DPR Construction, Tekla Corporation and Vela Systems Release Joint Case Study on Changing the Face of Project Controls Utilizing Integrated BIM and Field Software

Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) at Stanford University Researchers Document Significant Benefits of Integrated BIM and Field Computing Solution; Results to be Discussed in Webinar on November 11, 2009

Burlington, MA, October 23, 2009 --(PR.com)-- DPR Construction leverages an integrated combination of Tekla Structures Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Vela Systems field software in its doors, frame and hardware (DFH) self-perform construction business. Today the three companies announced the availability of a case study profiling the implementation and benefits of this integrated combination. This case study will also be explored in a webinar to be jointly offered by the companies at 1:30 EDT on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Visit https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/401971360 to reserve your seat for the webinar.

The Case Study

During construction of the University of California, Santa Cruz Porter B College, DPR Construction used field mobility software, tablet computers and BIM to manage all aspects of the DFH process. The usual DFH workflow involves tracking progress of doors, frames and hardware receipt, quality inspection and installation by making notes on paper logs and drawings and then spending time explaining, fixing and manually updating printed progress reports.

DPR Construction chose to replace this traditional workflow with a process that is centered on BIM and material tracking using construction field software. Through this ‘connected’ project control system, all of the information became immediately available to every project team member. Vela Systems synchronized the status information to the Tekla Structures BIM model either from the office or the field. After synchronization, the status of any component was then readily available to project managers, superintendents and others in both a report format or in a 3D model.

The Benefits

The benefits of implementing and utilizing this system were reported in a research project affiliated with the Center for Integrated Facility Engineering (CIFE) at Stanford University. Three key benefit areas included: 1) Time Savings, 2) Clear Project Visibility, and 3) Reorder Rate Reduction.

The researchers studied the DFH workflow processes before and after the implementation of the integrated Field BIM™ system. Using the integrated system DPR Construction realized the following benefits:

- 28-hour savings (70% reduction) of the recording, documenting, reporting, and communicating in the field
- 20% work productivity improvement
- Ability to instantly calculate accurately project progress and manpower statistics;
- Improved visibility into the availability of openings materials such that zero unnecessary reorders were needed for the project.

The benefits and future potential of this combination were also noted by the Operations and Virtual Design and Construction teams at DPR. “The 2% of job cost related to QA/QC and reorder is now ‘virtually nil,’” commented Lisa Thomas, Manager, DPR DFH Division. Atul Khanzode, DPR Director of Virtual Design and Construction added, “Connecting the structured information contained in BIM to the jobsite through field software enables new paradigms of project delivery and control. This case study in the area of Doors, Frames and Hardware is one example of what we think is a very large opportunity to transform our industry.”

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DPR Construction
DPR Construction is a forward-thinking general contractor and construction manager specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the Advanced Technology, Corporate Office, Healthcare and Life Sciences markets. A proven leader in green building, building information modeling, and lean/integrated project delivery, DPR continuously looks for opportunities to improve the construction supply chain management and provide a higher level of quality services on projects of all sizes and complexities. More information at www.dprinc.com.

Tekla Corporation
Tekla's model-based software products make customers' core processes more effective in building and construction as well as infrastructure management. Tekla Corporation has area offices and partner organizations worldwide. International operations account for more than 80% of net sales. Founded in 1966, Tekla is one of the longest operating software companies in Finland. More information at www.tekla.com

Tekla Structures
Tekla's technology creates new opportunities for the disciplines in the construction industry: Tekla Structures is the most advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) software on the market that provides an accurate, dynamic, and data-rich 3D environment for structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, concrete detailers and manufacturers, and construction companies to share. The highly detailed as-built structural models created in Tekla Structures enable effective visualization and management of any project from sales and bidding to follow-up. Openly integrating model and non-model-based data into the model allows collaborative workflows to streamline the design, fabrication, and construction stages for the highest level of constructability and integration in project delivery. Centralizing project management into the model not only increases productivity in each stage, but also enhances the value of structural modeling throughout the value chain of building. More information at www.teklastructures.com

Vela Systems
Vela Systems construction field software automates the execution and oversight of field activities on construction and capital projects. Instead of carrying a field notebook and paper plans or specs, jobsite users work with Vela Systems software on mobile computers to electronically access documents and to complete field reports, QA/ QC inspections, worklists, punchlists, update the BIM and many other critical field activities. Construction happens in the field - Automate it.™ www.velasystems.com
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Vela Systems, Inc.
Jeff Scholes
978-884-9319
www.velasystems.com
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