Four Fundamental Enablers of VDC

Within SSOE, we’ve identified four fundamental enablers of VDC—essential elements to have in place for truly successful implementation of VDC project delivery.

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#1: Information capture (laser scanning) – for an accurate picture of current conditions. 3D laser scanning is the fastest, most efficient method to capture existing conditions of many facilities or sites. This replaces the time consuming and less accurate method of manually recorded field measurements. Now, lasers scan an existing facility or site creating a point cloud that acts as a highly accurate as-built drawing. The point cloud can be referenced into a 3D model to avoid collisions with the proposed design and costly rework in the field—resulting in an incredibly realistic and detailed 3D model of an existing facility.

#2: Coding structure for models – to allow data mining to automate and enhance certain functions, like quantity take-offs for estimating. This requires each model element have a unique code, and also that coding is consistently used from the very onset of a project. This concept encourages a more holistic approach to project delivery by leveraging data embedded in the models to improve and optimize other project efforts such as estimating, quality assurance, safety, documented savings, and more.

#3: Internal integration of the model – the ability to integrate design efforts between disciplines; one example is conducting multi-discipline reviews within the 3D model. SSOE’s 3D design review sessions bring together discipline leads before a client coordination meeting to hash out the agenda for the next meeting with project stakeholders. The agenda is a critical component in driving coordination success and serves as a framework to identify specific issues that need to be addressed during the meeting to move the project forward. One key benefit is that the internal review engages the design leaders by getting them into the model to find, track, and proactively resolve issues, as opposed to simply reviewing drawings prior to the meeting. Issues that require resolution or decisions from the client are captured within the model, and any later input from project stakeholders is added to keep a visual record of changes.

#4: External model collaboration during the execution of the project – the processes and technology required to gather input and create alignment with the fabricators, trades, and contractors into the model during construction. Methods to facilitate this collaboration, such as Interactive Planning (IAP) sessions, are also essential, even before the development of the model.

Coordination within the model takes place as various trade partners enter routing and fabrication-level detail (including hangers, supplemental supports, etc.) into their trade models which are used to generate submittal drawings for approval. These individual models are brought into one coordination model to uncover conflicts and avoid costly issues in the field that would otherwise be missed.  For example, on one project, once detailed models of the fire suppression systems and mechanical systems were put into the coordination model, it was discovered that there wasn’t enough clearance around the fire suppression system and the mechanical system design was adjusted prior to construction.

Performing external model coordination does for the entire construction project what internal model integration does for cross-discipline coordination. It highlights interferences, provides one “source of truth” for making adjustments, and drives the discussion and collaboration needed between partners to improve project outcomes so the owner knows exactly what will be built in the field.

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Giving clients more for their money through innovative software

In our latest newsletter, we are highlighting the outstanding performance of Jonathan Bolbach and Mark LaBell, winners of SSOE’s Founder’s Award. Their accomplishment — developing the AutoNavis software application — met two of the award’s key criteria: delivering exceptional value to clients by saving them time, trouble, and money and implementing an innovation that leads to improved processes and quality. Read more

SSOE Group’s Continental AG’s New Braunfels, Texas Project Becomes LEED Gold Certified

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, November 8, 2023 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, is proud to announce their involvement in the successful LEED® certification of Continental AG’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in New Braunfels, Texas. Continental AG was recently awarded Gold certification for this facility, the second highest designation possible from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program. The client received LEED Gold certification under the LEED BD+C: New Construction – LEED v4 rating system. Read more

LATINtalk eJournal Article: “Navigating the Complexities to a Successful Outcome”

Erick Kuri, Mexico Business Leader and Operations Manager, recently authored an article in LATINtalk eJournal. Many industry leaders from other countries want to establish operations in or transfer them to Mexico. As part of this process, it’s imperative that they understand the complex process of obtaining permits and other legal aspects. These may vary from one region to another but are equally complex nationwide. One of the biggest challenges companies face is the time it takes to navigate legal and permitting requirements, which is often not built into the project schedule. In the article, Erick shares key perspectives and strategies for the permitting and legal process that owners need to navigate in Mexico. Read more

SSOE Group Announces León Office Expansion Amid Continued Growth in Mexico

LEÓN, Guanajuato, Mexico, October 26, 2023 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, is proud to announce the expansion of its León, Guanajuato, office—a direct result of the firm’s continued focus on and investment in its Mexico operations. Last month, an open house reception, consisting of a special town hall with a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony, was held to inaugurate the expansion of SSOE’s León operations as it now occupies a third additional floor within the office complex. Read more

LATINtalk eJournal Article: “Optimizing Project Success in Mexico through EPCM”

Erick Kuri, Mexico Business Leader and Operations Manager, recently authored an article in LATINtalk eJournal. In the article, Erick shares his perspective on how EPCM gives owners substantially greater insight into the entire project cycle. In addition, EPCM results in fewer surprises that might challenge a project for cost, schedule, or quality reasons.

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LATINtalk eJournal Article: “Revolutionizing Technically Complex Project Execution in Mexico with EPCM”

Erick Kuri, Mexico Business Leader and Operations Manager, recently authored an article in LATINtalk eJournal. In the article, Erick focuses on how EPCM is a very effective way to optimize project delivery both in the U.S. and Mexico, however, it requires a change of mindset as the EPCM team assumes more ownership for the duration of the project. Read more

SSOE Group Providing Architecture and Engineering Services for Ascend Elements’ Georgia-Based Brownfield Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Facility

Facility to Become North America’s Largest Battery Recycling Operation

COVINGTON, Georgia, September 21, 2022 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked firm with decades of experience delivering projects in the Southeast U.S., is providing architecture, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning services for Ascend Elements’ 154,000 SF commercial-scale, lithium-ion battery recycling facility. Ascend Elements, a vertically integrated battery recycling and engineered materials company, is investing $43 million into its new Covington, Georgia facility, strategically located near several electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hubs and lithium-ion battery producers. Read more

New Equipment Digest Article: “Advance Your Project with Advance Work Packaging”

Lauren Collier, Associate AIA, Department Manager, VDC Global Initiatives and Senior Associate at SSOE Group, recently authored an article in New Equipment Digest where she explains that Advanced Work Packaging (AWP)—an industry response to a reduction in resources and the overall cost and capital of projects—is built on the premise that aligning engineering and procurement packages results in more efficient productivity. She notes that by creating these packages to deliver work, industrial projects can be delivered at a higher quality, faster, and with less cost. Read more

Procurement: An Art and a Science

Reviewing specifications, preparing and analyzing bid packages, negotiating contracts, handling purchase orders and more. This is the “science” of procurement. It demands a broad skill set and stringent attention to detail. The “art” of procurement is acquired mostly through experience. It is the knowledge of what to watch for in every step of the process to consistently get the best value on the right equipment and avoid costly mistakes. It is knowing how to make the most of relationships with suppliers. Seasoned procurement professionals more than pay for themselves whether they are part of an in-house department or hired on a per-project basis. Read more

SSOE Group Announces Office Expansion and Continued Growth in Mexico Operations

LEÓN, Mexico, January 21, 2022 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce continued growth and investment in their Mexico operations. That growth has resulted in expanding and renovating current office space in León, Guanajuato to accommodate our growing team and creating a more flexible and collaborative office for our employees. Additionally, staff will move toward a permanent hybrid / collaborative office model in the near future. SSOE’s León office is now the firm’s third largest office behind their Toledo, Ohio headquarters and Portland, Oregon location. Read more

Photo Credit - New Braunfels EDC

SSOE Group Performing EPCM Services for Continental AG’s New State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Texas

Construction Commenced During the June Celebration of Construction Ceremony

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, August 12, 2021 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, was hired by Continental AG to perform engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services for their new 215,000 SF state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in New Braunfels, Texas. Operations are expected to start in the second half of 2022 and, once complete, the plant will manufacture products for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that will help with assisted and automated driving. Read more

American School and University Magazine Article: “Laboratory Retriever”

Joe Kunkle, AIA, PE, LEED AP, Principal Account Executive at SSOE Group, and Lance Mushung, AIA, NCARB, Architect, co-authored this article featured in American School and University Magazine. Kunkle and Mushung, who have over 60 years of combined industry experience, confer on the subject of casework reuse. Whether you’re aiming for a LEED® certified project or significant casework cost savings, the shortcuts offered by this resourceful twosome will lead you down the right path. Read more

ENR Article: “Design Professionals Must Embrace VDC to Improve Their Profession and Projects”

John Gill, PE, PMP, LEED AP, SSOE’s Director of VDC, was recently published in Engineering News-Record (ENR) discussing the topic of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Gill has over 20 years of industry experience and was responsible for the implementation of SSOE’s VDC program. He writes on the many strengths the VDC framework has to offer our industry, and offers some tips for implementing a solid foundation on your next project. Read more

Laboratory Design Magazine Article: “Should your project undergo commissioning?”

David Wilson, PE, LEED AP, Senior Mechanical Engineer at SSOE Group, recently authored this article in Laboratory Design Magazine. The article explores when it’s worth it to consider commissioning for your facility through three case scenarios encountered by an HVAC commissioning expert. What is observed through testing and verification may prevent expensive operational problems from occurring, by detecting flaws and inefficiency prior to the end of the warranty period. The best approach is to be proactive in knowing what you need before it’s too late. Read more

Power Engineering Magazine Article: “Projects Illustrate Strategies for Comprehensive Design Tools”

Tom Fitzpatrick, Power Department Manager at SSOE Group, co-authored this content-rich article, published in Power Engineering Magazine, that explores the cost benefits of conducting a feasibility study during the planning phase of a project. The article highlights project examples where SSOE’s engineers were able to add even more value to a feasibility study with their ability to quickly and easily assess, and point decision-makers in the right direction.

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Area Development Magazine Article: “The United States: A Growing Competitor for New Manufacturing Plants”

Foreign companies are trending in the direction of the U.S. as they review global site selection options, with suppliers following.

Alexandra Segers, International Senior Account Executive / Program Manager at SSOE Group, shares her insight in this article published in Area Development Magazine. Within, Segers discusses some of the important items — including incentives and cost offsets, utility factors, and workforce availability — that are making the U.S. an advantageous area to consider development, with the Southeast U.S. leading the pack.
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SSOE Group Performing EPCM Services for Continental AG’s Greenfield Plant of the Future in Central Mexico

Construction Commenced During July’s Groundbreaking Ceremony

AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico, July 19, 2019 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management was hired by Continental AG to perform engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services for their new 25,000 sq. m. (nearly 270,000 SF) automotive electronics components production facility located in FINSA Industrial Park in Aguascalientes, Mexico. This facility has been designed as a “plant of the future”, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and energy efficiencies with the goal of achieving LEED® Gold certification. Read more

SSOE Ranked Top 5 International Semiconductor Design Firm by ENR

TOLEDO, Ohio, January 30, 2019 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce that it has been ranked fifth by Engineering News-Record (ENR) in their 2018 Top International Semiconductor Design Firm rankings. The rankings were released in the December edition of ENR’s Top Global Sourcebook and are based on revenue. SSOE was ranked the #2 Top Semiconductor Design Firm in the U.S. by ENR in a previous issue. Read more

SSOE Group Awarded all Four Elementary Schools for Fremont City Schools District Rebuild

 

TOLEDO, Ohio, January 8, 2018 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is proud to announce that they have been selected to provide architectural and engineering services for four new elementary schools as part of the Fremont City Schools district rebuild project in partnership with Munger Munger + Associates Architects Inc. Read more

SSOE Group Partnering with Toledo Public Schools on Pilot Apprenticeship Program

TOLEDO, Ohio, August 25, 2017 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global project delivery firm for architecture, engineering, and construction management, is partnering with Toledo Public Schools (TPS) on a pilot apprenticeship program to engage students at the high school / pre-college level and provide them exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Today, engineering is one of the fastest-growing, best-paid careers for recent college graduates, and this growth is projected to continue into the future. Read more

SSOE Group Welcomes New Corporate Safety Manager

TOLEDO, Ohio, March 8, 2016 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm welcomes Robert “Scott” Goodwin, COSS as Corporate Safety Manager. Scott comes to SSOE from Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Northwest Ohio where he served as the Director of Safety and Training.

In this role, Goodwin is responsible for providing safety leadership, training, and guidance. This includes conducting safety audits and inspections for SSOE’s corporate facilities and construction work sites as well as developing contractor qualification standards, reporting safety metrics, and authoring weekly safety tips for staff as well as the company’s safety blog. Read more

SSOE Group Announces Bob Howell as the Next President and CEO

Toledo, Ohio – June 3, 2014-— SSOE’s Board of Directors announced today that it has selected Bob Howell to be the next President and CEO of SSOE Group—a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm . Effective December 3, 2014, Bob Howell will assume the reins from current CEO, Tony Damon, who announced his plans to retire late last year.

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SSOE Group Welcomes Christopher Thomas as Lead Estimator to their Toledo Office

TOLEDO, Ohio, October 30, 2013 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com), a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, is pleased to welcome Christopher Thomas, as Lead Estimator in the project services group. Chris will primarily be responsible for management and coordination of all estimating activities.

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SSOE Group and Evergreen EDC Announce Merger

TOLEDO, Ohio, January 14, 2013 – SSOE Group, a global engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, and Evergreen EDC, a multidiscipline engineering, design, and construction management firm, today announced a merger of the firms. The merger will expand both firms’ geographic reach as well as provide their clients access to enhanced services and resources. The merged entity will operate under the SSOE Group name after a brief transition period.

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SSOE Group Expands Southeast U.S. Presence with Second Acquisition in 2012

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 2, 2012 – SSOE Group, an international EPCM firm, announces the acquisition of CRS Engineering & Design Consultants, a 50-person mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering firm with offices in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. The acquisition will expand SSOE’s Southeastern U.S. presence, broaden CRS’s reach to international markets, and provide both firms’ clients access to enhanced services and resources.

CRS has been in business for over 36 years and is a multi-discipline engineering and design-consulting firm specializing in healthcare, government, higher education, and other institutional facilities. CRS offers services in electrical engineering, plumbing engineering, fire protection engineering, mechanical and HVAC engineering, lighting design, telecommunication design, and security system design.

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U.S.- based EPCM Firm SSOE Group Acquires India Firm During its Most Successful Year Ever

Toledo, Ohio, January 23, 2012 – As economists debate the state of the economy and where it’s headed— SSOE Group, a U.S. – based engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm is thriving. In recent years, in the heart of what some are calling a mild depression, SSOE maintained profitability and earned its highest revenue numbers ever. In fact, in its 2011 fiscal year, it posted its largest revenue in the company’s 64-year history. This is proof that SSOE is demonstrating some of the growth strategies and simple shifts in mindset that other businesses will likely embrace in order to succeed in today’s economy. For SSOE, a priority in recent years is a shift in international growth, as indicated by the recent acquisition of NKS Design Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (also known as d-Tech) in Mumbai, India.

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SSOE and Goodyear Recognize Seven Million Safe Working Hours On-site at Largest Manufacturing Project Under Construction in China

Shanghai, China, September 29, 2011 – SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com) the EPCM firm of record, along with their client The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, announced today that they have successfully reached seven million hours worked with no recordable incidents at Goodyear’s newest tire plant in China. This plant, which currently produces passenger tires and soon will produce truck tires, is the largest manufacturing project under construction in China. Read more

SSOE Group Provides EPCM Services to Vacant General Manufacturing Site to Accommodate Newly FDA-regulated Production Facility

Clarksville, TN, May 13, 2010 – SSOE announced today the first phase of construction for American Snuff Company’s (formerly known as Conwood Company, LLC) manufacturing facilities in Clarksville, Tennessee has been completed. The manufacturing facilities are situated on a 193- acre brownfield site. The new facilities will allow American Snuff to increase capacity and achieve FDA compliance—a new requirement for its products. Read more