CIS Assignment 1 - Part B PDF

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CIS Assignment 1 – Part B

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Contents Hardware:...................................................................................................................................3 System requirements and features:.......................................................................................3 Relevance to the Construction Industry:...............................................................................3 Labour Hours:.....................................................................................................................3 Construction Equipment cost and utilization:....................................................................3 Document Control:.............................................................................................................4 Cost benefit in comparison to relevant hardware:................................................................4 Software:....................................................................................................................................5 System requirements and features:.......................................................................................5 Relevance to construction industry:......................................................................................5 Cost Benefit in comparison to relevant software or hardware:.............................................6 Expert Systems:..........................................................................................................................7 System requirements and features (advanced capabilities):.................................................7 Relevance to the Construction Industry:...............................................................................8 Cost Benefit in comparison to relevant software or hardware:.............................................8 Communication Technology:......................................................................................................9 System requirements and features........................................................................................9 Relevance to the Construction industry...............................................................................10 Cost benefit in comparison to relevant software.................................................................10 Building Information Systems..................................................................................................12 System requirements and features......................................................................................12 Relevance to the construction industry...............................................................................12 Cost benefit in comparison to relevant software or hardware............................................13 Bibliography:............................................................................................................................14

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Hardware: System requirements and features: There are many considerations when designing barcodes and considering what they require. The main considerations are the Barcode Size, Barcode Height, Quiet Zones, Barcode Colours, and Barcode Location. Barcode Size: The minimum size of the barcode depends on the barcode type and intended scanning environment. For example, “the GS1 Barcode size gauge shows the sizes of EAN/UPC and ITF-14 barcodes at different magnifications…”(GS1 Australia, 2016). Quiet Zones: The clear areas before and after the first and last bar respectively which are referred to as quiet zones are important as they indicate to the scanner where the beginning and the end of the barcode are located. Without these areas on the barcode, the barcode itself may not be able to be scanned hence it being a requirement when designing a barcode. Barcode Location: It is critical to place barcodes in consistently clear locations on products and during the designing process the following considerations are recommended; The Scanning Environment, Printing direction, curved surfaces, and avoiding obstacles.

Relevance to the Construction Industry: Labour Hours: The benefits of installing a labour hours system within the construction industry that utilises the use of barcode technology are as follows; The administrative time that is required to process accurate payrolls to labour would be decreased and simplified which would lead to errors in the labour data to be corrected daily. Construction Equipment cost and utilization: The implementation of barcode technology would greatly assist the industry in the region of construction equipment cost and utilization in three simple ways. The first way is that it eliminates any need for a paper record as it purely just has to be scanned for later comparison. The second method is that it improves the overall accuracy by eliminating transcription errors and/or lost property record cards. Document Control: The benefits of utilizing a barcode system for document control within the construction industry are as follows; Improved efficiency of a tracking system which relates to minimising the time spent searching for the location of a document.

Cost benefit in comparison to relevant hardware: An alternative to barcodes is the application of QR codes. QR Codes, otherwise known as ‘quick response codes’ were originated in Japan an is a square image made of little pixels. The information provided on a QR code has the possibility to include a web link, contract information and has the ability to send automated messages. Purchasing a barcode has better benefits as it can be used on all retail products with the exception of books and magazines. These specifications vary slightly when considering the Western Sydney University

UPC barcode, whereas, a QR code is most commonly used by smartphones and camera phones. Through looking at a comparison chart of scanners used in relation to both barcodes and QR codes, there is a clear difference in technology and pricing as provided by Barcode Sorted (2018) such as the difference of a WWR2900 scanner (used primarily for barcodes) and a WPS200 scanner (used primarily for QR codes) which differentiate in regions such as Scanning Distance, Applications and Scanning Technology.

Software: System requirements and features: All buildsoft estimating software has been developed to run only with PCs windows operating systems, Cubit is no different. Cubit will need windows 7 or higher along with additional system requirements to function at full capacity. The developer has provided a list for optimal performance and a minimum at that. The minimal necessities are a intel processor; 1.86 Ghz intel dual core processor but an I7 2.6 Ghz is recommended for the faster speed at which the CPU will process the tasks required. Memory, a 4GB RAM at minimum and 8-16 GB RAM recommended to allow much larger storage of information so that the computer will run faster. A graphics card, at a minimum a 256 MB Ram would suffice however a 2 GB one is recommended to handle the cluster of data being input by Cubit and deliver a clear output of information. Lastly, Cubit will require at least 1 GB of free space to store all relevant information however this will vary constantly due to the amount of work Cubit is required to undertake and the sheer size of projects that are uploaded into it, the recommended free space is 4 GB. All these requirements are necessary for computers to be able to handle the standout features Cubit has available. Cubit provides 2D take off which allows you to accurately measure directly from PDF, CAD or image files of your project plans1. Cubit uses a Building Information Modelling (BIM) reader which allows the user to extract project properties (take off) and generate automatic quantities from BIM 3D models 2. From these two features the user will also be able to prepare a Bills of Quantities, Cost estimates and cost, improving the turnaround time in creating these documents. Cubit also provides automatic plan revisions, Cubit will overlay adjusted plans over old ones and will highlight differences so that take offs and estimates are adjusted accordingly 3.

Relevance to construction industry: Buildsoft is a developer that targets the construction industry and professionals; Quantity Surveyors, estimators, builders, contractors. Cubit is labelled the natural estimator for its ability to deliver a unique solution for estimating building and construction projects. This software package allows quantity surveyors and estimators to carry out their work in a

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faster, more accurate and efficient manner something the construction industry benefits from.

Cost Benefit in comparison to relevant software or hardware: Cubit currently has two versions, standard and pro; for the purpose of this report the pro version will be used. There is several other estimating software available for a fraction of the price such as Rapidbid for $99 per month subscription and Planswift for one off fee of $995 and yearly service fee like Cubit. As these software’s cost a fraction they also perform only a fraction of what Cubit does. Cubit is considered a high-end product which takes estimating to a whole new level and can only be compared to like products such as Cost X by Exactal. Unfortunately, Cost X do not release pricing information to the public which may indicate that their prices are high, which is why buildsoft have released pricing to demonstrate that their prices are relatively low and quite cost beneficial to estimators and companies.

Expert Systems: Expert systems are computer programs, based on artificial intelligence (Ai) techniques, designed to reach the level of performance of a human expert in some specialized problemsolving domain. construction processes and the construction site increase in complexity, expert systems will increasingly augment or replace conventional algorithmic programs in which all decisions have to be anticipated and pre-programmed, they are acclaimable to a wide range of task and many problems that engineers, and construction works face. Some of these tasks that involve, Planning, Design, Construction systems and transportation systems.

System requirements and features (advanced capabilities): Cause green star is an online service you require the bare minimum system requirements to use this expert system, you Must have windows 7 and above and be able to run java and other software’s like ARCHICAD and to be able to send your plans over to Green star. (Green star 2018) To use green star all you need is:

 Representative from the Applicant Company, who is authorised by to instruct the GBCA on matters relating to the project.  Registration application including the Certification Agreement (including any amendments or novation).  Receive and discuss the results of the Round 1 and Round 2 assessments.  Nominate and change Applicant Contact and Project Contacts.  Provide permission to promote the Green Star registration and certification. Western Sydney University

 Provide photos of the project (once certified).  Accessing the pdf certificate (once certified) via the Project Manager Portal.  (Green star 2018)

Relevance to the Construction Industry: Green star is an online building platform that allows the customer to send their plans and have a review done, to see what can be changed to benefit the consumer and the environment. Green star correlates with building code of Australia Property Council of Australia ‘Method of Measurement’, to ensure that relevant standards are in place before the beginning of construction. Green star deals with:  Demolition work  Works outside the site area  Buildings or areas with the site that are not being assessed for the purpose of green star  Consultants  Design fees, project management fees.  (Green star 2018) so far Green star has help numerus amounts of companies and businesses benefit in cost savings and help reduce carbon foot print by having an easily accessible program for anyone to use. ( Green star 2018).

Cost Benefit in comparison to relevant software or hardware: Green star is a well know expert system that is trusted from big companies to the small businesses, the general costs and the benefit really depend on the price and type of package you choose. For new buildings and major refurbishments, for small projects that are with $0-3million can cost the consumer $17 500 and a discounted price of $12.500 for members, then for big major projects like Highrise construction $150m+ can cost the consumer $40 000 or $35 000 for members (Green star 2018) they also provide around the same process for:  New fit outs  Building operations  Communities, precincts and neighbourhoods In comparison to other software’s such as, BASIX, NABARS, NATSPEC, the main function of green star is to have a long-term finical gain on the consumer, by insuring environmentally friendly construction they can ultimately reduce costs, for (water, gas, electricity) by insuring maximum efficiency. (Green star 2018) Western Sydney University

Communication Technology: Communication Technology is increasingly becoming a more crucial area for the fast paced and rapidly growing construction industry. (BCIAustralia, 2018) Companies that are able to fully take advantage of emerging communication technologies are poised to be at the forefront of the market, increasing productivity and efficiency.

System requirements and features Aconex is a web-based product and therefore can be used on a wide amount of systems and hardware, one of the only requirements is that your browser (either on computer or mobile) supports Java. (Aconex, 2018) This platform allows a greater reach over a traditionally installed computer program. Aconex also allows the installation of Mobile apps for both the regular Aconex platform, and Aconex Field (defect management program). These Mobile apps are available on both iOS and Android. While it is recommended to be running the latest versions of each Software, their website states “Users will not be blocked from using earlier app versions or installing on devices that do not meet the recommendations. But be aware performance may be reduced.” (Aconex, 2018) The other primary feature is the email system. All approved users can send emails within the project sphere. These emails are timestamped and can be used as an accurate recording of conversations throughout the project, and can also be especially useful when dealing with variations or, more severely, court proceedings. As there is no ‘Delete’ feature, once information such as a document or email is shared, there is a clear audit trail for every message or document revision. This email system also logs the different type of correspondence, such as RFIs and converts this information into reports. (Aconex, 2018)

Defects management is also another crucial aspect of the Aconex platform. This can be accessed through the website or through the separate Aconex Field mobile app. This tool allows users to capture defects and assign them to specific sub-contractors and assign a due date. As you can see in the graph below, it is a very useful tool for managing defects and ensuring they are being completed in a timely manner.

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(Aconex, 2018) A tendering service is also available through the Aconex web platform, this allows a Principal or Head Contractor so send out tender packages to sub-contractors, and then offers the subcontractors an opportunity to submit a quote. It is useful in that it allows a quick and accurate check of who and how many people are submitting quotes for each individual trade package.

Relevance to the Construction industry Aconex as a platform has been designed solely around Construction Project Management, its main features and little quirks and offerings make it an invaluable tool to complete any project to programme and budget. Aconex boasts over $1 Trillion in project value, with over 16,000 projects delivered in in 70+ countries worldwide throughout the construction, infrastructure and energy/resources industries. (Aconex, 2018)

Cost benefit in comparison to relevant software Aconex is trusted by some of the largest construction companies in the world for its secure, cloud based document control. Therefore, the pricing structure is very heavily dependent on Economies of Scale. Aconex and ProCore do not publish pricing online and as of 18/9/2018 have not responded to my enquires regarding their pricing. There are many other Project Management and Collaboration platforms; however its main competitor would be ProCore. Both products share very similar solutions, including Emails, Document Control, BIM, Defect management and Quality Control. Aconex is a larger platform with 6 million users, 1.75 billion emails, 1.28 billion documents (Aconex, 2018) compared to ProCore’s 2million advertised users. (ProCore, 2018) Both products place customer support at the forefront, with next to zero wait times and 24/7 support available in any country. Other project management platforms include Atlassian, one of the largest software developers in the world. Atlassian, like Aconex is a Sydney based company founded in the early 2000’s. Atlassian’s pricing structure is as follows: -

$10 monthly flat fee – for small teams up to 10 users $7 per user/month for the first 100 users 1) $4 per user/month for the next 150 users 2) $1 per user/month for each additional user over 250 Western Sydney University

(Atlassian, 2018) While Atlassian provides one of the most integrated project management platforms in the world, with almost 3.5 million companies worldwide. It does not offer any of the construction specific solutions that Aconex and Procore does, such as plan reading and mark ups and defect management. More importantly Atlassian charges for each individual user of the program. While this may work well for large companies with in house collaboration requirements, it does not work as well for construction companies, due to the wide and outside collaboration requirements. Aconex and Procore will charge a flat fee to the head contractor or developer. This will then allow unlimited connections on that specific job. This is important as there are many subcontractors and consultants – that are constantly changing – involved in the one construction project. To register and pay for each user individually would be an accounting nightmare, and drastically reduce efficiency.

Building Information Systems Building information systems (BIS) in the construction industry is a tool and system that allows for planning and design ideas to be drafted before the finalised project plan is confirmed. ArchiCAD is an intelligent 3D model based process which runs on a computer systems that gives architectures, engineers and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct and manages buildings.

System requirements and features In order to run archiCAD on a computer system, the minimum hardware requirements needed is:  Processor: 64-bit processor with two cores.  RAM: 8 GB.  Hard disk space: 5 GB or more is required for the installation.  Graphics card: OpenGL 3.2 compatible graphics card.  Display: A resolution of 1366 x 768 or higher. These are the minimal system requirements needed in order to run the design software on a computer operating system. In the latest version of archiCAD there has been a revamp and performance update in the software which allows designers to work on projects to their full potential. Archicad has added updates to their curtain tool feature which provides powerful capabilities for façade design masters using either traditional or algorithmic based design methodology. New updates also feature significant improvements in all areas of BIM, including construction modelling, information management and 2D performance.

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