3 Ways technology and MIS improve steel fabrication

Just a few short years ago, the go-to method for steel fabrication management involved piles of drawings and other paperwork, chaotic communication and error-prone manual information input. Happily, these days structural steel fabricators have a myriad of more efficient options at their fingertips. 

Thanks to technology, Management Information Systems bring a whole host of improvements. MIS offer an effective way of storing and sharing project information, cooperating in real time, and reducing costly mishaps that result from lengthy, manual data flows. At best, MIS are easy to learn and simple to use–you’re not changing your way of working, you are only making it more efficient at every stage of the project. 

With the right steel fabrication management system, you can truly take control of information, resulting in smoother processes and more profitable projects. So, what exactly does a MIS bring to the table? 

1. A seamless data flow saves time

A working data flow is at the heart of fabrication, and the industry challenge has always been information divided between multiple stakeholders. Each expert works in their own field, but when data sharing is manual, valuable time and effort are taken up by ensuring everyone is in the loop. 

With MIS, each member of your project can see all aspects come together, form an increased, holistic understanding of the process, and map out any pain points early on. Optimally, you only need to input data once, and each party will be able to use it. Using software for tasks that used to be recorded manually also releases resources for the completion of the project itself.

2. Sharing real-time information prevents production chain errors

Traditionally, when changes occur in a fabrication project, they need to be updated to each stage separately. MIS can operate as cloud services, which means that instead of having the needed documentation as physical copies, everything is saved digitally in a database that each project member can access. 

Thus, updates and fixes are immediately reflected on the whole project. With a real-time platform, there is no real risk of outdated information, missing data or blockage in the command chain. 

It’s paramount that changes reach every stakeholder. If not, the result can be not just an additional expense, but a failed project. Real-time data minimises breaks in your information flow and thus helps ensure the desired end result.

3. MIS are fast to adopt and easy to use

Moving from manual work to automated and optimised data management may seem like a huge step, but it really isn’t. When MIS are designed with fabricators in mind, the user’s needs  are number one. The software isn’t built just for management level or technical personnel. The modern solutions facilitate processes for each department. 

Learning an entirely new process shouldn’t be a requirement when adopting new software. Optimally, the software have been built in ways that let fabricators work the same way as before, just more effectively. They are quick to adopt, as they have been created to respond to the needs and pain points of fabricators themselves. You remain in charge, but your tools are more efficient, more reliable and more effortless to use than ever. 

BIM-based Management Information Solutions are the future of steel fabrication

When snail mail used to be the only way to deliver information in writing, it worked because it had to. Correspondence evolved through fax to email, and the effectiveness, speed and convenience went through the roof. The change in MIS is similar, and the evolution of building information modeling (BIM) is even speeding up this change. With BIM-based solutions, you can communicate using 3D models and other images. In fact, the new systems function like an instant messaging service where all your project stakeholders are on the same page all the time, even when teams work separately. 

In short, embracing new solutions that technology has brought about is a fantastic opportunity for your business. Not only does it have tremendous potential to increase your productivity, but it enhances collaborations and maximises earnings. So, what are you waiting for? Watch this webinar with Wareing Buildings to see how Tekla PowerFab has transformed their operations.