Ryan Companies U.S. Inc., a builder, designer, and real estate manager, is using building information modeling (BIM) in conjunction with Proliance software. Ryan is working with Horizontal Systems Inc., a Meridian Systems independent software vendor, to enable BIM data integration with its capital program management software system.
“Increasingly sophisticated technologies are improving our infrastructure life-cycle management processes, and enabling us to leverage BIM in a much more powerful way,” said Frank Sarno, Ryan’s director of construction applications.
“For example, in the past, we would package up our BIM files, date stamp them, and have a meeting to discuss that set of documents. Now, with the integration that Horizontal has implemented with Meridian, real-time discussions have replaced these meetings, saving us hours, even days.”
Horizontal is an information modeling and management company offering lifecycle solutions for the build environment. Horizontal Glue is an integrated project database that links BIM software to cost estimating, enterprise resource planning, and project management software. Data from the BIM program, Autodesk's Revit Architecture, is pushed to the Glue Server. The server then integrates attribute information to link objects in the model with line items in Proliance software.
Proliance, combined with the Horizontal Glue Server's web-based interface, makes model viewing rather intuitive for project managers who would otherwise have to learn Revit. Additionally, Glue integrates with Tablet PCs, enabling project superintendents in the field to access model data.
“Combined with the collaborative environment of Proliance, the Glue Server enables Ryan’s employees to replace time-consuming processes with real-time discussions,” Horizontal Chief Executive Officer Jordan Brandt said. “Ryan selected the Glue Server because it eliminated the need for data related to tasks, such as schedule coordination, clash detection, and quantity takeoff, to be separately entered into Revit and Proliance.”
Proliance combines project and portfolio management, business process management, and business analytics into one system of record, enabling large enterprises to track how their real estate, construction, and facilities portfolios are performing.
