Expertise
The global energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by increasing energy consumption, the need to upgrade aging infrastructure, and the urgent demand for clean energy sources.

As the global energy transition unfolds, the adoption, uptake, and application of digital tools in the renewable energy sector is transforming delivery and workflow processes, enhancing efficiency and accountability.

 

With an overarching focus on the transformative impact of deploying Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) on project delivery within the renewables sub-sector, this article takes a cursory look at some core aspects of sector transformation triggered by Digital Engineering.

 

Optimising Delivery and Workflow Processes in Renewables

The renewable energy industry has traditionally relied on two-dimensional (2D) designs, which can result in project overspend owing to inefficiencies and rework. However, the shift towards three-dimensional (3D) design and the output of these design elements from different disciplines into a single federated models is a game-changer. By encompassing all elements into a single 3D model, electrical, hydraulic, civil, survey etc, projects can be visualised more comprehensively, for both consultancies and clients thereby improving collaboration and reducing errors. This transition is facilitated by platforms like Autodesk Construction Cloud, which integrates these models into its environment, providing a centralised hub for project management, document control and quality assurance.

Benefits of Autodesk Construction Cloud

  • Streamlined Approval Processes: Through the review features of ACC, transparency in document collaboration, management and control is significantly enhanced, allowing for tracking of markups/issues and for approvals to occur seamlessly. This has knock-on effects leading to reduced time spent on model and file administration, freeing up time for project managers (PMs) to focus on critical decision-making.
  • Enhanced Document Control: The platform ensures consistent, and standardised conventions for document naming and consistency in delivery, which are crucial for maintaining quality across projects. This level of organisation not only improves internal workflows but also enhances the client experience by providing clear and accessible documentation.
  • Integrated Federated Models: The effectiveness of ACC is amplified when used as a platform for hosting federated models. These models allow for easier access and review of detailed design information, aggregated across multiple disciplines into a single model, ensuring that all stakeholders can visualise the project design as it progresses and quickly identify areas that require further coordination. Using ACC means stakeholders do not have to download separate software to interact with and coordinate native / discipline models in silos.
  • Issue Tracking and Accountability: One of the standout features of ACC is its ability to track issues in real-time. In a single project, teams have documented close to 1,000 issues using this feature, which previously would have been untracked, and scattered across emails and various document versions. This centralised repository allows for clear annotation of changes and fosters accountability among team members.

Quality at the Core

Quality assurance is paramount in the renewables sector, where precision can significantly impact project outcomes. The adoption of digital tools like ACC enables SMEC to establish best-in-class workflow processes that prioritise quality at every stage of delivery. By minimising rework through accurate planning and documentation, companies can ensure that projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Industry-Wide Adoption

The uptake of digital tools across organisations is notable. PMs report increased satisfaction with the visual consistency and clarity provided by these platforms. As teams become more familiar with digital processes, they become better equipped to innovate across the project delivery cycle through to handover and unlocking opportunities for digitally enabled asset management, ultimately leading to enhanced client satisfaction.

Conclusion

The integration of digital tools in the renewable energy sector represents a significant step forward in optimising project delivery. Platforms like ACC not only streamline workflows but also enhance transparency and accountability across projects. As industry continues to embrace these platforms, SMEC plans to bolster improvements in efficiency and innovation in a manner that is both sustainable and ultimately benefits delivery stakeholders, partners, and clients alike. By harnessing similar technologies, the renewables sector is poised to lead in operational excellence while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Related
insights

View all

Ready
to
connect?

Talk to one of our global specialists about our Power and Energy solutions.