Exploring the robotics revolution

whitePaper | September 19, 2022

Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is first and foremost a centralized, collaborative process where project stakeholders work together and share information. This allows for better organization of design and construction, with professionals from various disciplines contributing to the process. Naturally, this goes beyond simply sharing a 3D model, as each model contains data that will be useful throughout the project life cycle. Historically however, construction professionals worked in isolation, as the means of communication and technology weren’t as evolved as they are today. Sometimes, for instance, important information on 2D drawings would get lost. Consequently, the design phase was often plagued with fragmented deliverables, miscommunication and limited visualization, which often required rework.

whitePaper | February 27, 2022

The term Internet of Things has become increasingly popular over the last few years, although it has actually existed for a long time, i.e., going back many years. It is probably one of the most talked about technological developments in the construction industry at the moment. But how far away are we from actually using and benefiting from the Internet of Things in construction? How complex is it and what can you do with it? Or perhaps how do you get ready for it if the Internet of Things is to change the industry considerably in the coming years?

whitePaper | May 24, 2022

The pace and degree of digital transformation has accelerated in the past year as businesses were forced to devise newer strategies to ensure business continuity while minimizing the negative impact of the pandemic. Enterprises that had made significant investments in digital technologies were better poised to face the unexpected and rapid changes in business scenarios, whereas those with low digital maturity had to spend a significant part of the early days of the pandemic in transforming their operations to suit the new normal. External factors such as customer needs and requirements, quality, reduction of production and control costs, environmental impact of products, etc., are pushing enterprises to re-evaluate their business strategies. They are continuously striving to find the right balance of increasing the margins of legacy products and to generate revenue growth through investments made towards digital innovation, new products, and services.

whitePaper | August 2, 2022

The purpose of the Technical Design Requirements for Alberta Infrastructure Facilities (TDR) document is to provide architects, engineers, contractors, client groups, facility administrators and operators involved in designing and building facilities with a comprehensive set of requirements. The requirements have been developed by Alberta Infrastructure Technical Services and Procurement Branch by consolidating best practices information, from the position of knowledgeable owner, as well as national and international subject matter experts. They are based on components and systems which have proven to be reliable and efficient, to meet the needs of the users, and to have acceptable life cycle costs. The requirements are intended as a minimum for planning new facilities and renovating and operating existing facilities. Innovative designs, products, systems and technology are encouraged after thorough evaluation of potential benefits and risks, value analysis and life cycle cost. Early and regular involvement by Technical Services staff is recommended when proposing alternatives.

whitePaper | April 20, 2022

The continued growth and success of cities is one of the great triumphs of modern civilization. Cities are home to the majority of the world’s population and generate more than 80% of GDP. Rapid urbanization has also brought about new challenges as cities have struggled with congestion, pollution, increased carbon emissions, inequity and exposure to natural disasters such as floods and storms. The COVID-19 pandemic and climate change have further intensified these issues. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development sets out the goal of “building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities”. Whereas these goals may be universally accepted, the path to get there is not as clear. Innovation and empowerment of digital technology are critical to transforming our cities. Policy support and institutional change are also essential.

whitePaper | July 2, 2022

A pre-approval will determine if you can realistically afford to make your dream come true based on your current assets and existing debt. (The last thing you want is to sell your current home or be in the middle of drawing up plans before learning that you don’t qualify for the loan.) A pre-approval also provides the opportunity to ask questions about the construction process: what’s involved, what you are responsible for and what to expect of the builder.