Harnessing the power of digitalisation – through SmartDrawings™ provide direct access to the construction Building Information Models
Published on: February 7, 2023
Growing digital impact in building design and engineering
Buildings are becoming more and more complex. Effectively all construction drawings are visualised using BIM (Building Information Models) where detailed information about the building can be found. However, at site the Project Engineers who need an overview and correct measurements many times only have access to the paper drawing where it could be difficult to find the information and details needed. In all Sweco construction drawings a QR code is added which gives instant access to the Building Information Models (BIM) where detailed information about the construction can be found. This service is called SmartDrawings™.
SmartDrawings ™ is a design visualisation service where parties involved in a project can explore a 3D model of a building in the cloud on a computer or mobile. The service provides simple and fast access to an up-to-date BIM model outside of design offices. No separate software, registration or login is required – just scan the QR code!
Lack of access to accurate information a common challenge
An obstacle for access to the BIM model has been user rights, where the user needs to register and have access to the right software to open the model. The applications or software are also too difficult to use, and the relevant information is too difficult to find.
With the help of SmartDrawings™ we aim to tackle these obstacles and provide access to the BIM model for all who would benefit from it working at the construction site, Niko Vironen, Sweco Structures / VDC -solutions, Sweco Finland
BIM models contain massive amounts of information, and it may be difficult to find the parts that you need, especially when working on construction site using a tablet or mobile device. With SmartDrawings™ the full BIM model is divided into smaller pieces – each SmartDrawings™ model contains exactly the same contents as in the 2D drawing. The worker gets instantly the same view as in the drawing without any filtering or searching.
Additionally, SmartDrawings™ has different roles for different usage such as site, workshop, cast-in-place, concrete element and more to filter out the relevant information and tools for the specific role.
Time savings are an important feature of this service, says Sweco client Jonna Kauhtila, Project Manager at Oiva Wood Solutions.
SmartDrawings™ benefits
Smart Drawings has further benefits. Among other things, it increases the understanding around a project and communication among various stakeholders, leaving 100 percent less room for interpretation, data loss and manufacturing errors. Since it can be conveniently used on a mobile phone, tablet or computer, it essentially gives the user the possibility to explore the entire structure of a building and obtain accurate information from wherever they are. A major benefit is that SmartDrawings™ keeps track of the right revision of the drawing to be used – sometimes, in the past old revisions were used which could lead to consequences.
Rapidly adopting digital technologies in a complex world
For more than 130 years, Sweco has been transforming society together with its clients in projects covering industrialisation, urbanisation and now digitalisation. As the challenges we face are becoming increasingly complex, we must take advantage of all available resources to address and solve them.
Sweco has a leading position in digitally mature markets and a proud history of helping clients realise their visions and solve their most pressing needs, thanks to a strong decentralised model that enables rapid adoption of new technologies. Together with our clients we co-create digital solutions to not just meet their needs, but also add value to our mutual work products.
Taking digitalisation to the next level
Technological developments are moving faster than ever, and will change the way we work, deliver our solutions, and interact with our clients. At Sweco, we must fully embrace digital technology to meet our clients’ growing expectations of speed, accuracy, quality, and customisation.
