Hexagon Geosystems has launched HxGN AEC Project Viewer, a new cloud-based software designed to make it easy to visualise, federate and control project data.

The software connects model, schedule, and document management processes with a view to improving visibility, collaboration, and communication in construction projects. It supports the transition from 3D models to 5D construction management by adding time and cost insights.

“To visualise progress and identify changes, AEC Project Viewer can serve as a single pane of glass for office and field teams,” said Kevin Holmes, VP, Building Solutions, at Hexagon Geosystems. “Design or schedule updates are effectively visualised to ensure that they are easily understood and actionable for project stakeholders and team members. Our cloud solution will enable construction companies of all sizes to take an important step towards BIM-based construction processes,”

Project teams can upload native models (RVT and IFC) and schedule files (MSP XML, XLS), compare models and identify what has changed and why, schedule revisions, and connect with several leading Common Data Environments (CDEs). It also acts as a document repository, supporting more than twenty document formats (DWG, PDF, etc.) for collaboration, review and markup.

The HxGN AEC Project Viewer mobile app (iOS and Android) allows users to access models and schedules from anywhere.

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Built environment software specialist Eleco has acquired BestOutcome, a UK Project Portfolio Management (PPM) SaaS provider.

BestOutcome develops PM3, a Project Portfolio Management (PPM) tool designed to enable organisations to run everything from large-scale business change programmes to simple, stand-alone projects.

The company’s existing client base comprises enterprise customers, significant public sector bodies, facility asset owners and operators and include NHS, Medicines & Healthcare Regulatory Authority, Nottinghamshire Police, Cambridge City Council, Shared Service Connect and ACCO Brands.

The acquisition of BestOutcome is designed to extend Eleco’s product usage to both earlier and later in the building lifecycle by providing a tool that can detail both the pre-construction and handover processes.

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Atvero, the Sharepoint-based document and drawing management solution for architects and engineers, is now integrated with CMap, the end-to-end CRM, project and resource management software. The news follows CMap’s acquisition of Atvero earlier this year.

“Whilst Atvero and CMap remain independent products, the launch of this integration provides joint clients with huge efficiencies across AEC project and document management, with ‘one version of the truth’ maintained across critical project, company and contact data,” said Marcus Roberts, head of Atvero.

Through the integration, Atvero and CMap aim to create a more streamlined project information management workflow that helps users work more efficiently, increase information accuracy, and reduce risks in project delivery.

Atvero will bi-directionally sync with CMap. Projects originating in CMap will also be created in Atvero, alongside any associated companies and contacts. Subsequent edits to projects, companies and contacts will continuously sync, ensuring consistent data between the two systems.

“Since Atvero joined the CMap family we have seen huge interest from across the AEC sector, validating the strength of the Atvero product and the clear gap in the market for a SharePoint based, AEC specific information management solution,” said Dave Graham, CEO of CMap. “We’re delighted to be launching this integration—but this is very much ‘version one’, with further enhancements envisaged, driven by close collaboration with our mutual clients.”

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Asite, a data platform for the built environment used by firms including Laing O’Rourke, and Transport for London (TfL), has acquired 3D Repo, a specialist in ‘real-time’ cloud-based BIM collaboration software for construction and infrastructure projects.

The acquisition builds on a relationship that dates back to 2020, when the two firms started working together to integrate their cloud-based collaboration platforms.

3D Repo is best known for its 3D visualisation, safety, and data validation tools. Multidisciplinary teams can communicate and access live BIM data directly through a web browser. Users can manage model revisions and highlight potential issues using live collaboration tools, which allow the whole project team to work from a single source of truth.

Asite’s project information management solution is more centred on the sharing of documents through traditional review, markup and revision tracking workflows. It also provides a range of solutions for supply chain management, and data management for assets. According to Asite, the addition of 3D Repo’s innovative technology will enhance and strengthen all of these capabilities further.

“We are delighted to welcome 3D Repo to the Asite family. This is a strategic move that aligns with our commitment to provide cutting-edge solutions for the construction industry,” said Nathan Doughty, Asite CEO. “Their innovative technology, combined with our existing solutions, will enable us to offer customers even more powerful and effective digital engineering tools. We are excited about the opportunities that this acquisition will bring.”

“Asite shares our vision for the future of digital engineering. We are excited to join forces and bring our expertise in cloud-based collaboration and BIM to Asite’s platform,” said Dr. Jozef Doboš, CEO of 3D Repo. “Together, we will provide a holistic information management platform that will provide customers with even more advanced solutions for managing their construction projects and help drive digitisation in construction to the next level.”

Caption: Dr. Jozef Doboš, CEO of 3D Repo (pictured left) and Nathan Doughty, Asite CEO (pictured right) 

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Information management specialist White Frog has joined forces with Australian software developer Focus HQ Pty, to bring the Focus HQ software to EMEA and expand its capabilities within the AECO sector.

Focus HQ tracks and reports the status of multiple projects across an entire corporate portfolio, providing a real-time ‘red, amber, green (RAG)’ dashboard for managers and executives. It interconnects Gantt charts, risk schedules, consistent reports, resource planning, budgeting, and benefits realisations, and applies a layer of corporate governance over the top.

“The reason I am most excited about the partnership, is not just for the software’s out-of-the-box functionality but the potential to create templates for repeatable project workflows,” said Paul Woddy, director of channel development for the newly formed company Focus HQ EMEA.

“What this means in practice is the opportunity to capture processes defined in such standards as ISO 19650 for Information Management, and to embed that into the core of project management, delivering consistency from a single source of the truth and an auditable trail for quality control.”

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The Nemetschek Group, which owns the AEC brands Allplan, Bluebeam, dRofus, Graphisoft, Solibri, Vectorworks and others, has invested in the start-up SmartPM, the developer of an automated project controls and schedule analytics platform.

SmartPM’s cloud-based platform uses proprietary schedule analytics technology to proactively identify critical project risk issues throughout the entire construction lifecycle.

The software is designed to organise, analyse, and translate complex and hidden schedule data into key metrics and graphic visuals that support decision-making.

Designed to work alongside and in tandem with current processes, SmartPM aims to elevate CPM scheduling software (MS Project, Oracle Primavera, Power Project) by improving schedule quality and automating project control processes that align with construction industry best practices.

“Due to the inherent complexity of construction schedules, overruns are a risk, and this is not uncommon to the industry”, says Jon Elliott, CEO of Bluebeam and chief division officer, build & construct at the Nemetschek Group.

“It can be difficult to determine the cause of overruns in projects, and SmartPM addresses this issue through intelligence and analysis. We are proud to be furthering our commitment to innovation with our investment in SmartPM.”

SmartPM was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Atlanta, USA.

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CMap, a provider of industry-tailored project and resource management software, has acquired Atvero, a provider of document management software for AEC firms.

Atvero’s cloud-based project information management software spans document management in SharePoint, email management from Outlook, secure transmittals of project information, and integrations with leading CAD tools and CDEs.

“Bringing Atvero into the CMap family enables us to offer Architects, Engineers and Construction firms a unique proposition—the industry’s first cloud-based, best-of-breed project, document & email management solution,” said Dave Graham, CEO of CMap.

“Our combined offering helps free our clients from the day-to-day complexities of running their companies and lets them focus on what they love: delivering outstanding projects.”

Together, CMap and Atvero serve nearly 500 customers globally. An integration between the two products is being released imminently, but each product will maintain its own independent roadmap and development team. Marcus Roberts, director and co-founder of Atvero, will lead the Atvero business unit within CMap.

“We’ve seen huge demand for Atvero as more and more companies have embraced the cloud, and Microsoft SharePoint and Teams.” said Marcus Roberts, head of Atvero.

“CMap are a clear leader in the AEC industry, and by joining forces we have the perfect partner to help further accelerate the development and adoption of Atvero.”

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Eleco has launched Asta Connect, a new collaborative task management tool within the company’s construction project management software Powerproject.

Asta Connect is designed to solve the challenges of short-term, on-site planning, collaboration and daily activities progress by connecting project teams with the overall master construction schedule. Users can import project plans from master scheduling software like Powerproject or create a new master schedule within Asta Connect.

According to Eleco, the software can capture commitments and deliver key insights on the projects to empower decision-making.

Eleco explains that Asta Connect helps trade contractors, project managers, contract managers, trade and site managers (last planners) centrally coordinate daily and weekly work plans. The company adds that it also assists them in understanding their roles and responsibilities, collaborating on agreed tasks, viewing their progress, and seeing the impact of their actions on other disciplines through a simple, visual interface.

“Our customers are increasingly adopting Last Planner and Lean principles in their projects. The benefits of fostering collaboration and driving accountability are reducing waste and avoiding unnecessary expenditure on rework,” says David Simpson, global product manager, Elecosoft. “We are therefore pleased to support this trend by launching Asta Connect to provide a critical online gateway for multi-stakeholder collaboration while supporting the industry’s shift towards lean principles.”

“Asta Connect users can import project plans from master scheduling software like Powerproject or create a new master schedule within the Asta Connect programme to connect everyone involved with the overall objectives of the project,” he adds.

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Laing O’Rourke is using 4D construction software Synchro 4D to simulate the construction of Everton Football Club’s new stadium in Bramley-Moore Dock, Vauxhall, Liverpool.

The 52,888-seater arena is now over a year into its three-year build and is due to open for the start of the 2024–25 Premier League season, replacing Goodison Park.

Laing O’Rourke has built a master federated 3D model from detailed electrical, mechanical, structural and architectural models. This includes steelwork assemblies, prefabricated concrete walls and giant roof trusses, as well as wiring, plumbing, light switches and plug sockets.

A 4D model is then created with model elements linked to the construction programme activities in Synchro. This allows the Laing O’Rourke team to visualise the construction sequence and assess potential risks or clashes in the programme, along with opportunities that might not have been seen using more traditional methods.

“It’s been built virtually on screen in a simulated environment, and now physically on site,” explains Craig Wallace, digital engineer, Laing O’Rourke. “The real benefit is that this enables us to resolve issues upfront, in a simulated environment, before work begins on-site.

“That promotes efficiency gains, reduction in risks, leads to programme and cost benefits and provides certainty throughout the life-cycle of the build.

In addition to simulating the sequencing of the build, the Everton Stadium model includes elements such as mobile cranes, storage zones, engineering controls, walking routes and more.

“That really helps to drive what we do on site and how we can coordinate different pieces of work safely. This is our highest value,” explains Wallace.

The rolling model can be accessed by the workforce on site, via screens or mobile phones, enabling them to undertake the precise workloads and feedback on progress to keep the information flow going.

“Every week in our immersive space we hold a logistics team meeting where we get all of the operatives on site to come into the room and we run through, week by week, what’s going to be happening on site and we can adapt to changes in logistics,” says Wallace.

“Working with our supply chain, we can use the model and embedded data to visually track the progress of the build and then communicate this through dashboard reporting.

“The model is integral to dictating, with precise detail, the just-in-time delivery slots for tonnes of steelwork and the thousands of concrete wall panels, pillars and beams,” he says.

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During the Covid-19 pandemic, Gaunt Francis Architects (GFA), like most UK practices, had to shift its entire workforce away from the office. Now more than two years later and hybrid working has become “the new normal”.

As Simon Dodd, IT manager at GFA believes, those who claimed that working from home would never be as effective have all been proven wrong. “Two years after the first lockdown, GFA is still using the “emergency” remote working system that we implemented when Covid first started,” he says. “We are now pushing to establish a properly structured hybrid working system from the fundamentals that have been built since the pandemic.”

Many architects at GFA currently benefit from not having to commute for hours each day and enjoy a better work / life balance. However, working remotely can mean workers miss out on social interaction, which can stimulate creative ideas, increase work motivation, and improve engagement between employees.

Dodd believes it’s important to find some middle ground, “We prefer to come into the office for a few days per week,” he says. “Sometimes, it is better to work in a “positive isolation” environment where you can fully focus on tasks that require deep concentration. A hybrid working environment provides people the opportunity to manage themselves, and it also comes with the trust that is placed into people to work from home effectively.”

Microsoft Teams proved invaluable in maintaining communication between GFA’s staff members and clients and is still used to communicate internally and externally on a regular basis.

Throughout the pandemic, it enabled project teams to organise meetings more quickly, frequently and flexibly. GFA even used Teams to recruit internationally and onboard staff remotely. Despite never having met other team members in person, it enabled them to work on projects effectively, while feeling included.

Beyond communication, Teams made it possible for GFA to onboard new systems and familiarise staff members with new workflows.

In general, Dodd believes the pandemic allowed technologies that support remote working to develop rapidly. In some cases this has led to the disappearance of physical IT infrastructures, such as desktop computers or hosted server systems.

Dodd considers cloud-based solutions to be much more cost effective to operate compared to on-premise solutions. “The cost of moving to a cloud-based virtual machine environment is much lower than replacing a physical asset [to] keep it operating for another few years,” he says.

A cloud future

In a hybrid world, where everybody works from different locations, times, and shifts, one of the most popular questions raised in the AEC sector is whether it is possible to eliminate servers and make a complete switch to the cloud.

According to Marcus Roberts, technology director of Atvero, a developer of AEC-focused document management software, the answer is yes.

Because Microsoft SharePoint and OneDrive support collaborative editing in place, they are the natural homes of any Microsoft-based documents, he says. Therefore, users can easily store, access and work on Microsoft documents together on the cloud.

“There’s also good support for AutoCAD now, and Atvero has customers who run all of their AutoCAD projects off SharePoint,” he says. “With good protocols, InDesign documents can also be worked on in SharePoint and OneDrive.”

GFA’s Dodd explains that with Azure Active Directory approaches, the infrastructure of data storage and access management, along with its administrative processes, will naturally become cloud based. This has made hybrid working become a much better prospect, he believes.

A hybrid working environment provides people the opportunity to manage themselves, and it also comes with the trust that is placed into people to work from home effectively

Simon Dodd, IT manager at GFA

However, whether servers can be completely removed depends on the workload of each architect, says Atvero’s Roberts. “Many people think Revit can operate effectively over VPN until model corruption becomes an issue,” he says. “With Revit being extremely sensitive to latency and requiring good file locking, the only solutions for this issue at the moment are file servers, or Autodesk BIM 360. This means workstations need to be positioned next to the server, and remote workers will need to have their virtual desktops colocated with the server.”

The role of SharePoint

Before the pandemic, GFA already had a Microsoft 365 subscription that always remained running in the background and was not used on a regular basis by the majority of staff. However, when remote working came into effect, SharePoint instantly became one of the most frequently used tools to store, share and organise project information entirely on the cloud.

According to Dodd, there are two major benefits to SharePoint for architects: the avoidance of information silos and data security guaranteed by Microsoft’s data protection policies.

Providing a globally synchronised document library, SharePoint marks an end to the siloed approach to file storage, as Roberts explains, “With every user getting 1 TB of storage space on OneDrive, users’ files will no longer be in danger of being saved to local desktops and becoming permanently lost if any unexpected negative incidents happen to the hard drives or device storing those files.”

In addition, when project data is hosted in a SharePoint tenancy, data security is guaranteed by Microsoft’s data retention policies, as Dodd explains. “We don’t have to worry about how long we have to keep backups for, or whether it is secure enough to store data on the cloud in a Microsoft system.

“Microsoft’s data retention policies are the lifeline behind every project, helping us achieve immediate compliance in GDPR requirements and cyber security essentials. Having Microsoft’s multiple factor authenitcation and Microsoft Defender looking after our data means we no longer have to constantly worry about data security, saving us great amounts of time in IT management.”

When remote working and SharePoint were first implemented, some of GFA’s staff were resistant to this new way of working and were not convinced that they could execute the same workflows without physical infrastructures.

Microsoft 365 is an integral part of business applications for most organisations, but it can lack the industry requirements for architectural firms to manage project information.

A month before lockdown came into effect, GFA implemented Atvero as its primary information and document management solution.

Built on the Microsoft 365 foundation, Atvero is focused on AEC workfows and is designed to manage the full life cycles of documents and drawings from creation to issue and transmittal.

“Atvero was helpful because it makes SharePoint more user-friendly, especially to people who were previously not comfortable with using Microsoft products on a regular basis. Atvero helps us use SharePoint without any fear of doing anything wrong since all the required standardisations and processes have been included. This makes remote working much more feasible for us,” concludes Dodd.

Image credit: Audley Fairmile care community project in Cobham, Surrey. Image courtesy of Gaunt Francis Architects

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