Digitization is a term used to describe the growing prevalence of digital technology. Today, it permeates most industries, ranging from architecture to engineering. However, the rapid adoption of digital technology is driven by its overwhelming usefulness. Whether a team is visualizing 3D data or optimizing workflows, digital technology empowers them.
3D printing is spreading fast
One of the main technological innovations in the field of manufacturing has been 3D printers. These devices use easy-to-design schematics and convert them into physical models. Since a user can transmit a schematic remotely, communication limitations are removed. In 2018, HP started producing Metal Jet, the most advanced 3D printer in the world. It was designed to accommodate high-volume manufacturing runs of metal parts.
Their designers imagined a machine capable of producing metal parts 50 times faster than competing machines. Currently, 3D printing is relegated to prototyping more than the actual production of devices. However, these trends will change as technology improves and users adopt it. 3D printers will expand access to prostheses and enable on-site customization of attachments. Likewise, orthopedics will integrate these advances in the machine to print individualized shoes on demand. HP predicts that their machine will soon be able to issue more than 10 million coins per month.
Construction Engineering, Procurement and Utilization
Companies belonging to EPC industries will benefit from digitized technological aids. Harvard Business Review reports that nearly 85% of companies expect delays when developing projects. On the other hand, the adoption of modeling technology can mitigate these negative impacts on the timeline. L&T Group’s engineering and construction divisions had less than 20% penetration. Yet they embraced BIM tools relentlessly, connecting 10,700 machines across 450 sites. Project improvements have improved energy efficiency by 25% through technology dissemination.
In addition, individual worker productivity jumped 15%. In addition, a 10% increase in machine productivity was seen, which improved profitability. Asked about the improvements, industry analysts backed bold and decisive decision-making.
In additive manufacturing
Digital manufacturing integrates computer systems into the production process. Additionally, supply chain engineers implement it during modeling and simulations. They can identify potential inefficiencies before the product is finalized and correct them. Therefore, inefficient techniques will not be used when manufacturing items, which will reduce total investments. Additionally, executives can anticipate improvements in their company’s time to market.
Process optimization benefits from substantial improvements when complemented by digital software. Project managers can visualize new developments without investing in prototypes and without cutting budgets. Alternatively, a manufacturing plant’s engineering team may receive reconfigurable machines. If they discover improved production processes, it is not difficult to welcome them.
Planning and design advancements
As a first step, managers need to streamline project plans and combine reality capture. Modern software tools effectively integrate these upgrades and changes into designs. Then, workers can imagine models using real-world data, generating useful context for applications. Smart data capture updates included metrics as the job was completed. Then the design specialists can complete the conceptual designs and analysis. They can detail and document preconstruction information, informing planning and logistics. So fewer investors are needed to finalize funding, and engineers can focus on what’s close at hand.
Building and operations
Manufacturing begins after successful approval of planned processes. Then, the manufacturers deliver the items according to the specifications developed by BIM, shipping them directly to the users. Construction logistics are shared with traders and contractors, ensuring optimal timing and efficiency. Once operations are underway, BIM data is transferred and helps maintain finished assets. Later, BIM data enables cost-effective renovations and efficient deconstruction. These advances elevate businesses and make them more competitive in the long run.
The development of optimized procedures can increase a company’s profitability by reducing latency times. Because businesses can easily visualize data, team members can spot issues. Then the software can help integrate the solution, improving potential disruptions. Further away, Dodge and data analysis’ report shows that the market anticipates progress in speed. Since most companies using these tools work faster, this is an industry-wide effect. Project managers have noticed the greatest benefits when using tools during the design phases. As a result, they saw accelerated completion rates, increasing deliverability.
Inexpensive crafting of exotic materials
An additional advantage conferred by numerical environments is the modeling of exotic properties. In many cases, an engineer has to test things in the real world or they can’t predict the results. Nevertheless, numerical simulations of photoresists and similar classes of materials have improved considerably. Autodesk Manufacturing CAMduct uses manufacturer-specific content during simulations. This can allow the generation of accurate models and provide improved estimates. MEP manufacturers can be supported through this technology, which contributes to profit.
As technology improves, more and more users flock to it. An abundance of evidence demonstrates a surprising finding in ACE industry sectors. Architects, contractors and engineers will increasingly adopt these technological tools over time. Each vertical benefits from many improvements through reliable use of technology. Since staff efficiency improves with consistent use, time will only boost support use. Dodge’s report points to future-facing use cases, such as robotics applications. Since BIM data is used to guide machines, it can be implemented to the application. These tools will allow the creation of virtual reality scenarios, informing decisions on the ground. For example, these assistive technologies can be integrated into robotic trench diggers. Trained employees can use these devices to improve forecast accuracy during construction projects.
Daniel Drohan is an account executive for the New England market for Microsol Resources.
