Construction Magazine July 2018 | Page 63

USA TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION A key ingredient for holistic building development ? “ Technology has of course been our friend ,” says Ruth . “ Each of my departments has specific software to keep projects on schedule and at cost . We send out reports weekly or monthly to share with ownership and other departments , so we have a good handle on where we ’ re going . Technology has done a wonderful thing for us – we have better control .” Ruth has also found that a level of independence is healthy , ensuring employees have the freedom to explore more digital initiatives . “ I leave it with each department head to present me with what they feel is the best software for their department and why .”
BIM ( building information modelling ) software is also used , with the company ’ s architect having upgraded from CAD to Revit , which shows preliminary design in 3D , virtual reality model . “ Back in the day , if I showed blueprints to people who weren ’ t in the trade , it was hard for them to see what a room would really look like . With this new software , you can put a 3D model on a screen and walk through the building , inside and out . It helps the group move ahead because there are less change orders . People can question things at an early stage . There ’ s a clearer understanding throughout the process .”
Transformation is set to continue , according

“ Part of the education is building efficient buildings to teach responsibility for future generations ”

— Alan Ruth , VP of Facilities and Construction
to Ruth . “ Technology is going to change the way we build and make our buildings more efficient . We ’ re going to get a better product , and we ’ ll be able to enjoy even greater time and cost savings .”
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