The demand for digital infrastructure has never been greater. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and 5G networks are causing a significant surge in data center construction. This trend is pushing contractors to build smarter, faster, and more efficiently.
But traditional construction workflows haven’t kept up. When BIM modeling, fabrication, and field installation do not work together, problems can arise. Even small communication gaps can cause rework. This can lead to delays and missed deadlines.
That’s why smart contractors are looking at their workflows again. They are using connected construction platforms like MSUITE. This helps them improve productivity and reduce problems in Design, Fab, and Field.
The Data Center Boom: A Perfect Storm of Demand and Opportunity
The global data center construction market is experiencing explosive growth driven by the surge in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and hyperscale infrastructure. Grand View Research says the market was $240.97 billion in 2024. Analysts expect it to grow to $456.5 billion by 2030. This means it will grow at almost 12 percent each year.
This expansion has created unprecedented pressure on contractors to deliver facilities that balance speed, scalability, and reliability. A historic shortage of skilled workers is impacting over 500,000 open construction jobs in the U.S.
This increases the need for digital workflows and automation. As the need for high-density computing grows, contractors are using prefabrication, BIM integration, and connected tools. These methods help them keep up with the new era of large-scale data center delivery.
Re-Evaluating Workflows: Lessons from Midwestern Mechanical
Midwestern Mechanical, Inc. is a leading mechanical contractor in the Midwest. They wanted to improve their prefabrication process. The team noticed that their old manual workflows were slowing them down.
“Everything was blamed on BIM. Once we implemented MSUITE, we realized many issues weren’t design problems—they were fab or field installation issues.”
Using MSUITE, Midwestern Mechanical transformed how its BIM, fabrication, and field teams collaborated.
“MSUITE is designed to better align different departments. By having a single source of truth, there is no more blame game or finger pointing, just concrete data to understand where any inefficiencies may exist.”
— JOSH OLBERDING | VDC Director, Midwestern Mechanical
By connecting every stage of its process, the company achieved:
- Faster hanger layout and fabrication
- Clear communication between the shop and the site
- Real-time visibility into project progress
- Fewer manual steps and reduced rework
Why Hanger Workflows Matter in Data Center Projects
In data center construction, the high number of MEP systems creates many hanger points. We must design, make, and install these points correctly.
When hangers are misaligned, missing, or inaccurately placed, the entire sequence can stall. Manual hanger layout consumes hours of modeling time and creates bottlenecks downstream in fabrication and field installation.
Optimizing your hanger workflow with automation and connected tools can unlock significant time and labor savings.
The Connected Workflow: From Design to Fab to Field
The key to success isn’t just automation — it’s connection. A fully connected hanger workflow links the BIM model, shop fabrication, and field installation into one continuous digital pipeline.
1. Design Stage: Automate and Standardize
Hanger modeling in BIM has traditionally been a manual, repetitive process. With MSUITE Hangers, contractors can easily place hangers. They can do this based on load, spacing, and trade preferences. This all happens directly in Autodesk Revit®.
By standardizing placement rules and eliminating manual entry, BIM teams can save up to 30 percent in modeling time.
2. Fabrication Stage: Send Hangers to Production
Once hangers are modeled, MSUITE FAB converts BIM data into digital shop packages. Every spool, assembly, and hanger point includes metadata for fabrication and tracking.
Fabrication teams gain visibility into:
- Work order priorities
- Labor hours and productivity
- Material consumption
- Delivery schedules
With QR code tracking, shop managers can see production status in real time. They can also prepare shipments for the field with confidence.
3. Field Stage: Install with Confidence
In the field, speed and accuracy define success, especially in high-pressure data center construction environments. Field crews cannot rely on outdated PDFs, email chains, or manual updates.
With MSUITE, installers gain real-time access to hanger drawings, fabrication progress, and delivery statuses directly from the jobsite. Supervisors can plan labor accurately, allocate crews with confidence, and avoid costly delays caused by missing parts or late design changes.
Visibility is only half the story. The right installation tools make the difference on the ground. Many contractors pair MSUITE’s connected workflows with DEWALT Toughwire, a cable hanger system that simplifies and accelerates installation.
Toughwire delivers measurable productivity gains, including:
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Up to 3X faster installation compared to traditional methods (approximately 3 minutes vs. 13 minutes per hanger)
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Reduced shop fabrication and material handling, shortening production cycles
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Simplified logistics and fewer tools required on site
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Easy post-install adjustments to adapt to evolving site conditions
Learn more about Toughwire.
When field data and installation metrics flow back into MSUITE’s BIM and FAB ecosystem, as-built conditions and changes are captured automatically, completing the digital feedback loop. The result is a faster, safer, and smarter installation process that connects design intent to real-world execution.
MSUITE, part of DEWALT Construction Technology, unites advanced digital workflows with trusted field hardware to help contractors deliver every project with precision, speed, and confidence.
MSUITE Connects It All
MSUITE serves as the digital backbone that connects each stage of the hanger workflow.
With one platform, data moves easily from design to fabrication to installation. No need for manual re-entry, no lost updates, and no confusion exists.
Core Capabilities Include:
- Automated hanger generation and layout optimization
- Digital spool and fabrication package creation
- Real-time shop productivity tracking
- Field-ready access to hanger data and fabrication progress
- Performance analytics for throughput, labor, and rework
The result? A more intelligent, more efficient workflow that drives better outcomes across every stage of the project.
Case Study Spotlight: Bassett Mechanical Powers the Future of Fabrication
Before adopting MSUITE, Bassett Mechanical, a leading industrial and commercial contractor based in Wisconsin, relied on manual coordination between design, fabrication, and installation teams. Using spreadsheets and email updates to manage production made it hard to see project status. Tracking progress in real time was also difficult.
That changed when Bassett used MSUITE’s connected BIM-to-FAB platform. This brought all their fabrication and installation workflows together in one system.
“MSUITE has completely changed the manufacturing game for us. “By digitizing our workflows and automating key processes, we’ve achieved levels of efficiency and accuracy that were previously unimaginable. It’s a transformative tool that has truly elevated our operations.”
— TYLER PETERSON, VP of Manufacturing, Bassett Mechanical
With MSUITE, Bassett Mechanical has achieved measurable results across its projects:
- Faster spool generation and modeling turnaround
- Greater fabrication throughput and scheduling efficiency
- Improved collaboration between design, shop, and field teams
- Increased transparency across departments through shared dashboards
By linking BIM, FAB, and Field operations, Bassett Mechanical has made its digital transformation a real advantage. This has led to faster delivery, fewer errors, and better profits in its fabrication workflows.
Why Connected Workflows Are Essential for Data Centers
Data center construction projects are uniquely demanding. Hangers and supports are the unsung heroes that carry mission-critical mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. When they optimize connected workflows, contractors unlock measurable project gains.
Key Benefits:
- Improved accuracy: Automated hanger placement minimizes clashes and installation errors.
- Reduced waste: Standardized digital processes lower material overages.
- Schedule compression: Faster fabrication and installation accelerate project delivery.
- Better visibility: Shared data eliminates blind spots between teams.
- Higher margins: Efficiency and reduced rework lead directly to improved profitability.
These benefits compound across multiple projects, creating a continuous cycle of improvement.
From Insight to Impact: The MSUITE Advantage
MSUITE helps data center contractors unify BIM, fabrication, and field workflows into a single source of truth. By removing manual handoffs and connecting teams in real time, MSUITE delivers measurable ROI on every build.
- For BIM teams: Faster modeling, automatic hanger placement, and reduced human error.
- For fabrication managers: Accurate shop data, labor tracking, and prioritized work orders.
- For field crews: Instant access to drawings, status updates, and installation data.
This connectivity helps contractors achieve what was once impossible — a continuous, traceable line from design intent to installation reality.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Connected Prefabrication
As more data centers move toward prefabricated modular construction, connected workflows will become non-negotiable. Contractors that master digital hanger automation, fabrication visibility, and field data integration will lead the next phase of construction innovation.
Artificial intelligence, generative design, and digital twins will keep expanding BIM’s reach. However, it is the integration, not just the modeling, that provides real performance.
MSUITE helps contractors get ready for the future. It provides tools to connect people, processes, and production.
Improving how teams work together during each phase of the project.
Improving your hanger workflow is not just about saving time. It’s also about changing how teams work together during each phase of the project.
Midwestern Mechanical and Bassett Mechanical demonstrated that connecting Design, Fabrication, and Field work helps eliminate delays. This approach also improves accuracy and speeds up delivery.
MSUITE helps you manage your entire prefabrication workflows. You can see what is happening in real-time. This leads to reliable results for every data center project.
Learn more or request a demo.
