operate the built environment. Forma’s initial capabilities target the early-stage planning and design process with automations and AI-powered insights that simplify exploration of design concepts, offload repetitive tasks, and help evaluate environmental qualities surrounding a building site, giving architects time to focus on creative solutions. The release marks the first step for the architecture, engineering, construction, and operations industry cloud, as new features and capabilities will be added to Forma on a continual basis. “Forma gives architecture professionals the agility to work iteratively rather than sequentially between planning and detailed design, supercharging what they can accomplish,” said Amy Bunszel, Executive Vice President of Architecture, Engineering and Construction Design Solutions at Autodesk. “From rapidly evaluating a large set of factors–from sun and wind to noise and operational energy– to offloading computational tasks to the cloud and connecting with Revit, Forma unlocks great value for our customers.” Forma will help users to rapidly evaluate dozens of design options and improve upon the desired qualities of a design. Productivity gains will be realized from quick project setup; users can unlock advanced capabilities without requiring deep technical expertise; and data can be used to tell a convincing story about the design vision to secure buy-in and bring stakeholders along. These outcomes will help architecture firms to better meet client demands and achieve higher-quality deliverables, thereby winning more bids and driving business growth. Included in Autodesk Forma’s initial capabilities: CUBE 3, an architecture, interiors and planning firm, is migrating its work to digital, cloud-based solutions to future-proof its business. “We pride ourselves on creative, intelligent designs that take our clients’ needs, budgets and the environment into consideration,” said Tony Fiorillo, Chief Information Officer at CUBE 3. “When we evaluate software solutions, we’re looking for ways to improve communication with our clients, increase speed to market, allow our team to work with flexibility in a hybrid environment, and help us adapt quickly to change. Solutions like Autodesk Construction Cloud and Forma are a huge value-add–giving us unprecedented access to data, which allows us to work smarter and go where our clients need us.” With Forma, Autodesk now offers a full end-to-end solution for building design–from early-stage planning through to design in Revit with its vast ecosystem of connected products including Autodesk Construction Cloud. For existing subscribers, Forma is now included in the Autodesk AEC Collection. “This is just the beginning,” said Bunszel. “I’m excited for the future as we continue to build out Forma, reimagining BIM to focus on achieving outcomes instead of modelling, and connecting data, teams, and workflows across the entire project lifecycle.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
