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Client: Hermanson Company
Location: U.S.A.
VinZero Partner: U.S. CAD
Industry: Cloud & Construction
Autodesk Solutions: Auto CAD, Autodesk Revit, Autodesk Navisworks, Autodesk Recap Pro, Autodesk Civil 3D, InfraWorks, Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro
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OVERVIEW:
No two construction firms have the same requirements, and requirements oftenchange, but Construction Technology Director Matthew Cordova knows what keeps his projects competitive.
“Autodesk tech is our lifeblood here,” says Cordova of Hermanson Co., a Kent, Wash.-
based firm specializing in mechanical systems construction, design-build engineering,
lean fabrication and maintenance services.
Far from being a static endeavor, adoption of Autodesk and other solutions is a dynamic
process that requires regular evaluation, Cordova says. It means that, despite accelerated
industry use of project management and associated softwares, demand for these solutions won’t slow down any time soon across architectural, engineering and construction sectors.
Instead, demand will compound, especially as new tech proves its worth at firms such
as Hermanson, where Cordova ensures software is leveraged to boost performance and
profitability. The firm’s technology partner is U.S. CAD, which provides it with reality-capture
technology and production services including coordination and Revit modeling, as well
as guidance on Autodesk construction technology solutions, training and implementation.
BENEFITS:
Easier remote working.
It empowers team members to work remotely from home or the field. “BIM 360 allowed anybody with an internet connection access to a central model, and that was a big deal during COVID,” Cordova notes. “We were able to work remotely without skipping a beat.”
Improved visualization and coordination.
It combines laser scanning, GIS and QR codes and other data to create robust views of project layouts, which helps to show design intent and convey that clearly to stakeholders. This can streamline approvals during design and later be used during training and to support building maintenance.
Optimised clash detection and deviation analysis.
It helps avoid costly field issues by identifying potential problems. Next-generation clash detection tools use design intent, layouts and other components. Also, deviations between
installation and shop drawings can be measured and compared, using laser scanning
and other data sources.
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Automation and accuracy.
Automating routine and repetitive tasks allows teams to focus on more strategic tasks.
It updates floor plans, elevations and sections as models develop, as well as ensuring
a single source of truth for stakeholders.
Paperless sites.
It accelerates the path to paperless, with a cloud-based solution that stores all documents centrally. “Our shops can see what they are putting together in 3D via Autodesk Forge Viewer, which, for me, is one step closer to going paperless on the construction site,” Cordova says.
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FIVE FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING TECHNOLOGY:
Ease of use - If the solution is too difficult to use or doesn’t meet the firm’s specific needs, there won’t be a good return on investment.
Legacy data migration and integration - Legacy data is a gold mine of Institutional knowledge, so a new solution must support those file formats and be scalable and easily updated.
MultiCAD data - A new solution should support the tools and formats already used at the firm.
Training requirements - Some training is required for any tech adoption, but it is expensive to have staff offline for too long.
Control and security - Advanced technology enables version control, edit history tracking and access only to those who need it.
Carefully reviewing these factors will build in-house expertise and confidence in chosen solutions, which will help to build buy-in among stakeholders, create a customized technology strategy and keep systems up to date.
“There’s never a cruise control button,” Cordova says. “We’re going to use a given solution,
for example, for the next three years, but not just how it is today. You’ve always got to be tweaking the software so it works for you and things like security patches are current.”
U.S. CAD’s cloud-based offerings update automatically and are easily customized, but it’s
up to users to ensure staff members know their needs and how to use the systems. U.S. CAD offers virtual and onsite training to get teams ready to use the software fast.