Design platforms such as Revit are widely used in the construction industry to create building models. However, these tools can present certain limitations when it comes to meeting the specific needs of HVAC and electrical design offices.
To overcome these challenges, design offices can benefit from additional specialized software, or plug-ins. These software packages have certain features that will enable users to improve the accuracy of their models, reduce errors and costs, increase the efficiency of their projects and more. Read on to discover all the benefits!
Model more accurately and efficiently
When you're working on a design platform like Revit, or any other, it's essential to have accurate, up-to-date manufacturers' components to build your projects. However, it is often the case that the libraries built into such software offer only generic content. This can limit the level of detail in your model, and complicate accurate and reliable planning.
When investing in complementary software to enhance your design platform, choose one that includes a complete library of components from recognized manufacturers. This will enable you to quickly select the most suitable materials for your project, while at the same time having accurate information to start the manufacturing phase without wasting time.
By adopting a more detailed approach from the outset, you not only optimize your design process, but also reap the benefits of prefabrication. This means less material waste and better management of labor costs, while guaranteeing a high-quality end result.
Detect errors upstream and reduce rework
In the construction sector, rework can cost between 5% and 10% of the total project price. Not an insignificant cost. That's why it's crucial to identify errors at an early stage, to reduce unforeseen changes and preserve your margins.
By leveraging a plugin with collision detection functionality, you can proactively and efficiently identify collisions, and dramatically reduce costly rework. This helps you maintain deadlines, control budgets and ensure much smoother manufacturing and construction processes.
What's more, your models become more accurate and closer to the reality of the final project. These detailed models not only allow you to clearly visualize the design intent, but also to identify and correct inconsistencies before construction begins.
Streamline workflows and improve productivity
Calculations are a crucial part of model design, and one of the most time-consuming and tedious tasks. This is often due to the fact that, with traditional CAD software, calculations are performed outside the system, forcing your team to go back and forth between systems to prepare the calculations.
On the other hand, many design managers still use Excel spreadsheets to prepare their calculations. Both methods are inefficient, lead to delays and are prone to errors.
Additional design software with integrated calculations in compliance with French standards, including DTU 60.5, will enable you to carry out your calculations in just a few clicks, without leaving your design platform. This enhances your productivity and workflow, which translates into many other benefits.
Increase profitability
All the above-mentioned benefits of a Revit plugin can also translate into improved profits for your company. By reducing the time spent on rework and calculations, you and your team are more likely to meet project deadlines. By delivering projects on time, your customers are satisfied, and you build a relationship of trust with them that will undoubtedly enable you to do more business with them in the future.
Another benefit of on-time project delivery is that it enables your team to move on to other projects more quickly, increasing your opportunities to generate profits for the company.
In addition, other MEP software packages offer prefabrication tools that can increase your return on investment. It's estimated that companies can save up to 15% by increasing their prefabricated and modular construction designs, and that's not counting the 20-50% reduction in completed schedules.
To find out more about what to look for in your MEP drafting software, click to access the white paper " The 8 essential functions of CAD/MEP software "
