Posted on September 9th, 2024
The potential of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to save time, money, and emissions in construction extends far beyond design. Kenneth Verlinden, VDC BIM team and content manager EMEA at Victaulic, reveals significant, yet largely untapped opportunities for optimising material management and quality control during the installation of HVAC and fire protection systems.
With over two decades of experience leading software and content development, as well as BIM training at Victaulic, I’ve witnessed the construction industry’s growing adoption of BIM firsthand. Innovation is at our core, and since our company’s inception over 100 years ago, we’ve strived to find better ways of doing things that challenge the status quo. This pioneering spirit led us to be an early adopter of virtual design services using BIM, which have become an essential element in many of our clients’ projects.
We provide detailed BIM content for our products within Autodesk RevitTM, empowering architects, structural engineers, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) contractors to design efficient, cost-effective, andsustainable piping systems for buildings. This streamlined approach ensures a smooth transition to construction, avoiding costly rework, waste, unnecessary emissions, and delays. Contractors can then confidently complete installations on schedule, within budget and with the least environmental impact, ultimately leading to satisfied building owners.
What the construction industry may not realize, however, is that we can do so much more with BIM than empower smart design. We can leverage the power of BIM to drive efficiency throughout the entire project lifecycle, from the design and prefabrication of modular elements to delivery coordination and quality control – and improvements at each of these stages can equal considerable time and money savings overall.
Introducing SpoolTracker
A prime example of this commitment to holistic project success is our SpoolTracker app, launched in late 2022. This innovative platform seamlessly integrates with Victaulic Tools for RevitTM to provide real-time status and location tracking of components throughout their journey, from prefabrication to installation. It also generates a comprehensive material list with embedded photos of the construction site.
Each component features a unique QR code linked to a central database. By simply scanning the pallet with your phone upon delivery, you can instantly locate it on-site, eliminating the risk of lost materials and delays. Beyond streamlining material management, SpoolTracker serves as a robust quality control system. Users can document component arrivals and installations, uploading photos to create a complete quality record for the building owner. It’s also simple to install and use – it doesn’t require much training or onboarding time to start using it on site.
A game-changer for data center construction
We have seen particularly strong take-up of the SpoolTracker app on large-scale construction projects, such as data centers and hospitals, where managing thousands of piping components can be a significant challenge. It just makes sense to keep track of the status and location of components on these kinds of complex projects. Contractors don’t 
need to worry whether the right parts have been delivered, where they are stored, or if they have been installed.
Despite its increasing adoption, the full potential of BIM remains largely untapped in the construction industry. A change in mindset is needed to fully leverage BIM across projects, not just for design but also for managing materialsand ensuring quality. Time is precious in construction, and stakeholders may fear that trying a new approach could pose a risk to schedules and profits. However, BIM actually reduces the risk of unexpected delays, waste and expenses, such as losing components on site, encountering mismatches in piping systems, and failing to document quality adequately.
As we embrace this paradigm shift, let’s remember that hesitation is natural, but so is progress. By embracing the full potential of BIM, we’re not just optimizing schedules and profits – we’re building a future where efficiency, quality, and innovation converge to redefine what’s possible in construction.
Kenneth Verlinden, VDC BIM Team and Content Manager EMEA, recently represented Victaulic along with Sébastien Rolland, Sales Manager France, at the BIM World Paris conference and exhibition. Watch this video interview produced by Twin + to learn more about Victaulic’s approach to BIM and the SpoolTracker app.
