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The Building Engineering Platform (BEP): Revolutionizing Joist Fabrication and Collaboration
The Building Engineering Platform (BEP) initiative started 4 years ago with the goal of migrating the joist detailing to a 3D environment under Tekla and by taking advantage of other Trimble solutions like Trimble Connect and XR10. Canam has recently implemented the technologies to modernize its steel joist engineering and drafting processes. This digital transformation’s phase has already improved its design activities by 25% for the Canam’s joist business unit alone.
Canam Group designs and fabricates over 10,000 joists weekly, but no existing platform could accommodate the specific requirements of our high-volume production processes. The shift to 3D modelling and BIM introduced new challenges, including integrating our in-house joist detailing and manufacturing workflows with modern commercial BIM tools like Tekla. The need for seamless data exchange between internal and external systems, combined with the customization required by each project, posed a significant challenge, not to mention the coordination that needs to happen across our various offices in 5 countries on 3 continents.. Imagine changing the engine while in flight, without losing speed or altitude.
To overcome these issues, we embarked on the BEP initiative, aiming to align our processes with the industry’s standards and ongoing digital transformation. The complexity of our joist production workflows, including specific fabrication rules and plant capabilities, required us to build a custom solution integrating Tekla’s 3D modelling platform with our in-house design tools. We also needed to ensure that data could be exchanged efficiently with external stakeholders while maintaining accuracy and preventing costly errors.
The construction industry is rapidly transitioning to BIM-based workflows, which require detailed coordination and collaboration between multiple stakeholders. The challenge we faced was not unique to Canam Group; manufacturers across the industry were, and are still struggling to integrate legacy product configurators and production systems with modern digital tools. The importance of addressing this challenge lies in the potential for increased efficiency, reduction of errors, and overall project cost savings.
Our solution is particularly relevant to manufacturers of custom or complex components, where the need for a high-pace detailed design-to-manufacture processes is critical. By developing a system that connects in-house manufacturing tools with a comprehensive BIM platform, we demonstrate how digital transformation can improve not only production efficiency, but also project collaboration. This approach can serve as a blueprint for other companies in the industry seeking to modernize their workflows around prefabricated construction components and systems.
The BEP initiative integrates our in-house design and detailing software with Tekla’s 3D modelling tools, enabling us to streamline joist detailing and fabrication processes. We built a robust backend infrastructure that allows real-time communication between systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors.
By leveraging Tekla’s powerful API (Application Programming Interface) and modern technologies like Redis and MongoDB, we created a platform that can manage our entire joist detailing process, from design to fabrication. The system also enables seamless communication with external stakeholders via the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format, allowing us to collaborate effectively on projects with complex coordination requirements. This solution resolves our initial challenge by allowing us to detail joists in a fully digital environment, improving productivity and reducing costly rework.
Our solution relies on cutting-edge technologies like gRPC for communication protocols and Redis for data management, ensuring fast and reliable communication between various systems. By integrating Tekla Structures with our in-house applications, we developed a full-stack solution that manages complex detailing workflows.
Additionally, we implemented real-time error tracking using Splunk, allowing for immediate troubleshooting when users encounter issues. Our use of RabbitMQ technology ensures efficient communication between users and the backend systems, enabling instant updates and notifications when changes occur in the joist designs. We have also started incorporating augmented reality tools like the Trimble XR10, which enhances quality control and collaboration in our fabrication plants.
The integration of our systems has led to a 25% improvement in efficiency compared to previous workflows. This efficiency gain has been realized through reduced manual input, fewer errors, and the ability to address interferences early in the design process. The use of 3D modelling has enabled us to prevent costly on-site errors, saving both time and money during the construction phase.
For instance, our shift to the BEP platform has allowed us to handle approximately 4,000 projects annually with greater precision and proper data management. The ability to collaborate out intents with clients seamlessly and early in the design process using IFC models has improved coordination. Without the BEP tool, we would still be using a 4-7 page document with written information, lacking any visuals or 3D models to coordinate or manage such a large amount of information. The BEP is a prerequisite for doing BIM. It facilitates the creation of IFC. It promotes the awarding of project contracts where BIM is required.
We utilize the IFC format for data exchange, ensuring compatibility with external stakeholders across various platforms. This open standard allows us to share detailed 3D models and metadata with clients, subcontractors, and other trades involved in a project, facilitating seamless collaboration.
In addition, we’ve incorporated BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) for managing requests for information (RFI) and design coordination. By utilizing these open standards, we ensure that all project participants have access to up-to-date information, reducing miscommunication and project delays. The ultimate goal is to offer a data rich digital twin for our products as early as possible and maintain them accurate and easy to leverage from any openBIM platform.
Our solution sets a new benchmark for efficiency and collaboration in the construction industry. By integrating 3D modelling and data-sharing technologies into the joist fabrication process, we have streamlined workflows and improved the overall quality of our products. The use of real-time notifications and error tracking ensures that issues are resolved promptly, reducing downtime and rework.
The BEP initiative demonstrates how the integration of digital tools can enhance not only internal processes, but also external collaboration with clients and subcontractors. This approach is now a best practice within Canam Group and serves as a model for other manufacturers seeking to modernize their operations.
BEP has the potential to create significant economic benefits by increasing productivity and supporting job creation in the manufacturing sector. The efficiencies gained through digital transformation allow us to take on more projects, which, in turn, drives demand for skilled workers in both the design and fabrication stages.
Furthermore, the increased accuracy of our joist detailing process reduces material waste and leads to cost savings that can be reinvested into the business. By modernizing our workflows, we are contributing to the growth of the construction industry, a critical driver of Canada’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
The BEP initiative not only improves efficiency, but also promotes sustainability by reducing material waste and energy consumption. By preventing errors and optimizing our production processes, we are minimizing the environmental impact of our operations. Moreover, our use of BIM and 3D modelling allows for better planning and coordination, which leads to more sustainable construction practices.
In addition, the integration of augmented reality tools like the XR10 improves worker safety, creating a safer and more efficient working environment. These advancements contribute to the overall well-being of workers and the sustainability of the construction industry.
