Using LATISTA's core technology of field automation, companies can now collaborate on production in real-time using Tekla Structures Building Information Models
LATISTA Technologies, a leader in construction automation and field-management solutions, and Tekla Corporation, the provider of Tekla Structures Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, announced today a technology partnership that will improve information access and management on capital projects. LATISTA Field will integrate Tekla Structures and their associated information in the office and on the jobsite. The combined solution allows construction project stakeholders to better track production, materials, and quality and to view progress in the BIM model during the construction process. This solution applies the principles of Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) in the field, improving the process and tying stakeholders together collaboratively.
LATISTA Field is the first software of its kind to integrate BIM models that users can view and update in the field using portable tablet PCs. Because combining BIM and mobility improves communication and collaboration, architects and owners can reference the same project information, in a 3D context, as field engineers and inspectors.
Tekla’s customers have long enjoyed both the Design and Construction BIM capabilities possible with Tekla Structures: construction-driven design, level of detail, and large model capabilities. Tekla Structures Building Information Models are 3D representations of the "as-will-be-built" and as-built project. In Tekla Structures, each element that makes up the project links to a myriad of information including name, global unique identification (GUID) number, and tag number for RFID or barcode reference.
LATISTA integrates this information from the Tekla Structures model using XML and augments it with statuses, issues, and actions in automated inspection forms, including punchlists, quality assurance and control (QA/QC), materials tracking, production tracking, and safety. With a portable tablet PC in the field, a LATISTA user can key in or scan the BIM item’s tag code from RFID or barcode and automatically access a 3D BIM view of the item, its surroundings, and associated inspection forms or checklists.
Project engineers using LATISTA Field can update a BIM item’s status, deficiency issues, and prescribed actions easily using tablet PCs. Deficiencies can be further illustrated with photographs and marked-up two-dimensional drawings. When the LATISTA user synchronizes the tablet PC and the software to share updates with other users over a server, the Building Information Model is updated and shared as well. The Building Information Model is also color-coded to match item statuses; items in production might be shaded orange, then blue when delivered, and green once in place. This view is also available in the field, so project engineers can see project status at a glance and be made aware of any items that are causing production delays.
Building Information Models can also automatically provide a list of the construction elements contained within the model, known as a bill of materials (BOM). With integrated BIM support from Tekla, LATISTA Field users will be able to scan an item’s RFID tag or barcode to bring up an information screen for that item that will highlight the item’s final placement in the Tekla Structures Building Information Modeland display statuses on location and condition. Since LATISTA Field access can also be shared with fabricators, items and materials can be tracked from their creation off-site to quality assurance (QA) to delivery on-site to placement within the project. This automation tracks in real time, improving quality and scheduling for the project.
Incorporating time-stamps in the Building Information Model allows it to be viewed in four dimensions (3D + time = 4D), allowing users to track and review production on a capital project. LATISTA Field already uses time-stamps extensively for issue documentation and user actions, and this powerful system has been expanded to include Tekla Structures Building Informaiton Models. A project manager or owner looking at a color-coded Tekla Structures model can easily review completion status of their project. Managing a project so comprehensively improves subcontractor performance thus making the overall project more efficient.
LATISTA’s BIM integration with Tekla Structures will also improve project documentation. At the project’s conclusion, the BIM model contained in LATISTA will contain all design, item, production, and process notes, serving as a living, three-dimensional construction record of issues and their resolution. This documentation will serve owners during the commissioning process and beyond for facilities and warranty management.
“Tekla’s BIM capabilities are a great addition to LATISTA Field, and we’re pleased to be working with such a strong company,” said LATISTA Vice President Chris Ramsey. “Adding BIM capabilities to LATISTA Field’s already strong modules for inspections and issues tracking and improving the functionality of our items and production tracking will be great for our customers focusing on IPD and quality. Users’ finally being able to access and update the 3D models in the field is a huge step forward for jobsite management and collaboration.”
“Tekla is committed to providing the design and construction industry with the best in construction and fabrication level-of-detail Building Information Modeling solutions,” said President of Tekla North America, Hans Ehrnrooth. “It’s not enough that these solutions live in the design or construction office. Tekla is committed to pushing these solutions out to the jobsite trailer, fabrication floor and point of installation. Collaboration with leading mobile field solutions providers makes this possible and accessible to the construction masses.”
About LATISTA Technologies
LATISTA’s mission is to enable contractors and capital project owners to dramatically improve operational efficiency and deliver higher quality facilities on time by offering a comprehensive enterprise field management solution. LATISTA Technologies has been a leader in quality and field management solutions and services since its founding in Reston, Va., in 2001. Its software is used by top 200 contractors and top 50 owners worldwide to improve operational efficiency and enhance collaboration among project participants. More information at www.latista.com.