Tired of getting your field drawings on sheetrock, cardboard, or scraps of paper? Looking to reduce waste in the shop from all the rework after reading field fitting information incorrectly?

For years I have seen customers struggle with receiving unreadable or confusing fitting information from the field, it consistently leads to costly mistakes and loss of valuable time and resources.

I'm excited to announce today our new product Trimble® Field Fitting Input . An intuitive, easy to use way to enter fitting information in the field without the need to decipher the information before entering into Vulcan---because it exports a file that can be imported directly into Vulcan.

Trimble® Field Fitting Input also features some other great tools including:

• 3D rotational preview- see what you entered looks like to make sure it's what you want!
• Comprehensive Fitting Library – from residential to the largest commercial applications
• Graphical icons & dimensional data in one location – see quickly if all fittings for the project have been entered
• Notes & Scope information – specify for each fitting exactly what drawing, floor and system it's for and include notes and instructions for installation

It will speed your ability to get finished product back to the job site and reduce the finger-pointing from shop to field. Trimble® Field Fitting Input is available for free on the iTunes app store, download the free app today!

Field fitting has taken a step into the future and as the song goes "the future seems bright, I gotta wear shades," it will only continue to get better from here.

We’ve had a lot of questions on BIM (Building Information Modeling) from our clients lately. Brett Stacks, Segment Manager wrote down for us some key on ideas on the BIM process and how BIM works.

How does the BIM process work?

BIM is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. The key to this process lies in the interoperability (ability to share across different software platforms) of the data as there are many stages during building construction that require the use of this information. By supporting interoperability of the data, each stakeholder (engineer, contractor, sub-contractor) has the ability to contribute to the existing data during the construction process.  Below is an example of this workflow:

1. Engineer provides a basic 3D design file of the MEP system
2. Mechanical contractor receives this file and can use this model and  contribute more data through these processes:
   • Estimating department can run basic cost reports on the engineer’s design.
   • Detailing department can apply specifications and construction data to produce the detailed model showing realistic fittings and connections.
     • Additional detail is added such equipment, dampers, valves and hangers
     • Model is further modified through the coordination process
   • Fabrication department receives the file to build and order each component.
   • Installation crew receives the components to install, as designed in the model

What are the advantages for plumbing/mechanical contractors to use BIM in projects?

The key advantages are clearly cost and time. When the process is adopted and properly enforced on the project, each contractor involved is guaranteed to eliminate excess material as well as reduce overall labor costs. For example, the general contractor should help enforce 3D modeling by all trades then require coordination and signoff prior to installation. Through these meetings, each contractor has the opportunity to correct their schedule and models prior to fabrication and installation. This does mean a larger investment on the front end of the project, but this is typically the best time to control these costs. If done correctly, the project schedule is more easily adhered to, and deliveries are better managed, thus minimizing issues with staging of the materials and installation crews being able to do their job more efficiently with minimal field adjustments. 

What are the current trends in BIM usage among contractors?

Trimble’s efforts in 2009 and 2010 were largely on helping to educate mechanical contractors on BIM. Last year, we saw less of a need to educate and more of an opportunity to provide open forums on the topic. By now, most progressive mechanical contractors have used or are using BIM to some extent.  However, some contractors were challenged by their current product solutions because they were using conflicting technologies and the cost to streamline their departments through a tough economy was just too great.  Going forward, we expect to see more involvement and investment in BIM technologies and processes from the Mechanical contractor as open standards start to find their way into the collaborative discipline between engineer, general contractor, and MEP trades.
Also, check out this recent article in Plumbing & Mechanical magazine where Brett was interviewed on BIM and increasing productivity.

Scopes & the Buddy System

In this article, we’re going to discuss one of my favorite topics - one that I bring up with almost every customer I talk to - Scopes.   Scopes can affect your company from start to finish.  What is a Scope?  A Scope, in its most general terms, is just a way for users to group fittings together.  In Vulcan, we break up Scopes into Drawings, Floor, System, Change Order, Pressure and two that are user defined.  Scopes are used across the QuickPen portfolio.  In many cases, Scopes are defined when a CAD drawing is developed, and those same Scopes are exported directly into Vulcan.  At this point, Scopes take on a different life, and it’s all about visual recognition or, in most cases, colors.  Why are colors so important?  Well, it’s simple. It eliminates the need to read. 

Throughout the manufacturing process, Scope colors allow users to keep like fittings together so that when fabrication is complete and fittings make their way to the staging area prior to shipment, multiple groups can be established instead of one big pile.  At this point, I’d like you to think of Scopes like the buddy system that we were taught back in school.   I know it sounds funny, but it really is a good analogy.   I think it’s pretty universal that most kids were taught if they ever went on a field trip that they had to have a buddy.  It didn’t always keep you from getting lost, but at least you were lost together!  Now let’s apply that to fittings, and yes, we’re taking a field trip.

To keep this analogy rolling (no pun intended), let’s say we have a job that we’re producing the same supply air run for the 1st floor, 2nd floor, and 3rd floor, and you have three groups of kids from three different classes taking a field trip.  When the bus was loaded, it was one class at a time.   I don’t ever remember hearing a group of teachers saying, “Sure sit wherever you want.”  If it’s good for kids, it should be good for fittings.  You have to admit it, those teachers were smart.  They knew it was a whole lot easier to keep those kids together when they got off the bus. 

Now back on our truck, we have loaded each individual pile that had been grouped by floor in our staging area onto our truck and shipped to the jobsite, unloaded and sorted by the floor scope color.  Easily allowing your truck driver or the person receiving the delivery to separate and regroup fittings as they are delivered greatly increases the likelihood of a fitting making it to the proper floor.  Scopes can truly save your company time and money in the shop and out in the field.  Now, if I could only find a way for Scopes to hold hands as you move them to the 2nd floor. I will keep you posted!  Now let’s all go out there and make a teacher proud and implement Scopes!
PS:  Yes, my wife is a teacher!

We hope you enjoyed a safe Thanksgiving weekend with your family and friends. Hopefully your pocket books aren’t any worse for the Black Friday shopping event.

As the year end approaches, we wanted to remind our customers about our upcoming holiday closures. QuickPen Technical Support will be open regular days / hours through Friday, December 23, 2011.

We will be closed the following days:

· Monday, December 26, 2011

· Monday, January 2, 2012

We will be open regular hours, 9 a.m. ET – 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 27, 2011 - Friday, December 30, 2011. We will return to our normal support schedule on Tuesday, January 3, 2012. Please keep these support schedules in mind when scheduling server moves, licensing needs, or general support calls.

From the entire QuickPen staff at Trimble, we wish you a Merry Christmas! Our wish for you is a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2012.

Just a reminder, QuickPen Technical Support will be closed on Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th in observance of the US Thanksgiving.

Have a wonderful holiday!