AEC Industry
AEC 2022 Trends – Top 10 Challenges and Opportunities
The AEC industry is currently going through an unprecedented transformation. In the last few years, essentially every market in the world has seen a significant change. Additionally, many macro changes to our markets that would have typically taken more than a decade to manifest have been expedited by the epidemic. The engineering, construction and design firms are and will be significantly impacted by these developments. Project plans are still being hindered by supply chain bottlenecks, labor & resource shortages, shifting regulatory constraints, and rising costs. Let’s examine the key trends for AEC organizations to keep in mind as they move forward while still adjusting and adapting to the new normal of 2022 and beyond. AEC Industry 2022 – What has Changed? The year 2020 marked a turning point for the AEC companies. The COVID-19 pandemic upended the global corporate environment and hastened the adoption of digital solutions and our capacity for remote work. Today, there is a tremendous demand for global infrastructure and construction services, which has led to tremendous development and new prospects. On the other hand, the global market is concurrently witnessing new heights of political and economic turbulence. Additionally, many macro changes to our markets that would have typically taken more than a decade to manifest have been expedited by the epidemic. Project plans are still being hindered by supply chain bottlenecks, labor & resource shortages, shifting regulatory constraints, and rising costs. Therefore, having a research-based awareness of how the industry trends are shifting and how your peers and competitors are adapting to the new industry dynamics is crucial for AEC firms looking to expand and keep a competitive edge over their rivals. Keep your Eyes Open and Your Feet Moving Forward. A wide range of opportunities and challenges accompany such profound change. Top 10 Key Challenges/Opportunities for The AEC Industry – 2022 & Beyond 1. Unpredictability Needless to say, market volatility is the paramount concern of any business out there. More than ever, AEC companies must delve deeper into their customers and prospects. Only when a company fully comprehends its audience can you stand out as a business partner or employee. Understanding how your company differs from its competitors is necessary to confidently identify key differentiators. Companies need to speak with their customers, staff, and partners to learn what has differentiated them from the competition and what hasn’t. On the other hand, architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) businesses are facing significant challenges as it aims to meet the rising demand for assets to be constructed, operated, built to a standard, and maintained more quickly, at a lower cost and risk. Most firms’ current non-integrated business systems and processes will simply not be enough if they want to compete in the future. Without a unique value proposition, firms will eventually find themselves in a difficult position. Businesses need to specialize and figure out how they uniquely add value to tasks and clients. Therefore, Technological & Collaborative solutions are growing as an essential requirement in the competitive AEC industry. 2. Rising Costs Rising costs are a major concern for AEC organizations of all sizes. Budgets are being reviewed by AEC experts, who are also searching for ways to cut costs and limit price rises for clients. AEC executives are looking at technology and collaborative solutions that help save time, money, and energy to achieve corporate goals. You may lead your businesses into the next decade and beyond by concentrating on sustainable business practices. Working with an offshore workforce, on the other hand, has a number of advantages, one of which is the ability to obtain more for less. Larger teams, competent specialists, and greater back-end assistance could be examples. The CAD outsourcing companies already have delivery centers and skilled resources who have been pre-trained on the AEC industry standards and codes. Because of international currency exchange rates, organizations in the Global North frequently use outsourcing companies in the Global South to help them manage their businesses at a reduced cost. 3. Digital Transformation/Collaboration Traditionally, the industry has prioritized gradual and slow improvements. This, however, will no longer suffice. Projects are becoming increasingly larger and more complex. The increased demand for ecologically conscious construction means established approaches must alter. The scarcity of competent resources and technological competence will only worsen. These are complex concerns that necessitate novel approaches to thinking and doing. Even though the AEC sector is primarily concerned with the actual construction of sites and buildings, technology is constantly changing how we do everything. The application of technology and procedures to how we do business is known as digital transformation. Technology is being used increasingly often and in a wide variety of ways. Technology is now being used for new purposes, such as the advanced rendering of the built environment, 3D laser scanning, reality capture, and the removal of paper from our operations in favor of digital ones. Architecture, engineering, and construction firms must comprehend the digital revolution of their industry and start moving in that direction if they want to compete. If not, they risk falling behind. 4. Remote/Hybrid Model Collaboration capabilities are even more essential for simplifying workflows in remote and dispersed teams. Your project stakeholders should be equally connected because technology has virtually everything connected. Consider what you can Control. Emphasize fostering a wonderful work culture, robust business & financial models that support team growth, and development and growth possibilities. The job market is the one factor you have no control over. Both job seekers and your workers are in a stronger position to choose where they work. Due to the expansion of the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, workers can simply find another fantastic employer where they can earn more money and have more flexibility. 5. Restructuring Your Firm For most of its lifespan, a firm goes through various stages. Depending on the company’s success and the broader economic outlook, some of these phases will involve expansion or recession. Employee strength, company goals, budget allocations, technology adoption, and so on all undergo significant change and
An Apple a Day – iOS lays the Groundwork for the AEC Industry
Mobile devices have largely been perceived as suitable for data consumption, viewing documentation, communication, or simple data input in the AEC industry. As the processing power of mobile devices closes to that of desktops powerful new capabilities are added. Notably, most new mobile developers appear to be drawn to Apple’s ecosystem. When the iPad first debuted in 2010, it was essentially a larger iPhone. What the iPad did brilliantly was, that it carved out a market for itself as a consumption device, ideal for web browsing, email, and social media. It would take years to realize its professional utility. After years of evolution, Apple iOS devices have changed beyond recognition. With iOS 15 still in its early stages, the significant increase in addressable memory will help software companies add full-feature capabilities to their professional iPad applications, as well as handle large data sets. iOS Tools for the AEC Industry There are already a number of professional AEC-focused tools available for iOS, with more on the way for iPadOS. Historically, the vast majority have been used for viewing and marking up drawings as a consumption device on-site – for example, Autodesk BIM 360, Procore, and PlanGrid. These are dedicated apps with limited tools, as opposed to accessing these SaaS platforms directly via the web, which is simple to do with Safari or Google Chrome iPad apps. Cloud and streaming have helped many huge dataset applications overcome memory constraints; Archicad’s BIMx Explorer is a notable example, as it connects to large datasets on Microsoft Azure servers. The coming of 5G, which provides a data rate of 10Gbps (10 to 100x faster than 4G and 4.5G networks), also opens mobile devices as data streaming becomes more popular, although we are still in the early days of its rollout. SketchUp for iPad and Spaces join other exceptional iPad applications for AEC professionals such as Arkio’s collaborative massing application, Revizto’s BIM review & analysis tool, and Graebert’s DWG-based 2D drafting tool Ares Commander Then there is a plethora of AR iPad apps that either showcase your as-designed BIM model in context on the job site or give you a glimpse into your design from the comfort of your meeting room. Unity Reflect, Gamma AR, ARki, and a slew of others are among them. The software distribution ecosystem is undoubtedly shifting, as many developers are turning to browsers as a delivery method for SaaS business models, which iPads excel at, as well as dedicated apps. Future of iOS Devices in the AEC Industry Reality capture is arguably the most significant functionality for the iPad and iPhone. Apple’s ‘Pro-grade iPhone and iPad now have a structured light sensor. It can put a LiDAR-enabled gadget in the hands of every construction worker or architect, despite its low resolution. When combined with advances in photogrammetry (the process of converting photographs and videos into 3D models), anyone will soon be able to create realistic models and send them to each other, documenting as-built conditions on the job site, flagging construction issues, or capturing existing buildings for the redesign. Many commercial apps have been developed to take advantage of the iPad and iPhone’s LiDAR sensor for AEC workflows. SiteScape, for example, can scan numerous rooms and merge the point clouds together. Canvas, Matterport, Roomscan LiDAR, OpenSpace 3D Scans, and Zappcha are among the others. Read More >> LiDAR Scanning on the Go: SiteScape for iPhone / iPad Then there’s Bentley Systems ContextCapture Mobile, PIX4DCatch, and Epic Games’ RealityScan, which all use photogrammetry in a similar way. Everypoint employs a combination of LiDAR and photogrammetry to produce accurate reality capture models with its range of developer tools. Final Thoughts The raw power that is now available in a mobile device is truly amazing. When you combine this with portability and a LiDAR sensor, you have something truly magical. While other phones and operating systems, such as Android, are available, the main advantage of the Apple ecosystem is that the phones are a known and predictable entity. We’ve had LiDAR in Apple’s mobile devices for two years, but we’re only now realizing the potential revolution it may bring to the AEC industry. For years, we’ve been pleading for low-cost, accurate ways for on-site verification. The phone in your pocket will be the answer. Unfortunately for Android, with so many developers and phones using varying optics and setups, quality testing and verifying for each target device is a problem. This is particularly true in the case of photogrammetry. Follow INDOVANCE Inc for AEC Industry Updates and Global Construction News. INDOVANCE Inc with its exclusive delivery hub in India is a global CAD technology partner serving the needs of the AEC industry since 2003. At INDOVANCE we focus on the unique need of each project or client and believe in addressing the real challenges and guarantee that the process will be well-coordinated, smooth, efficient, and hassle-free. We collaborate with our customers around the world to develop bespoke business solutions using our enormous engineering talent pool and state-of-the-art technology. To deliver long-term engineering and business strategies, we align with your culture and processes to create an unbreakable partnership. With over 400 full-time employees and more than 600 customers in the US, Europe, India, and Asia, we are poised for the next level of success. For more queries regarding any of the topics mentioned above, feel free to connect with us on our website www.indovance.com or contact us on +1-919-238-4044
LiDAR Scanning on the Go: SiteScape for iPhone / iPad
Can a regular mobile device, such as an iPhone or iPad, be used for LiDAR scanning on the job site? The answer is Yes. iOS devices have rapidly evolved in technology to provide some amazing features both for personal as well as professional use. SiteScape was one of the first construction-focused smartphone apps to utilize the LiDAR sensor built into the iPad Pro and iPhone Pro. Not surprisingly, the AEC sector like other industries was quick to come on board. SiteScape, a free iOS app that allows 3D scanning to anyone with a LiDAR-equipped iPhone or iPad, will be released in December 2020. LiDAR Scanning Capabilities on iPhone & iPad iPhone added another feature to its arsenal. The ‘Pro’ models can now scan a space using a built-in LiDAR sensor, generating point clouds with millions of points. The software was created to make LiDAR more accessible to architects, engineers, and builders. It begs the question: why use an expensive laser scanner or handheld SLAM, or even pen and paper when a regular device can instantly record certain characteristics of a site? After being collected, scans can be exported to the .PLY or .E57 file formats (and soon RCP) and imported into CAD, BIM, point Cloud, or collaboration tools like Revit, AutoCAD, Archicad, Sketchup, Navisworks, Recap, CloudCompare, Revizto, and many others. Read More >> Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning in the AEC Industry SiteScape on Integrating LiDAR Scanning on iOS Devices “It’s not just about the data; it’s also what you do with it.” SiteScape CEO Andy Putch says he sees a major opportunity for optimizing workflows. “The capture side, just being able to create the content, is increasingly becoming a commodity”. For us, it’s all about providing a complete end-to-end service, particularly in the construction industry.” “We’re removing the scan from the silo that is your iPhone or iPad and putting it on the web so that all of the various stakeholders can have incredibly simple access.” “There is now a single location where you can find all of that information,” Putch added. That solution is now available in the form of SiteScape Pro. It’s a subscription service that allows users to sync their 3D scans to the cloud. They can then be securely accessed or shared with collaborators via a shared link on any platform (desktop or mobile on iOS, Android, Mac, and PC). Users can also add comments and measurements to scans. SiteScape Pro is available now, starting at $49.99/month for unlimited storage and unlimited collaborators. SiteScape Applications for the AEC Industry Ease of Laser Scanning SiteScape has been compared to a digital spray can. To scan an area, simply point the iPad or iPhone Pro at it. The software is capable of collecting hundreds to tens of thousands of points each second. The team is attempting to increase the current limit of roughly 12 million points for each scan, which can capture over 2,000 square feet, to around 20 million. The system utilizes Augmented Reality to deliver real-time feedback on what’s been filmed to help guarantee users obtain comprehensive coverage of the as-built reality. What you see on the iPad as you capture those dots are the actual points themselves tracked in AR and then layered on top of their real-world area. Accuracy SiteScape facilitates users to easily acquire high-resolution 3D scans that are accurate to within +/- 1 inch on average. This is adequate but not as precise as high-end laser scanners. Putch concedes that drift can be a concern, but it can be reduced by performing numerous scans and sewing them together in a third-party tool. “It’s critical to us that we set the correct expectations for the types of judgments that can be made with this data and where the true boundaries are,” Putch adds. Design Planning at an Early Stage An architect just needs to take stock of what’s there at the start of a project, especially for renovation or retrofit work, and incorporate it into their design. SiteScape can assist them to manage their understanding of the physical area so they can make informed judgments about what stays, what goes, and what new things need to come together. Resolving On-Site Issues Many construction firms are leveraging the capabilities of SiteScape as it shows you exactly where the issue is, as well as where things will be tight and where they won’t be. SiteScape to assist in the resolution of difficulties that arise on the job site when retrofitting structures. Capturing As-Builts SiteScape can also be used at the end of a project to document as-built conditions and ensure that everything that was scheduled to be installed was. When it comes to simply documenting MEP and utility areas, SiteScape plays a critical role. However, when it comes to matters like construction code compliance or LEED certification, where the stakes are so high, SiteScape isn’t the greatest answer because companies must put in extra work to ensure everything is verified precisely. Future of SiteScape Point clouds and reality meshes are increasingly being used in a wide range of workflows, from scan-to-BIM and design visualization through construction verification and as-built documentation. SiteScape, like photogrammetry, provides an alternative to AEC businesses. Yes, the scans are less accurate than traditional laser scanning or SLAM, but as long as users understand the constraints of the SiteScape datasets and use them appropriately, there appear to be numerous beneficial uses. SiteScape has made a lot of progress in a short time, but Putch is always constantly striving to improve the software. The next stage is to add additional scan segments, capture larger regions, and capture across many floors. His team is working on better compression to enable larger datasets in web browsers and to make data movement easier. The most difficult element as always for any technology would be being able to address any conceivable scenario. INDOVANCE Inc with its exclusive delivery hub in India is a global CAD technology partner serving the needs of the AEC industry since 2003. At INDOVANCE we
12 Principles of Interoperability in Construction
The design and construction sector are rapidly evolving and the exchange of design models is shifting away from 2-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) and paper and toward semantically-rich 3-dimensional digital models. The approach, known as Building Information Modelling (BIM), is expected to become the dominant way of construction. BIM facilitates the exchange of information between the various parties involved in construction projects. Using digital models allows for the automation of a number of design analyses, with significant implications for the speed and efficiency of the design process, as well as the quality of the final designs. In an industry that is so reliant on collaboration, interoperability difficulties must be addressed in order to maximize these benefits Let’s take a close look at the 12 principles of interoperability in construction. BIM Interoperability The use of BIM has increased exponentially. In 2011, 43% of respondents had never heard of BIM. Today, awareness is nearly ubiquitous, with 73% adopting BIM. The industry is transforming as a result of digital transformation and will continue to do so. Construction professionals are embracing cloud computing, virtual reality, and other technology. Collaboration and scalability are the most important distinguishing aspects of BIM as an interoperability domain. The inherent collaborative character of the domain is one of the reasons why interoperability has been and continues to be an essential issue for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) business. Interoperability is a major challenge due to the exchange of information across organizational boundaries and disciplines. This cross-organizational aspect has complicated the application of models for information exchange in the case of AEC. However, a lack of client demand and perceived unsuitability for projects continue to be obstacles. The most significant impediment is a lack of client demand. Smaller business practices are more prone to dismiss BIM as unsuitable for their projects Despite this issue Building information modeling (BIM) is a critical integrated data system that enables effective project planning and control in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) domain. Read More >> Complete Guide: BIM Interoperability in the AEC Domain First, let’s understand the foundation of Interoperability and understand the guiding principles. 12 Principles of Interoperability in Construction The European Interoperability Framework includes the twelve interoperability principles (EU, 2017). They were created to serve as a “rule of thumb” checklist for interoperable public administration systems at the EU level. The checklist can also be utilized in the building industry. 1. Subsidiarity and proportionality In the context of interoperable construction systems, the European Union’s very general political principle of pushing decision-making to the lowest political level possible could be construed to avoid integrated, monolithic, pan-European, or global systems. Instead, a number of municipal and private systems could be developed and made interoperable by adhering to a common standard. 2. Openness The EU framework emphasizes on the need for openness. It also suggests that countries “provide a level playing field for open-source software and exhibit active and fair consideration of employing open-source software.” It also suggests “giving preference to open specifications.” BuildingSmart’s OpenBIM approach is well suited to this philosophy. 3. Transparency When it comes to public information, this is especially important. However, the suggestions to ensure the availability of information system interfaces and to protect personal data are also applicable in the context of the building. 4. User-centricity User-centricity is a notion of public administration that focuses on the demands of citizens while minimizing their efforts while interacting with the government. 5. Accessibility and Inclusion In a construction context, this would relate to system features that would allow all enterprises in the value chain, large and small, and especially SMEs, to access the systems. Platform architectures may be able to provide this. 6. Reusability Reusability necessitates the abolition of job duplication. Initially, interoperability in construction meant eliminating non-value-added labor such as translating outputs from one system into inputs from another within a project. In general, reusability has been defined as the reuse of knowledge and information beyond the boundaries of a single project. This leads to the creation of a marketplace for reusable information and knowledge objects (such as object libraries for information modelers). The marketplace should include a monetary reward for reuse as well as intellectual property protection. 7. Data Portability and Technological Neutrality “Ensure data portability, namely that data is easily transferred between systems and applications,” according to the recommendations. Furthermore, “do not impose any technical solutions on citizens, enterprises, or other administrations that are technology-specific or disproportionate to their true demands.” This means that, while governments may want BIM in public procurement, they should not request a specific technological solution, but rather outline functional needs. Furthermore, requesting technology should be motivated by a genuine need rather than by fashion or principle. 8. Privacy and Security This is a relatively recent issue in building IT system research. The EU framework’s proposal is a valid reminder that the security of systems where the built environment is planned and operated is critical: “Develop a standard security and privacy architecture and service processes to ensure secure and trustworthy data sharing.” 9. Data/Information Preservation “Formulate a long-term preservation policy for information relevant to European public services, particularly information shared across borders,” the recommendation says. Building information requires a similar long-term preservation plan. It is not acceptable that the information is simply forgotten when the project is completed. 10. Evaluation of Effectiveness and Efficiency The recommendation is to “evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of various interoperability solutions and technology possibilities in light of user needs, proportionality, and cost-benefit balance.” While the benefits of BIM are frequently advocated for, little effort has been made to improve information processes and focus on the information that is required. Specifically, the trend has been toward more information and more accurate and richer models. information. It is not acceptable that the information is simply forgotten when the project is completed. The OpenBIM methodology 11. Multilingualism The International Framework of Dictionaries (IFD) is a great illustration of how the OpenBIM methodology takes this notion into account. 12. Simplifying
Complete Guide: BIM Interoperability in the AEC Domain
One of the most difficult problems in the construction sector stems from distinct teams working in silos or lack of interoperability. These distinct work processes can lead to miscommunications, coordination challenges, and a variety of dangers as a result of a lack of teamwork. However, Modern digital technology provides an even more effective means of communicating, sharing knowledge, and learning. BIM is the solution to construction work process silos. The issue is that many AEC firms are concerned about a lack of interoperability and regard it as an impediment to BIM. Despite this issue Building information modeling (BIM) is a critical integrated data system that enables effective project planning and control in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) domain. Let’s take a closer look at BIM interoperability. What is Interoperability? As per ISO 37100:2016 Interoperability refers to a system’s ability to deliver services to and accept services from other systems, as well as to use the services exchanged for them to work efficiently together. AFUL.org states that Interoperability refers to a property of a product or system that allows it to interact with other products or systems, now or in the future, in terms of implementation or access, without any limits. Simply put Interoperability refers to the ability of computer programs & systems to exchange information efficiently. BIM in AEC Industry Building information modeling (BIM) is an integrated data system that enables effective project planning and control in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) domain. BIM may blend geometric representations of buildings with a range of semantic information. This makes a substantial contribution to a shift in the way of information documentation and interchange among various types of models in the AEC sector. BIM is an innovative technology that integrates two-dimensional drawings with three-dimensional models in the AEC area to integrate multiple lifecycle phases of a building or infrastructure. BIM Interoperability BIM interoperability implies the capacity to communicate data with various systems without requiring major changes. BIM allows visualization techniques such as augmented reality (AR) to be used in the AEC domain for purposes such as defect control, facility management, and pre-construction preview of a built environment. BIM can also be used for energy modeling and simulation, where it has been discovered that there is a communication gap between BIM applications and energy modeling tools during construction management. Integration of geographical information system (GIS) with other approaches for BIM applications helps increase data interoperability. When it comes to software, users want to be able to transition between solutions without having to re-enter their information each time. Their data should be consistent and transferable between various systems. This is critical when it comes to BIM. Read Related >> 12 Principles of Interoperability in Construction BIM interoperability develops when various teams and organizations on the same project may share the same data. All project information is maintained in one location and may be accessed by various disciplines using a variety of tools. The concept of interoperability is critical for BIM to function and give benefits to the AEC sectors. BIM Interoperability benefits in the AEC industry include: Final Thoughts – The Future is BIM Shaped After decades of poor IT acceptance and reliance on obsolete technologies such as 2D CAD, the AEC sector is now looking to Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a means of catching up with other industries in terms of information technology utilisation. This lag is evident in well-known low productivity, a lack of incentives for cooperation, and the high cost of inadequate interoperability in the AEC industry. BIM started the process by standardizing how information is produced so that it can be easily distributed and fully utilized. The internet of things, smart buildings, mobile and wearable technology, and analytics have all contributed to this trend, allowing real-time data to be used to automate operations and inform decision-making. The national digital twin project will enable that data to be used in ways its creators never envisioned. More than just the ability to transport information is required for BIM tools to work together. We must be able to communicate meaning. What is sent must match what is understood. To accomplish this, both parties must use a consistent information exchange reference model. Semantic BIM interoperability is required. BIM has the ability to transform the AEC business by serving as a central repository for data mapping, information, and integration. BIM has shown to be extremely valuable to lead AEC firms. Many organizations have formed a BIM R&D team to create more advanced BIM technologies, create unique solutions, investigate ways to integrate new systems and teach more individuals within their businesses. If your company sees BIM as the future of AEC, then systems interoperability is essential. However, BIM selection and implementation has its set of objections, fundamental among them being: Therefore Outsourcing BIM services is recommended as a proven, efficient, and feasible solution to overcome the challenges of BIM implementation. Indovance Inc. delivers a full range of BIM modeling projects. We work on parametric family creation, clash detection, model creation for all LOD (Level of Detail), 4D, 5D, and 6D support, and model phasing, as well. We also provide complete support for CAD to BIM, point cloud to BIM, and PDF to BIM conversions. For more queries regarding any of the above-mentioned topics, feel free to connect with us on our website www.indovance.com or contact us on +1-919-238-4044.