“Connected Construction” Approach Increases Productivity by 50% and Reduces Labor Costs by 60%
Overview
Termotex S.A. is a forward-thinking international business that specializes in the development integration, prefabrication, and installation of industrialized insulating construction equipment that are millimeter precise. The company has more than 15 years of experience. Termotex S.A. has offices in Panama, Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, the Dominican Republic, and the United States and aspires to become the primary supplier of this kind of technology in America. As a forward-thinking organization, Termotex is committed to investing in the latest construction technology, which will improve the company’s processes and accelerate its growth. Utilizing a broad selection of Trimble solutions and implementing an integrated construction approach, Termotex S.A. is improving its processes and providing the highest level of accuracy, efficiency, and quality.
(c) Termotex SA 2021
Challenge
In the past, Termotex S.A. has always required an engineer on the project and a quality inspector at the site to manage teams, understand blueprints, and then verify the 2D blueprints and compare them to the 3D structure on the site. However, it was not always enough to prevent the errors and conflicts that could result from being in possession of outdated or incorrect information.
To overcome this issue to overcome this challenge, the company started developing BIM designs on its own and then switched to tablets over paper blueprints that were on the job site. This made it easier to avoid a few mistakes.
But, Andres Casanova, CEO and founder of Termotex S.A., knew that even a great BIM model on its own did not suffice to improve the speed and accuracy of the construction of their projects. He was searching for an approach to utilize the combination of technology and workflows that could allow automation and data sharing from beginning to end. Additionally, he wanted to employ mixed reality to provide an approach to utilize their BIM models within the environment of the actual job site throughout the construction process.
Solution
Termotex implemented a range of Trimble technologies to enhance the value of constructive data and collaboration in real-time for the entire design-build and operation lifecycle. Starting by implementing Trimble Tekla Structures to support BIM designs, Termotex S.A. designers and engineers can now build complete, informative 3D models that include all the information needed to create and maintain the structure. Geometries that are precise help identify problems earlier, while the data-rich elements mirror physical components to ensure that designs are translated into reality. Termotex S.A. also uses Trimble SysQue to create a constructible MEP model based on real-world, manufacturing-specific content that is ready for fabrication.
With the connected construction method, Termotex extends BIM beyond design by making use of the same building information in the field and linking the model to Trimble Robotic Total Stations for layout. The RPT600, coupled with Trimble Field Link’s automation features and guided workflows, aids Termotex S.A. workers in the field in pinpointing precise locations of the site that match points that are in the design with dazzling accuracy.
“With Trimble’s RPT600, we can measure positions faster, easily and more accurately, and with fewer people on site,” said Casanova.
If it’s time to put together, Trimble Connect for HoloLens is a mixed reality system that permits Termotex S.A. workers in the field to mix real-world objects with digital holograms. They can visualize the model that is constructed by overlaying it in the real world, which assists in quality control.
(c) Termotex SA 2021
Termotex employs Trimble Connect with HoloLens to confirm the proper assembly that is made up of steel structurally cold-formed (CFS) codified parts. The models are displayed as holograms that are overlayed onto the location, allowing employees to see how the design intention translates to the actual assembly, quickly highlighting any mistakes or differences. This means that Termotex S.A. never has to utilize tape measures or blueprints to deliver projects.
“Using Trimble Connect for HoloLens we are able to visualise the spatial connections between objects, and interact with projected holograms in real-time to identify issues quickly to make changes, and work with distant stakeholders. We can also monitor every step in a remote office to make sure that the prefabricated component will be placed in the correct place in the correct time,” stated Casanova.
“This is an example of how you don’t need an enormous budget to utilize technology to get the most benefits. With Trimble we’re using technology to our advantage as well as working in a manner that is data-driven, integrated and interconnected.” Andres Casanova CEO Termotex
Results
From the design phase to fields, the solutions of Trimble utilize built-in data for real-time collaboration, ensuring that every person, stage, and even process works seamlessly. Through collaboration using connected solutions and implementing strategies that free up data and eliminate the silos that exist, Termotex S.A. has enhanced its workflows across all parties and can deliver projects with pinpoint accuracy.
Through Trimble Connect for HoloLens, Termotex S.A. has already had a 100% return on investment and has also made an additional $10,000 of profit due to the time reduced by having the metal profiles as well as MEP examined using this technology rather than traditional methods. The company also saved money by drastically reducing the number of errors that occur in the assembly process, which could have cost more had they been discovered before the end of the process.
(c) Termotex SA 2021
Utilizing a mix of Trimble technology, Termotex S.A. is capable of working with 60% fewer workers and 50% faster and has also secured more clients because of it. Furthermore, they can achieve accuracy within 3-5mm for every dimension of tasks, which is impossible to achieve with conventional techniques.
Termotex S.A. plans to increase the use of these technologies in further projects. They believe that, as well as superintendents or inspectors, anyone who participates in assembly processes should utilize this technology to obtain the correct information at the right time and complete the task faster.
“This is an example of how you don’t need the resources of a large budget to implement technology to get the most benefits. With Trimble we’re benefiting from technology in a manner that is integrated, data-driven and interconnected,” said Casanova. “Trimble has enabled us to change our company, and has given us the capability to operate in a manner which reduces waste, promotes collaboration, improves efficiency and is unparalleled by competitors. We are thrilled to take part in integrating this revolutionary technology throughout the globe.”