Image: Thomas Praefab
Source: Profiel magazine

More control over precast processes thanks to integrated software

In the challenging world of precast concrete production, optimising efficiency in precast production processes is of the utmost importance. For Thomas Praefab, an international precast company with factories in Denmark and Poland, achieving these goals has become possible through the implementation of IMPACT for their design, production and project management.

David Habib, project manager at Thomas Praefab, explains how IMPACT has revolutionised their precast processes.

David Habib, who started his career at Thomas Praefab in the drawing office, steadily progressed to the position of project manager. His role involves overseeing numerous projects, and IMPACT has become an indispensable tool for managing them effectively. Previously, they relied on standard AutoCAD for design, but implementing IMPACT has significantly improved their workflows.

David Habib, project manager at Thomas Praefab

Quote from David Habib, Project Manager at Praefab: “The benefits of IMPACT are diverse. As a project manager, I can fully manage all our projects through a centralised database, where elements are presented in 3D and a clear overview of their progress is provided.”

A world of difference in design and planning

From AutoCAD to IMPACT: a world of difference in design and planning Before Thomas Praefab integrated IMPACT into their workflows, they relied on standard AutoCAD for design and planning. The transition to IMPACT represented a significant shift in their approach, allowing the company to move beyond conventional methods and adopt a more streamlined and efficient process.

The days of manually drawing lines in AutoCAD are gone. IMPACT has provided Thomas Praefab with an automated design solution, enabling them to create complex precast detailing and automated production drawings with precision and speed. The transition has enabled the team to accelerate the design phase, resulting in faster turnaround times and improved design accuracy.

Efficient production management with IMPACT

In addition to IMPACT Design, Thomas Praefab also uses IMPACT Production to streamline its entire production cycle. The software enables the company to manage production effectively, optimise resource allocation and ensure a seamless production process. By reducing the workforce and using a minimal number of licences for planning and transport, the company achieves remarkable efficiency improvements.

Unlocking the power of modern tools

David Habib and his team at Thomas Praefab embrace modern tools and technologies to stay ahead in the competitive precast industry. IMPACT aligns with their forward-thinking approach and provides a comprehensive solution that addresses their needs in design, production and project management.

Through this integration, Thomas Praefab has not only improved its efficiency, but also increased the quality and precision of its precast products. The software has become an indispensable asset, enabling them to meet the demands of complex projects while adhering to tight schedules.

Photo of IMPACT – Status of precast elements displayed in colours

Photo of IMPACT – Status of precast elements displayed in colours

First and foremost, we would like to thank David for taking the time to give us a deeper insight into how IMPACT plays a role at Thomas Praefab – and how it supports his daily work as a project manager. It is always exciting to hear how IMPACT is being used, as it is a comprehensive piece of software, so it is not always possible to make a direct one-to-one comparison.

We spoke to David earlier this month, and these are the highlights of what he had to say about their use of IMPACT. “The benefits of IMPACT are diverse. As a project manager, I can fully manage all our projects through a centralised database, where elements are presented in 3D and a clear overview of their progress is provided.” One of the standout features for David is the ability to colour-code elements in IMPACT, providing a visual representation of their stage in the production process.

“I can easily track the progress of the elements, whether they have been cast, delivered or are at another stage of production.”

This feature improves the efficiency and transparency of their production process. The integration of IMPACT with AutoCAD has also been a game-changer for Thomas Praefab.

“Before IMPACT, we relied solely on AutoCAD. The integration with IMPACT is a defining advantage. We save a great deal of time and effort when generating element drawings and improving our workflows.” Scalability is a critical factor in any software, and IMPACT stands out in this respect. “IMPACT is scalable and adapts effortlessly to the requirements of the project. Whether it is a small-scale project or a large enterprise, IMPACT has proven to be effective for our needs.” After completing a project, calculating the materials used is a crucial step, and IMPACT simplifies this process for Thomas Praefab.

“We can effortlessly collect the necessary data for a comprehensive overview of the materials used, which is a huge advantage for our planning and analysis, and a major benefit for having a complete project overview.” In addition, David appreciates the exceptional support provided by IMPACT.

“The support team is always accessible and proactive, providing effective solutions to all the internal challenges we encounter. Effective communication with the support team is essential when optimising our use of the software.”

In short, IMPACT has been seamlessly integrated into the daily operations of Thomas Praefab. David sums it up by saying: “IMPACT is a tool that is valued by all my colleagues and remains an integral part of our daily work.” The seamless integration with AutoCAD improves our workflows, making it an indispensable part of our daily operations. IMPACT provides a solid foundation for our internal processes and ensures that we deliver with the accuracy and efficiency required in our industry.” Thomas Praefab’s success with IMPACT serves as an inspiring example for the precast concrete production sector, demonstrating the power of modern tools in achieving optimal efficiency and productivity. Once again, a huge thank you to David for his time, and we look forward to many years of future collaboration. We are very grateful for this partnership and the trust placed in us!