PROJECT TURNAROUND: PROBLEMS THAT AFFECT SPEED AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
A question we are frequently asked by our clients and prospective clients is “What is the turnaround time for this project?”. Generally speaking, we typically run on average with a two-week turnaround time but situations sometimes impact that timeline which means it could take longer. Let’s go over some problems that impact the speed of model building.
Issues that Impact Fast Turnaround Times
The problems listed below are not necessarily in any particular order. They’re simply the most common issues we see that negatively affect our average turnaround time.
Many delay issues are related to CAD
Not having all the files available at project initiation
Ok, so this one comes up on a pretty regular basis. We often see projects come in that are missing one or more of the following files: a CAD file (or files) containing the engineer's design, a PDF of the civil, landscape, or structural plan sets, and a .txt or .csv file containing the coordinates for the control for the project. In this case, we do our best to work with the files that they have sent to us to at least get the project started. As soon as the remaining files are sent to us we can continue working on the project and prioritize it. Many times, a control file is not needed as engineers can embed the control within the CAD file. If control is not present in the CAD and a control file is not provided, then the VCE will let the client know he has to request control from the engineer. This can take some time, but the VCE can still be working on the project while we wait for control. Once we get that file, we can quickly add the control most of the time and get the project back to the client the same day.
Sub-optimal file quality (e.g., picture of handwritten job site)
Every once in a while, we will receive an image of some sort of handwritten file. Essentially, the client has simply taken a picture of a 2D plan and sent it to us. Certainly, less than ideal is the scenario of having actual digital files sent to us, but we work hard to comb through the information and get what we need to do the work. Typically, this requires more back and forth with questions between our VCE and the client and therefore this too can cause turnaround times to be delayed.
CAD files not available for the project
We have seen the rare case where an engineer will refuse to release their CAD files to the client. If that is the case, we have to use the PDFs to re-create the CAD files. This takes a bunch of time and isn’t as accurate as using the original files. This occurs most commonly with takeoffs and could easily double the time to complete the project.
Files not matching (e.g., PDF and CAD drawings don’t line up when overlayed)
The first step that our VCEs take when kicking off a project is to review all of the files that our client sent us and compare the PDF to the CAD to ensure they line up. There are many times when they in fact don’t line up. This causes extra work on the part of the VCE as they need to find out which file is most current and request the updated file from the engineer, which is why this situation typically results in slower turnaround times.
Large and/or more complex projects require more hours for surface model creation
This one is pretty straightforward to explain and understand. If the project is really large (think heavy/highway-type projects versus a parking lot project) it will simply take more hours for the VCE to create the linework and model because it’s such a large area. When clients have these types of projects for us to work on, it’s always best if they send us the files in plenty of time before construction https://www.eci3d.com/blog/considering-a-career-in-construction-here-are-many-reasons-why-you-should is starting to allow enough time for things to be built precisely. A rush job is not feasible in these cases.
Incomplete information/data (e.g., inaccurate takeoff quantities)
If the calculations were done outside of the scope of work that was asked of us and they were inaccurate or incomplete, delays could happen. There are a lot of situations where cut and fill quantities have to be remeasured either by our client or by ourselves as a second measurement. If the information is inaccurate, delays in turnaround are to be expected.
Several Factors Can Result in Project Delays
Corrupted files
Corrupted files are a straight-up deal breaker. If they’re unusable, we can’t get to work straight away. There will be communication between our engineer and the client to get us new files that we can open up and then get started.
Continuous/recurring revision requests
We see this one a lot. We are asked to create a model for a project and not surprisingly changes occur which means we need a new set of updated CADs and PDFs so we can build the model to the newer drawings. In these cases, it’s almost like the turnaround clock simply starts over because depending on the extent of the changes it could take another couple of weeks to make the revisions.
Contractor’s lack of CAD knowledge or technology
Working Together Effectively Minimizes Project Delays
Some of our clients do not have the in-house resources to be able to check the files before forwarding them to us. Often this results in the client sending us a CAD file for one project and a PDF for a different project. In these cases, the extra time we need to sift through the files could negatively impact turnaround times.
A Partnership with ECI Pays Off
This list is not 100% inclusive of every scenario that could disrupt project turnaround times, however, it does reflect many of the challenges we have faced. The good news is our team is more than capable of working with you to troubleshoot any situation you may have and partner with you to resolve it. Our consultative approach means we are on our client’s side and work with them every step of the way from the initial outreach to us about the project through to project completion. We pride ourselves on the quality of our services and do everything we can to lessen the burden on our clients while turning projects around fast. Contact us to discuss any issues you’re facing that are stalling your work.