• One Click LCA partners with SolidCAD to accelerate decarbonization in Canadian construction

    TORONTO, ON – JULY 3, 2024One Click LCA, a global leader in life-cycle assessment (LCA) and decarbonization software, is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with SolidCAD, a leading technology consulting and technology provider of CAD, BIM, CAM, cloud-based, data and asset management software solutions in Canada. This collaboration aims to support the rapid decarbonization of the construction industry in Canada, promote educational initiatives, and assist architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals in scaling their decarbonization efforts.

    One Click LCA has established a reputation as the leading platform for building and infrastructure LCA, offering architects, engineers, consultants, and building material manufacturers a comprehensive and user-friendly solution to evaluate and minimize the carbon impact of their projects. With a cloud-based software solution, One Click LCA automates LCA from building models (BIM) and cost calculation tables, supporting customers in over 170 countries, including industry leaders such as Skanska, WSP, Turner, and Canam.

    SolidCAD, known for its expertise in Autodesk software solutions and its extensive network within the Canadian AEC industry, will play a crucial role in integrating One Click LCA into the planning and execution processes of construction projects across the country. This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to advancing digital transformation and sustainable development in the construction sector.

    “The partnership with One Click LCA enhances our portfolio with an essential tool for promoting sustainable construction projects and demonstrates our commitment to digital transformation in the construction industry. We are excited to support our customers in effectively reducing the CO2 emissions of their plans,” said Michael Rotolo , National Director of AECO division of SolidCAD.

    “We are delighted to partner with SolidCAD to support the decarbonization of Canada’s construction sector. This collaboration will enable AEC professionals to leverage top-notch engineering capabilities while minimizing their carbon footprints,” said Simon Slater, North American Business Development Manager, One Click LCA.

    Through this partnership, Canadian customers will have immediate access to One Click LCA’s decarbonization platform, backed by SolidCAD’s proven support and expertise in proper modeling, facilitating sustainable development in the construction sector.

    For more information on our resellers and partners, visit our website.

    About One Click LCA

    One Click LCA is the world-leading end-to-end sustainability platform for construction and manufacturing. The software platform decarbonizes and drives sustainability across the construction value chain with scientific, easy-to-use, automated life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to calculate and reduce the environmental impacts of building, infrastructure, and renovation projects and products. The platform also allows assessment of circularity, life-cycle cost, and biodiversity. One Click LCA is used in 170+ countries, including by blue-chip enterprises like Skanska, WSP, Foster+Partners, LafargeHolcim, ArcelorMittal, Arcadis, ARUP, Geberit, and Saint-Gobain, among others. It offers a unique global database with +250,000 LCA datasets; supports +80 standards and certifications, including LEED, BREEAM, GRESB and other national regulations; and seamlessly integrates with +20 of the most widely used BIM software tools, including Autodesk Revit®, Tekla Structures® and Bentley iTwin®. One Click LCA was founded in Helsinki, Finland in 2001, with a team of +200 people on all continents. Learn more at: www.oneclicklca.com

    SolidCAD Announces Strategic Partnership with OptiNC to Expand Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities across Canada

    TORONTO, ON, JUNE 13, 2024 – SolidCAD, a leader in innovative manufacturing technology and solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with OptiNC, a technology company that has developed plug-ins for Autodesk PowerMill software. This pivotal collaboration is part of SolidCAD’s initiative to broaden its presence and enhance its services in the Canadian advanced manufacturing sector.

    OptiNC is renowned for its progressive approach to manufacturing, employing advanced algorithms and machine learning to refine production processes. OptiNC’s advanced optimization product integrates with Autodesk’s PowerMill to enhance the precision and speed of CNC machining workflows. This solution is designed to provide users with improved toolpath optimization, reduced machining time, and significantly enhanced overall manufacturing efficiency.

    SolidCAD will work closely with OptiNC to incorporate their state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies into its comprehensive service offerings. Focus areas will include the integration of advanced optimization and manufacturing techniques aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity for North American clients.

    “SolidCAD is thrilled to partner with OptiNC as we continue to advance our mission of delivering industry-leading manufacturing solutions,” stated Marty Cornacchi, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at SolidCAD. “Our decision to partner with OptiNC is strategic, aiming to strengthen our position in Canada’s advanced manufacturing landscape. Through this collaboration, and our collective expertise from both organizations we will be able to empower our clients’ operations forward and deliver innovation that makes a measurable impact by optimizing and automating their workflows.”

    Additionally, SolidCAD’s specialized team of technical consultants will work closely with Opti NC to tailor their advanced optimization solutions to meet the specific needs of clients’ unique needs. This partnership not only enhances SolidCAD’s capabilities but also opens a new market opportunity, further establishing their role as a leader in the industry.

    For more information about SolidCAD and the partnership with OptiNC, please visit www.solidcad.ca/software-technology/optinc

    SolidCAD Partners with Addwize to Transform Digital Document Management across Canada.

    Toronto, ON May 9, 2024– SolidCAD, a prominent leader in technology consulting and thought leadership, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Addwize, experts in digital solutions for Product Data Management (PDM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). This alliance brings together SolidCAD’s expertise in PLM consulting and Addwize’s advanced document management tools, aiming to transform digital transformation strategies for businesses across industries. Committed to innovation, this partnership promises to equip SolidCAD’s clients with the tools necessary for staying ahead in the rapidly changing digital landscape, driving growth and success for their organizations.

    “I am delighted to announce our partnership with Addwize, a prominent leader in the digitization of PDM, PLM, and ERP systems” states Shaya Ghanbar, Manager of Enterprise Solutions at SolidCAD. “Through this collaboration, SolidCAD and Addwize will join forces to assist our clients in accelerating their digital transformation journey. Leveraging SolidCAD’s consultancy proficiency in PLM alongside Addwize’s automation tools for document and quality management, will provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients. This partnership marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering innovative and efficient solutions that drive organizational growth and success.”

    This initiative is driven by the growing need for improved digital document management within PLM frameworks. Organizations across Canada are seeking ways to enhance document control and quality assurance, and this partnership directly addresses these needs. The Addwize Microsoft Office add-in, renowned for its capabilities in automating document creation and management, provides essential features such as check-in and check-out, streamlining the entire document lifecycle.

    “We are excited to join forces with SolidCAD to empower Canadian businesses with the tools they need to succeed in their digital transformation efforts,” said a Markus Gundersen, CEO and Cofounder at Addwize. “Our shared goal is to deliver innovative and efficient solutions that not only drive organizational growth but also pave the way for a more digitally adept future.”

    SolidCAD and Addwize are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that foster organizational success and growth. Clients can look forward to benefiting from a comprehensive suite of services tailored to enhance digital document management and quality control and help lead to more streamlined operations and improved business outcomes.

    For more information about Addwize, visit the link and learn more.

    SolidCAD Unveils a New Strategic Direction, Integrating Decades of Tech Expertise with a Future Focused on Consultancy

    TORONTO, ON – April 30 – SolidCAD, a renowned technology company celebrated for its proficiency in CAD, BIM, CAM, cloud-based platforms, and data and asset management systems, proudly announces a strategic evolution of its business model with a renewed emphasis on consulting services. Leveraging its 28-year legacy of industry leadership, SolidCAD aims to empower businesses to thrive in the digital age.

    “The foundation of this transformative journey is SolidCAD’s dedication to client success,” affirms Marcus Tateishi, President at SolidCAD. “We pledge to remain vigilant, actively listening to our clients’ aspirations and objectives. This ensures that every project undertaken not only meets deadlines and budgetary constraints but also surpasses expectations by delivering strategic value to our clients.”

    SolidCAD introduces a fresh brand identity, marked by a dynamic logo symbolizing innovation and adaptability. This rebranding honours SolidCAD’s illustrious history as a trusted advisor and software provider to architects, engineers, and manufacturers, signifying a new chapter in its quest to confront the challenges of digital era.

    Reaffirming its position as a premier partner for leading software and technology innovators such as Autodesk, Bluebeam, Chaos, Matterport, and others, SolidCAD ensures clients receive cutting-edge technological solutions that seamlessly integrate with their operations, thereby facilitating strategic success.

    Embarking on this transformative journey, SolidCAD introduces an enriched suite of services tailored to catalyze digital transformation across all facets of operations. With a focus on driving efficiency, growth, and innovation, SolidCAD remains committed to ensuring its clients retain their competitive edge in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

    SolidCAD extends an open invitation to organizations spanning the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries, and beyond to explore its expanded service offerings at www.solidcad.ca/consulting/. These services are designed to optimize infrastructure, streamline processes, enhance data analytics, and optimize workflows, laying a robust technological foundation for sustained client success.

    Reflections on CIM Symposium 2023: Navigating Digital Transformation in Mining

    Having recently attended the CIM Symposium 2023 in Vancouver, I find myself reflecting on the digital transformation that the mining industry is undertaking. The conference served as a beacon, illuminating the path through the digital disruption that is reshaping our approach to projects.

    Digital Disruption Unveiled

    The overarching theme of the symposium was undoubtedly the digital disruption sweeping through the mining sector. It’s no secret that our industry, traditionally perceived as resistant to change, is now at the forefront of a technological revolution. The presentations echoed a collective acknowledgment that standing still is not an option.

    Communication as the Linchpin

    Amidst the whirlwind of technological advancements discussed, one resounding takeaway was the pivotal role of communication. In an industry where collaboration is paramount, effective communication is the linchpin that ensures all stakeholders, from contractors to communities, are on the same page.

    The emphasis on collaboration and long-term partnerships over transactional relationships struck a chord in the context of digital transformation in mining. The need for open communication channels, facilitated by cutting-edge technologies, emerged as a cornerstone for success in this area.

    Technology: A Catalyst for Efficiency

    The significant impact of technology was clear and noticeable. From AI-driven efficiencies in contracting to the application of 3D CAD images and drone videos in project execution, technology is not just a tool but a catalyst for unprecedented efficiency. The concept of Mining 4.0, as explored in various presentations, underscored the industry’s commitment to embracing the digital future.

    Sustainability: A Non-Negotiable Imperative

    Another echoing theme was the inexorable link between technology and sustainability. It’s no longer enough for projects to be technically proficient; they must also adhere to the principles of sustainable development. The discussions on ESG criteria influencing contractual obligations and the integration of sustainable practices highlighted a paradigm shift towards responsible mining.

    Adaptable Financing for a Digital Era

    Delving into the financial aspects of project development, the symposium highlighted the need for an integrated and adaptable approach to financing. Dynamic cash flow modeling emerged as a potent tool, allowing us to tailor financing packages to the specific characteristics of each project. This adaptability, combined with strategic technical due diligence, was positioned as a key strategy in navigating the complexities of project financing in the digital age.

    Personal Takeaway: A Call to Action

    As an industry consultant deeply rooted in the mining landscape, my key takeaway is a compelling call to action. The digital disruption we are witnessing is not a distant wave; it’s here, reshaping our projects, our relationships, and our responsibilities.

    Our role, as stewards of this transformative period, is to champion effective communication, harness technological advancements for sustainable practices, and embrace adaptability in our financial models. The CIM Symposium 2023 served as a rallying point, urging us to not merely adapt but to lead the charge in this era of digital transformation.

    In conclusion, the symposium was not just a collection of presentations; it was a collective pause, a moment of reflection, and a call to arms for the mining industry. As we navigate the digital disruption, let us do so with open minds, collaborative spirits, and a steadfast commitment to the responsible and sustainable future we are crafting for the mining sector.

    Effective Data Structure is Key for Success in Today’s Digital Workplace

    Digital transformation is essential for any business looking to navigate the post-COVID world that exists today. Before the pandemic, the focus on digital transformation was high but has increased due to a large portion of the labor force relying on easily accessible data at home. 

    At the heart of any successful digital transformation project is accurate data structure. 

     

    What Is Digital Transformation? 

    Digital transformation refers to the process of shifting operations, data, and tools commonly available in offline or non-interactive environments to a completely digital solution. Digital transformation can yield the following benefits: 

    • Increased visibility to data trends will lead to an improved understanding of the customer experience and an uplift in sales 
    • Provide reports that highlight improvement opportunities within common workflows that reduce costs and increase efficiency 

    While the benefits of digital transformation have been on display for many years, some businesses view this practice as a lower priority. Specifically, asset-heavy organizations are reluctant to change and move their information online or revamp their technical infrastructure. Instead, these businesses prefer to continue maintaining older and outdated systems to minimize the impact on existing day-to-day operations. 

    How COVID-19 has Pushed Digital Transformation to the Forefront

    With the onset of the pandemic, organizations have needed to scramble to enable remote operations, social distancing, and continue to maintain assets across multiple sites and locations. Suddenly digital transformation is now a requirement for many businesses. 

    This has been a difficult transition period for organizations that didn’t have an existing plan in place. Effective data structure has emerged as an essential piece of this transformation.  

    Digital Transformation is Built on Strong Data Structure 

    Well governed and structured data is the basis of a well-executed digital transformation. The amount of data can be overwhelming for asset-heavy organizations and found in different sources such as: 

    • Work orders 
    • Asset data and maintenance records 
    • Data coming in from various other mission-critical tools – i.e., EDMS or CMMS solutions 
    • MRO inventory data 
    • Pen and paper documentation 

    Unstructured Data Can Lead to Long Drawn-out Digital Transformation 

    Most organizations have their data spread over different locations and tools. This data can also be inaccessible by various teams and generally unstructured. Here are a few reasons why: 

    • Knowledge is often spread by word-of-mouth with no documentation available 
    • Data consists of a combination of paper, on-premise, and cloud-based tools. This inconsistency leads to incomplete information, poor document version control, and more 
    • Existing digital solutions work independently of each other with little integration 
    • Day-to-day digital workflows are not standardized or governed for good data structure 

    Incomplete Data Leads To Poor Asset Structure 

    If your asset-intensive organization has poor data quality, this will affect your asset structure. All the information surrounding an asset (i.e., documentation, compliance, maintenance plans, etc.) will be affected by default, which can lead to: 

    • Incomplete data sets 
    • Out-of-date information 
    • Trouble maintaining industry compliance 
    • Higher costs to maintain data infrastructure 
    • Data security issues 
    • Increased risk of a digital transformation project failing 

    Once a weak data structure exists, the related issues will carry over into other complementary solutions. The lack of robust and available data will affect other data-driven automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) projects. These solutions require a complete and comprehensive data structure to build and implement successfully. 

    How to Ensure your Data and Asset Structure is Correct 

    To set up your business for a successful Digital Transformation, you can improve your data structure by focusing on accurate data, robust data structure, and data governance. 

    1. Review Your Current Data

    Reviewing your current data should be the first step for improving the existing data structure. This requires that you answer vital questions about your data itself, including: 

    • What data do you have? 
    • What information are you collecting regularly? 
    • How and where is the data used? 
    • What does that data tell you about your customers, about your KPIs, about your business? 
    • Identify missing data opportunities. Where are there currently gaps in your data needs? 

    Leading off with a review of current data will help your team understand your data and what you do with it. 

    2. Organize your Data with the Appropriate Tools

    The next step is to use a well-structured tool to import your data. Using a tool that can assist with proper data structure, governance, and analytical insights will ease your path to digital transformation by: 

    • Providing automation of workflows to increase data entry efficiency and ensure data accuracy by avoiding human error 
    • Confirming your data initiatives are standardized and repeatable 
    • Guarantee that your organization can easily manage your information’s flow, quality, and governance, which is key to any compelling insights or transformation efforts 

    Selecting the right solution will vary by your organization’s industry, data sources, and required integrations. The right tool will provide a broader view and understanding of your data as a whole to your entire team. 

     

    What Types of Tools fit best For Asset-Intensive Organizations? 

    Two tools covering these requirements are a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and an electronic document management system (EDMS). Ideally used together, an EDMS and CMMS solution will work in sync and provide increased functionality as a whole. 

    Most successful asset-heavy organizations already use a CMMS or EAM solution for their maintenance tracking needs. It allows you to digitize and automate maintenance operations to deploy preventive maintenance strategies better, develop better maintenance practices, stay organized, and ultimately save time and money. While this is a significant first step into modernizing your digital data footprint, a CMMS system alone is missing essential functionality for maintaining your data structure in other areas (i.e., technical drawings and documentation). This functionality is where an EDMS solution excels. 

    Pairing an EDMS with a CMMS solution is the winning combination that empowers your team with the following benefits: 

    • A fully connected digital single source of truth with high availability 
    • Automation across multiple tools to improve efficiency and data accuracy 
    • Easy to manage data governance over the entire technological stack 

    In a post-COVID world, organizations that complete digital transformations and modernize their operations will pull past competitors relying on legacy systems. But making the transition begins with reliable data and solid asset structure as a first step. 

    To learn more about Meridian solutions (EDMS and CMMS) and how they can help your team, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the SolidCAD Meridian team.