Software systems, apps and high-tech tools assume an increasingly important role in streamlining processes and tasks in build-management
Manage complex, multi-phase builds
Buildertrend is designed for:
• Builders who oversee more than five projects a year or handle complex, multi-phase builds
• Builders who want to go from six to eight figures
• Builders who won’t compromise on production deadlines
The company says its product helps builders stay on top of everything in one place, and put an end to questions such as, “Where’s that receipt? Who made the last sales call? Which projects are framing today?”
Clients want information about the status of their build. “Buildertrend gives it to them. Instead of constant emails or texts, they can see what’s happening without any extra effort from a builder’s team,” the company says. buildertrend.com
Site positioning system
The Trimble Sitework site positioning system available from SITECH is designed to streamline construction workflows. With real-time data, intuitive software and rugged hardware, the system helps crews work faster, smarter and more accurately boosting productivity across the jobsite.
Builders can connect their offices to the field with a Trimble tablet, a rugged and fully connected field computer for construction measurements and site positioning. Advanced tools streamline construction workflows by integrating design data, machine control and field operations. sitech-ec.ca
Blu – your smartest crew member
Blu is a digital building assistant powered by AI, trained on thousands of residential projects and fully integrated into a builder’s estimating and planning workflow, the company says.
Features include:
• Prepare quotes knowing you have the latest pricing from your favourite material dealer
• Build accurate estimates trained on real homebuilder data from construction pros
• Work with Blu using your own words, as you would speak to team members
The product also has a full toolbelt of helpful features:
• Assembly Assistant checks for accurate estimating on repeatable jobs
• Estimate Reviewer double-checks your estimate for common mistakes and overlooked items
• Takeoff Assistant scales and measures digital plans quickly for a faster bidding process
• Estimate Generator for creating a complete, customizable estimate from scratch
buildxact.com
Generating concrete mix savings
SmartMix, available through Giatec Scientific, is an AI-powered platform that quantifies concrete mix savings to review and action in just a few clicks, gathering all concrete mix and performance data from plant to pour in real-time.
The platform offers a flexible and intuitive mix management platform, centralizing all your QC data for easy access and troubleshooting. With traceable changes, you can track, review and revert past mix adjustments effortlessly. It automates data flow to generate actionable insights that meet the fast-paced demands of the ready-mix industry. With 10-times greater efficiency, users can spend more time on analysis and stay ahead in a dynamic market.
Centralized data and real-time insights can help producers work more efficiently, optimize mix designs to reduce costs and carbon emissions, and make informed quality decisions. giatecscientific.com
Leveraging software collaboration
BuildingPoint Canada helps the construction industry leverage constructible data, modelling and real-time collaboration with software, field solutions and professional services.
Part of Cansel Group, BuildingPoint Canada says it “improves productivity and profitability with solutions that blend innovation and practical features to solve construction challenges.”
Through its long-term partnership with Trimble, BuildingPoint says it is “dedicated to transforming the planning, design, construction and operation of buildings through advanced, accessible, intuitive technologies in Canada. The portfolio of synergistic hardware, software and service offerings – built around Trimble Connect, a cloud-based collaboration platform – streamlines communication and collaboration throughout the design-build-operate lifecycle.” buildingpoint.ca
Green-beam three-plane line laser
The Bosch Three-Plane Leveling and Alignment-Line Laser provides an all-in-one level and alignment solution for one-person job setup. The leveling laser generates three green-beam laser chalk lines in 360-degree laser planes – one horizontal and two vertical. With Bluetooth connectivity, users can control the setup of the laser from across the room with their smart phone and the free Bosch Leveling Remote App. The laser offers dual power technology: Bosch 12V Max Lithium-ion battery for extended runtime or with four AA alkaline batteries. The laser has a working range of up to 200 ft. diameter, and with pulse mode the range extends up to 330 ft. diameter with the optional LR8 receiver. This laser features VisiMax Technology to drive maximum line visibility, CAL Guard for calibration assurance and robust over-molded construction to withstand rainy or dusty jobsite conditions. Designed to be up to four times brighter than red laser beam for greater visibility. boschtools.com
Create as-built drawings
This software available from Leica Geosystems was developed for carpenters, kitchen builders, stair builders, door/window installers and metal workers. It covers the entire 2D/3D measurement process in interior construction.
With the field software Leica iCON, builders can create as-built drawings including all details and then export the data for further processing in their preferred CAD software. The CAD design then allows you to programme your CNC machine and manufacture the individual components to fit precisely. This reduces the assembly effort on site to a minimum as rework is reduced to an absolute minimum. leica-geosystems.com
