Case Study: How Hermanson Company Leverages Technology to Expand Services and Streamline Operations

No two construction firms have the same requirements, and requirements often change, but Construction Technology Director Matthew Cordova knows what keeps his projects competitive.

“Autodesk tech is our lifeblood here,” says Cordova of Hermanson Co., a Kent, Wash.- based firm specializing in mechanical systems construction, design-build engineering, lean fabrication, and maintenance services.

Far from being a static endeavor, the adoption of Autodesk and other solutions is a dynamic process that requires regular evaluation, Cordova says. It means that, despite accelerated industry use of project management and associated softwares, demand for these solutions won’t slow down any time soon across architectural, engineering, and construction sectors.

Instead, demand will compound, especially as new tech proves its worth at firms such as Hermanson, where Cordova ensures software is leveraged to boost performance and profitability. The firm’s technology partner is U.S. CAD, which provides it with reality-capture technology and production services including coordination and Revit modeling, as well as guidance on Autodesk construction technology solutions, training, and implementation.

“Technology is always evolving and companies such as ours have to grow into it,” Cordova explains.

Hermanson recently decided to transition to an enterprise solution of Autodesk Build from BIM 360 and PlanGrid and create a new hub that enables:

• Accurate model coordination for the firm, clients, and subs.
• Improved and automated document management.
• Streamlined communication with the field team.

“We have much more planned, but we’re still developing it to suit our needs,” Cordova says. Eventually, all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing will be hosted in the Build platform for modeling, coordination, and document management. 

The new portfolio delivers multiple strategic upsides for Hermanson, including:

Easier remote working.

It empowers team members to work remotely from home or the field.

“BIM 360 allowed anybody with an internet connection access to a central model, and that was a big deal during COVID,” Cordova notes. “We were able to work remotely without skipping a beat.”

Improved visualization and coordination.

It combines laser scanning, GIS and QR codes and other data to create robust views of project layouts, which helps to show design intent and convey that clearly to stakeholders. This can streamline approvals during design and later be used during training and to support building maintenance.

Optimized clash detection and deviation analysis.

It helps avoid costly field issues by identifying potential problems. Next-generation clash-detection tools use design intent, layouts, and other components. Also, deviations between installation and shop drawings can be measured and compared, using laser scanning and other data sources.

Automation and accuracy.

Automating routine and repetitive tasks allows teams to focus on more strategic tasks. It updates floor plans, elevations, and sections as models develop, as well as ensuring a single source of truth for stakeholders.

Paperless sites.

It accelerates the path to paperless, with a cloud-based solution that stores all documents centrally. “Our shops can see what they are putting together in 3D via Autodesk Forge Viewer, which,  for me, is one step closer to going paperless on the construction site,” Cordova says.