Trimble Malaysia has launched a modernisation program to drive technology adoption in the construction industry which is in-line with the reaffirmation by the government on the country’s commitment to increase the number of affordable housing for purchase and rental.

The slow uptake of technology by local players in the construction industry over the years has been a pain point, with the cost factor cited by most as a major stumbling block to wide adoption.

Despite well-documented benefits of adopting modern technologies, companies have become more efficient and productive thus reducing manpower costs and delays but they are more profitable.

Thomas Phang, area director, Trimble Solutions South East Asia, said that the onus is on the public and private sectors to take the initiative and be proactive in pushing technology adoption.

“We echo the government’s call for all parties to push for modernisation in the construction industry.

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution, better known as Industry 4.0 is upon us. In a digitised world increasingly driven by automation, the Internet of Things, big data and analytics, companies which do not ride the wave is at risk of becoming obsolete.,”he added.

In reality, smaller firms have struggled to come to terms with modernisation.

“We recognise that small-to-medium enterprise (SMEs) need assistance.

“Moving from pen and paper to technology-driven business processes can be expensive and a tall order for many SMEs.

“To help ease the transition, Trimble created the ‘Jumpstart to BIM’ campaign to provide an easy ‘hop-on’ point for them to begin their transformation journey,” said Phang.

To stay competitive, it is crucial for steel detailing firms to adopt technology and not to fall behind as the entire industry is adopting 3D modelling in construction.

The 3D modelling and detailing solution has delivered the benefits like productivity gains and accuracy to allow firms to maintain a competitive edge and win more business.

Tekla Structures is already being used by Malaysian companies such as IV-Consult Sdn. Bhd., Malaysian Marine & Heavy Industry Sdn. Bhd., Serba Dinamik Sdn. Bhd. and Vantage Steel Works Sdn. Bhd.

The government is serious about transforming the construction industry, unveiling the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP) to empower and strengthen the construction industry.

The Works Ministry has targeted use of at least Tier-2 BIM for government projects over RM100 million by 2020.

To facilitate the education and awareness of technology adoption, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) opened the RM2.5 million myBIM Centre, one-stop center providing resources for the use of BIM.

This is beside other initiatives aimed at equipping and incentivising industry stakeholders, such as subsidised BIM training programs to train and build capacity of BIM experts and a specially set up BIM Transformation Fund to support local companies adopt technology in their business.

From now until the end of August, Trimble Malaysia is offering Malaysian steel fabrication companies a six-month subscription of its Tekla 3D modelling & detailing software known as Tekla Structures, at a low entry price of RM1,795 per month.

Subscribers will get an extra two months license when they sign up during the campaign period.

“I urge all construction firms, both large and small, to take advantage of this offer.

“There is no better time to consider a more modern way of work that future-proofs the business, and doing it at an affordable cost as well,” Phang concluded.

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