Weighing up the odds
When do you buy SaaS and when do you build a service for security-first applications? Here are some thoughts on both sides of the argument
A New Way of Operating
Understanding how construction and engineering projects are planned and executed is the key to bidding for, controlling, and ultimately achieving successful outcomes
SketchUp AI
SketchUp provides some welcome modeling, visualisation and help tools based on AI in its latest release, writes David Chadwick
AI digs deeper
Bryony Coombs, customer success manager at ALICE Technologies, explains how AI is reshaping UK tunnelling projects
Synchronised in 4D
Mortenson & McCarthy leverage SYNCHRO to deliver a landmark luxury resort for Chula Vista's bayfront area, using time-saving and advanced 4D construction planning
The construction crimewave
Mim Mogul, UK Managing Director of BauWatch, outlines the rise in equipment theft from construction sites that inevitably impact a project's activities, and ultimately its bottom line, and suggests ways to mitigate the problem - with no help from the UK Government
Building the Future with AI
The focus of Bentley Systems' new software releases at their recent Year in Infrastructure 2025 Conference was most definitely on AI, writes David Chadwick
Decarbonising industrial buildings
Ian Highton and Paul Bacon of EDSL, and Chris Scott from the Net Zero Advisory describe how they were able to successfully decarbonise a leaking and draughty warehouse. Dr. Naghman Khan at earthbot.io explains the process
Homes for the Future
What's stopping housebuilders from adopting the latest digital technology for their housebuilding plans? Trimble's recent survey looks at how the industry is coping and why some housebuilders appear to be struggling to adopt digital planning and remain paper-based
TwinMaster: Practical AI-Assisted Digital Twins
As artificial intelligence continues to find its footing in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) software, the industry is moving beyond theoretical use cases toward tools that deliver tangible value within established workflows.
Payment Management
Productivity is a two-edged sword. It relies on fulfilment of both sides of a contract - that subcontractors complete their tasks and are then paid adequately and promptly for doing so
Digital Imperitives
Greg Bishop, Director of Digital Transformation at Creative ITC, explains why elevating IT from a back-office burden can lead to a competitive advantage
Asta Vision
Elecosoft's Asta Vision is a powerful, cloud-based, collaborative, solution that gives contractors the tools to manage all aspects of multiple projects
It's all a Facade!
Andrew Gascoine, Digital Engineering Manager at Mabey Hire explores the role digital engineering and immersive design solutions can play when delivering facade retention schemes
Creating a Data Ecosystem
Paul Devlin, CEO, Causeway Technologies, believes that construction doesn't need more tech, it needs connected data
Don't Let Data go to Waste
Qflow becomes one of the first B Corp certified construction tech platforms
The Power of Connection
If we are to truly deliver sustainably faster and safer then connected workflows are a 'must'. Here, David Sanderson, Analysis and Design Product Manager at Trimble explores the value of connected ecosystems and workflows, and what this can look like on the ground for construction teams
So, you don't do Gantt?
A survey conducted during ALICE Technologies' launch of ALICE Plan revealed the wide range of tools that project managers currently use to stay on track with building projects
Cloud Computing and ERP Integration
Cloud computing provides the means, but does it really deliver the goods when it comes to increasing productivity?
Faster by Design
Digitising for efficiency and transparency: how Vaughan Engineering Services has transformed subcontractor payment Processes
A Herculean Task
Bringing together the multiple and varied strands of a construction project is now beyond the scope of traditional working practices.
Payment Management
Productivity is a two-edged sword. It relies on fulfilment of both sides of a contract - that subcontractors complete their tasks and are then paid adequately and promptly for doing so.
The Status of Construction Industry Fair Payments
Fast, accurate and fair payments have never been more important. With demand expected to increase, a net zero energy crisis, and the construction industry currently facing a worsening skills shortage, payment delays and disputes risking business and project failure are the last thing any business wants.
Fine-tuning Projects
David Chadwick looks at Buildots' new Line of Balance tool and how it enhances original critical path analysis software
A Warm Reception
How CRASH facilitated the roles of its patrons in improving accessibility and creating a welcoming environment at St Mary's Hospice
The Growth of Machine Learn
Levi Brown of Motif describes how Machine Learning can stitch together the most disconnected industry in the World
Structurally Advanced
The latest versions of Tekla Structural Designer and Tekla Tedds provide enhanced workflows for structural engineers amongst a wealth of collaboration and manufacturing tools
Looking at the Earth with Fresh Eyes
Mark Wells, Esri UK CTO, highlights how rapid growth in drone, satellite and other imagery is helping to support data-driven information strategies
Keeping construction connected
Kristian Torode, director and co-founder of business IT provider Crystaline, explains how 5G-powered routers can enable construction connectivity anywhere, anytime
Parametric design delivers on Barkston Ash Rail Bridge
When detailing Barkston Ash Rail Bridge as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, Double Check Digital Engineering took advantage of Network Rail's standardised designs and the Grasshopper-Tekla Structures live link, facilitating significant time savings and automated efficiencies
How Construction Technology Helps Improve Relationships Across the Supply Chain
In construction, relationships are the bedrock of success. From suppliers and subcontractors to project managers and general contractors, fostering strong connections is essential for delivering projects efficiently and profitably.
Autodesk Forma
David Chadwick looks at Autodesk's plans for the AECO environment this year, which include enhancing the capabilities of Forma along with significant developments in AI, most notably with Forma's Carbon Analysis tools
Bentley and Cesium
The acquisition of Cesium and its geospatial tools by Bentley Systems will immeasurably enhance the future of infrastructure planning, construction and operation, writes David Chadwick
A Tale of Two BIMs
airc-digital are a unique collective of like-minded OpenBIM experts and integrated designers centred around developing BIM level 3 with Archicad, writes David Chadwick
Smart Simulations
Simscale explain how and why the early deployment of physical simulations will enhance sustainable computational design and engineering, particularly when used in conjunction with the latest AI tools.
Building the future
Could AI help to bring younger people into the construction industry?
Digitising the building site
UK housebuilders are embracing data quality management processes like never before, according to new resarch from Zutec
Streamlined water quality schemes
Bentley Systems' Paul Rotter explains how Mott MacDonald standardises phosphorous removal schemes, using ProjectWise Component Centre, to facilitate repeatable workflows and deliver infrastructure and intelligence benefits to the UK water industry
Integrated Tracking
Building sites are complex environments that require advanced technology to keep on track, but they still rely on the expertise and know-how of the human workforce - hence the introduction of Buildots' new Integrated Tracking solution
Strength in diversity
BuildMyTalent has built a database of highly talented and diverse construction professionals at a time when the industry is struggling with a skills shortage
Joined-up data
Sasha Crotty, leader of Autodesk's AEC Design Data team, explains how the acquisition of Datum360 democratises data access for its AECO customers
A walk in the park
Looq AI's new handheld device and cloud platform integrates cameras, GPS, and AI for rapid data collection from sites and automated analysis for the infrastructure industry
Finance for Smart Buildings
Toby Horne, Smart Infrastructure Financing Partner, Siemens Financial Services UK, explains how Retrofitting non-residential buildings is a critical step in the reduction of carbon emissions in old buildings - and points out the financial benefits of doing so.
Naviate Zero
Symetri sets a new benchmark in sustainable building design with the launch of Naviate Zero
AI Meets Big Data
How Access COINS uses AI and Big Data to transform construction with ERP
A BIM Health Check
Simon Hailstone, Principal Consultant at Cambashi, looks at the current state of play with BIM data management software
Digital Product Passports
Lars Fredenlund, managing director of Cobuilder explains how the Construction Products Regulation will push forward the adoption of Digital Product Passports
BIM & Tonic
Nemetschek recently celebrated its 60th year with the launch of an innovative digital twin application - dTwin - punningly paired with a gin tasting experience, writes David Chadwick
Tekla 2024
Tekla's 2024 line-up of structural BIM software offers an enhanced user experience and connects workflows across projects and stakeholders
Leveraging AssetWise
Clarion Housing have devised their own Asset Management solution, based on Bentley's AssetWise ALIM, to comply with the government's Building Safety Act
IDEA StatiCa
Winners of the Innovation of the Year category at the 2023 Construction Computing Awards, IDEA StatiCa revolutionises the structural design of steel connections
Supply Chain Management
Enhancing construction supply chain efficiency with RedSky
Gathering the evidence
Gleeson Homes partner with Zutec to deliver Building Regulation England Part L Photographic Evidence Compliance and beyond
AssetTagz
David Chadwick looks at the role of AssetTagz in delivering a comprehensive asset management solution using the ubiquitous barcodes, QR codes and RFID tags
Immersive design reviews
Launched at the recent Autodesk University 2023, Autodesk Workshop XR has been created to facilitate design collaboration on projects using Extended Reality
Payapps
Payapps, winners of the Cloud Computing category at this year's Construction Computing Awards, have enhanced their offerings in the construction payment management field with the acquisition of WebContractor Holdings
Cabinet of curiosities
Following fast on the heels of the Vectorworks 2024 launch, Update 2 introduces numerous new features. Here we focus on one that aptly demonstrates a different facet of the software
Tried and tested
IFCs have been around for quite some time for data exchange and are now just one of several common standards. Here,Trimble consider whether IFCs are now more important than ever
Subcontractor Relations
Access Construction explain how the latest technology can be used to improve relationships with subcontractors
The sands of time
Bluesky 3D imagery brings global warming sea level rises to life
Recognised on site
Sarah Darville-Downs, Finance Director at Tamdown, discusses how Tamdown reduced admin by adopting biometric technology
Leaning into learning
Graphisoft Learn is Graphisoft's official know-how and training programme for anyone interested in learning more about Archicad and BIM, whether they are designers, coordinators or a BIM Manager. David Chadwick reports
Why digital transformation is the key to boosting construction profit margins
The UK construction industry is facing a prolonged crisis of low profit margins and loss - but digital transformation can offer a way forward
A bridge between virtual and physical inspections
Dam and Bridge Monitoring from Bentley Systems increases safety for inspectors and gives them the ability to minimise field trips, speed up processes, and share data and maintenance issues with colleagues and other experts, writes David Chadwick
Requests for tender
Simon Herod, Head of International at EstimateOne, asks "why do people think tender send-outs need to be difficult?"
A team of white coats
When your project starts to hit the rocks it's time to call in the experts to steer things back on course - but it's better to involve a team like Fulcro from the start
Are you sitting comfortably?
Dr. Naghman Khan, Building Simulation Engineer at SimScale, explains how CFD simulation is used to evaluate indoor thermal comfort and ventilation
How 3D design software can help to facilitate sustainable design
The built environment is linked to around 40% of global carbon emissions. With net-zero targets and lowering carbon emissions at the forefront of the agenda in the architecture and construction industry, it is more crucial than ever for architects and designers to consider new ways of designing sustainably
The industrial metaverse
Bentley's Innovation Lab (iLab) takes digital twins into the metaverse using 3D and 4D immersive technology developed for the gaming industry
Life, the Omniverse and everything
Vectorworks 2023 Service Pack 4 focuses on the latest technologies to enhance the capabilities of architects and designers
Investing in the innovators
Nemetschek continues to increase its portfolio of innovative software suppliers to the construction industry. Here we profile some of the latest startups who are benefitting from Nemetschek funding
Is it time for Estimators to quit Excel?
For decades, Microsoft Excel has been the go-to tool for construction estimators. It's versatile, affordable, and easy-to-use. But as the construction industry has become more complex, so too have the demands on estimators. As a result, many construction companies are now looking to specialised construction estimating software to help increase the speed and accuracy of bids. So is it now time for estimators to ditch the spreadsheets?
Risk management
How BAM Nuttall utilises technology to reduce risk
The metrics of inefficiency
Buildots has measured and analysed the principal inefficiencies on construction sites, explaining how they impact a project's resources, schedules and ultimately costs
Searching for a new CAD marketplace
As CAD companies grow, new business models are leading to a significant reduction in the number of resellers (VARs). This prevents the proliferation and sale of third-party add-ons on any vendor network. As the new "Amazon" of add-on apps, CADSOMA aims to change that
Software interoperability
Marcus Mitchell, Customer Success Manager - Structures Division at Trimble, explores the need for integration and connectivity between design analysis and detailing software, helping to protect your data
The Golden Thread
Zutec, the common data environment (CDE) for developers, clients and asset owners in the residential sector, announces its new Golden Thread Dashboard
A gateway to Lean Construction
Elecosoft leverages Lean Construction principles by introducing a new collaborative task management tool for project teams; Asta Connect
Behind the facade
Historic buildings may look beautiful but they're not without their challenges, especially when it comes to repurposing the structures to ensure they remain operationally functional, all whilst protecting their heritage. Here, Matt Westhead, Engineering Director - Major Projects at Mabey Hire explores the challenges that city-centre façade retention projects present and the role BIM plays in their safe and successful delivery
New survey reveals construction industry confidence in the face of recession
A new survey conducted by The Access Group's construction division questioned over 1,300 UK-based construction professionals about the incoming turbulent year
Back to the future
Sustainability and digital transformation will be key focuses in 2023, according to Håvard Haukeland
The Atom
David Mitchell, CEO and Founder of XYZ Reality, explains the concept behind Engineering-Grade AR, and how it is revolutionising construction
Keeping asset management data on track
The UK's Light Rail system aims for digital adoption to manage its current and future linear assets
Tackling the skills shortage
Can the current shortage of skilled construction workers be alleviated by greater usage of digital technologies?
The Year in Infrastructure
Bentley's 2022 Year in Infrastructure conference expanded the company's digital twin vision by introducing new features for the iTwin platform and exploring projects that leveraged the technology
Net zero targets - have we been sidetracked?
How can building companies support net zero targets? Dan Allison, divisional director, Net Zero Buildings says that it time to act, and explains why it's so important for those who are building today to consider tomorrow to unlock sustainability challenges in the building sector
Retrofit for purpose?
Marek Suchocki, infrastructure engagement lead at Autodesk, suggests mitigating the energy crisis with a national retrofit plan
Is BIM delivering the benefits?
BIM is more than a design and construction process, according to Edocuments, as its information handling capabilities can bring efficiencies to every aspect of a project
Visualising carbon
3D Repo provides an API that allows designers to view embodied carbon within the building components and methods of construction in their 3D models
Get Smart
Matthew Margetts, Director of Sales and Marketing of Smarter Technologies Group explains why you can't ignore building data management
ASICs in the city
Richard Mount, Director of Sales at ASIC design and supply company Swindon Silicon Systems, looks at the role of ASICs, or smart sensors, in the management of smart city assets
The limits of AI
Generative AI has arrived in construction - but beware of the pitfalls, warn ALICE Technologies
Enscape 3.3
The latest version of Enscape adds new features requested by the Enscape community, including Site Context, which surrounds your rendered models with lhe local infrastructure
Can construction catch up?
Ibrahim Imam, CEO of construction management platform PlanRadar, explains how to ensure minimal disruption when introducing new technology to your construction business
Sustainable construction
The 2022 releases of Tekla's BIM, building engineering and steel fabrication management software solutions focus on providing more sustainable construction, writes David Chadwick
Next generation façade inspection
Paul McDevitt, MD of TÜV SÜD, a data management and analytics company, writes about the future role of drones in the maintenance of building façades
Jobsite connectivity
Trimble's Jobsite Connectivity Bundle simplifies pre-construction tasks by linking 3D model data with machinery and office management
Project success through model leadership
In a world full of complex construction projects, advancing technology alone won't guarantee success argues Andrew McNaughton, Infrastructure Sector Lead at Aczel, and Mark Coates, International Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at Bentley Systems
Making the most of a CDE
Nassim Saoud, Director EMEA at Trimble Consulting explains why common data environments help construction teams increase collaboration and reduce risk
4D Planning
4D planning is the process of applying time plans to 3D models, while the output is a visual simulation of a construction project, writes David Chadwick