Applied Software
Taking BIM to the Field

Applied Software President Richard Burroughs sees a distinct lack of emphasis on field-based technology in the construction industry. A civil engineer by trade with more than 30 years of experience providing AEC technology, strategy and consulting services, Burroughs acknowledges that today’s construction company CIOs are heavily burdened just supporting core business infrastructures and processes.

“Construction companies are not required to deploy integrated collaborative tools in the field beyond the job trailer, but there are huge opportunities using mobile-based tablet technology and other jobsite tools that leverage digital data, including the project model,” said Burroughs. “To realize the full benefit of sharing and using the information contained in Building Information Models (BIM), CIOs must deploy and operate BIM technology at the jobsite.”

Components of jobsite technology, such as Autodesk’s BIM 360, are already in use. The ownership of these technologies typically rests with the project team, but the real leverage comes from standardizing deployments and integration with existing enterprise systems. Most construction companies own and use data that originates from many disconnected systems. The successful company will understand the value that resides in corporate data generated by all departments and leverage it, both for project work and new business development.

Technology plays an especially crucial role in the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) process. From BIM to the ability to produce accurate estimates, streamline collaboration, and manage projects and field data, technology provides the high level of transparency vital for the IPD approach to work. Aside from transparency, the speed of the project forces the team comprised of contractors, architects, engineers and owners into a highly collaborative state. This process is supported by technology to make sure that goal and targets are met throughout the project.

The story of Andy J. Egan Co., Inc. is one of many success stories where partnering with Applied Software’s Construction Technology Group has greatly improved workflows. The Michigan-based mechanical subcontractor implemented the BIM 360 Field and Glue solution to manage projects, track issues and equipment, create RFIs and more. The team launched the solution with a single project last spring. It was so instrumental to the success of the project in the field that the company has decided to use it on all projects.

“Using the latest and greatest technology is integral on both the marketing side and in field implementations,” said Chris Weaver, BIM Manager at Andy Egan. “Our customers are taking notice and we are winning work because of it.” Applied Software contributed to Andy Egan’s success by shortening both the deployment time and learning curve with comprehensive training and communications,saving the company time and money.

Applied Software excels in the breadth of solutions it offers and, most importantly, the level of native integration it ensures between products and functional deliverables. And while Autodesk solutions like BIM 360 Field and Glue, Autodesk Point Layout, Revit and Navisworks form the cornerstone of the firm’s Construction Technology Group, Applied Software doesn’t stop there.

Whether it’s BIM, field data management, a particular iPad application for drawing markups, or laser scanning for as-built conditions, we make sure our bucket is filled with the A-to-Z solutions a construction customer needs to make their life easier in the office and in the field

“We strongly believe that acquired technologies, technology partnerships and continued integration between technologies put us and our customers in an enviable position,” said Burroughs. “We’re continually evaluating emerging solutions such as 4D printing and have developed an extensive integration practice to help construction companies fully leverage field-based technologies with existing infrastructure and software.Whether it’s BIM, field data management, a particular iPad application for drawing markups, or laser scanning for as-built conditions, we make sure our bucket is filled with the A-to-Z solutions a construction customer needs to make their life easier in the office and in the field.”