subject: 4d Simulated Schedules - Another 3d Cad Management Tool [print this page] 4D simulated schedules are detailed construction schedules. They're both a great management tool and a very practical way of working with time and resources, particularly on major projects. 4D is a very adaptable general purpose design tool which can work at any desired scale. This is a real do-anything drafting software function, and it's excellent for collaborative design work.
Sometimes referred to as a form of Virtual Reality technology, 4D is actually quite a bit beyond that technology in several ways. It uses a range of camera angles and other methods to present information, and can use wide sweep and detailed images equally easily. 4D is a precision tool, and it's the preferred professional software for the world's biggest construction projects.
4D simulated schedules basics
As the name suggests, 4D simulations are simulated construction processes based on 3D CAD Modelling. This can be a detailed process, and for construction purposes it's an excellent way of finding issues in construction schedules and resolving possible conflicts in scheduling.
This is a real business tool in the construction industry. Scheduling isn't necessarily simple on major projects.
Access, pre-installation situations and in some cases basic construction issues can be obstacles. The 4D process enables management to find the best, most cost effective approach to scheduling, which can save both time and money and covers staging and contractual completion issues as well.
Using 4D simulations
4D simulations began as a novelty, but they've become an integral part of the management machinery. 4D is a powerful and expressive visualization tool. That's also one of its great technical strengths. The ability to cover an entire process from assembly to construction is invaluable for engineers, builders, architects and drafters. It's also a very useful way of explaining issues to stakeholders. If a process or schedule has to be revised, 4D provides both the expression of the issues and the solutions.
For management, it's also a single stream management tool. Scheduling can be both macro and micromanaged as required. At the business end, notably prospectus and investment level, 4D is a particularly useful tool for detailed presentation and analysis of projects. It's visually extremely effective, and provides the correct level of information for both statutory and technical purposes. This process also includes dealing with supply chain management and risk management in depth, and factoring in construction situations with both these critical areas.
Tailoring your schedules using 4D simulations
Depending on your project, 4D simulations can be used to cover both major and micro elements in construction, if required. 4D is naturally based on the same software as 3D CAD, and it's therefore extremely versatile. When tailoring schedules, 4D can synchronize schedules with design changes. This is one of the typical characteristics of 4D, allowing often complex issues to be resolved easily within the scheduling stream.
4D integrates seamlessly with the world's best Business Information Modelling (BIM), which is particularly valuable for contractual management as well as accounting and audit standards. 4D is now truly a must-have capability for the world's biggest construction companies.
