Modern Niagara has developed a Script Controlled Real-time Interactive Prompt Tool for Evaluated Decisions (SCRIPTED) using CAMDuct as the last CAD software to interact with Sheet Metal geometry prior to manufacturing. SCRIPTED expands on the functionality of CAMDuct with an intuitive interface, customizable to our specific shops manufacturing practices.
There exists inherent shortcoming within the data of models required for manufacturing as they transition from the coordination and construction stage (LOD 350) to the fabrication stage (LOD 400). Some differences between design and manufacturing can be adjusted for using built-in software configurations or specifications. However, the level of customization needed to match a shops existing manufacturing practices can be difficult to achieve using the CAM tools default functionality alone.
In addition to the different L.O.D between design and manufacturing software, the source of geometry being feed into a shops CAD tool can vary project to project, or area to area of the same project. Multiple sources create different sets of common errors and corresponding adjustments a shop CAD operator needs to keep in mind while preparing orders. At the end of the day, an MAJ file from Revit or a TXT import file from SysQue have very different sets of data transfer issues when importing to the shop CAD software.
Modern Niagara also has multiple shops across Canada that follow the same basic guidelines of production, but each location needs specific adjustments to the CAD data. The adjustments are determined by local manufacturing practises & style, or simply differences in machine availability. These shop variances can lead to complicated conditions than are not easily handled by the customizations available in standard spec database tools.
The SCRIPTED tool developed at Modern Niagara “looks” at each item on behalf of the shop CAD operator. It scans item dimensions, connectors, and attributes for common transfer problems that lead to fabrication issues that negatively affect shop operations. It looks for conditions that fall outside of customized shop practices, and then prompts the operator for input or yes/no questions to make pre-programed changes.
Due to this package of automations Modern Niagara’s fabrication shops can process orders quickly and efficiently regardless of diverging local shop requirements, or the source of the geometric data.
Since each ITM is analyzed based on its required manufacturing details, some of the same conditions may be triggered when a new geometry source is added. This creates a smoother transition between VDC and shop manufacturing that can improve new import sources automatically, but also be expanded on by Modern Niagara as new conditions for adjustment are identified.
When new transfer issues are identified by any Modern Niagara shop the conditions can be included nationally or locally to automate the needed adjustments to a specific VDC data source. This changes an ongoing task of identifying and updating, into a prompt that never needs to be manually identified or adjusted for again.
The SCRIPTED tool also reaches out to additional data sources, amending an order with missing information. Additional details like shipping addresses, LEED status, and foreman preferences for things like DNA or Pittsburgh only, which may not be covered by the general VDC specification.
