Asta Development has officially released the second version of Asta Powerproject BIM and is rolling the product out via its global reseller network for the first time. Asta has also launched the estimation tool Bidcon BIM into the UK and is adding to the capability of Site Progress Mobile with the addition of a web application to allow browser access. The trio of releases marks the second major milestone this year, after the company launched version 13 of its flagship Asta Powerproject solution in February. It follows a successful country-wide roadshow which presented the products to over 300 users.
Bidcon is an estimation tool developed within the Eleco group, of which Asta is a part. It is already a highly successful product and has been available in Scandinavia for over 20 years. It is now integrated as a 5D BIM solution offering alongside the Asta Powerproject application.
Until now Asta Powerproject BIM and Site Progress Mobile have only been available in the UK and Ireland, but with these latest releases both are now being extended internationally through Asta’s global reseller network.
Jason Ruddle, managing director, Asta Development comments: “This is part of our ongoing commitment to broaden and improve our product offering to meet customer demand, in particular to help support the drive to BIM.”
Asta Powerproject BIM was the first product to combine 3D planning and scheduling in a single, affordable 4D application. Version 2 builds on its core capability to create and play 3D visualisations along a timeline by allowing users to:
* Separate 3D objects in IFC models into a number of smaller 3D elements – in order to associate separate elements with tasks in a timeline to reflect the realities of construction
* Split multiple times in 3 axes
* Merge IFC elements into single objects to associate them as a whole with a project tasks, where they can be managed a single item or action
* Assign build sequence to sub-sections for more accurate planning
* Work with locally-stored IFC files, in addition to those in the ELECO BIMCloud® which adds offline capabilities in addition to existing cloud information sharing and file transfer
The enhancements also move the product further towards 5D functionality, by providing the ability to link to the Bidcon BIM estimation tool, which is newly introduced by Asta to the UK market. If costs relating to a 3D model (IFC format) have been entered into Bidcon and uploaded to the ELECO BIMCloud the cost information can now be imported directly into the Asta Powerproject project with which it is associated. This enables automatic consumable and permanent resource allocations to represent material and labour costs to be managed alongside and in sync with the master programme. This new version is available as an additional module in release 13.0.02 of Asta Powerproject.
Bidcon BIM is a comprehensive cost planning tool based on a powerful SQL database. It ensures that you can quickly identify the most cost-effective solutions and revise your estimations as required. The software contains flexible and dynamic templates and reports, ensuring that you can quickly identify the most cost-effective solutions and revise your estimates as required. Bidcon BIM allows you to perform a take-off from an IFC model to then share quantities and costs with Asta Powerproject BIM, giving users the option to work in a common data environment. By increasing transparency and reducing risk in the process, Bidcon helps you to create efficiencies in managing your bids and handing over to the next stage. Features include:
* IFC models linked to estimation
* Powerful and comprehensive SQL library
* User-defined templates and automated import
* Built-in NRM library
* Generate customisable reports and filter by resource group
* Clearly compare supplier pricing
Site Progress Mobile will have the addition of web browser access from 1st June, adding further improvement to an already flexible site progress reporting tool. Originally designed to be a mobile tablet and smartphone-centric tool, Asta users asked for the capability to be extended onto for use on PC and laptop as well as on iOS, Android and Windows Mobile – and the company has responded. Site Progress Mobile enables users to access secure Asta Powerproject files via the cloud, and work with them regardless of the availability of site WiFi or mobile data connectivity. It thus enables site progress to be recorded in real time, boosting accuracy and timeliness of reporting and assuring business visibility.
Over two decades, Asta Powerproject has evolved based upon the input and requests of users, and today is one of the leading project and programme management tools. Asta Powerproject is used by 90% of the UK’s leading construction companies, many of whom regularly win awards for their project management excellence. 85% of the Silver and Gold Medal winners at the last CIOB Construction Manager of the Year Awards are Asta Powerproject users.
Asta Development is a leading international developer of project, portfolio and resource management software which provides solutions for managing any size and any type of project. Asta Development is a part of ELECO plc, a holding company focused on software development and services for architectural, engineering and construction industries. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM). More information about Asta Development and its products can be found at www.astadev.com and information about ELECO plc can be found at www.eleco.com.