Construction is an industry built on lists and reports: lists of components, lists of materials, and reports of smaller project subsections. Contractors require accurate lists of materials, construction details, project order lists and more to make sure a smooth workflow. Your company's choice of steel detailer makes all the difference in terms of how much reporting flexibility you'll have at your fingertips. The right reporting capabilities can save you significant time and money, and provide the ability to quickly adapt to the needs of a changing project. Here are some aspects to keep in mind when choosing a steel detailer and how to appropriately evaluate their reporting infrastructure.
Are they using Building Information Modeling (BIM)?
Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is advanced 3D modeling software that's used by steel detailers to develop the plans needed to execute a construction project. The capabilities of BIM software go far beyond traditional 2D steel structural drawings. The 3D models enable all stakeholders in a project to visualize the same results. BIM software also allows commercial steel detailers to offer a high degree of flexibility in terms of reporting. This technology has been employed to build a wide range for projects; it's appropriate for stadiums, offshore structures, plants and factories, residential buildings, bridges and skyscrapers.
Is the reporting customizable for your project?
The range of reports that are possible for a single steel construction project can be mind-boggling: contractor lists, drawing lists, timeline reports, assembly lists, parts lists, bolt lists, shipping lists, process reports, ordering lists, and much more. What reports you actually require depend on a number of factors:
- The size and scope of your project
- The stakeholders
- Internal and external reporting and transparency requirements
- Coordination among different teams and professionals executing the project
- Timeline for project development and completion
- Buying and shipping cycles for construction materials
The most important factors about reporting are flexibility and accuracy. The right steel detailing firm will have the ability to customize reporting to your needs, and to adapt reporting over the life cycle of your project.
How can reporting be used to clarify issues?
One of the major areas of concern for construction projects is improving communications, especially around potential misunderstandings when they arise. From providing a comprehensive bid that allays all potential buyer objections to offering complete clarification in the face of RFIs, robust reporting can help. For example, issues may come up as to whether enough materials have been ordered to complete the project. A full bill of materials is created based on the project model and can be reviewed. Reports can adapt and be changed when project changes take place. A project list can be broken down into individual component lists for further inspection. If shipping delays are suspected at any point in a project's evolution, a shipping list can quickly clarify components, sources, and shipping times. The ability to quickly audit data at a micro or macro level, as well as to offer this documentation in support of other communications, greatly simplifies issues that may arise during construction.
When choosing a steel detailing firm for your next project, make sure that you ask the right questions about their reporting capabilities. Confirm that your partner of choice is using BIM software, and discuss your specific reporting needs. Flexible and accurate reporting will save time and money, and help you quickly address any problems during the project lifecycle.
Jillynn Stevens, Ph.D. is a writer with a vast array of subject matter expertise. Along with publishing articles for large and small businesses, she researches, writes and publishes reports on various public policy issues.
This article is written on behalf of Tectonix Steel, a structural steel detailing firm specializing in commercial and industrial buildings nationally. See more at Tectonix Steel.
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