Technology

Construction Technology and Software Rundown: October 15, 2021

By Marla McIntyre
October 13, 2021
Topics
Technology

COVID-19 Resources

Origami Risk helps employers address exposures related to COVID-19with the ability to track employee vaccinations, boosters, post-vaccination protection waiting periods and weekly testing of employees with test results, quarantine requirements for positive tests, follow-up testing and return-to-work protocols.

Software & In the Cloud

DEWALT HangerWorks™ PRO software is an Autodesk Revit plug-in for MEP contractors and engineers that automates the placement and design of MEP hangers and seismic bracing. The layout works with pipe, duct, conduit and cable tray and delivers complete design, anchoring and installation solutions.

Trimble has launched a beta version of SketchUp for iPad for industry professionals to create, edit and collaborate on 3D models. The app leverages 5G connectivity and integrates with the Trimble Connect™ collaboration platform, a cloud-based solution that enables file updates in real time. Project stakeholders can collaborate and move seamlessly between SketchUp for iPad, web and desktop. Early access to SketchUp for iPad is open to a limited number of users.

Encamp software platform for environmental compliance combines a data management system and EHS-compliance reporting automation. Encamp features a compliance reporting event library and templates, a dashboard to monitor work and site-specific compliance validation and record keeping to help avoid fines and reputational harm of non-compliance.

CameraMatics, "Internet of Things" fleet and vehicle safety technology specialist, has reengaged in the U.S. market. CameraMatics’ SaaS software platform is based on connected camera technology, vision systems, AI, machine learning and telematics, combined with fleet safety modules to help fleet operators to drive new safety standards across their fleet and drivers.

Acumatica 2021 R2 for construction and field service simplifies project workflows via project drop shipments; reviews and assesses performance against peer group with CFMA Benchmarker integration; streamlines billing and improves flexibility by configuring service contract billing for the start of each period; reduces clicks to upgrade efficiency while adding inventory and tracking time via a mobile device; corrects data entry errors with a project reclassification feature; and shows profitability in the service order.

Trimble FieldLink layout and scanning software is now available by subscription. It works across all Trimble layout and scanning instruments to help contractors translate the precision of 3D models directly into the field. The software fee doesn’t have to be paid upfront and users can transfer seats between tablets when lost, broken or stolen, or if the user is deployed on a different project.

Nialli™ Visual Planner, a cloud-based application modeled after the Lean Construction Institute’s Last Planner® System, has new browser functionality and enhanced tablet and laptop support. Construction teams can use simple gestures to set tag status in calendar view, create logic ties, add and edit planning elements such as lanes and constraints, participate in phase planning sessions and view reports.

InEight's platform updates focus on short-interval planning and subcontractor management. Enhancements integrate project planning from CPM schedules to engineering and construction work packages and from short interval/look-ahead plans to daily crew plans. The latest platform enhancements include streamlined change order management and approvals; real-time insights into the impact of changing financials; real-time views of current budgets to improve forecast accuracy; and additional mobile functionality that provides full, real-time visibility into progress and issues of workflows while on-the-go.

Autodesk Takeoff beta API allows estimating teams to leverage quantity takeoff data and project information directly from Autodesk Takeoff and integrate it into existing solutions. Teams can extend the life of takeoff data to inform project decisions and power downstream workflows while breaking down barriers and providing added flexibility.

Autodesk BIM Collaborate’s updates help teams identify and resolve design and constructability issues throughout the building lifecycle. A new clash tolerance filter allows individuals on the project team to check their work using dynamic clash tolerance filters. Issues in Design Collaboration for A/E and BIM experts identifies 3D issues in the design phase—adding relevant issue details, assignments, comments and due dates to be resolved in Revit or passed on to the coordination phase. 2D issues are also available for digital markup of 2D sheets with shapes, text, measurements, photo references and issue pins during design review.

Assemble users can now publish Revit models directly from Autodesk Docs and BIM 360 Docs to Assemble without using Revit or any publisher add-ins.

Partnerships, Acquisitions & Integrations

Triax Technologies and EarthCamhave partnered on an enhanced Spot-r Mesh platform. Triax clients can use the entry and exit timestamps in the Spot-r Mesh dashboard to connect to EarthCam’s video cameras and provide real-time, independent visual verification of the check-in/check-out process.

ProEst has integrated with Sage Intacct Construction, a cloud financial management solution. The two cloud-based solutions will streamline and integrate estimating, preconstruction and core financial management activities from initial bid to final closeout.

HCSS construction software for estimating, field entry, project management, safety, digital plans, 3-D drone imaging, fleet management and telematics is being acquired by Thoma Bravo, a software investment firm.

Unanet, SaaS ERP and CRM provider for AEC industries, is partnering with OpenAsset project-based digital asset management solution to offer customers automated digital asset management tools for marketing and business development efficiency on its Unanet Connect platform. The new platform keeps development efforts on track and on brand; updates portfolios to ensure all teams are working from the latest marketing assets to ensure quicker asset management for presentations and proposals; and enables customers to easily organize, tag and search for images.

RealWear is collaborating with Autodesk, integrating Autodesk Construction Cloud with RealWear’s HMT-1 assisted reality device that gives construction workers hands-free access to project documents, plans and models. Users snap a RealWear device to their hard hats to view a micro-display that looks like a 7” tablet and use voice commands to take HD photos using the device’s front-facing camera.

Video & Cool Stuff

Autodesk and FMI’s industry survey on data management, Harnessing the Data Advantage in Construction (registration required), found that having data strategies in place correlates with better business outcomes, but that “bad” data could have cost the construction industry $1.85 trillion last year.

by Marla McIntyre

Marla McIntyre is a digital editor of CE This Week and ConstructionExec.com. She edited Construction Executive’s Tech Trends and Risk Management eNewsletters and is the author of more than 200 articles and publications, including Construction Executive’s annual technology predictions, Technology & Software Rundown column and an award-winning series for the Risk Management Association. Her extensive construction and risk management background includes stints as executive director the Surety Information Office and American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington.



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