Internet-Based Collaboration Revolutionizes AEC Industries

Strategic Insights -

In the field of architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC), the internet has emerged as a crucial tool for collaboration among designers, architects, and engineers. According to Jim Baum, executive vice president of research and development at Parametric Technology, a leading Cadcam vendor, internet-based collaboration has evolved significantly in the AEC industries over the past three years. The new Hong Kong airport project, for instance, involved the exchange of over 100,000 2-D and 3-D computerized models between 20 design contractors and 40 construction companies via the internet, using an Oracle database to log and distribute the models.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AEC industries have seen a significant shift in internet-based collaboration over the past three years, from an interesting concept to a practical reality.
  • Parametric Technology's executive vice president, Jim Baum, notes that the internet has become an essential tool for customers, allowing them to do things that were not feasible before.
  • The Hong Kong airport project involved the exchange of over 100,000 2-D and 3-D computerized models between design contractors and construction companies via the internet, using an Oracle database.
  • Bentley Systems' ProjectWise Extranet technology allows teams to access project information through a dedicated project web site, using extranets to ensure secure and controlled access.
  • ProjectWise Extranet costs from $15,000 to $50,000 and has been adopted by over 5,000 users worldwide.
  • Bentley's ProjectBank software tracks all transactions made on an engineering project, including the user name, date, and time, as well as a description of the changes and affected components.
  • Framework Technologies' ActiveProject technology allows construction teams to retrieve and discuss information on a secure project web site using a standard web browser.
  • Parametric Technology's Windchill product manages big mechanical engineering projects through the web, allowing collaboration on product life cycles, and is being adopted by Lockheed Martin for the Joint Strike Fighter programme.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 2-D and 3-D computerized models were exchanged between design contractors and construction companies on the Hong Kong airport project via the internet.
  • More than 5,000 users worldwide are using Bentley's ProjectWise Extranet.
  • ProjectWise Extranet costs from $15,000 to $50,000.
  • Benton uses over 20,000 manufacturers complying with its requirements.

Sources:

  • Jim Baum, executive vice president of research and development at Parametric Technology (no specific date mentioned)
  • Oracle (no specific date mentioned)
  • Bentley Systems, ProjectWise Extranet, and ProjectBank (no specific date mentioned)
  • Framework Technologies, ActiveProject (no specific date mentioned)
  • Parametric Technology, Windchill (no specific date mentioned)
  • Lockheed Martin (no specific date mentioned)
  • Financial Times Limited, 1999.