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Five automated processes for more efficiency in precast project delivery

May 26, 2021 | 223 views

Construction projects are currently facing numerous challenges: increasing time pressure, changes at short notice, cost efficiency, rising complexity, higher demands on architectural design and a larger number of participants characterize precast design today.

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Stantec

We're active members of the communities we serve. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. The Stantec community unites approximately 22,000 employees working in over 400 locations across six continents. We collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy and resource, environmental, and infrastructure projects to life.

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Construction

How BIM helps general contractors win more business

Article | May 4, 2021

No industry in the world remains untouched by digital technology. For the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, this holds especially true. Technology is making vast improvements in the way general contractors plan and build projects, paving the way for a reimagined future. One technology in particular Building Information Modeling is leading the way. BIM is an intelligent, 3D model-based process that helps general contractors become more accurate and efficient.

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Construction

'Securing the talent of the future will not be the same as the past'

Article | May 17, 2021

writing this piece, there are hundreds of thousands of vacancies in the job market and companies closing or reducing service levels because they cannot get enough people. Yet at the same time, there are also hundreds of thousands of people at home because they are still on the furlough scheme. That such a position could exist – and be correct policy - shows how the job market has been turned upside down by the pandemic. The issue of skills in the workforce has not been so critical for many years. When it comes to the workforce we need, the UK has not been growing its own for many years. That is compounded by restricted international movements from both the pandemic and changing politics. The very nature of the skills required are changing, too.

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Construction

Infrastructure Policy Watch: UK government reviews road and rail development policy

Article | May 18, 2021

The UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, has announced a full review of the National Policy Statement (NPS) for national networks covering major roads and rail. NPSs outline the UK government’s strategic policy intent for infrastructure development and are used as part of the planning system to determine if a proposed project should be granted development consent. The review aims to bring the national networks NPS in line with commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The secretary of state said: "The current National policy statement (NPS) on national networks, the government’s statement of strategic planning policy for major road and rail schemes, was written in 2014 – before the government’s legal commitment to net zero, the 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, the new sixth carbon budget and most directly the new, more ambitious policies outlined in the transport decarbonisation plan."

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Robotics and Automation

Industrial Robots Popular for Engineering

Article | July 13, 2022

The report "Global Industrial Robot Market: Analysis by Industry, by Type, by Region, Size and Trends with Impact of COVID-19 and Forecast Up to 2026" valued the global industrial robot market at $33.90 billion in 2021 and projected it to $61.09 billion by 2026. Because of increased productivity and efficiency, lower manufacturing costs, and lower overall product purchase prices. Industry 4.0 has accelerated the development of collaborative robots and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robots, allowing industries to streamline processes, increase productivity, and reduce errors. Sectors are investing in robotic systems as the next generation of industrial robots becomes cheaper, autonomous, more mobile, cooperative, and adaptable. During the forecast period of 2022 to 2026, the industrial robot market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.50%. The Dynamics of the global industrial robot market Growth Drivers: Automation boosts productivity, raises quality, and decreases errors. Rising automation demand has increased the adoption of robots in various industries, and rising automation demand is a major market driver. The growing electronics industry, rapid installation of industrial robots, high wages, and the growing role of AI in robotics are all expected to drive growth in the industrial robot market. Challenges: The purchase and installation of robots requires significant capital investment, and the benefits provided may take many years to outweigh the initial cost. The high initial investment required for industrial robot-assisted production automation may act as a barrier to the market's growth. Other market challenges include safety concerns and privacy concerns. Trends: The development of collaborative robots, or co-bots, is a growing trend in robotics. Cobots are designed to collaborate with humans and are increasingly being used in industrial applications. Cobots use safety-rated sensors, which allow laborers to work in the same area without being harmed. Other trends that are expected to drive the growth of the engineering industry with the help of robot market during the forecasted period include the use of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), the rise of the cloud robotics market, next-generation tech accessories, and job opportunities in industrial robotic advancements.

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Construction

Infrastructure Policy Watch: EU climate deal proposed, while UK financing and planning steps forward

Article | May 4, 2021

No industry in the world remains untouched by digital technology. For the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, this holds especially true. Technology is making vast improvements in the way general contractors plan and build projects, paving the way for a reimagined future. One technology in particular Building Information Modeling is leading the way. BIM is an intelligent, 3D model-based process that helps general contractors become more accurate and efficient.

Read More
Construction

Queen's Speech 2021: why it was a good one for infrastructure

Article | May 17, 2021

writing this piece, there are hundreds of thousands of vacancies in the job market and companies closing or reducing service levels because they cannot get enough people. Yet at the same time, there are also hundreds of thousands of people at home because they are still on the furlough scheme. That such a position could exist – and be correct policy - shows how the job market has been turned upside down by the pandemic. The issue of skills in the workforce has not been so critical for many years. When it comes to the workforce we need, the UK has not been growing its own for many years. That is compounded by restricted international movements from both the pandemic and changing politics. The very nature of the skills required are changing, too.

Read More
Construction

Infrastructure Policy Watch: impact of Covid-19 behaviour change and Australian Budget boost

Article | May 18, 2021

The UK’s Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps MP, has announced a full review of the National Policy Statement (NPS) for national networks covering major roads and rail. NPSs outline the UK government’s strategic policy intent for infrastructure development and are used as part of the planning system to determine if a proposed project should be granted development consent. The review aims to bring the national networks NPS in line with commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The secretary of state said: "The current National policy statement (NPS) on national networks, the government’s statement of strategic planning policy for major road and rail schemes, was written in 2014 – before the government’s legal commitment to net zero, the 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution, the new sixth carbon budget and most directly the new, more ambitious policies outlined in the transport decarbonisation plan."

Read More
Robotics and Automation

Industrial Robots Popular for Engineering

Article | July 13, 2022

The report "Global Industrial Robot Market: Analysis by Industry, by Type, by Region, Size and Trends with Impact of COVID-19 and Forecast Up to 2026" valued the global industrial robot market at $33.90 billion in 2021 and projected it to $61.09 billion by 2026. Because of increased productivity and efficiency, lower manufacturing costs, and lower overall product purchase prices. Industry 4.0 has accelerated the development of collaborative robots and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robots, allowing industries to streamline processes, increase productivity, and reduce errors. Sectors are investing in robotic systems as the next generation of industrial robots becomes cheaper, autonomous, more mobile, cooperative, and adaptable. During the forecast period of 2022 to 2026, the industrial robot market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.50%. The Dynamics of the global industrial robot market Growth Drivers: Automation boosts productivity, raises quality, and decreases errors. Rising automation demand has increased the adoption of robots in various industries, and rising automation demand is a major market driver. The growing electronics industry, rapid installation of industrial robots, high wages, and the growing role of AI in robotics are all expected to drive growth in the industrial robot market. Challenges: The purchase and installation of robots requires significant capital investment, and the benefits provided may take many years to outweigh the initial cost. The high initial investment required for industrial robot-assisted production automation may act as a barrier to the market's growth. Other market challenges include safety concerns and privacy concerns. Trends: The development of collaborative robots, or co-bots, is a growing trend in robotics. Cobots are designed to collaborate with humans and are increasingly being used in industrial applications. Cobots use safety-rated sensors, which allow laborers to work in the same area without being harmed. Other trends that are expected to drive the growth of the engineering industry with the help of robot market during the forecasted period include the use of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), the rise of the cloud robotics market, next-generation tech accessories, and job opportunities in industrial robotic advancements.

Read More
MORE ARTICLES

Spotlight

Stantec

We're active members of the communities we serve. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. The Stantec community unites approximately 22,000 employees working in over 400 locations across six continents. We collaborate across disciplines and industries to bring buildings, energy and resource, environmental, and infrastructure projects to life.

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Construction

Introducing Standalone Takeoff Software by PlanHub: Simplifying preconstruction for everyone

PRWeb | September 01, 2023

PlanHub, the leading preconstruction software as a service (SaaS) company, is excited to announce that Takeoff Core, previously released as a cloud-based, integrated takeoff software built into PlanHub, is now also available as a standalone. Takeoff Core helps subcontractors perform takeoffs efficiently, eliminating the need for manual work, outdated desktop software, and complicated digital solutions. In preconstruction, time is money. The more time it takes to perform takeoffs and submit bids, the more subcontractors risk losing out on valuable revenue opportunities. Manual methods and locally installed desktop software can slow down takeoff processes, and many digital solutions currently on the market can be overly complex and not user-friendly. Takeoff Core relieves bottlenecks in the pre-construction workflow with automation that makes measuring and estimating faster and more accurate than traditional methods. It features a simple, user-friendly interface and intuitive measuring tools, so getting started is hassle-free. “We wanted to create an easy-to-use tool that helps subcontractors jumpstart their takeoff in minutes,” says Darius Shafie, Product Manager at PlanHub. “Takeoff Core does not require extensive onboarding or additional user training, so subcontractors can create takeoffs in as little as 15 minutes.” Accuracy is everything when it comes to takeoffs—manual takeoffs are more error-prone, and incorrect measurements can lead to insufficient (or excess) materials, costing difficulties, and lost project revenue. With Takeoff Core, subcontractors can modernize their takeoff process with a digital solution that helps mitigate risks by providing better takeoff accuracy than traditional pen and paper or outdated desktop solutions. Takeoff Core offers subcontractors a centralized hub to manage their takeoffs in a single place simply by uploading projects and their associated files. Team members can see takeoff statuses and collaborate in real time, regardless of where they are located. And because Takeoff Core is cloud-based, there is no software to upgrade or make manual updates to—it easily scales as a business achieves growth. "At PlanHub, our goal is to simplify preconstruction for everyone. Following overwhelming positive feedback from our subcontractor network using the new Takeoff Core, we are excited to make it available to all construction professionals, whether they have a contractor account with us or not. With Takeoff Core, we're giving contractors of all sizes powerful user-friendly tools to save time and work more efficiently," shares Ro Bhatia, CEO of PlanHub About PlanHub PlanHub is the data-driven platform transforming the preconstruction landscape within the construction industry. By empowering construction professionals with data insights and easy to use tools, PlanHub enables them to forge strong business relationships, streamline pre-construction processes, and make informed decisions effortlessly. PlanHub provides faster, simpler, and unmatched accuracy, laying a solid foundation for the rest of the construction process.https://planhub.com

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Engineering Tech

YOUNG & Associates Acquires IN-Line Consulting, LLC

YOUNG & ASSOCIATES | September 26, 2023

Property and claims consultants YOUNG & Associates (YA), has acquired the claims and engineering company IN-Line Consulting, LLC. Founded by Matt Watson and Mark Lively more than 16 years ago, IN-Line was formed to manage the consulting work offered by a full-service restoration company operating primarily in the Southeast United States. The move strengthens YA's footprint in that part of the country, solidifying the company's role as a national and international leader. IN-Line will operate as a subsidiary of YA and its day-to-day operations will continue to be directed by the existing IN-Line leadership team. The company's management and support teams also will remain in place. "This partnership with IN-Line is a significant step forward in growing our professional service offerings," said Wade Bushman, YA's CEO. "We appreciate IN-Line's diverse base of technical experts, exceptional customer service track record, shared cultural values, and employee-first workplace model. They are a natural addition to the YA team." IN-Line President Matt Watson explained joining forces with YA allows the company to better serve clients by broadening its resource base and expanding its capabilities nationally and internationally. The move also offers new avenues for personal and professional growth for IN-Line's employees. "Since our inception, we have focused on building a great team and culture that can best serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients," Watson said. "Now, with YA's resources and platform, we are well positioned to carry that commitment into the future." ABOUT YOUNG & ASSOCIATES YOUNG & Associates (www.youngonline.com) is a property consulting firm providing building damage assessments, forensic and investigative consulting services to the insurance industry, public and private sector clients. YA was founded in 1997 by Ray and Linda Young on the core values of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. Through its 26 years, YA's range of property damage services has expanded, developing a broader client base, and growing the team to almost 600 staff strategically located across the U.S. and internationally. ABOUT IN-LINE CONSULTING, LLC IN-Line Consulting, LLC (www.inline.us) is a national construction consulting firm specializing in property damage restoration and reconstruction recommendations for all phases of construction. Historically, IN-Line has been engaged on large, complex losses which require the technical diversity, expertise, and experience unique to our team of professionals. IN-Line's principal services include the preparation of comprehensive and market-specific construction estimates, as well as detailed and practical scopes of reconstruction. IN-Line's other competencies include but are not limited to: cost of repair audits; on-site clerking; code reviews; construction schedule analysis; production efficiency and economy analysis; forensic engineering; and construction defect analysis.

Read More

Construction

Deltek Announces Expanded Partnership with Procore to Elevate Construction Management

PR Newswire | September 21, 2023

Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, today announced an expanded partnership with Deltek ComputerEase within the Procore platform, marking a milestone with its involvement on the Procore App Marketplac Procore Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of construction management software and launched the Procore App Marketplace in 2016 as an online hub for third party integrations and custom applications modernizing the everyday life of the construction professional. The enhanced integration will benefit thousands of construction stakeholders who currently depend on Deltek and Procore for their financial and project management needs, ultimately helping enhance firms' profitability by enabling construction jobs to be managed more effectively. In addition, Procore will join the Deltek Marketplace, a curated collection of third-party vendors that bring value and ROI to project-based businesses, and Deltek ComputerEase will remain on the Procore App Marketplace. Deltek ComputerEase has a longstanding integration with Procore's Project Management platform, and this partnership will further the relationship between the two by bringing more connectivity and efficiency to the construction industry's daily operations. The expanded partnership offers more seamless data synchronization by connecting project management and accounting functions. Any changes made to projects will appear for all team members simultaneously, reducing errors and time spent on manual data transfers and updates, leading to improved efficiency, accelerated timelines, and smarter decision-making. "Through this enhancement, we can offer contractors and their accounting teams improved access to the meaningful data they need to successfully carry out a project," said Kris Lengieza, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Alliances at Procore. "Construction professionals using both platforms can now have access to accurate, real-time information that can be seamlessly shared between the jobsite and the back office, helping deliver projects on time and within budget." "Thousands of trade and general construction contractors already leverage Deltek ComputerEase and Procore to run their businesses, control their margins, and collaborate with stakeholders," said John Meibers, Vice President and General Manager for Deltek ComputerEase. "We're thrilled to continue our journey with Procore and look forward to delivering industry leading integration and customer experience for users of the ComputerEase and Procore platforms." Deltek ComputerEase is proud to be a Silver sponsor of Procore Groundbreak, being held in Chicago September 19-20, 2023. Attendees can learn more about Deltek and the expanded partnership with Procore at the Deltek ComputerEase booth, #16. About Deltek Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. Learn more at www.deltek.com. About Procore Procore is a leading global provider of construction management software. Over 1 million projects and more than $1 trillion USD in construction volume have run on Procore's platform. Procore's platform connects key project stakeholders to solutions Procore has built specifically for the construction industry—for the owner, the general contractor, and the specialty contractor. Procore's App Marketplace has a multitude of partner solutions that integrate seamlessly with Procore's platform, giving construction professionals the freedom to connect with what works best for them. Headquartered in Carpinteria, California, Procore has offices around the globe. Learn more at Procore.com.

Read More

Construction

Introducing Standalone Takeoff Software by PlanHub: Simplifying preconstruction for everyone

PRWeb | September 01, 2023

PlanHub, the leading preconstruction software as a service (SaaS) company, is excited to announce that Takeoff Core, previously released as a cloud-based, integrated takeoff software built into PlanHub, is now also available as a standalone. Takeoff Core helps subcontractors perform takeoffs efficiently, eliminating the need for manual work, outdated desktop software, and complicated digital solutions. In preconstruction, time is money. The more time it takes to perform takeoffs and submit bids, the more subcontractors risk losing out on valuable revenue opportunities. Manual methods and locally installed desktop software can slow down takeoff processes, and many digital solutions currently on the market can be overly complex and not user-friendly. Takeoff Core relieves bottlenecks in the pre-construction workflow with automation that makes measuring and estimating faster and more accurate than traditional methods. It features a simple, user-friendly interface and intuitive measuring tools, so getting started is hassle-free. “We wanted to create an easy-to-use tool that helps subcontractors jumpstart their takeoff in minutes,” says Darius Shafie, Product Manager at PlanHub. “Takeoff Core does not require extensive onboarding or additional user training, so subcontractors can create takeoffs in as little as 15 minutes.” Accuracy is everything when it comes to takeoffs—manual takeoffs are more error-prone, and incorrect measurements can lead to insufficient (or excess) materials, costing difficulties, and lost project revenue. With Takeoff Core, subcontractors can modernize their takeoff process with a digital solution that helps mitigate risks by providing better takeoff accuracy than traditional pen and paper or outdated desktop solutions. Takeoff Core offers subcontractors a centralized hub to manage their takeoffs in a single place simply by uploading projects and their associated files. Team members can see takeoff statuses and collaborate in real time, regardless of where they are located. And because Takeoff Core is cloud-based, there is no software to upgrade or make manual updates to—it easily scales as a business achieves growth. "At PlanHub, our goal is to simplify preconstruction for everyone. Following overwhelming positive feedback from our subcontractor network using the new Takeoff Core, we are excited to make it available to all construction professionals, whether they have a contractor account with us or not. With Takeoff Core, we're giving contractors of all sizes powerful user-friendly tools to save time and work more efficiently," shares Ro Bhatia, CEO of PlanHub About PlanHub PlanHub is the data-driven platform transforming the preconstruction landscape within the construction industry. By empowering construction professionals with data insights and easy to use tools, PlanHub enables them to forge strong business relationships, streamline pre-construction processes, and make informed decisions effortlessly. PlanHub provides faster, simpler, and unmatched accuracy, laying a solid foundation for the rest of the construction process.https://planhub.com

Read More

Engineering Tech

YOUNG & Associates Acquires IN-Line Consulting, LLC

YOUNG & ASSOCIATES | September 26, 2023

Property and claims consultants YOUNG & Associates (YA), has acquired the claims and engineering company IN-Line Consulting, LLC. Founded by Matt Watson and Mark Lively more than 16 years ago, IN-Line was formed to manage the consulting work offered by a full-service restoration company operating primarily in the Southeast United States. The move strengthens YA's footprint in that part of the country, solidifying the company's role as a national and international leader. IN-Line will operate as a subsidiary of YA and its day-to-day operations will continue to be directed by the existing IN-Line leadership team. The company's management and support teams also will remain in place. "This partnership with IN-Line is a significant step forward in growing our professional service offerings," said Wade Bushman, YA's CEO. "We appreciate IN-Line's diverse base of technical experts, exceptional customer service track record, shared cultural values, and employee-first workplace model. They are a natural addition to the YA team." IN-Line President Matt Watson explained joining forces with YA allows the company to better serve clients by broadening its resource base and expanding its capabilities nationally and internationally. The move also offers new avenues for personal and professional growth for IN-Line's employees. "Since our inception, we have focused on building a great team and culture that can best serve the wide-ranging needs of our clients," Watson said. "Now, with YA's resources and platform, we are well positioned to carry that commitment into the future." ABOUT YOUNG & ASSOCIATES YOUNG & Associates (www.youngonline.com) is a property consulting firm providing building damage assessments, forensic and investigative consulting services to the insurance industry, public and private sector clients. YA was founded in 1997 by Ray and Linda Young on the core values of knowledge, integrity, and professionalism. Through its 26 years, YA's range of property damage services has expanded, developing a broader client base, and growing the team to almost 600 staff strategically located across the U.S. and internationally. ABOUT IN-LINE CONSULTING, LLC IN-Line Consulting, LLC (www.inline.us) is a national construction consulting firm specializing in property damage restoration and reconstruction recommendations for all phases of construction. Historically, IN-Line has been engaged on large, complex losses which require the technical diversity, expertise, and experience unique to our team of professionals. IN-Line's principal services include the preparation of comprehensive and market-specific construction estimates, as well as detailed and practical scopes of reconstruction. IN-Line's other competencies include but are not limited to: cost of repair audits; on-site clerking; code reviews; construction schedule analysis; production efficiency and economy analysis; forensic engineering; and construction defect analysis.

Read More

Construction

Deltek Announces Expanded Partnership with Procore to Elevate Construction Management

PR Newswire | September 21, 2023

Deltek, the leading global provider of software and solutions for project-based businesses, today announced an expanded partnership with Deltek ComputerEase within the Procore platform, marking a milestone with its involvement on the Procore App Marketplac Procore Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of construction management software and launched the Procore App Marketplace in 2016 as an online hub for third party integrations and custom applications modernizing the everyday life of the construction professional. The enhanced integration will benefit thousands of construction stakeholders who currently depend on Deltek and Procore for their financial and project management needs, ultimately helping enhance firms' profitability by enabling construction jobs to be managed more effectively. In addition, Procore will join the Deltek Marketplace, a curated collection of third-party vendors that bring value and ROI to project-based businesses, and Deltek ComputerEase will remain on the Procore App Marketplace. Deltek ComputerEase has a longstanding integration with Procore's Project Management platform, and this partnership will further the relationship between the two by bringing more connectivity and efficiency to the construction industry's daily operations. The expanded partnership offers more seamless data synchronization by connecting project management and accounting functions. Any changes made to projects will appear for all team members simultaneously, reducing errors and time spent on manual data transfers and updates, leading to improved efficiency, accelerated timelines, and smarter decision-making. "Through this enhancement, we can offer contractors and their accounting teams improved access to the meaningful data they need to successfully carry out a project," said Kris Lengieza, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Alliances at Procore. "Construction professionals using both platforms can now have access to accurate, real-time information that can be seamlessly shared between the jobsite and the back office, helping deliver projects on time and within budget." "Thousands of trade and general construction contractors already leverage Deltek ComputerEase and Procore to run their businesses, control their margins, and collaborate with stakeholders," said John Meibers, Vice President and General Manager for Deltek ComputerEase. "We're thrilled to continue our journey with Procore and look forward to delivering industry leading integration and customer experience for users of the ComputerEase and Procore platforms." Deltek ComputerEase is proud to be a Silver sponsor of Procore Groundbreak, being held in Chicago September 19-20, 2023. Attendees can learn more about Deltek and the expanded partnership with Procore at the Deltek ComputerEase booth, #16. About Deltek Better software means better projects. Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek for superior levels of project intelligence, management and collaboration. Our industry-focused expertise powers project success by helping firms achieve performance that maximizes productivity and revenue. Learn more at www.deltek.com. About Procore Procore is a leading global provider of construction management software. Over 1 million projects and more than $1 trillion USD in construction volume have run on Procore's platform. Procore's platform connects key project stakeholders to solutions Procore has built specifically for the construction industry—for the owner, the general contractor, and the specialty contractor. Procore's App Marketplace has a multitude of partner solutions that integrate seamlessly with Procore's platform, giving construction professionals the freedom to connect with what works best for them. Headquartered in Carpinteria, California, Procore has offices around the globe. Learn more at Procore.com.

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