Revolutionizing Construction Workflows
The Conco Companies have been providing concrete services throughout the Western U.S. since 1959. As a leader in the industry, the company continues to grow its operations, upgrade and expand facilities and equipment, as well as expand its geographic footprint to better serve its customers. Headquartered in the Bay Area, The Conco Companies currently serve Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Seattle, Portland, Reno and San Diego.
Meredith Lambert began her journey with Conco back in 2006 as an outside contractor. Over the years, she assumed increasing responsibilities, eventually becoming the Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager, responsible for the company's VDC efforts.
“In 2006, our primary tool was AutoCAD. We used it for all of our drawings for formwork shoring, reshoring, concrete outlines, lift drawings—all of that,” recalled Lambert. “We relied solely on AutoCAD back then. This continued for approximately the first six years of my tenure here. However, around that time, Revit started to become a big deal in our industry.”
Autodesk Revit is a building information modelling (BIM) software for architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, MEP engineers, designers and contractors that allows users to create detailed building designs, visualize the project in 3D, and produce detailed documentation and construction drawings.
Conc’s adoption of this software solution has brought about transformative changes in the way the company approaches concrete construction projects.
The Transition from AutoCAD to Revit Conco soon recognized the potential of Revit as it started gaining momentum. This shift became a turning point, and Autodesk became a key player in their workflow.
Lambert recalls their transition to Revit and its impact on their work processes. “Topcon Solutions Store was our vendor, and they were there to support the transition, providing essential software licenses and technical assistance whenever we needed it,” she said. While the transition presented its challenges, it opened new possibilities for Conco. With Revit, they could now create detailed models, streamline lift drawings, and improve overall efficiency oon the job site and in the office.
Introducing Cloud-Based Solutions
As Conco continued to grow, they faced new challenges, particularly in sharing and synchronizing project data with multiple users and sstakeholders. Autodesk introduced Revit Server as their first step into cloud storage solutions, and it marked a significant milestone for Conco. With the support of Topcon, they embraced cloud-based solutions, improving model regeneration, open times, save times, and allowing multiple team members to work on a project simultaneously. Cloud-based modeling saved time and resources, making it a game-changer for their projects.
The PlanGrid Revolution
Another turning point in their journey was their adoption of PlanGrid, a construction productivity software designed for onsite construction workers. PlanGrid digitizes blueprints and features collaboration tools such as field markups, progress photos and issues tracking.
Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
With PlanGrid now under Autodesk's umbrella, Conco decided to make the leap to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) in a bid to further improve their processes. The move was not without its challenges, but once again, they found unwavering support from Topcon and Autodesk. They worked collaboratively to navigate the transition, fine-tuning permissions and folder structures to suit Conco’s needs.
In August 2021, Conco started their journey with ACC Build, with significant on-site training and guidance from Autodesk and Topcon. This collaboration proved invaluable as Conco Companies embraced the future of construction management.
“One of the greatest strengths of this partnership was the open channel for feedback and consultation,” Lambert said. “We had direct access to experts who could guide us in optimizing our workflows and ensuring that we were maximizing the benefits of ACC.”
The adoption of ACC had a direct impact on the coompany’s business goals. Their primary objective was to ensure that accurate and timely data flowed seamlessly between their office and the field. ACC empowered them to achieve this objective, making it possible for data to move swiftly from office to trailer, ensuring that the field teams had the most up-to-date information at their fingertips.
“It meant that tasks like setting up concrete forms or adjusting designs could be carried out more quickly and with less margin for error,” said Lambert. “In our business, every minute saved is a step closer to project success.”
The Future of Construction with The Conco Companies
Conco’s journey illustrates the immense potential of embracing new technologies and industry partnerships. Their collaboration with Autodesk and Topcon has resulted in streamlined processes, reduced time wastage, and enhanced efficiency in their construction projects.
"We get ideas for how to manage the work, whether it's a feature that's new that I hadn't realized we could use in that manner, or just a different perspective of how clients manage their workflows,” said Lambert. “Autodesk and Topcon have been invaluable partners in this journey."
As they continue to work together and provide innovative solutions, the entire industry can look forward to a more efficient, productive, and collaborative future.
