IT revolution cuts costs at pre-installation stage

摘要

The use of advanced technology for remote monitoring and control of building services equipment has been with us for years but the IT revolution in our industry at the moment is focused on the pre-installation phase. The latest IT capabilities have immense potential to take cost and time out of designing, specifying, building and installing systems. And, after some scepticism, engineers are using IT-based tools more readily. Perhaps the most noticeable trend is the move to 3D modelling. In the last year we have seen most of the industry move from a 2D to a 3D design environment. There are a number of drivers behind this. Major UK building services consultants have taken a lead in using 3D modelling. Major equipment manufacturers have also invested in 3D models of their equipment, and of ancillary equipment from other companies. Our library enables us to simulate entire HVAC plantrooms, not just assemblies incorporating our own equipment.