Blogs
The Benefits of CAD Automation in Construction

The Benefits of CAD Automation in Construction

March 26, 2024
Andrew
Construction
The Benefits of CAD Automation in Construction

Computer-aided design (CAD) helps create detailed plans for construction projects. Architects, engineers, and building designers can use CAD software to make 2D or 3D blueprints and scale measurements. Contractors and engineers can then use these plans to carry out construction. 

Traditionally, CAD software required manual inputs, where you would need to draw the design line by line. CAD automation can help speed up the design process by filling portions of a building’s plans automatically. For instance, an automated CAD program can create plans based on preset parameters or templates. The designers can then focus on customizing these drawings rather than creating drawings from scratch.  

Automated CAD programs can reduce human error that happens with manual inputs. With accurate measurements, you can use the designs to estimate the concrete or steel needed to complete a project. Also, automated drafting in CAD software can be helpful when estimating framing or other parts of a building that feature repeating components or patterns.  

Here is a deep look at the benefits of automated CAD software for design in construction, and how you can implement the tools in your projects. 

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

Automated design can increase efficiency in three different ways. Each of these improvements can help save time during the design phase of the construction project. 

The increased accuracy from automating aspects of the CAD process can also save time on the job site, and there will be fewer measurement mistakes and fewer delays due to flawed material estimates. 

Enhanced Accuracy and Precision

Manual CAD programs require human input throughout the design process, which can lead to errors due to fatigue or inattention. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) systems can continuously create drawings according to specifications. As long as the specifications guiding their work are correct, they will produce error-free drawings indefinitely. 

Not only can automated software streamline blueprint creation, but AI can also read completed plans and extract necessary details to aid in estimates and find inconsistencies. The ability to collect information from blueprints helps inform decisions affecting different areas of the project; For instance, AI can get materials estimates or define dependencies based on the information in CAD drawings. 

Improved Collaboration and Communication

Real-time collaboration is possible with a cloud-based CAD platform. Team members can log into the platform from any location with an internet or data connection and add information or annotations to the CAD drawings. 

Automated CAD systems can update the drawings to include this new information while automatically tracking the changes. This automatic version control makes it simple to revert to previous iterations if needed. Architects, engineers, and others can feel free to add their insights to the project via cloud-based CAD drawings knowing the current version is saved and backed up. In other words, the automatic version control makes it possible to introduce new ideas and offer suggestions without ruining the drawing. 

Cost Savings and Budget Management

Automated CAD software can lower project costs and facilitate better budget management in several different areas. 

With a cloud-based CAD system, everyone involved in the project has the latest plans and information at their fingertips, meaning no one has to wait for clarification or updates. 

Implementing CAD Automation

CAD automation can improve several aspects of your construction project, but you need to properly integrate the automation tools into your design process. This involves choosing the right software for your needs and ensuring employees involved in the design process know how to fully utilize automation features. 

Selecting the Right CAD Automation Software

There are different types of CAD software. The first choice you have to make is between 2D and 3D models. However, there are other factors to consider, as well. 

You should also consider the security, cost, and availability of free trials, so you can test software before purchasing a license for it.

Training and Skill Development for Teams

AI-powered tools can streamline operations, but only if employees know how to use them correctly. One of the first steps to achieving the benefits of automated construction tools is effectively training workers to use them. 

This step is important because you need to provide parameters to the software so that it knows which actions to perform. Any mistakes while setting these parameters will be compounded during the project. For instance, if you make a mistake when designing the element the software uses as a model, it will repeat the mistake many times if you ask it to copy the same feature throughout the plans. 

Classroom instruction or a seminar can be useful for introducing the software, but hands-on workshops are often necessary to help professionals become familiar with how the automated features work during real design projects. 

AI-Powered Measurement and Estimation Software

Pair automated design tools with construction estimation software to streamline the pre-construction process. The software can automate estimation and reduce calculation errors. Specialized estimation software can provide specific details to fine-tune each aspect of the project, from mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) planning to cement to framing materials to paint. 

The error reduction and accuracy of automated calculations are as important for construction estimation software as it is for CAD. You can even find AI-powered measurement tools that collect data from PDF construction plans and create estimates for materials. You can also calculate material quantity based on measurements and data from construction plans.

CAD and estimation automation can streamline pre-construction processes. These tools can also offer benefits like reduced errors and increased accuracy. You can enjoy these advantages if you choose the right software and successfully integrate it into your operations.

Recent blogs

Try Kreo Free

No installation required
Works on both Windows & Mac
Timely customer support