The Limitations of Point Solutions in Construction Fabrication
Construction fabrication teams rely on precise coordination between Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) teams and shop floor operations. However, many fabricators still use a variety of “point” solutions—manual paper tracking, Excel spreadsheets, and fragmented email communication—to name a few.
These methods can provide immediate benefits, but they also create problems. Having your data scattered across several solutions can lower productivity, raise the chance of mistakes, and delay project timelines. As projects become more complex, fabricators must adopt centralized, modern digital solutions to meet demand.
Key Issues with Point Solutions
Data Silos & Miscommunication
- Using separate tools for tracking, documentation, and reporting creates information silos. VDC teams may model parts in one system. Meanwhile, the fabrication team uses spreadsheets or whiteboards to manage their work. This disconnect can lead to errors and delays.
Limited Real-Time Visibility
- Paper-based tracking and static spreadsheets do not provide real-time updates on shop progress. Project managers struggle to make informed decisions without instant access to accurate production data.
Manual Entry Errors & Version Control Issues
- Manually updating Excel sheets and tracking changes over email results in outdated information and version control headaches. A single incorrect entry or overlooked email thread can cause costly mistakes.
Inefficiency & Rework
- Without a centralized system, fabrication teams waste time searching for information, verifying specifications, and correcting errors from outdated data. This inefficiency increases labor costs and extends project timelines.
To solve these challenges, construction fabricators need one reliable source. This source should connect VDC teams with shop floor operations.
How MSUITE FAB Transforms Construction Fabrication
MSUITE FAB provides a cloud-based, integrated solution that bridges the gap between design and fabrication teams. It eliminates reliance on fragmented point solutions and ensures seamless collaboration across all phases of prefabrication.
- A Centralized Platform for All Stakeholders
MSUITE FAB brings all project data together. This makes it easy for VDC modelers, shop floor teams, and project managers to access it in real-time. Teams no longer have to deal with separate spreadsheets and emails. They work from one source of truth that updates as work moves forward.
- Real-Time Tracking & Visibility
With built-in progress tracking dashboards, MSUITE FAB provides real-time insights into fabrication workflows. Project managers can:
- Monitor work status in the shop.
- Track material flow from procurement to installation.
- Identify bottlenecks before they delay projects.
This level of visibility ensures fabricators can meet deadlines without costly surprises.
- Seamless VDC-to-Fabrication Integration
MSUITE FAB integrates directly with leading VDC software, enabling smooth transitions from design to fabrication. With automated spool tracking and model-based workflows, VDC teams can create ready-to-use instructions. This helps fabricators always work from the latest plans.
- Reduced Rework & Improved Accuracy
By removing manual data entry and disconnected workflows, MSUITE FAB reduces costly rework. Teams operate confidently, knowing they are working with accurate, up-to-date information synced across the entire project.
- Cloud-Based Accessibility & Automation
Unlike static spreadsheets and paper documents, MSUITE FAB enables remote access to fabrication data. Whether teams are in the shop, office, or field, they can view and update fabrication progress from any device.
Automated workflows also streamline shop operations, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring efficient production.
Case Study: Streimer Fabrication Benefits from MSUITE FAB
One real-world example of the advantages of MSUITE FAB comes from Streimer, a leading sheet metal contractor. Before adopting MSUITE, the company faced significant inefficiencies because of manual tracking and fragmented communication. By implementing MSUITE FAB, Streimer transformed its workflow with:
- Real-time fabrication tracking that reduced project delays.
- Seamless integration with VDC tools, eliminating manual entry errors.
- Improved collaboration between design, shop, and field teams.
Critical Shop Integrations
Streimer required a versatile software platform capable of integrating seamlessly with the various technologies and hardware supporting its fabrication shop operations to maximize efficiency. MSUITE’s adaptability stood out, providing critical integrations with:
- Autodesk Fabrication CAMDuct – Enabling smooth HVAC order processing.
- Sigmanest – Generating CSV input for jobs heading to the fiber laser, streamlining cutting operations.
This level of automation and synchronization significantly enhanced fabrication shop efficiency and reduced manual interventions.
“By keeping track of our items digitally with MSUITE, our shop has real-time visibility. We rarely search for misplaced items anymore as we load trucks daily and move our products to our customers,” said Brad Lindquist, CNC Programmer, Streimer.
By adopting MSUITE FAB, Streimer significantly improved productivity, reduced errors, and enhanced material tracking, ensuring a more streamlined and reliable fabrication process.
Read the entire case study here.
The Future of Fabrication: Moving Beyond Point Solutions
As construction fabricators prepare for the future, relying on outdated methods will only create more challenges. A recent article in Industry discusses the main construction challenges for 2025. It highlights the need for digitization and automation in fabrication workflows. Read more
Why Fabricators Must Act Now
Migrating to a single-source platform like MSUITE FAB is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Firms that embrace cloud-based, integrated solutions can:
- Eliminate costly inefficiencies.
- Improve project visibility and tracking.
- Enhance collaboration across teams.
- Reduce errors and expensive rework.
- Meet increasing project demands with confidence.
Unlock Efficiency with MSUITE FAB
The construction fabrication industry is changing quickly. Using old tools like paper, Excel, and emails will slow you down. By switching to MSUITE FAB, fabricators get real-time tracking and easy collaboration. This creates one source of truth, leading to faster and more efficient workflows.
If your team has problems with tools that don’t work well together, consider a modern, cloud-based solution. Engineers design this type of solution for today’s fabrication needs.
Learn more about MSUITE FAB.
