SteelCAD Drafting Enhancments with Trimble Connect

SteelCAD Drafting Enhances Structural Steel Detailing with Trimble Connect

A Case Study on Streamlining Collaboration and Efficiency in Structural Steel Projects.

CASE STUDY – STEELCAD DRAFTING

SteelCAD Drafting, a leading Australian firm specialising in construction and structural steel detailing, has been a long-term advocate for Trimble solutions.

By adopting advanced tools like Trimble Connect, SteelCAD has transformed its workflows, enabling enhanced collaboration, streamlined model reviews, and improved project efficiency.

Their journey exemplifies how Trimble Connect empowers businesses to overcome traditional challenges in model-based workflows and drive innovation.

Bulimba Ferry Terminal Project by Steelcad Drafting

Image credit: Steelcad Drafting

Challenges in Structural Steel Detailing

Before integrating Trimble Connect, SteelCAD Drafting relied on tools like Trimble BIMSight for model collaboration. While effective initially, these tools revealed limitations as project complexity increased. Key challenges included:

Model Reviews: SteelCAD relied heavily on Tekla models but lacked an efficient process for collaborative inspection. Production meetings often required specialised hardware and licensing to set up Tekla models, adding logistical hurdles.
Third-Party Collaboration: Managing external model reviews without a unified platform led to inefficiencies and communication gaps.

SteelCAD needed a more seamless solution to support their daily operations and growing project demands.

Discovering Trimble Connect

SteelCAD’s journey with Trimble Connect began through their longstanding relationship with Trimble and BuildingPoint, their local Trimble support provider. The firm identified Trimble Connect as the solution to simplify their workflows and standardise collaborative model reviews. Initially, SteelCAD utilised Trimble Connect for:

Production Meetings: The platform provided an intuitive model review environment.
IFC Model Reviews: During the quoting phase, daily model syncing ensured data accuracy and accessibility.

The team sought a straightforward platform to streamline collaboration and establish consistency in project meetings.

“
Trimble Connect has immense power, offering endless potential for building custom tools, and as Tekla customers, we can invite clients into projects, giving them greater autonomy and strengthening our business relationships.

Phil Shanks
Operations Manager, SteelCad Drafting Pty Ltd

Transforming Workflows with Trimble Connect

Trimble Connect quickly became an indispensable tool for SteelCAD, resolving operational bottlenecks and delivering measurable improvements.

Centralised Collaboration

SteelCAD now creates one project per job in Trimble Connect, syncing models daily to maintain data accuracy. The cloud-based platform eliminates the need for Tekla installations during model reviews, making collaboration faster and more accessible.

Strengthened Client Relationships

By inviting clients into Trimble Connect projects, SteelCAD fosters transparency and trust. Clients gain access to up-to-date models and can contribute directly, improving communication and decision-making.

Enhanced Tools and Features

Key features of Trimble Connect—such as data table manipulation, CSV exports, and 3D visualisation—have proven invaluable. These tools enable SteelCAD to identify project issues, provide actionable feedback, and maintain alignment with stakeholders.

Providing clients with direct access to Trimble Connect projects has enhanced autonomy and improved project transparency, strengthening relationships.

Looking Ahead

SteelCAD’s experience with Trimble Connect extends beyond its current capabilities. The firm is exploring innovative ways to leverage the platform’s potential, including:

Custom Tools: Using the Trimble Connect API, SteelCAD is developing bespoke tools to simplify data navigation, expedite model reviews, and enhance autonomy for teams and clients.
Feature Enhancements: SteelCAD envisions additional functionality, such as auto-sync for Tekla models, improved To-Do management, and desktop notifications for outdated models.

The platform’s flexibility and potential for customisation offer endless opportunities for innovation and efficiency.

For SteelCAD Drafting, Trimble Connect has been transformative, enabling streamlined workflows, improved collaboration, and stronger client relationships.

The platform’s versatility and potential for customisation position it as a cornerstone of SteelCAD’s future innovations. By leveraging Trimble Connect, SteelCAD continues to redefine excellence in structural steel detailing, demonstrating the platform’s value as a tool for innovation and efficiency.

Want to see how Trimble Connect can transform your projects? Contact our team today to learn more and get started.