Autodesk and Vela Systems Partner
August 07, 2009
While BIM (building information modeling) has played a role in the construction industry for quite some time, contractors have been looking for new ways to push the process out into the field. Autodesk, www.autodesk.com, San Rafael, Calif., and Vela Systems, www.velasystems.com, Burlington, Mass., recently announced they are integrating their technologies—and tested it out on construction of Autodesk’s new AEC headquarters.
Construction firms can now integrate Vela Systems Field BIM Software Suite with Autodesk Navisworks. With this integration, contractors will be able to use Navisworks—a tool to combine various pieces of project data into a single 3D model—out in the field.
The software from Vela Systems can be used on tablet PCs (personal computers) in the field, allowing companies to access models remotely, manage commissioning, carry out inspections, and do punch lists. The software also has a module to monitor RFID (radio frequency identification) readers and tags, which can be placed in materials for tracking purposes.
The integration capabilities have already been tested during the construction of Autodesk’s new AEC headquarters. Tocci Building Corp., www.tocci.com, Woburn, Mass., used Autodesk Navisworks and Vela Systems Materials Tracker and Issues and Punchlists on the project.
Vela Systems Materials Tracker pulls objects from the Autodesk Navisworks model and collects the status information from the field. This field-gathered data is then sent back into the Autodesk Navisworks model.
According to Autodesk, the integration of this technology offered three primary benefits on the construction of the new headquarters. First, the technology confirms when all the materials arrived on-site, meaning the next stage of work could begin sooner. Second, the assembly of workstations were tracked in Vela Systems and sent back to the Navisworks model and color-coded so the team could visualize available inventory. Third, the integration improved communication and project delivery.
The integration between the systems is bi-directional and can be automated, according to the companies, which will help connect the design with the ongoing progress of construction.