Tag: Construction technology

  • Quipli’s innovative software streamlines equipment rental operations

    Quipli’s innovative software streamlines equipment rental operations

    The equipment rental market has nearly doubled since 2010, leading to stiffer competition and customer demands. As a result, businesses have been seeking more efficient and integrated solutions to manage their operations and stand out. One company that is quickly meeting these demands is Quipli—a SaaS company offering innovative software solutions to streamline every aspect of equipment rentals.

    The 2020 SaaS company differentiates itself among the masses by offering innovative software solutions that streamline equipment rentals, from inventory management to invoicing and digital marketing. In just one year, Quipli has achieved a staggering 500% growth and processed over 100,000 orders, underscoring its rapid expansion and widespread adoption in the market​. 

    Their mission is to revolutionize heavy machinery rentals and offer customers the best possible rental experience online and offline. 

    Key features and offerings

    Inventory management

    Quipli’s inventory management system lets rental companies maintain complete visibility of their equipment. The software prevents double-booking by automatically updating product availability and offers a detailed calendar view to track equipment status. This feature is crucial for multi-location businesses, allowing them to manage inventory across different sites seamlessly​.

    Booking and scheduling

    Quipli offers a booking and scheduling system that integrates with the inventory management module. This system provides real-time updates on equipment availability and helps businesses avoid overbooking. It supports various rental categories and durations, making it adaptable to multiple business needs​.

    Invoicing and payments

    One of Quipli’s standout features is its seamless integration with QuickBooks Online. This integration automates invoicing, reduces manual data entry, and ensures accurate financial reporting. Quipli also partners with Stripe to offer reliable payment processing, enhancing the customer experience with secure and efficient transactions.

    Service and repair management

    Quipli’s service and repair management system allows rental companies to track and manage maintenance activities effectively. The software can differentiate between types of repairs and provides detailed histories of equipment usage and maintenance. This feature helps ensure that equipment is always in optimal condition and ready for rent​.

    Digital marketing services

    Quipli also excels in digital marketing, offering services that boost rental companies’ online presence. Their marketing strategies include SEO, Google Ads management, and local search optimization. Quipli’s digital marketing experts help businesses attract more customers and maximize their return on investment.​

    Competitive edge

    Compared to its competitors, Quipli stands out with its fully integrated system covering all aspects of the rental process. While other platforms may excel in specific areas, Quipli offers a comprehensive solution that addresses inventory management, booking, invoicing, service, and marketing in one unified platform. This holistic approach reduces the need for multiple software solutions, simplifying operations and enhancing efficiency for rental businesses.

    Bottom line

    Quipli is a heavy favorite when considering equipment rental software. Its comprehensive integration, user-friendly interfaces, and robust features, such as inventory management, booking and scheduling, invoicing, and digital marketing services, set it apart in the industry. Quipli’s seamless integration with QuickBooks Online and customer-centric approach also set it apart. 

    By choosing a solution like Quipli, rental businesses can enhance operational efficiency, improve customer satisfaction, and drive profitability, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

  • Hitachi Solution Linkage Connect: A fleet management system for the future

    Hitachi Solution Linkage Connect: A fleet management system for the future

    Hitachi Construction Machinery has introduced a cutting-edge fleet management system called Solution Linkage (SL) Connect. Tailored for mid to large-sized construction companies, SL Connect enhances operational efficiency by providing comprehensive real-time data access and management features. This system represents a new era in construction technology, focusing on improving resource utilization, reducing downtime, and supporting sustainability efforts.

    How Solution Linkage Connect works

    At its core, Solution Linkage Connect is designed to simplify the complex task of managing fleets spread across multiple worksites. By aggregating data from all Hitachi machines, users can view and manage machine operations from any device—a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The user-friendly interface allows easy access to operational data, alarms, and geofencing details.

    This innovative platform utilizes the latest open-source technologies, ensuring scalability and adaptability for different construction environments. Initially developed for Hitachi machinery, the system is also expected to support equipment from other manufacturers, making it a future-proof solution for companies managing mixed fleets.

    Key features of Solution Linkage Connect

    • Real-time machine monitoring: View machine status, operating hours, and alerts from anywhere in real-time.
    • Geofencing capabilities: Create geofences around specific worksites to easily monitor and manage operations within those areas.
    • Environmental tracking: Monitor fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to help companies meet sustainability goals.
    • Remote diagnostics: Access alarm information and troubleshoot issues remotely to minimize machine downtime.
    • Seamless integration: Integrates with Hitachi’s ConSite, Parts Catalog, and Owner’s Site for a complete fleet management experience.
    • Custom reports: Generate detailed reports on machine performance, alarms, and environmental impact with just a few clicks.

    Enhanced geofencing and integration

    One of the standout features of Solution Linkage Connect is its geofencing functionality. This allows site managers to define worksite boundaries and categorize machines based on their operational status. Project managers can then track machine fuel consumption, performance, and downtime within these geofenced areas. This not only improves resource management but also keeps projects on schedule.

    Final thoughts

    With its combination of real-time monitoring, advanced geofencing, and integration with Hitachi’s existing platforms, Solution Linkage Connect is a great option for medium to large-sized construction companies looking to enhance their management systems. The software improves operational efficiency and supports sustainability efforts by tracking environmental impact, making it a valuable tool for construction companies aiming to modernize their operations​.

  • An industry first: CM Labs rolls out mini excavator simulation training program

    An industry first: CM Labs rolls out mini excavator simulation training program

    CM Labs has introduced the first mini excavator simulation training program on the market. The exercises include walkaround inspections, underground utilities work, and ramp loading to help operators learn tipping risks. The Intellia Mini Excavator Simulator Training Pack was produced with both beginner and advanced operators in mind.

    A growing demand for beginner equipment

    With the growing need for skilled trade workers, Under the Hard Hat sat down with Alan Limoges, Manager of Product Growth at CM Labs, to speak about where they see the rising demand for their products.

    “A lot of the demand stems from the utilities industry. The full-sized excavator simulation training was already popular, but we also saw a demand for more beginner-friendly equipment for workers just starting out. People are loving it,” Limoges says. 

    The construction industry makes up CM Labs’ most extensive user base, but the utilities and education sectors are also starting to integrate more simulation-based training into their industries. Mini excavators are becoming more commonly used for work near utility lines, and the need for a mini excavator simulation training program stems from a lack of beginner-friendly training available to workers. CM Labs’ users have warmly received the release. 

    “For the mini-excavator specifically, we’re the only ones out there who have produced it, and people are already excited to get their hands on it,” added Limoges. “Workers in the utilities industry are feeling well-represented.” 

    This training pack also includes advanced simulation exercises for more experienced high-risk operators. The software displays metrics to monitor performance and assess when a user is ready to advance to work on the job site. Operators can gain experience in ramp loading and digging near utility lines under and above ground without risking their safety. 

    Leaders in the simulation space

    CM Labs tops the leaderboard for simulation-based education for the utilities and construction industries. They also produce software training for the forestry, defense, and ports sectors. CM Labs has been in business for over 25 years and is committed to delivering realistic products that solve real-world issues. The Intellia Mini Excavator Simulator Training Pack can be installed on CM Labs’ Edge Max, Edge Plus, and Advantage simulators. 

  • How drones are shaping the future of construction

    How drones are shaping the future of construction

    The construction industry is rapidly evolving to handle a growing number of complex projects. To meet this demand, the adoption of drone technology has proven invaluable by enhancing safety, reducing costs, and improving data collection. Companies like Pomerleau and Skender have led the way, being early drone technology adopters and reaping many benefits.

    Drone technology

    The rise of drones in construction is revolutionizing how companies operate across various trades. This technological innovation has led to a 61% increase in measurement accuracy and a 53% reduction in the time required to gain data insights, making them invaluable for managing large-scale projects. Their ability to provide accurate 3D site surveys significantly reduces errors and rework, streamlining construction processes and preventing costly mistakes. They can also be used on small-scale projects to map out the terrain or simply to perform an inspection.

    For example, in the roofing trade, drones inspect and assess roof conditions safely and efficiently, eliminating the need for manual inspections on potentially dangerous structures. Drones provide a safe way for electrical contractors to inspect power lines and electrical equipment, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This usage flexibility has helped drones become a large part of day-to-day operations in various trades.

    According to a recent survey, 46% of civil contractors currently utilize drones, and this number rises to 67% among larger contractors. This adoption of drone technology in construction is expanding rapidly and is expected to continue growing.

    Benefits of drones on construction sites

    Safety

    Drones enhance safety by performing tasks in hazardous areas, such as inspecting tall structures or unstable terrains, reducing the need for human workers to be exposed to these risks.

    Collect data and insights

    Drones gather high-resolution images and detailed data, providing critical insights for decision-making. They can also capture site conditions in real time, which can be used for progress tracking and quality control.

    Topographic mapping and land surveys

    Drones are highly effective in conducting topographic mapping and land surveys, offering accurate 3D models of terrain. They can map large areas quickly, making them ideal for planning infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and pipelines.

    Real-time tracking of progress

    Drones enable real-time tracking of construction progress, providing up-to-date visuals and data that can be accessed remotely. This allows project managers to monitor developments and make timely adjustments.

    Structure inspections

    Drones are used for detailed inspections of structures, identifying issues that might not be visible from the ground. This includes assessing the condition of roofs, facades, and other critical components.

    Security

    Drones can enhance security on construction sites by monitoring for unauthorized access and ensuring the safety of people and equipment. By efficiently patrolling large areas, they can provide live feeds to security teams from all angles and even detect movement.

    Types of drones used on construction sites

    Various types of drones are available for the construction industry. Choosing the right one can make a massive difference in efficiency, as a drone’s effectiveness on a construction site is determined by its features and the project requirements. 

    Fixed-wing drones

    Fixed-wing drones are known for their efficiency in covering large distances and surveying extensive areas. They are particularly useful for large-scale projects, such as road construction or pipeline installations, where they can capture high-resolution aerial imagery and detailed topographic data. These drones have a longer flight time and can operate over vast landscapes, making them ideal for projects requiring extensive mapping and surveying.

    Multi-rotor drones

    Multi-rotor drones are the most common type used in construction due to their versatility and ease of maneuverability. They are ideal for short-distance flights and precise tasks, such as site inspections, real-time progress monitoring, and capturing detailed aerial photography. Multi-rotor drones can hover in place, allowing for focused observations and inspections, such as checking the structural elements of a building or monitoring the safety of scaffolding.

    Hybrid drones

    Hybrid drones combine the features of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones, offering both vertical takeoff and efficient long-distance flight capabilities. They are versatile and can switch between hovering and flying modes, making them suitable for various applications, from detailed inspections to extensive area surveys. Hybrid drones benefit projects requiring detailed, stationary observations and broad, expansive data collection.

    The biggest players in the drone game

    Several players in the drone game deliver high-tech solutions for construction projects, big or small. Depending on what you are looking for, consider these options.

    Skydio

    Skydio is renowned for its cutting-edge autonomous drone technology, making it a prominent player in the drone industry. The company’s drones are known for their advanced AI and autonomous flight capabilities, significantly reducing the need for skilled pilots. Skydio’s product lineup includes the Skydio X2, X2D, and X10 models, each designed for specific industrial and commercial applications.

    The Skydio X2 and X2D are particularly noteworthy for their use in security and advanced obstacle avoidance. These drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging capabilities, making them ideal for infrastructure inspections, public safety, and tactical operations. The Skydio X2D, for example, can generate high-precision maps and perform detailed inspections, even in GPS-denied environments​.

    Another great option is the Skydio X10, launched in 2023. It features multiple high-resolution cameras, including a 64MP narrow camera and a thermal camera, enhancing its ability to capture detailed imagery for mapping, inspection, and public safety applications. The X10 is highly portable and can be deployed quickly, making it suitable for rapid response scenarios​.

    Drone Services Canada

    Drone Services Canada Inc. is another provider of drone services across various industries in Canada. The company specializes in making advanced drones and equipment for tasks such as surveying and mapping, aerial photography and videography, and inspections. Their flagship drone is the DJI Matrice 300 RTK. It comes equipped with cutting-edge AI capabilities, 15 km Transmission, and an incredible 55 minutes of flight time. It also has thermal imaging and a 26x optical zoom for capturing detailed imagery and data. 

    Thanks to its high-definition and thermal imaging cameras, this drone is great for inspecting infrastructure, including power lines, solar panels, bridges, and pipelines. It can also operate in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace, making it a versatile option for a wide range of aerial projects across several industries.

    DroneDeploy

    DroneDeploy specializes in providing a comprehensive software platform for managing drone operations. DroneDeploy’s software facilitates every aspect of drone operation, from flight planning and automated data capture to processing and analysis. This includes creating high-quality maps, 3D models, and detailed inspections, all accessible via a user-friendly interface​. The platform also includes advanced features like real-time data visualization, integration with third-party applications, and data security measures. 

    Their software is also known for its ease of use and comprehensive functionality, making it a go-to solution for businesses looking to leverage drone technology for efficient and accurate data collection​. Whether inspecting wind farms in the energy sector, surveying large agricultural properties for precise mapping, or conducting topographical surveys in building construction, their platform is designed to support a wide range of drones from various manufacturers.

    The future of drones in construction

    As the demand for drones continues to grow, drones are solidifying their place as essential tools in the construction sector. The ongoing evolution of this technology promises even greater efficiencies, including improved workflows, increased profit margins, and streamlined operations. This demand, however, will require more tech-savvy workers.

    Drone technology offers a compelling opportunity to attract younger talent into the industry, appealing to those interested in innovative tools and digital solutions. Therefore, drone education and training will need to become an integral part of many construction companies’ efforts to shift to using drones in their workflow.

    As drones become more widespread, the construction industry will undoubtedly continue to explore new ways to leverage their capabilities, driving the sector forward into a more technologically advanced future.

  • ABC Releases AI Construction Technology Report

    ABC Releases AI Construction Technology Report

    WASHINGTON, Oct. 2—Associated Builders and Contractors today released its fourth annual construction technology report, which focuses on the impacts of artificial intelligence in the construction industry. The report includes a case study and thought leadership from ABC’s Tech Alliance to showcase how ABC is strengthening members’ understanding of AI.

    “ABC contractor members and the overall contracting community want more information on AI and how it can help them improve safety, quality and profitability—and win more work.” said Matt Abeles, ABC vice president of construction technology and innovation. “The ABC AI Tech Report highlights examples and insights from industry leaders invested in AI’s commitment to supporting the construction industry.”

    “The interest in AI and machine learning is vast, which is why any contractor would find value in reading this report,” said Patrick Irwin, chair of ABC’s Construction Technology and Innovation Committee and chief operating officer at Leonard S. Fiore Inc., Altoona, Pennsylvania. “For contractors and the construction industry in general, there is so much for us to learn relative to AI and ML so that we understand how to prepare, the possible uses and the overall implications. These tools can be used to move our businesses and the industry forward, and this report can give us all an opportunity to begin or continue our AI journey.”

    The ABC AI Tech Report includes an AI Resource Guide that summarizes the basics of AI, a real-life case study from ABC contractor member Hensel Phelps and insights from Tech Alliance members and Dodge Construction Network.

    The ABC AI Tech Report was published by the ABC National Construction Technology and Innovation Committee and was written for contractors by a cross-collaboration of partners, contractors and industry leaders. The report is made possible by ABC’s 2024-2025 Tech Alliance members: ArcoroAutodesk Inc.BuildOpsDocument CrunchEgnyteField Control AnalyticsKojoKPAProcoreSageSmartappSmartBuildSubHQStack and Trimble.

    ABC creates the conditions for construction companies to innovate, differentiate, attract and educate their top talent, ultimately to win and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC continues to invest in helping our members select high-quality construction technology available to them through its Tech AllianceTech Marketplace and Safety Tech Guide. Visit abc.org/techreport to read the digital report.

    ABC members received the print edition of the ABC AI Tech Report with the September-October issue of Construction Executive, the magazine for the business of construction.

  • Digital solutions to bidding could win your next contract

    Digital solutions to bidding could win your next contract

    Construction bidding software like SmartBid and PlanHub helps contractors stay on budget throughout a project. The right platform efficiently manages estimates, proposals, bid submissions, materials procurement, and other aspects of bidding. But you must know what you’re looking for to find the right software solution for your company.

    Bidding on future projects is a regular task for contractors who want to stay profitable and grow their business. However, the bidding process often has tight timelines, making it challenging to keep up with document management, cost estimating, tracking bids, and other related tasks. 

    That’s where bidding software comes into the picture. Some platforms are designed explicitly for bidding tasks, and some end-to-end suites also have features managing the bid proposal process. The choice depends upon a company’s needs.

    Why should you use construction bidding software?

    Bidding software is beneficial for contractors and construction companies for several reasons, including:

    • Integration of accounting, bidding, project management, and CRM tools
    • Document management and reporting
    • Coordination of estimates and bids with subcontractors
    • Tracking bids

    Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular construction bidding platforms.

    Top 5 bidding software programs for construction companies

    1. SmartBid

    Fluctuating materials prices are just one of many moving target-type considerations in creating and submitting an accurate bid. Contractors need help with the process, and help is available. SmartBid is a bidding software built specifically for contractors to help organize pre-construction information. 

    The platform allows you to invite subcontractors to bid and prequalify for projects and share information with your bidding team. Subcontractors get free access to the platform and can access your plan room to help with the bid while you check responses to get the correct bid in on time.

    Software features

    • Share project documents with subcontractors to create faster, more accurate estimates
    • Create custom invitations to bid for all your selected subcontractors
    • Prequalify subcontractors through a prequel questionnaire
    • Track invitations to bid
    • Publish public projects easily 

    2. PlanHub

    Contractors scrutinize labor costs now, perhaps more than ever, in construction. There’s no room for error when estimating labor costs for a project bid, and planning the bid right is crucial.

    PlanHub is an end-to-end construction platform that helps simplify all preconstruction documentation. It’s a complete suite of tools centrally located to handle various construction tasks.

    Software features

    • Find leads and projects
    • Collaborate and network with subcontractors and general contractors
    • Develop winning bids with tools like takeoff, estimation, and bid leveling
    • Uncover pricing analyses, competitive bidding insights, leads, and more insights

    3. Quick Bid

    Making the correct bid on a job is as important as picking the right jobs for your company. Sometimes, tweaking aspects of the bid as you move forward in the bidding process is required, and Quick Bid is a handy tool for that and other bid-related tasks.

    Quick Bid is a bidding-focused platform that allows you to compile itemized costs, labor rates, change orders, and materials costs to accurately estimate a job’s cost and prevent over- or under-bidding. An add-on of this platform allows you to buy trade-specific databases with hundreds of items, assemblies, and more bidding information. You can also access specialty items, assemblies, and other bidding information from manufacturers.

    The platform integrates with On-Screen Takeoff software to import your takeoff data faster. 

    Software features

    • Get timely cost quotes from suppliers with the eQuote feature
    • Manage your bid’s conditions, equipment, labor, markup, and materials with the Bid Navigator feature
    • Send materials lists to suppliers for prices and automatically input them into your bid
    • Integrates with On-Screen Takeoff and accounting platforms
    • Built-in templates let you export job costing info
    • Creates proposals with detailed info on job costs

    4. ProContractor

    Pro Contractor by Viewpoint is an end-to-end construction management suite that also handles costing and bid management. It integrates with Excel and has estimating modules, including CAD file import/export. It helps you perform takeoffs for more accurate bids and speeds the bid process by automating tasks.

    Software features

    • Accurately performs takeoffs for targeted bids
    • Improves the accuracy of cost reports and projections
    • Compares budgets against pending and posted costs
    • Digitizes takeoff tasks, saving time and removing human error
    • Tracks all aspects of projects, providing business insights
    • Strengthens controls on costs and schedules

    5. ConWize

    ConWize helps users simplify procurement and streamline the bidding process. It seamlessly manages the procurement lifecycle, starting with bid management, and automates tasks to free up time. The company claims its platform has a return on investment (ROI) that’s just a few months. 

    Software features

    • Reduces bid creation and submission time
    • Enables users to get the bill of quantities from a 3D model
    • Helps plan and manage contractual agreements
    • Integrates with Autodesk Construction Cloud
    • Integrates with Procore and is available in the Procore marketplace
    • Provides an easy-to-use digital procurement process
  • Nira app sheds light on infrastructure

    Nira app sheds light on infrastructure

    3D modeling and AI are taking the construction industry by storm, offering a more efficient and detailed view of structures. Nira is a relatively new collaborative platform capable of rendering massive 3D assets for greater interactivity, web-based inspection, and review from multiple devices.

    3D modeling in construction

    The present and future of construction in the U.S. and other Western nations are and will continue to be, partly focused on upgrading and replacing aging infrastructure. While old-school methods still work, 3D modeling and AI play increasingly essential roles in construction.

    To replace or retrofit aging infrastructure, engineers must know its current state. This is accomplished through inspections of the asset (often including photographs) and 3D modeling that details its deficits.

    Before engineers can recommend changes or total replacement, they must assess the structure. Drones, scanners, and other methods of mapping structures are becoming more commonplace for structure assessments. It might also be worthwhile for them to learn about these technologies so they can partner with mapping companies or even offer such services themselves.

    Understanding and being able to work with and around tech tools is at the heart of the client experience—but it also benefits the business itself.

    New construction projects are glitzy, boast-worthy, and high-priced, but repeat customers can be the bread and butter of a contractor’s sales. Contractors who’ve worked on an asset and familiarized themselves with the idiosyncrasies of the structure often stand a better chance of winning major rehab projects on the structure, based in part upon a good existing work relationship with the owner.

    Nira: The newest collaborative platform in the industry

    Nira is a relatively new collaborative platform that allows industry workers to interactively review, organize, and collaborate on assets across their entire project. 

    Here are the basics:

    • Basic platform for $9 per month
    • Upgrade to a Business or Enterprise account for an additional fee
    • Pay-as-you-go option allows you to store 3D models in the cloud and pay for what you use

    Launched in 2014, Nira was designed to handle one of construction’s most common problems: effective collection and management of asset data. The typical large construction site could be managed through a few construction apps, but a clear understanding of the data being gathered by the tech tools is rarely, if ever, achieved. Most of this problem hinges on the methods of sharing, storing, and managing the data.

    “Before Nira, there really hasn’t been a tool for contractors that enables them to view and share their latest data sets in any mobile formats—even in a 10-year-old iPhone, for instance,” says Aresh Keissami, Nira founder. 

    Nira makes 3D models of assets available for visualization, viewing, and overall asset management.

    “I wanted a platform that made all of that information accessible, and that’s what we’ve devised in Nira,” Keissami said. “We are a bootstrapped company and we are already profitable.”

    In many markets, not just construction, large 3D models need to be reviewed and iterated on for style and other factors. However, this task is very labor-intensive and poses a solvable problem for Nira’s founders, which they believe they’ve solved with their platform.

    Does the construction industry need 3D modeling services?

    The popularity of drones and 3D-modeling tech tools means that adding 3D modeling as a service could make sense for some contractors. It’s a big win for customers who need visualizations to seal the deal.

    “There’s a wow factor you get with these digitized models,” Keissami said, noting that the wow could lead to greater sales for a company.

    While Nira isn’t only used in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), its applicability in this industry is growing rapidly. Part of that growth is undoubtedly due to the platform’s integration with other tech tools.

    “The main thing we are working to do is to have image parity compared to our competitors,” Keissami said. “You cannot get a better quality model for a lower price than we offer while making the most of the hardware that you’ve already purchased.”

    If you currently use a scanner or drone, Nira can integrate with that technology.

    At first, Nira’s founders weren’t sure the platform would work well for AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). It turned out differently, with Nira being a better fit for some AEC companies than the platform’s leaders could have imagined. The platform’s ability to integrate with other tools well and its usability lends itself to fast adoption by construction-focused companies. That is true, in part, because of the changing needs of AEC customers and the companies that serve them.

    AEC companies are gaining interest in continuous monitoring of job sites for safety inspections, compliance with specifications, and progress. Monitoring is done with drones and gives managers a regularly updated “snapshot” of the project.

    Capturing the big picture—in detail

    Updating 3D models through monitoring and data gathering is one of Nira’s sweet spots. Due to several recent collapses of older structures, the need for tools like Nira has become apparent. Seeing the defects, refining the model, and sorting out extraneous details can offer the right solution at the right time.

    “People use Nira to look up an asset that has been modeled and to clean it up,” said Keissami, noting that even details like a bird’s nest in the superstructure of a bridge can be easily discerned by viewers. “The quality is so good that you can look at the sticks in the nest and easily identify it.”

    Unlike other 3D tools, Nira captures the big picture in immaculate detail. The platform can analyze large amounts of data while maintaining the full integrity of the imaging. That means nothing is missed—no small detail goes unnoticed, which is why AEC customers flock to the app.

    “We maintain the full integrity of the 3D model. With Nira, you are able to use the highest visualization of the data that is being modeled,” Keissami said.

    Other 3D modeling apps require more handiwork and hassle from users. Users often have to zoom in closely to inspect details. Uploading times on other tools are also longer. With Nira, the image details are apparent immediately, and uploading times are rapid. 

    Final thoughts

    While the advantages of 3D modeling in construction are becoming more evident, only some are embracing the tech leap as quickly. It could take longer before 3D modeling reaches its maximum potential in AEC.

    “At the very least, it’ll take a few years more until everyone gets involved with 3D modeling,” Keissami said, noting that technology is improving rapidly, which is making the adoption of these tech tools easier for many. 

    “The learning curve is flattening out a lot. With Nira, it’s so affordable that many companies are inclined to try out the platform… I think being able to have that digital record of the project, starting at the beginning of a construction project and using a digital twin for the work rather than photos, is becoming very attractive to many people working in AEC. As opposed to photos of a project, 3D modeling gives you a better sense of the extent.”

  • STACK Construction Technologies announces STACK Assist AI feature

    STACK Construction Technologies announces STACK Assist AI feature

    STACK Construction Technologies recently unveiled STACK Assist, its Artificial Intelligence-powered Takeoff feature. This feature, informed by AI software provider Workpack, will speed up and make the preconstruction process more efficient. 

    According to STACK, time savings from using this feature will enable owners to focus on growing their business. Workpack’s automated takeoffs are built into the STACK platform and are reducing time spent on takeoffs by at least 50%.

    STACK Assist uses machine learning to automate routine takeoff tasks. This new feature provides the following:

    • Automated counts for doors, windows, and symbols
    • Automated takeoffs for interior and exterior walls
    • Automated takeoffs for gross areas and room areas
    • Enables users to edit, change, or add to the AI takeoff

    STACK officials said this new powerful combination of technologies allows companies to concentrate more time on landing new contracts.

    “Like many businesses focused on growth in today’s economy, construction firms need to focus on greater efficiency and more profitable outcomes,” said Ray DeZenzo, Chief Operations Officer of STACK Construction Technologies. ”Workpack has been an integral partner in our quest to support our customers’ growth initiatives and we are excited about this launch being the first of many capabilities to be enabled via STACK Assist.”

    STACK Assist helps contractors use measurements specific to their trades while accurately performing takeoffs.

    “We’re excited to partner with STACK to provide customers with AI tools that make their working lives easier and more productive,” said Marty Cornish, CEO and Co-Founder of Workpack. “Workpack’s AI features integrated with STACK’s all-in-one takeoff and estimating functionality gives users a powerful solution for the needs of today’s estimator.”

    A new add-on to the feature is called Floor Plan AI, which costs $999 per user. Floor Plan AI detects walls, rooms, doors, and windows to automatically generate takeoff measurements, decreasing the amount of time spent manually drawing takeoffs.

    STACK customer Carrara, Inc., a Southern California-based commercial stone, tile, and facade contractor, has experienced first-hand how STACK Assist can help.

    “With shorter durations to bid on more complex projects, AI Assist’s clean takeoff lines and generation of reliable, automated output quantities is a substantial time saver on manual data entry and otherwise repetitive takeoff-related tasks,” said William Cordova Jr., Vice President of Estimating and Preconstruction at Carrara. “This enhancement to STACK’s already powerful suite of tools will certainly help make us more efficient, increase our bid output, and close more projects.”