The LSM Way
Our highly skilled team at Lewis Sheet Metal uses Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Methodologies to save you time, stress and money. Through innovative practices, modern technology and experienced staff we can identify costly design errors during preconstruction — before they become a problem — while tightening your project schedule.
From concept to completion we’ll do it right for you the first time, every time.
That’s the LSM way.
Shown: actual BIM model of the entire duct system at the Camosun College Centre for Health and Wellness
Continue reading, check out our projects page, and call or email us to discover how our use of Lean and BIM can work for you, your clients and our local communities.
How Building Information Modeling and Off-Site Fabrication reduces waste and prevents delays
Building Information Modeling can detect potential clashes with structural, plumbing, and electrical systems. This saves a great deal of time and effort for project managers and prevents delays during construction.
- 3D Project Visualization enables us to compare different design options, identify and easily communicate flaws to stakeholders, and make smarter decisions early on to save you time and money.
- Quality Record Drawings and project documentation, such as Revit As-Builts, track design modifications and offer a realistic visualization of your project to stakeholders from concept to completion.
- Off-site Fabrication at Lewis Sheet Metal, combined with Building Information Modeling, reduces construction waste while increasing productivity on site and improving overall product quality.
How Building Information Modeling and Revit As-Builts can save you time, stress and money
At Lewis Sheet Metal we use Building Information Modeling to plan our ventilation designs, and provide Revit As-Built drawings to accurately capture and forecast project modifications from start to finish.
Keep reading to learn what that process looks like from our shop to your project site.
BIM creates and manages 3D models of a building’s mechanical systems, such as ductwork and piping. This digital representation becomes a shared resource that facilitates collaboration and decision-making during your project’s design, construction and even operation phase.
Through BIM, we can predict challenges that are unique to each project. We then find ways to overcome these challenges; long before we start cutting and fastening. Once we have created the ductwork and equipment plan, we fabricate directly from the model using PractiCAD to CNC technology. This maximizes accuracy and minimizes waste on your project.
We then locate the virtual mechanical systems in the real world by using a laser telemetry tool, known as Total Station (shown below). This allows for earlier installation of hangers and supports and speeds up our project schedule. It also ensures that our field installation matches the intended design.
How Lewis Sheet Metal uses a Lean Outlook and Practices for HVAC supply and installation
Lewis Sheet Metal is a Lean company. With a Lean outlook, we are constantly fine-tuning our processes to improve project performance. You will soon discover that we are organized, efficient problem solvers that can tackle any wrench thrown our way.
With Lewis Sheet Metal, you will see Lean in action at our fabrication shop, in our purple and green vans, and on our job sites.
Lean construction challenges the belief that there is always a trade-off between time, cost, quality and safety. Its principles can be used successfully with any project delivery model.
How does Lean work?
Lean improves productivity by identifying, controlling, and eradicating waste. The same principles are applied in construction as in lean manufacturing, which is derived mostly from the Toyota Production System: a management philosophy that focuses on improving overall customer value. Broken down, the eight major types of waste in construction result in DOWNTIME.
We were honored to be the recipient of the Industry Innovators Award from VICA and the BCCA during the inaugural Construction Month in BC. Our team was recognized for embracing technology and demonstrating innovative trade practices.
Let us take the guesswork out of your next project’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning supply and installation. Contact us today!