Empower Your MEP Workflow

Discover how Leica Geosystems’ iCON Total Station Solution enhances your MEP layout performance

Workflow in Action: HVAC Hangar Layout

Peer Insight: Dee Cramer

Steve Hunt

VP Preconstruction

Dee Cramer is a pioneer in Building Information Modeling (BIM). A full-service HVAC/sheet metal construction and service firm located in Michigan, Dee Cramer has been drawing in 3D for nearly 20 years. The company performs custom ductwork fabrication ranging from light gauge air distribution systems to heavy gauge industrial ventilation systems. With four offices, three of which double as manufacturing facilities, Dee Cramer is a third generation owned, Michigan-based company.

“We initiated BIM back in 1992 when it was 3D CAD (computer aided design) to drive our manufacturing process,” said Steve Hunt, Vice President, Preconstruction at Dee Cramer. “Since then, Dee Cramer has grown to become one of the most trusted names in the industry.”

Dee Cramer has established itself as an industry leader in technological advancement, specifically for its BIM/CAD expertise. The company has a BIM manager with 14 union workers dedicated to project coordination. That team has been using Leica Geosystems’ Total Stations for 10 years to create the most accurate and realistic 3D renderings for its jobsites, including precisely locating hanger points.

Efficiency Goals

Ability to complete work faster to stay on schedule
Better visibility into layout placement in support of duct work
Better manage BIM for avoiding clashes and rework
Enhance coordination between field and office crews
More efficient setup process

“We just bought a new total station this year and will replace our current one with another Leica total station,” added Hunt. “Our goal is to have 4 crew members sharing two devices going forward.”

The transition to Leica Geosystems products and technology 10 years ago was an easy one for Dee Cramer. In addition to the benefits in the field, Dee Cramer trusts Leica Geosystems equipment and technology for all its job sites.

“The industry expertise and knowledge coupled with being easy to work with is a clear differentiator,” noted Hunt. “Leica is progressive; they push the envelope in terms of technology and that’s where we want to be. The relationship and support we have working with Leica is unparalleled. Our experience with Leica has been excellent.”

A technology advantage is what helps set Dee Cramer apart. In addition to hanger layout with BIM coordination models, Dee Cramer does a lot of MEP (mechanical, electrical & plumbing) coordination using BIM for its jobsites’ general contractors and modeling for mechanical contractors who don’t have CAD/BIM services in house.

Dee Cramer typically coordinates everything in the celling space, applying the hangers to support ductwork, which supports the mechanical, in the space. Ductwork installation during construction can be a complex procedure leading to project delays, numerous challenges and unexpected costs. It’s critical to understand where hangers go to support duct work and where to attach above.

With Leica’s Total Stations, Dee Cramer can load data of hanger points, shoot into new slab, projecting upward, and put into the upper attachment.

Always schedule driven, Dee Cramer uses Leica to deliver against tight timelines and strict requirements. Using Leica’s products and technology, Dee Cramer is often able to drop hangers before concrete is poured. This agility has allowed Dee Cramer to deliver – accurately – against timelines and budget.

iCON Solutions enhance your HVAC layout performance with:

MEP Coordination in Field

Field technicians can coordinate BIM directly in the field to correct issues and verify hangar placement against the model in real-time, ensuring that costly errors and inconsistencies are resolved before duct work is completed.

Faster Data Importing

By streamlining your BIM data onsite through IFC format, you can eliminate the need for manual modifications and pick list exporting – enabling faster data transfers back to the office to ensure you stay on schedule.

Fully Accessible 3D Model

With your 3D design model fully accessible on-site, you can ensure your layout technicians have a complete view of the plan – offering foresight and insight into what’s next to avoid costly HVAC/duct work problems later on.

Easy One-person setup & Operation

With user-friendly and easy-to-understand technology requiring minimal training, Leica iCON solutions offer a fast and painless setup process to get you working faster and on to the next job.

More from your peers: Plumbing Layout

Founded by Ashley Moran in 2005, Ashmor group provide professional plumbing servicing and maintenance. Ashmor’s specialities include large scale, multi-location renovation and maintenance works, with services ranging from plumbing to gas fitting, LPG, Drainage and Environmental compliance. Ashmor consistently provide a quality, professional and reliable service with impeccable attention to detail.

Original Source

Rethink your HVAC Work with ICON Solutions

Designed to maximize your duct work efficiency, iCON technology streamlines your HVAC layout application by integrating your 3D design model from the office directly into the field workflow to produce accurate and verified point data in real-time – eliminating delays from BIM coordination and costly rework.

This intuitive, one-person solution empowers your field technicians to quickly tackle more work without sacrificing quality – enabling you to remain on schedule and get to the next job faster.