Pioneering Excellence in Mechanical Contracting
Dynamic Systems Inc (DSI) is a mechanical contractor established in 1988, with its origins in the semiconductor industry. From its inception, DSI was primarily positioned in the semiconductor business sector until the early 2000s. Their business model began to change and expand in response to the rapid evolution of the semiconductor industry characterized by fast-paced technological advancements, miniaturization of chips, and increasing demand for faster and more efficient electronics. DSI typically targeted fast-paced jobs that presented a higher-than-normal level of difficulty. DSI has continued to focus on “mission critical” projects, including hospitals, labs, data centers, and industrial work.
Overcoming the Limits of an Outdated Design Tool
While the previous Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) solution was a reliable tool that DSI had used for an extended time, the main challenges presented by the historic design tool stemmed from its cost and the volume of operations necessary in the typical project life cycle. The system’s technical complexity posed difficulties for the 100+ detailer users, many of whom were not technically inclined. This led to potential slowdowns in production, as the level of technical knowledge required for setup and ongoing use became a barrier. Consequently, the overall cost of implementing this solution for the large user base continued to be increasingly cost prohibitive.
Setting the Vision for a Smarter Workflow
Dynamic Systems Inc. (DSI) set primary goals before the development of a new solution began.
- The company needed the tool to address significant gaps that they identified in the out-of-the-box functionality of Autodesk Revit. This included automating hanger and sleeve placement, which was anticipated to streamline the engineering design and detailing process.
- DSI also required a solution capable of synchronizing large amounts of project and digital model data, facilitating easier information retrieval and collaborative data sharing during critical stages of the design product lifecycle.
- Additionally, they aimed to create a centralized repository for all project-related data, from which information could be shared and utilized for downstream processes.
Partnering for Innovation with Symetri and Naviate
Dynamic Systems Inc. initially partnered with its Autodesk reseller, Team D3, before being acquired by Symetri. The initial relationship with Team D3 served as a catalyst for transitioning to a partnership with Symetri, as Team D3 consistently helped with software and engineering solutions whenever needed. When the need for a new corporate-wide solution arose, DSI felt very comfortable transitioning to Symetri for solution applications, thanks to its longstanding relationship with Team D3.
Symetri coordinated a preliminary “Needs Assessment” engagement with DSI to better understand their historic business and design models relating to their business challenges and aspirations for improvement. Based on the collective conclusions reached by DSI and Symetri, Naviate Fabrication was chosen as it simplifies workflow by integrating seamlessly with Revit while enhancing Virtual Design Construction (VDC) design, detailing, and contracting work with streamlined modeling and fabrication. With enhanced automation and tailored tools, DSI can modernize its production process, reduce errors, and deliver precise, high-quality results while saving time and ensuring smoother project delivery.
Accelerating Efficiency with Seamless Implementation
After the implementation, deployment, and user training for Naviate Fabrication, the DSI team observed that when changes were made to their support structure, it was essential to ensure that the process could be executed relatively quickly and that sufficient Symetri support was in place to maintain momentum. While transitioning a large number of VDC users from one design program to a new solution was necessary, minimizing downtime was a priority. The DSI Team members committed to this goal, successfully training all personnel in approximately four days. Symetri organized four training classes, each lasting two hours, and strategically divided participants into groups of 25 to facilitate the training process.
Additionally, continued Symetri support and follow-up two weeks after training were crucial. The availability of open Symetri office hours allowed DSI team members to seek assistance with any issues that arose, and the quick response times to emails—often within the same day—set this support apart from what they typically experienced with other partners. As a result, downtime and the associated learning curve were significantly reduced.
Feedback from DSI users was actively sought and addressed promptly. The DSI/Symetri team understood the importance of swiftly acknowledging requests and making necessary adjustments. Given the large number of users interacting with the program, various functional issues emerged, some stemming from internal setups and others from the program’s operation. The team rapidly identified flaws and worked to incorporate solutions into the development cycle, thereby ensuring that any issues raised were addressed promptly. A commitment to timely responsiveness from the DSI team users and Symetri proved to be a major asset throughout the transition process.
Dynamic Systems Inc. (DSI) appointed an “advanced Naviate user” to take on the responsibility of collecting and logging system “tips and tricks” as part of their existing role. As the DSI Virtual Design and Construction team progresses through their training and subsequent production use of Naviate Fabrication, users may discover shortcuts or innovative ways to utilize the tool and report their findings to the “Tips and Tricks” curator. The curator then publicizes the Naviate “Tip and Trick” to the broader user base, typically in an email or a short instructional video.
The DSI Virtual Design and Construction team transitioned to full-time use of Autodesk Revit approximately five years ago. At that time, Revit’s functionality, compared to more current versions of the software, allowed DSI to reevaluate some of its historical design processes.
The DSI Virtual Design and Construction team also reassessed historical processes to determine if the Naviate Fabrication solution can offer an innovative approach that enhances and abbreviates overall product lifecycles, resulting in time, effort, and cost savings.
Overall, our dedication to continuous improvement and industry associations through tools like Naviate fabrication helps us stand out among competitors, making us a valuable partner for those looking to advance in a competitive landscape.” – Adam Nichols, Director of Virtual Design and Construction, Dynamic Systems, Inc.
Transforming Design and Data Management for the Future
The difference between the previous solution and Naviate Fabrication lies in the heightened technical aptitude often required by the former tool. Many members of the DSI Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) team were adversely affected by the intense technical nature of the old tool. In contrast, Naviate simplifies processes and procedures. The user experience with Naviate Fabrication is proving to be more palatable for all users, regardless of their technical aptitude.
The most effective measure of customer satisfaction is how DSI can meet customers’ requests and needs. Customers generally do not want to hear that something cannot be done. Therefore, the goal is to identify ways, within reasonable limits, to fulfill customer wants and requirements.
On-time delivery is always a priority. One of the most critical business needs is the ability to seamlessly transfer data within and beyond the digital model to other project lifecycle stakeholders and corporate business systems, making a centralized data store essential. In the fast-paced business environment where the company operates, manual data transfer is not an option. While some project information may need to be provided in hard copy typically due to requirements from the field or job site, the primary project data goal is creating and maintaining digital project data. Customers increasingly expect digital solutions to produce digital project data rather than paper documentation. It can be transformative when both the design team and the customer’s project liaisons have visibility into project data throughout the project lifecycle. The real-time visibility of project data is a powerful catalyst for compressing project schedules and ensuring that customer delivery commitments are met or even accelerated. Prioritizing Customer Success is the DSI Mission!
DSI plans to focus on immediate solutions and strategically consider how these advancements can benefit the company in the coming years. The organization understands that companies that successfully adapt to and integrate new technologies will continue to thrive, while those that resist change risk stagnation or decline. This understanding reflects the broader dynamics across industries, which increasingly demand adaptability. In summary, DSI is committed to embracing innovative technologies as it navigates the future landscape, ensuring that it remains competitive and forward-thinking in its approach to market changes.
Embracing Change: A Call to Innovate
“Embrace change and be open to taking the next step, even if it feels uncomfortable—this discomfort is often a sign of growth. If you find yourself in a routine, it may mean you’re no longer moving forward. In today’s competitive landscape, failing to innovate can result in losing market share to rivals who are willing to adapt and embrace new technologies.
Regularly reevaluating your business model is essential. Consider looking beyond your established processes to make informed decisions about potential changes. Each time you renew a contract, take the opportunity to evaluate the market and explore alternative solutions. This proactive approach will help prevent stagnation and ensure that you are leveraging the latest advancements in technology, which is evolving more quickly than ever.
Stay attuned to emerging trends, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, which is increasingly vital for enhancing products and services. Partner with companies that possess the foresight and capability to integrate these technologies into your operations. As the technological landscape continues to accelerate, having a reliable partner will be crucial for adopting innovations effectively and maintaining a competitive edge in your industry. Dynamic Systems, Inc has found such a partner in Symetri.”
–Adam Nichols, Director of Virtual Design and Construction, Dynamic Systems Inc
