Evan on Engineering Software

From Ralph Grabowski's World CAD Access blog, quoting Phil Bernstein, of Autodesk:

"Contractors are the only ones who build full-size prototypes -- and then skip the final step."

Not exactly true.  Automakers and Aircraft manufacturers still build full-size prototypes, and occasionally skip the final step.  Nevertheless, even though Phil was trying to be humorous, I get what it was trying to say.

It does seem tragic.  The CAD model should be a virtual prototype... but limitations in today's technology -- even those that are touted as being "BIM"  (Building Information Modeling) tools -- make it impossible.  The essential problem is one of abstraction:  the CAD model is design-centric, not construction-centric.  CAD models are designed for a perfect world.  Construction models must be designed for the real world.

One of the interesting technologies that does actually deal with the "full-size prototype" problem for buildings is the Virtual Construction software, from Vico. (www.vicosoftware.com)  This software lets a contractor build a virtual prototype of their building in the computer (typically based on the Architect's CAD model), and tie it to estimating and scheduling.  The company has plenty of case studies, showing big savings in cost and schedule.  This is not "virtual" money here -- We're talking about millions of dollars added directly to a contractor's bottom line, with untold risk reduction.

Now here's the interesting thing: VICO has a team in place to actually handle major construction projects.  I don't know of any other developer of BIM software that's willing to put their money where their mouth is, and commit to this type of trial-by-fire.