Innovation: 3D modelling and data management

As our Operations Director, Ronald Geus is not only responsible for our projects currently in progress; he also looks at ways in which we can best build our customers’ ambitions in future. So, if we can expect a view on innovation from someone, it would be from Ronald. 

What are the most relevant innovations in our line of work at the moment?

“The first one is modelling, in which we have already taken significant steps. Another relevant innovation in our line of work is data management. We have great ambitions in data management, especially in relation to sustainability.”

You mention modelling. What is the importance of modelling and how is Bulsink at the forefront in this field?

“As a construction partner, we are highly appreciated for our strength and ability to achieve things; for quickly and creatively solving issues and preventing problems on site. Preventing and avoiding problems starts with careful thinking and careful preparation.”

“Reading drawings is quite a technical matter, while the current generation thinks in images. Shifting from technical drawings to 3D visualisation has improved communications and has enabled us to share information in a more effective way.”

What are the benefits of modelling in day-to-day operations? 

“By responding to our customers’ questions in 3D images rather than in 2D lines and technical specifications, we ensure that we really understand their needs. It gives them the space to reflect on certain choices earlier in the process.”

“At the same time, it creates a better understanding for our own project teams on how things come together. If something fits in terms of dimensions, or whether safety regulations are met. Where connections should be made, and, simply, whether something looks good or not. The option to make adaptations and decisions in a virtual world, saves time and money. Of course, visualising takes time, but demolition is definitely more expensive than adapting a model.”

You also mentioned data management in relation to sustainability. Could you explain what you mean by that? 

“We can process and record all kinds of information in the models we make, including information in the field of sustainability. This allows us to calculate in advance how our customers can improve their energy performance and to build more sustainably.”

“We can improve energy performance, for example, by using a more efficient air curtain, or perhaps by adding or removing ceilings and doors too. We immediately see how effective certain measures are simply by entering this kind of data into our models.”

The data is there, and we feel a sense of responsibility to learn from it.

“In addition, there is sustainability in the choices of products or materials. At retail locations, materials are often not used to the full extent of their economic service life. With that in mind, you can opt to build using demountable parts and properly record all data about materials, so that you can reuse them after a renovation or relocation.”

“What we learn from one project, we apply to another. The data is there, and we feel a sense of responsibility to learn from it. In this sense you could say that we encourage and facilitate knowledge sharing among our customers.”