MANAGEMENT
By Lucy Perry
The Project Manager’s Toolbox Software programs enhance BIM in the office and the field
O
ne of the hottest trends in construction in 2017 is increased use of building information modeling (BIM) across entire projects. The faster the data can be shared, the better. For steel erectors, a project management software program that grows with the operation helps all parties quickly and easily process that data. These days, the key to BIM is moving more information from the back office out to workers in the field. Glen Pisani, steel division manager for MAS Building & Bridge Inc. in Norfolk, Mass., says because steel erection is a relatively easy construction process, things can “go south quickly.” He boils it down to “knowing sooner: The better you are at knowing how you’re doing production-wise, the sooner you can react if there’s a problem.”
Lucy Perry operates WordSkills Editorial Services in Kansas City, Mo. With 35 years of writing and editing experience, she has spent 20 years following the North American construction industry. She can be reached at wordskillseditor@gmail.com.
Shedding that paper trail Because of that need to know, MAS connected its back office with steel erection crews in the field with Field2Base, a software program designed for collection, delivery, and integration of mobile data into current or legacy IT systems. Pisani says the transition was simple: They took current forms and generated electronic copies of them. “We got the guys tablets, and in the field they were able to process the info, and email items rather than hand-deliver them. We could download info into the tablets for paperless filing and records.” Still fairly old-school and wanting to attract younger, more computer-savvy workers, the company implemented paperless estimating practices with a software program that would enable the back office to estimate onscreen. They found On-screen Takeoff from On Center Software, which helps contractors reduce costs, save time, and improve accuracy in processing job takeoff lists. “You download drawings and you’re able to do the entire
16 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
estimate by clicking on sections and counting the job electronically,” explains Pisani. “We’re taking baby steps in understanding how to use it.” MAS went a step further, connecting On-Screen Takeoff to its QuickBid program to generate project management data — quantities, budgets, and production rates. QuickBid also has a digital production control feature where, with On-Screen Takeoff, the user can dial into the project to monitor progress. Finally, because every ironworker is accountable for what he or she has accomplished on a given day, MAS sought to track all daily production rates. Their project management solution tracks a line item or personnel hours, or monitors progress in the field, to make modifications as needed. “We began doing that with paper, then with Field2Base,” explains Pisani. “On-screen Takeoff enables us to cue the foreman or designated person onsite. When a piece is erected, they can touch it on a screen and it’s counted as a pick. The info goes back to our office as completed, and a report is generated based on info produced in the field.” Lissette Costa, Project Analyst for Buckner Companies, likes the eSUB program for similar reasons. It allows subcontractors to control documents as it connects office to field, and helps the back office see in real time what supervisors are doing. Paperwork interaction in the BIM model happens faster, too, says Costa. “Instead of waiting for daily reports, now change orders and RFIs can be manipulated by multiple users simultaneously, which saves time overall along with having a more professional appearance.” Buckner’s back office uses the program in multiple ways: Because it’s web-based, it can be accessed by computer at any location, via the internet. “Also, our supervisors and foremen use it through a mobile app in the field on their tablet and phone” Costa adds.