The Importance of CAD Services in the Construction Industry

Computer-aided design (CAD) software creates precise drawings of either two or three-dimensional models using X, Y, and Z coordinates. In the construction industry, CAD software streamlines the design, engineering, and construction process. 

EDC Management Corp. provides hands-on construction management services to customers in commercial, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Our designers and engineers use advanced CAD software to create graphical representations of structural designs. This blog post will discuss how CAD is used in construction and architecture applications, as well as the benefits of using this software. 

Overview of CAD in Construction and Architecture 

Architects, engineers, and construction managers utilize CAD to develop highly accurate designs in place of manual drafting. All CAD software use horizontal, vertical, and depth coordinates to create highly precise 2D or 3D designs that visualize construction plans. Construction CAD optimizes the design process and enables modifications, and any company that uses the technology will have a significant advantage over others that do not.

How Do Engineers and Construction Managers Use CAD?

Computer-aided tools have become indispensable to engineers and architects in their creation of precision illustrations. In switching from paper to CAD software, construction managers can conduct detailed analyses, identify flaws, and take accurate measurements that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. CAD software also simplifies blueprints, provides consistent measurements, and enables quick and easy adjustments. 

Engineers and construction managers also use CAD to project structural, electrical, plumbing, and sanitary diagrams. To determine a building’s final look, CAD software can produce images of a building’s finished appearance.

Advantages of CAD in Construction

Here are the main advantages to using CAD in construction. 

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Because of its detail and accuracy, CAD software prevents costly mistakes. It makes the entire production process more efficient, saving production costs and streamlining productivity. Many CAD programs come with clash or interference detection to analyze whether the elements of a design will work together, long before the design goes to engineering.

Superior Visualization

Prior to CAD technology, hand-drawn designs limited visualization. They could be unclear or illegible, and they were also subject to human error. Computerization solves these issues because CAD programs are standardized and organized.

Higher-Quality Design

CAD allows teams to make frequent edits to a design, controlling the quality of the final product. The software can test and solve problems more efficiently to produce a better end result.

Computer Accessibility

Paper-and-pen designs must be passed around physically and are easily lost. CAD designs allow team members to collaborate remotely or in person on the same file, view edit history, and share with other departments.

Reuse and Change Designs

CAD files enable future projects to reuse the same designs. Users can easily change and save new elements without having to redraw the entire illustration.

CAD Services at EDC Management

CAD software is vital for construction and architectural projects. It allows construction managers to visualize every detail of a project and anticipate problems in advance, facilitating a smoother overall process. At EDC Management, we provide extensive structural and mechanical engineering design services for our clients. We use CAD technology to create functional 2D or 3D design models for every stage of your engineering process. 

Our CAD department performs on-site fieldwork to make models that are as accurate and comprehensive as possible. We provide new structural designs, existing design modifications, specialty designs, consultations, and more. Contact us to learn more about our services, or get started on your next CAD project by requesting a quote.

How to Effectively Run Construction Management for a Project

Keys to Success for Running an Effective Construction Management plan for a Project

• Automating Project Management Tasks: Automation is key to productivity. It eliminates the need for a skilled manager or employee to spend time on tedious, time-consuming tasks. Using advanced software and technology, it’s easier than ever to automatically send reports to employees and stakeholders, for example, enabling project managers to streamline the day and make better use of everyone’s time.

• Nailing Project Delivery Timelines: This starts by outlining clear roles and responsibilities to ensure employees know their scope. Mapping timelines and listing roles with Gantt charts help managers stay organized, enhance productivity, and improve their management skills. It’s key to staying on task and adhering to deadlines.

• Create a Flow of Communication: There are so many people involved in a construction project, from stakeholders and managers to workers and suppliers, and everyone needs to be on the same page. Establishing a clear, open line of communication makes the entire process go more smoothly, reduces errors, and reduces frantic phone calls and emails as someone tries to find the right person to help them solve a problem. 

Step-by-Step Construction Project Management Plans

Create a Plan

It all starts here. After meeting with the client to understand their goals and expectations, the construction project manager has to determine how to take the project from concept to completion. Consider the time frame you’ll need to allow for each step of the building process, how to allocate the budget, worker safety protocols and procedures, a quality control process, and administrative tasks like contracts and insurance.

Determine Roles

Clearly outline each role in the project, and ensure the person hired to complete the role understands his or her scope. This prevents employees from stepping on each other’s toes as the building progresses. Identify specific points in the project that may require approval before moving to the next step, and determine who is responsible for giving that approval. 

Host a Kickoff Meeting

This is your chance to bring all the major players together before work begins. Discuss the plan and expectations, assign additional tasks, and open up the floor to questions and discussion to ensure everyone is on the same page. 

Build in Flexibility

Expect the unexpected. Weather delays, supply delays, miscommunications, new demands from a client, sick employees, and more can quickly derail your construction plan. Have a process in place for dealing with these disruptions to ensure you can get back on track. 

Conduct a Final Review

Revisit all the work you’ve done so far. Double-check that your framework for this project is solid, and make adjustments as necessary.

Begin Construction

Offer leadership, support, and guidance as the team executes the plan you carefully designed. Be ready to delegate tasks as the need arises and track metrics to ensure the team will meet the predetermined performance goals. 

Finish Up

When the building is finished, you’ll need to meet with the team, stakeholders, and clients to discuss the project, including both successes and setbacks. Take what you learn and apply it to the next project. 

Construction/Project Management Services at EDC Management Corp.