SUNNYVALE, Calif. and BOULDER, Colo., Nov 17, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ --
Trimble (Nasdaq: TRMB) and Vico Software, Inc. today announced the workflow
integration of the Vico 5D Virtual Construction(TM) Suite and Trimble
construction layout solutions. Now, contractors can create Building
Information Models (BIM) in Vico's Virtual Construction software, export the
data directly to the Trimble field layout solution and use the highly accurate
data to lay out and construct complex buildings and structures.
Extending the Accuracy of BIM to the Field
BIM is transforming the way construction projects are planned and managed;
however, the data from these models is not being maximized in the field.
Traditional construction methods lose the accuracy of the 3D building model
when implemented in the field. Valuable time and accuracy can be lost by
manually scaling distances, calculating angles from plans, turning angles with
theodolites and pulling tapes to measure distances.
To maintain the accuracy of BIM in the final building product, Trimble,
Vico, and Tekla now make this information available for use by construction
professionals to automate the layout, erection and construction of their
projects.
"Precision placement of hangars and bracings is critical for safety and
off-site material fabrication. This is a key component of successfully
extending BIM to subcontractors and field crews," said Mark Sawyer, CEO and
President from Vico. "We've seen first-hand how successful the integration is
at St. Joseph's Mission Hospital in southern California. We're very pleased
with the advantages this partnership delivers to customers."
"This workflow integration with Vico provides a significant opportunity
for contractors to improve productivity," said Pat Bohle, general manager for
Building Construction at Trimble. "Now, they can leverage the data from their
BIM to physically construct the building. With this integration, there is less
time wasted on inefficient layout of the building plan and less waste of
materials due to re-work and overages."
About BIM
Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management (BIM) is
the process of modeling and communicating the structure of a building in
detail to benefit the entire building lifecycle. BIM facilitates the exchange
and use of building information in digital format and is currently used by
professionals on all building types from the simplest warehouse to many of the
most complex new buildings.
As an emerging design method in use today, BIM allows a virtual
information model to be handed from design team (architects, surveyors,
consulting engineers, and others) to contractor and subcontractors and then to
the owner, each adding their own additional discipline-specific knowledge and
tracking of changes in a single model. The goal of BIM is to reduce the
information loss that occurs when a new team takes "ownership" of a project as
well as to deliver extensive information to owners of complex structures far
beyond that which they are currently accustomed to having.
About Vico Software
Vico Software, Inc. provides 5D Virtual Construction(TM) software and
services to the building construction industry. Building owners, general
contractors, and construction managers use Vico's software to reduce risk,
manage costs, and optimize schedules on large, complex building projects.
Vico's integrated solutions, first released in 2005, pioneered the 5D
category. The benefits of Vico's solutions and services have been proven with
over three hundred customers and two hundred completed building projects to
date.
For more information, visit: http://www.vicosoftware.com
About Trimble
Trimble applies technology to make field and mobile workers in businesses
and government significantly more productive. Solutions are focused on
applications requiring position or location -- including surveying,
construction, agriculture, fleet and asset management, public safety and
mapping. In addition to utilizing positioning technologies, such as GPS,
lasers and optics, Trimble solutions may include software content specific to
the needs of the user. Wireless technologies are utilized to deliver the
solution to the user and to ensure a tight coupling of the field and the back
office. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has a
worldwide presence with more than 3,800 employees in over 18 countries.
For more information, visit: http://www.trimble.com
GTRMB
SOURCE Trimble
http://www.trimble.com
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