3D Design Reduces Production Downtime

Food manufacturers are reducing the high cost of production down time by including full 3D design as part of the engineering deliverables on expansion and modification projects. In many cases the production impact may be the most significant cost on high-demand production lines, but there are many other important advantages to 3D design.

Team Buy In – Virtual walk-throughs of a design space give all parties a chance to contribute and enhance the design. Experienced input from maintenance, sanitation, production, and quality personnel early in the design helps streamline design and eliminate construction surprises.

Reduced Construction Bids and Change Orders – Certainly 3D design takes more time than a simple 2D equipment layout, but the time and added cost is easily paid for in reduced construction bids because the bid package includes exactly what must be performed. Isometric piping drawings of each line with a bill-of-material make quoting easy and competitive. Change orders are often non-existent because of the time spent reviewing and editing the designs in advance. Interference issues are checked in advance by routing process, utility, and even electrical piping through the virtual space.

Enhanced Construction Environment – Gone are the days of huge print packages. Now every contractor has laptop and surface computers onsite which are used to access all the drawings and documents for the work. With common 3D viewing software, the contractor can hide layers, section, and zoom to find exactly what they are working on at that moment.

4D planning  -  Simulation of demolition and construction activities using the fourth dimension of time allows conflicts to be discovered before construction begins. This highly visual review format increases design acceptance from all stakeholders in the food manufacturing environment.

Not Just Process Equipment and Piping – Planning details like floor drains, walk-way striping, safety showers, electrical panels, motor disconnects, and lighting are all aspects of design that can enhance the 3D model and allow complete stake-holder buy-in of the design in advance of construction.

Contact me if you have questions or would like to explore 3D design for your upcoming project.  [email protected]