Cloud computing technology is a relatively new phenomenon in the construction industry. In recent years, cloud computing has exploded, with companies of all sizes and in all industries moving to Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) models
Cloud computing technology enables the delivery over the “cloud” (internet) of a variety of computing services, such as storage, databases, networks, servers, software and analytics, giving construction professionals access to faster and more flexible resources.
BIM is no exception to this trend.
There are many benefits to creating, managing, validating, checking and sharing BIM models in the cloud for the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.
Cloud-based BIM in construction projects is not just about remote work; it’s also about dispersed teams and collaboration. Individuals from a variety of organizations, such as architectural firms, engineering firms, general contractors, and specialized subcontractors, make up project teams. These teams can benefit from cloud-based BIM whether they work from home, in the office or on site.
The construction industry is investment-intensive, which makes them hesitant to experiment with new technology. Although cloud computing technology has great potential in the construction industry, such applications are not widespread. There is a knowledge gap that needs to be filled to help the construction industry adopt cloud computing technology. And while the thought of cloud-based software may seem daunting to those in the construction industry who have used pen and paper, spreadsheets and other manual methods of communication and project management, there are other construction benefits to consider.
How are cloud computing technologies changing data validation?
Cloud computing technology is gaining traction in the construction industry as companies realize the benefits of cloud computing such as flexibility, reliability, security, convenience and efficiency compared to on-premises solutions. The top 5 ways cloud computing is changing data validation in the construction industry are as follows:
1. Improved model coordination:
A significant part of the classification and checking of building models is still done manually, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive and error-prone. While every project is different, the most common challenges are model coordination and the lack of interdisciplinary coordination between designers, engineers, and contractors. These challenges lead to increasing demand for better model coordination between teams, as the industry still lacks an integrated workflow. Verifi3D bridges the gap between design and construction. Through an integrated workflow, Verifi3D provides customers with a set of options that can help them classify their input data, validate and visualize their building model, report any deficiencies and share them in real time with the whole team. The teams can manage the entire model coordination workflow including classification, rules and checks, and problem management in one environment. Manage conflicts and assign issues using issue trackers like BIM Track and BIM 360 Issues to different members of the team. All teams need in a great cloud solution! With improved model coordination, you can find and resolve conflicts between building components before they become costly to change orders.
2. Better collaboration:
There are several stakeholders with whom project-related updates need to be shared. In order to meet project deadlines, it is also necessary to collaborate with different teams at the same time. In today’s highly competitive business world, lost productive time equals lost money. This is where the cloud can come in handy. Through browser-based interfaces, all interested parties can quickly and securely access and work on the same cloud-based file from their location at any time using computers, laptops and tablets. All you need is access to the internet. For example, using Verifi3D allows project managers to easily share content with subcontractors, suppliers, property owners and investors to keep them informed of a project’s progress. As a result, each of them can work more efficiently to complete the project on time. In addition, architects and engineers can collaborate on a BIM project carried out in an architecture and engineering firm’s office using cloud computing, even if they are in different locations.
3. Improved data security:
Project data must be handled carefully, whether it is related to a construction site design, frequent updates, or issues that arise. It is an important component of a project’s timeline to completion. Keeping this information on the office’s local computers leaves it vulnerable to situations such as system failure, data theft, and so on. The loss of data associated with a construction project is a mistake for the contractor working on it. To keep clients’ data safe and secure, most cloud service providers use data security techniques such as data encryption, intrusion detection, and firewalls. With Verifi3D, users can load models locally or synchronize models automatically with Common Data Environments (CDE) such as Dropbox, Autodesk Construction Cloud and Autodesk BIM 360. Having all project data in one place simplifies analysis and reporting while increasing accuracy. Storing data in the cloud as a backup ensures that it is protected in all situations and is only accessible to authorized users. In addition, cloud-based systems process data at a faster rate than on-premises systems, saving time for project managers and allowing them to quickly and easily share results across teams and regions.
4. Lower costs:
The versatility of cloud computing allows businesses to choose the storage, processing and sophisticated services that best suit their needs. Businesses can invest in their digital infrastructure rather than buying computers and backup devices, which deteriorate quickly. The best part is that as technology advances, new software versions and updates are provided in real-time over the Internet, allowing businesses to take advantage of them instantly. The exorbitant cost of hardware is eliminated with cloud computing. For example, Verifi3D offers four packages that are monthly subscriptions that can be activated at any time. Choosing the best cloud solution based on needs will result in higher return on investment and increased productivity.
5. Save time:
One of the most compelling reasons to migrate a business to the cloud these days is the ease with which specialist software/solutions can streamline the data migration process. Businesses that sign up for a specialized platform are supported during the move and can contact service teams at any time. With cloud computing, the time spent updating and patching software, deploying client solutions to end users, and other more tedious IT activities is greatly reduced. The cloud enables companies to significantly reduce the requirement for full-time IT workers and in some situations get more work done with fewer resources. Savings can be realized almost immediately. In addition, since there will be significantly fewer service interruptions, employees will save time and be more productive.
Aside from the aforementioned benefits of cloud adoption, cloud computing has a promising future in the construction industry. Cloud computing can not only help reduce costs, but it can also increase collaboration between teams, management and stakeholders, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient resource utilization. As a result, construction projects are completed faster, with lower overheads and higher profitability. Companies in all industries, including the construction industry, are turning to the cloud for these reasons.
Verifi3D by Xinaps is the spell checker for your BIM models. It is cloud-based and addresses many of the issues by providing pre-construction teams with model coordination, automatic collision detection and workflow integration that simplifies collaboration and minimizes manual work. With an intuitive and simple interface, Verifi3D is web-based and eliminates the need to purchase software or manage IT infrastructure. It helps professionals deliver work with quality and time, reduce rework and leverage their teams, so they can focus on bigger tasks.
With the implementation of CDEs such as Dropbox, Autodesk Construction Cloud and Autodesk BIM 360, and added integrations with BIM Track and BIMcollab, teams can manage the model coordination workflow, including clash detection, validation and reporting in one environment.
Verifi3D by Xinap’s vision towards digitization is very simple: improved model coordination in the cloud, better collaboration and best-in-class quality. In short, Verifi3D helps build a better building by keeping the entire team updated, improving building performance and eliminating the need for rework.
The construction industry is developing stronger than ever, thanks to integration providers such as Autodesk, Nemetschek, Hexagon, Trimble, Bentley. The integration providers play an important role in providing cloud-based collaboration services, making APIs publicly available to create an ecosystem faster, facilitating solution providers in the AEC industry to come up with specific solutions.
Cloud services are inevitable for the construction industry as it strives to digitize its processes by using BIM-enabled applications resulting in the emergence of new business models, allowing construction companies to conduct business in a new way. Cloud computing will be a cornerstone as the construction sector embraces digital transformation, enabling more efficient back office processes and making it easier for project managers to keep costs under control and projects on time. The sooner companies accept and use cloud-based solutions, the better equipped they will be to tackle the challenges facing the construction industry!
Curious about how to take your construction projects to the next level and ensure your structures are built to last?! Discover the possibilities to streamline and increase your model checking workflow with Verifi3D.
Milu Sini Lal
Marketing Director
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