The adoption of Tekla Structures and Tekla PowerFab at Del Bravo Steel has been a key factor in its operational transformation. These tools have enabled the company to optimize its processes, improve efficiency and increase its competitiveness in the market. By digitizing and automating workflows that previously relied on traditional methods, Del Bravo Steel has not only reduced production times, but also increased the quality of its projects.
Disebsa: Transforming the Steel Industry with Tekla PowerFab
Founded in 1990, Disebsa has grown significantly, consolidating its presence in Mexico and the United States under the name Del Bravo Steel. With workshops in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, the company specializes in the fabrication of steel structures, including joists, sheets, beams and columns.
From the traditional method to 3D models
In 2018, Del Bravo Steel began exploring new technologies, discovering Tekla Structures to then create a flow with Tekla Powerfab. The decision to adopt this tool, necessary to transform operational processes that until then relied on AutoCAD and paper-based procedures, was crucial to improve its competitiveness and increase the size of its business and the type of projects it tackles.
The transition from traditional methods to a digital environment was not easy. However, the company decided that in order to remain competitive in the face of growing demands, it was essential to adopt advanced technologies. This change allowed them to reduce time and costs, optimizing administration and production.
The implementation of Tekla PowerFab has also transformed administrative management. With the introduction of Tekla PowerFab Go, any team member, from plant managers to material managers, can review and update shipping lists and manage tonnages in real time from tablets or mobile devices for greater accuracy and efficiency on the shop floor. This advancement has made production management accessible to everyone and has sped up processes, eliminating the confusion of paper lists.
Impact on Projects and Results
Since the implementation of Tekla PowerFab in 2022, the results have been remarkable. Projects were won that included a 110,000 square foot warehouse and a 350 ton steel onion plant. Tekla PowerFab was instrumental in efficiently handling the production and management of these large-scale projects.
The tool has made it possible to coordinate production in five workshops simultaneously, in Mexico and the United States, ensuring on-time delivery and quality in each project. A detailer who previously handled multiple tasks manually can now manage the work of three people thanks to the digital workflow, which facilitates the planning and tracking of each process, from purchasing to assembly.
Efficiency Within Everyone's Reach: Tekla PowerFab Go and Trimble Connect
"Implementing Tekla PowerFab has allowed us to connect all of our processes in a structured way, facilitating communication between teams and improving our operational efficiency." Mario Urquidi Jr., General Manager Del Bravo Steel
The implementation of Tekla PowerFab not only revolutionized production at Del Bravo Steel, but also introduced innovative tools that took its efficiency and organization to the next level. One of them is Tekla PowerFab Go, which facilitates production management for any member of the team, from managers to material managers, allowing more accessible and faster production management. PowerFab Go allows you to review and update shipping lists, track production progress and manage tonnages in real time from mobile devices, improving visibility and operational efficiency.
This tool not only simplifies administration, but also speeds up processes, eliminating the chaos of paper lists and ensuring real-time synchronization.
But the real magic happens when Tekla PowerFab is combined with Trimble Connect. This combination allows them to share full 3D models with customers, engineers and assemblers. This allowed them to show the project in detail before installation, enhancing collaboration and real-time feedback. Customers don't just see the drawings; they see the final construction before a single bolt is installed, which has improved communication and decision making by enabling the sharing of 3D models with customers and erectors.
In a recent industrial plant construction project, the integration of these platforms made it possible to coordinate production in five workshops in two countries, manage each batch of materials and communicate important details in real time. This gave Del Bravo Steel total control over the construction process, offering a level of sophistication comparable to that of large companies, regardless of the size of the project.Del Bravo Steel has achieved something few companies can offer: total control over every aspect of the construction process, from engineering to final installation.
"Now small or medium-sized companies can compete with the larger ones," says Mario Urquidi Jr.
The Secret to Success: An Interconnected Workflow
"Implementing Tekla PowerFab has allowed us to connect all of our processes in a structured way, facilitating communication between teams and improving our operational efficiency, allowing us to do more with less." Mario Urquidi Jr., General Manager Del Bravo Steel
Del Bravo Steel's success is due to its seamless and complete interconnected workflow, spanning from engineering to final delivery. The implementation of Tekla PowerFab has been crucial in connecting all stages of the process, ensuring that all teams are aligned and working towards a common goal. Trimble Connect facilitates clear communication through the exchange of 3D models and real-time updates, allowing teams to coordinate effectively and customers to actively participate in the process by reviewing and approving models prior to manufacturing. This interconnectivity ensures that Del Bravo Steel can move forward with confidence, maintaining control at every stage of the project.
Prior to Tekla PowerFab, Del Bravo Steel faced challenges in organization and administration due to the dispersion of information between different platforms and the use of traditional tools such as AutoCAD and paper-based processes.
A Success Model for the Industry
Mario Urquidi Jr. says, "Now, thanks to this interconnected system, we can take on five times the workload without any problems. Tekla PowerFab and Trimble Connect have taught us to work in a smarter and more structured way, which has been key to our success.
Thanks to Tekla PowerFab and Trimble Connect, Del Bravo Steel has raised its standards in the steel industry, improving its production and management. Tekla PowerFab has enabled Del Bravo Steel to gain detailed insight into their business through instant reports on sales and demand. This visibility helps them adjust their strategy, prioritize high-value products, and avoid unnecessary expenses. With a deeper understanding of their operations, Del Bravo Steel can make more informed decisions, be more proactive in the face of market changes, and strengthen their competitiveness as well as grow stronger and more competitive in an increasingly demanding market.
Mario Urquidi Jr. stresses that the successful implementation of a new system like Tekla PowerFab depends on effective coordination and a strong commitment from the team. Although training can take up to six months if there is resistance to change, the process is accelerated if everyone is willing to adapt. Fostering a culture of learning and adaptation is crucial for everyone to understand the benefits of the new tool and collaborate on an efficient transition, thus maximizing system utilization from the start.
The key, according to Mario, is to foster a culture of learning and adaptation, where everyone involved understands the benefits of the new tool and is willing to collaborate to make the transition efficiently. This not only speeds up the implementation, but also ensures that the team gets the most out of the new system from the start.
The Power of Digital Transformation
"The implementation of Tekla PowerFab and Trimble Connect has allowed us to make much more informed decisions by providing us with instant reports on which products are selling the most and in what quantity." Mario Urquidi Jr., General Manager Del Bravo Steel
Del Bravo Steel's story illustrates how digital transformation can redefine success in the steel industry. The adoption of Tekla PowerFab and Trimble Connect has optimized their production and management, enabling them to tackle larger and more complex projects with precise coordination. Mario Urquidi Jr. comments: "Our challenge was never in our production capacity, but in our management capacity. Now, thanks to this interconnected system, we can take on five times the load without a hitch. This interconnected workflow not only optimizes the operation, but transforms how companies achieve their goals, setting a new standard in the steel industry.
The key to Del Bravo Steel's success lies in its ability to adapt to new technologies and create a networked work culture. By adopting an open mindset towards change and being willing to overcome cultural barriers, Del Bravo Steel has positioned itself as an innovative and efficient company in the competitive steel market. With a motivated team and optimized production capacity, Del Bravo Steel projects itself as one of the most advanced companies in the use of Tekla PowerFab in Mexico.
Ultimately, their story shows us that true success comes not only from higher production or larger projects, but from having the right tools to manage, control and connect every step of the process. An interconnected workflow doesn't just streamline the operation; it completely transforms the way companies achieve their goals and the value they deliver to their customers.
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