Using Vela Systems software -- including bar-coding and radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking technology -- onsite builders can access a Autodesk Navisworks project model during the construction phase. Instead of leaving the Autodesk Navisworks model and its data behind at the office, jobsite users can work with Vela Systems software on mobile tablet computers to access the intelligent model on-site.

Benefits
This makes it possible to track material production and installation, manage commissioning, conduct quality assurance/quality control inspections, do punch lists and create electronic owner-handover documentation. Autodesk Navisworks users may also designate what information will be managed in Vela Systems. Vela Systems software enables this data to be managed and used in the field. The integration between the products is bi-directional and automated.

Live Scenario
According to Autodesk, this new solution was tried out while constructing the company's new AEC headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts. Tocci Building Corporation utilized Vela Systems Materials Tracker to pull objects from the Autodesk Navisworks model through an automated integration. This captured their status information (for example, delivered, ready-to-install, installed or damaged) from the field. The field gathered data was then deposited into the Autodesk Navisworks model. Tocci and sub-contractor Creative Office Pavilion were able to visualise and monitor the installation and quality status of workstations in real-time -- so that they could plan for shortages or discrepancies accordingly.

The benefits of extending BIM to the field, in this example, proved useful through all stages of construction -- deliver, staging, assembly and installation, and quality control for final inspection. With better oversight, the teams were able to 'connect' a virtual built building to the physically built one.