Vico BIM Software, 2D, 3D, 4D and 5D!
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Hi Guys,
I came across http://www.vicosoftware.com, a BIM solution. 2D Shop Drawings,
3D Constructibility and Coordination, 4D Scheduling and Production Control
5D Estimating and Cost PlanningIt looks to be quite a comprehensive package all be it pricey, but probably justified for large complex projects.
Constructor $8,000 plus $1,440 Annual Sub
Control $3,000 plus $540 Annual Sub
Change Manager $2,500 plus $490 Annual Sub
Additional licenses $895 plus $140 Annual SubI imagine their may be an opportunity for some Ruby Programmer to write a PlugIn for Vico Constructor.
Mike
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An interresting footnote about this software is that the company is headed by the previous @Last CEO Mark Sawyer. Aparrently this operation was spun off as a sepparate venture when Graphisoft was bought out by Nemetchek (ArchiCAD).
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Interesting.....
Very Expensive though; I'm sure lots more out there that are less than half the price that could do the same...
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Wow Mike that looks impressive. The inclusion of an office package geared to construction projects is very interesting too.
Although, this trend towards subscription-ware doesn't look like a good thing IMO, it seems like a nasty lock in for the end user who will likely have to stomach price hikes. Even if a software product costs a lot, it has to be better to make a one off total payment than to enter into an agreement with no idea how much you are still going to be paying for it in the future. -
The modelling engine of the software is essentially ArchiCAD.
For those interested in 4D construction simulation Synchro [http://www.synchroltd.com/] is probably a more viable option.
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@toxicvoxel said:
An interresting footnote about this software is that the company is headed by the previous @Last CEO Mark Sawyer...
Wow, does this mean that there is a degree of Sketchupness to this software?
Easy to use, intuitive? etc....Looks like competition for Revit...
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@unknownuser said:
Wow, does this mean that there is a degree of Sketchupness to this software?
Easy to use, intuitive? etc....If you don't like ArchiCAD you won't like it. Have a look at Synchro - it's affordable and supports sketchup.
Mark Sawyer's expertise lies in pumping up market share of a design a software company in order to sell it at an appointed time to one of the big guns (as was the case with @last). Watch this space.
I believe 4D may be what will drive BIM on the long run. As construction companies start to use 3D as part of their project management workflow the demand for BIM models will balloon. There is a significant opportunity here for architects to reclaim some of the ground lost to project managers over the last two decades by virtue of the fact that we (will) generate and control the models used for construction simulation.
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@toxicvoxel said:
@unknownuser said:
I believe 4D may be what will drive BIM on the long run. As construction companies start to use 3D as part of their project management workflow the demand for BIM models will balloon. There is a significant opportunity here for architects to reclaim some of the ground lost to project managers over the last two decades by virtue of the fact that we (will) generate and control the models used for construction simulation.
Interesting viewpoint, toxicvoxel....
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@toxicvoxel said:
If you don't like ArchiCAD you won't like it. Have a look at Synchro - it's affordable and supports sketchup.
Yep, the modelling is via ArchiCAD and I for one am not keen on ArchiCAD.
Syncro looks interesting and more afforable. I imagine it will also develop into at wider package.
Best of all, 'Project Constructor works as a stand-alone workstation managing the project model independently and is dedicated to the Google SketchUp *.skp 3D file format'.
This should give it mass appeal for professionals on the lookout for,
'4D construction visualization, project scheduling, advanced risk management, synchronization with 3D design changes, supply chain management and cost allocation for comprehensive virtual construction simulation'.A mouthful but the way of things on large projects.
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Thought I would bump this topic. Has anyone had a good look at Synhro Project Constructor. I trialed it about a year ago and thought it had huge potential but being so busy at the time couldn't follow it up. Now I have some time on my hands I am keen to have another look at it. I have tried sending an email direct to Synchro in the UK....twice, but no response. I can only assume they are so busy they haven't the time to respond to someone down under or they are yet another victim of the economic downturn????
Stan
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Sekta,
I will kick off a separate thread on Synchro as this one heads Vico. I would be interested to hear how you got on with the program.
Mike
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Hi all. I gave syncro trial a crack, at the time i also had very little time to look into it properly. From what I could get out of it it didnt realy suit my particualr type of construction. An aquaintence & I have been in the process of getting a ruby together that calculates sqm from materials and lineal measures from components. Yes it does work but it is still incomplete. As far as sheduling I think it can be easily done by managing layers correctly. We will work on a ruby eventually for this as well. I hope to get a low cost BIM estimating and sheduling package together eventually but my building business takes first priority so it may take some time... take alook at our you tube models and you can see how much detail we are trying to capture for estimating purposes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6QXBlsVLhs&feature=channel_page
I would like to hear more on syncro thanks Mike. May save me a lot of time.
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Andrew, I will see if I can put you in touch with the guys at Sync in order to investigate what you are suggesting.
Mike
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