When BuildCentrix first developed 3D takeoffs, the project was mostly centered on providing clients with an easy way to increase the amount of prefab in their shops. Snapping together fab-ready duct and pipe assemblies in 3D meant faster fabrication time and lower install time on the jobsite.

The workflow very much followed a shopping cart or what we call a “freestyle” where the 3D assembly is created and submitted immediately for fabrication. While this has proven very successful, it wasn’t long before the next big ask from clients: “Can we upload a blueprint so we can do the takeoff right on it?

In our experience, approximately 50% of MEP construction is considered “small project work,” which, in essence, means “non-Revit” projects. These small projects are driven almost exclusively by blueprints (PDFs, nowadays) and clients wanted an easy way to go from takeoff to fabrication with no software. 

To accomplish this, the BCX engineers built on the success of the freestyle 3D takeoff already in use and created a “Blueprint Mode”. In this mode users can easily upload a PDF or image, set the scale, and then create a work order by snapping together duct and pipe fittings right on top of the blueprint. In Blueprint Mode we also added Status mapping so users could easily see the status of the work orders on the blueprint.

Client feedback on our initial release was good; however, over time, it turned out the workflow we followed from our successful freestyle mode (draw a run and submit it) didn’t work well for blueprint projects. What clients need for blueprint projects is the ability to take off large parts of the blueprint or the entire blueprint in one sitting. They also need the ability to go back and amend the takeoff and the ability to select duct or pipe runs that are ready to send to fabrication.

Change is Coming

BCX engineers are already underway re-engineering the existing blueprint workflow to better match how clients need this valuable tool to work. They will also be adding some new features, such as the auto-routing for pipe and duct, to make taking off blueprints even faster and easier.   

Future releases will also include Blueproject sharing, which will allow more than one person to work on the project at the same time, in real time.

If you’re already using the Blueprint Mode for your projects, rest assured there will be no negative effects when this round of updates is released. We will also be sending out updates as we move forward to keep you in the loop as work progresses. 

If you’d like more information on 3D Blueprint projects or any other BuildCentrix platform functionality email [email protected].