Graphisoft Announces Its Virtual Construction Line of Products and Services
The world's first commercially available 5D Construction Management system
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Budapest, October 04 - Graphisoft® announced today a set of applications and services that will fundamentally change the way construction planning takes place. Graphisoft has introduced a new product line-up which includes construction modeling, model-based estimating, 4D sequencing and 5D cash-flow analyses. The product line is based on six years of research, development and production by YIT Corporation, market leader in the Finnish construction sector with net sales of EUR2.39 billion.
"The construction industry is ready for dramatic change. Up to 25% of any construction project is waste. In North America, construction is the only non-agricultural industry that has seen a consistent decline in productivity over the past 40 years. Our goal is to take 2-3% or more out of the cost of every building project that employs our solution. We are getting tremendous feedback from early users throughout the world," said Dominic Gallello, CEO of Graphisoft.
"Virtual Construction(tm) is about winning more business and increasing predictability," said Clay Freeman, Director, Construction Solutions, Graphisoft. "Winning more business is achieved by reducing the time and cost required to prepare a bid, and by creating more compelling presentations by using cost and time simulation. Predictability is increased with more accurate estimates, the ability to better analyze schedule alternatives, and closer synchronization of changes between design, cost and schedule."
Graphisoft has been working closely with key customers on live projects over the past year, to insure that its Virtual Construction(tm) patent pending solution, achieves the results that the industry has been looking for. Among these are California-based Webcor Builders and YIT Construction, a subsidiary of YIT Corporation.
"Graphisoft's software and services offerings are revolutionizing the way we plan projects. The tools provide a quantum leap in our ability to collaborate with the architect and the sub-contractors, leading to huge reductions in the inefficiencies, waste, and rework that plague our industry. In essence, it allows us to build the building virtually, before ever putting a shovel in the ground," said Andy Ball, CEO, Webcor Builders.
"We have completed hundreds of projects with this technology and the results have been dramatic," stated Ilpo Jalasjoki, CEO of YIT Construction. "We have cut our project planning and cost estimating times by up to two thirds and have increased estimating accuracy. There are many other benefits that we have realized in our upstream and downstream construction processes."
The products and services line-up includes:
Products:
· Graphisoft Constructor 2005 - includes:
· A Construction Modeling System - designed to quickly create accurate 3D construction models. The resulting model reduces errors present in design documents, leading to significant savings in construction cost and time. 1 A 4D Sequencer - designed to automatically link the construction model to the project schedule. Once linked, schedule alternatives can be more effectively analyzed and communicated. 2 Graphisoft Estimator Connector - designed to extract, link and publish model information to Graphisoft Estimator 2005. 3 Graphisoft Estimator 2005 is part of the package.
· Graphisoft Estimator 2005 - includes:
· A Model-based Estimating System - designed to extract accurate quantity information from the construction model and produce estimates quickly and accurately. 1 A Traditional Estimating System - to support the transition from manual takeoff-based estimating to model-based estimating. A complete set of traditional estimating features are included. 2 Production Planning & Procurement - designed to divide the resources created by the estimating application in production zones and to produce procurement requirements. 3 5D Reporting - using the construction model as the link between cost and time, the system produces cost-loaded schedules for financial analysis.
Services:
Graphisoft Construction Services - to both ease the transition to the new technology and to provide additional customer support during peak loads, Graphisoft Construction Services will utilize the product line under the direction of the customer's project team. These services include:
· Construction Modeling 1 Constructability Analysis 2 Estimating Support 3 4D Sequencing Support 4 Production and Procurement Planning Support 5 Site Planning Support 6 5D Construction Simulation Presentations
Both Graphisoft Constructor 2005 and Graphisoft Estimator 2005 will be shipping before the end of this year.
About Graphisoft:
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it," Alan Kay.
Graphisoft is the pioneer and leader in developing Virtual Building(tm) solutions. It is widely acknowledged as the world's #1 supplier of model-based software and services for the building industry. Our clients are at the forefront of the industry - delivering projects that are better designed, more predictable to construct and less expensive to operate. Media requests for information should be made to Giovanna Mandato at: [email protected] About YIT Corporation: YIT is a service company offering construction, capital investment and maintenance services in housing and for the property and construction sector, enterprises, Public sector and for industry and telecommunications. Its main markets are the Nordic and Baltic countries and Russia. YIT is the leading building systems company in the Nordic countries. YIT is the leading construction company in Finland. Our services include construction services, property maintenance and servicing, property management, security technology, property networks and all HEPACE, automation, cooling and refrigeration works. About Webcor Builders: Founded in 1971 in San Mateo, California, Webcor Builders has consistently been listed among the ENR Top 400 US General Contractors. Webcor Builders has a wide range of experience in mid-rise and high-rise office buildings, medical buildings, parking structures, residential and retail projects, hotels, congregate care facilities, apartment projects, renovation and rehabilitation projects, seismic upgrade projects and extensive interior construction with tenant improvements.
