Steel fabrication is an integral part of the construction industry lifecycle. Many experts consider the steel fabrication phase as a foundation of any construction project in which steelwork components are combined and designed based on specifications to form a complete structure.

Structural steel has been utilised in many architectural wonders worldwide including Burj Khalifa in the UAE because of their strength, rigidity, and reliability. The concrete used in the construction of this massive building has enabled it to withstand strong wind forces. Like Burj Khalifa, many projects give importance to steel fabrication to ensure quality and strength of the building or industrial structures.

Fabrication of structural steel is normally done in a controlled factory environment and requires close collaboration among fabricators, engineers, architects, designers, and many more. Since the expertise of several professionals is but necessary to create reliable steel structures, seamless, efficient, and transparent, coordination and communication are of paramount importance. This is where technology comes in to make a meaningful impact.

Numerous digital solutions and software systems have been developed to support collaboration among experts in fabrication management to minimise risks and prevent common errors and mistakes. A software solution for fabrication phase also supports every stage of a construction project, right from the beginning of the bidding phase.

Paul Wallett

Designed according to proven industry practices, the technology enables project teams to find solutions to everyday challenges at job sites.

Available modern tools are also crucial to integrating workflows and guaranteeing a smooth, continuous, and real-time flow of information throughout the project lifecycle. One such software solution today that has been successful in managing highly complex projects is the Tekla PowerFab from construction technology solutions provider, Trimble.

Crafted and designed specifically for steel fabricators, PowerFab is an easy-to-use software suite that lets users manage the entire fabrication process. Apart from its ability to deliver real-time information, the software is also designed to achieve better productivity and reduce errors. It illustrates Trimble’s commitment to transform the way the construction world works by connecting the physical and digital realms through its solutions.

The software suite consists of four products to empower fabrication management and provide users real-time visibility of all fabrication information – Tekla EPM, Tekla EPM Go, Tekla Structures and Trimble Connect.

Tekla EPM covers all production needs, from estimating and purchasing to project management, inventory and production control.

Tekla EPM Go, which is also accessible via mobile devices, enables real-time paperless production operations and visualisation, while the flagship Tekla Structures offers powerful model-based estimation workflow. Users can also utilise Tekla Structures for scheduling, reports, construction sequencing, and many more. Last but not least,

Trimble Connect allows viewing and real-time visualisation that can be shared with all project parties.

PowerFab, which can also be accessed through mobile phones for easy data sharing, is packed with modern features that meet the digitalisation requirements in today’s world. For example, it makes purchasing material for jobs easier with the digital requisitions and purchase ordering system. It further assists in getting firms to regain control of their storage and maximise material usage with automated inventory management.

Not only that, it effectively helps drive sustainable construction practices by enabling waste reduction, firms only spend money on the materials they need with a built-in material optimisation engine.

In a nutshell, more accurate estimates and efficient production, better project management, improved inventory control and procuring the right materials at the right time, make Tekla PowerFab an indispensable tool. The icing on the cake is that it seamlessly integrates from design to detailing to fabrication on a single shared platform, with the world’s leading structural BIM solution – Tekla Structures.

Trimble’s solutions enable fabricators to communicate and exchange relevant information with other project parties effectively. Businesses seek such technology to simplify work processes and improve the entire fabrication phase as it connects every aspect of the project’s lifecycle, including production, estimating and purchasing operations. Design, estimation, project management, detailing, fabrication, shipping, and erection are some of the main elements that require the guidance of a highly developed and easy to use software systems. Trimble’s PowerFab is crafted to fulfil all these requirements of industry users. They ultimately provide an open interface and enable interaction and exchange of data between software systems and technologies.

Businesses that use modern fabrication software can achieve savings at every step of the operation by optimising the use of the materials and minimising waste through advanced nesting algorithms. Furthermore, the introduction of fabrication tools and software can boost industry-wide compatibility.

Suffice it to say that the more complex a project is, the bigger the need for advanced systems that can support stronger coordination. The key is to deploy relevant and modern technologies that can make a huge difference in terms of connection, communication, and collaboration.