Precision and efficiency are paramount in the Building Information Modeling (BIM) ecosystem. Yet, one often overlooked aspect—hanger placement—can consume disproportionate amounts of time and resources. This inefficiency hampers productivity and increases the risk of errors and project delays.
Common Challenges in the Process
- Manual placement takes a lot of time. It requires careful attention to detail for proper alignment and support.
- Manual Errors: Human error in sizing and positioning can lead to structural issues, necessitating costly rework.
- Lack of Automation: Traditional methods lack automation, making it difficult and time consuming to adapt to changes in the model or design.
- Inefficient Processes Can Cause Delays. The cumulative effect of these challenges can lead to significant project delays and increased costs.
The Cost of Rework from Manual Hanger Errors
Manual errors during mechanical support system placement don’t just waste office hours — they can balloon into costly field rework. A study by the Construction Industry Institute found that rework makes up about 5% of total construction costs. Design and coordination errors are a significant contributing factor for this.
Every incorrectly placed hanger that requires field adjustment translates to lost time, higher labor costs, and strained schedules. By automating and validating hanger placement early in the process, MSUITE Hangers dramatically reduces these expensive mistakes.
The Domino Effect of Slow Hanger Coordination
When support system layouts, such as pipe supports and equipment mounts, cause delays, it affects the entire schedule. This happens during BIM coordination. MEP systems that rely on early placement, like ductwork, piping, and conduit, cannot move forward without final support layouts. Delays during the hanger placement phase push back fabrication starts, installation schedules, and inspections. Automating the placement process with MSUITE removes this bottleneck early. This lets the rest of the build continue smoothly without costly delays.
Automation as a Standard for the Future
With new automation in construction, the industry is making manual work less common. McKinsey & Company says that construction technologies, like automated layout and modular building, could increase productivity by 14% to 15%. They could also reduce costs by 4% to 6%. By using solutions like MSUITE Hangers today, smart contractors can stay ahead of those who are slower to change.
Introducing MSUITE Hangers
The design team created MSUITE Hangers to address these challenges head-on. Automating the placement and sizing of hangers within the BIM model significantly reduces the time and effort required. Key features include:
- Automated Placement: Automatically places suspension components based on predefined rules and parameters.
- Dynamic Sizing: Adjusts hanger sizes in real-time to accommodate changes in the model.
- Integration with MSUITE BIM and Fab: Seamlessly integrates with other MSUITE products for a cohesive workflow.
- Field Point Automation: Generates field points automatically, facilitating accurate on-site installation.
By streamlining these processes, MSUITE Hangers improves efficiency, enhances accuracy, and reduces the risk of errors.
Optimizing Support System Coordination Across Trades
In today’s BIM coordination meetings, it is important to finalize hanger and support system layouts early. This helps prevent clashes later on.
Without good placement tools, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) teams often have trouble aligning their supports. This can lead to more conflicts in the field. MSUITE Hangers makes this process easier by automating layouts based on trade rules and clearances. This reduces RFIs and saves important coordination time.
Transforming BIM Modeling from a Bottleneck to a Competitive Advantage
Contractors who embrace automation in BIM support layout and detailing can dramatically improve project outcomes and work faster.
It also improves the overall build quality of the model. Better support layouts lead to faster fabrication, cleaner installations, and fewer costly surprises during site inspections. As BIM standards change, companies that use smart support systems in their modeling will be more productive. They will also deliver projects more efficiently.
Real-World Impact
Implementing MSUITE can lead to substantial time savings and cost reductions. Automating hanger placement can save important labor hours. This helps teams focus on more critical parts of the project. Moreover, reducing manual errors minimizes the need for rework, further enhancing project timelines and budgets.
Learn More
To explore how MSUITE Hangers can revolutionize your BIM workflow.
