Software report-complete-final

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SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING AND DESIGN
BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONOURS)
CSC60603 – Software Application for Quantity Surveying
Submission Date: 14th October 2013
Lecturer: Ms. Lim Tze Shwan
Group Members:
Hong Kai Yin 0323361
Lau Chin Sheng 0317899
Welson Lum Wei Jiunn 0319515
Yong Sing Yew 0318766
Kong Zhen Chung 0319528

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Content
Title Page
1.0 Introduction 3
2.0 Intro to Cost X
2.1 Advantages
2.2 Disadvantages
4-7
3.0 Intro to Glodon TAS
3.1 Advantages
3.2 Disadvantages
8-11
4.0 Intro to Masterbill
4.1 Advantages
4.2 Disadvantages
12-14
5.0 Intro to Buildsoft
5.1 Advantages
5.2 Disadvantages
15-18
6.0 Comparison Checklist 19
7.0 Recommendation 20
8.0 Intro to Part B 21
9.0 Benefit in Preparation/Briefing Stage
9.1 Constraint in Preparation/Briefing Stage 22-24
10.0 Benefit in Design Stage
10.1 Constraint in Design Stage 25-28
11.0 Benefit in Pre-Construction Stage
11.1 Constraint in Pre-Construction Stage 29-31
12.1 Benefit in Construction Stage
12.0 Constraint in Construction Stage 32-34
13.0 Benefit & Constraint in Other Stage 35

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1.0 Introduction to BIM
BIM is an architectural process of Virtual Design and Construction that through the
heavy use of technology integrates and connects information with the virtual model. It has
become a standard practice in the construction world. BIM is widely used in multiple large
companies worldwide, including quantity surveying companies, construction companies,
subcontracting companies or civil companies. The Building Information Model is primarily a
three dimensional digital representation of a building and its intrinsic characteristics.It is made
of intelligent building components which includes data attributes and parametric rules for each
object. It is a platform to share knowledge and communicate between project participants. In
other words, Building Information Modelling is the process of developing the Building
Information Model.
We chose the following 4 types of software program as our study of software application for
quantity surveying:
1) Cost X
2) Glodon TAS
3) Buildsoft
4) Masterbill

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2.0 Cost X
Cost X is a software that enables us to quickly and accurately take off quantities from
2D drawings. In addition, generating automatic quantities from 3D models / BIM using Cost X
is also available. By using this software, we are able to prepare estimates, bills of quantities
and tenders easily and all in a fraction of the time and cost.
There is a total of 5 types of Cost X software available in the market. Each type of
software has its own functions and features.
The 5 types of Cost X software are as following:
1. Cost XL
2. Cost X Take Off
3. Cost X Take Off 2D
4. Cost X Viewer
5. Cost X Education
2.0.1 Cost X Take Off 2D
Cost X 2D does not support 3D/BIM drawings and do not allow for auto-revision.
However, it contains the world-leading 2D take off and integrated workbook system. This
software is suitable for companies who only needed to take off 2D drawings.

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2.0.2 Cost XL
Cost XL is an Excel plug-in which allows Excel to read Cost X data and live-link the
data directly into its spreadsheets. We can simply drag and drop the measured dimensions
from Cost X directly into the spreadsheet or set up a template so dimensions from the Cost
X program will be automatically appeared in our Excel spreadsheet as they are measured.
Cost XL allows us to use Excel more efficiently.
2.0.3 Cost X Take Off
Unlike Cost X 2D, Cost X Take Off not only supports a variety of 2D drawings, but also
supports 3D/BIM models.
2.0.4 Cost X Viewer
This software takes the advantage of the all-electronic estimation platform and offers
interactive projects to clients and co-workers complete with detailed cost breakdowns and
building revisions with live links to CAD drawings & BIM.
2.0.5 Cost X Education
Cost X Education gives all tertiary education institutions the chance to use the
estimating software. Free student licences allow students to install the software on their
computer at home to assistwith courseworkallows them to have the benefit of increasing their
knowledge of estimating software. In addition, Cost X Educational licences are a valuable
estimating tool for any quantity surveying, building or construction management student to
navigate their entry into the workplace.

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2.1 Advantages
1. Speed
One of the most notable benefits of using Cost X is speed. This software is able to
allow us to measure all the elements quickly. For example, just a few clicks on the image, it
will generate the quantity of the elements. By using the exact sameprocedures, the measuring
stage will only become faster as we have getting well on using the software. Besides that,
workbook can be created in the software to summarize the cost of all elements. This results
in productive back office and streamlined process.
2. Accuracy
Today’s construction industry remains a competitive market, and contractors need to
be able to bid accurately based on actual labour and material costs as well as equipment and
subcontract expenses to win more bids. Using Cost X, we will be able to determine a job’s
true cost and develop a selling price accurately. Other than that, it can remove manual entry
tasks thus reduce the possibility of human error. Besides that, we are able to view the model
we measured in 3D mode to check whether any error was made. This further reduces the
possible error or miscalculation.
3. Professionalism
In addition to speed, precision, accuracy and consistency, Cost X delivers a higher
level of professionalism. By using Cost X viewer, we are able to demonstrate to our client with
detailed costbreakdowns and building revisions. The estimate is used to showthat the client’s
sales presentation has been professionally prepared using an estimating software system
compared to traditional taking off manually.
4. Versatility
Unlike other software, CostX able to open drawings in various format such as scanned,
PDF, JPEG and CAD drawings, as well as generation of automatic BIM quantities from 3D/BIM
models. This brings a lot of convenient to Quantity Surveyor, and also civil engineers and
architects.

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5. Paperless estimating
With Cost X, we are no longer need to take off elements using taking off paper,
dimension sheet and query sheet etc. All quantities and data that we have measured can be
key in directly into the workbook in the software. This can help us to save a lot of paper.
2.2 Disadvantages
1. Price
Although Cost X allows us to save a lot of time and make taking off stage a way lot
easier, the capital cost of the Cost X software, however, is relatively high comparing to taking
off manually. The company needs to invest a huge sum of money first in order to enjoy the
benefits. The license of the Cost X software also need to be renewed yearly.
2. Implementation
For first time user, we probably need some initial help from Cost X workers to know
how the software truly works. This will usually be a chargeable service, thus resulting in higher
cost.

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3.0 Glodon TAS
Quick Modelling & BIM-Based Quantity Take off
Glodon Take off for Architectural and Structural, also known as TAS, is a suite of
quantity calculation software based on the Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology,
which is embedded with ground breaking 3-dimensional measurement and calculation rules.
It enables the users to perform quantity taking-off from electronic drawings or images with
immediate 3D visualization effect and shows accurate results for each component in real
time. As there shall be less data and formulae input by the user is needed in calculation of
the quantities, hence, the accuracy level of the result is higher with minimal undesirable
careless mistakes. Other than that, Glodon TAS is the quantity take off software that enables
the editing of BIM models and supports the direct import of IFC, DWG and PDF drawings to
build 3D models efficiently. It only requires one click to complete quantity take off based on
the model. It also deals with variations quickly by only adjusting model information and
performing calculation again.

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TAS is one of the modules in GLODONquantity taking-off suite that would allow the user to
carry out the measurement works for the following main elements:
1. Structural Element
2. Architectural Element
3. Finishing Work Internally and Externally
4. Work Below Lowest Floor Level
3.0.1 Key features and Functions
 BIM-base measurement software
 Interoperability with BIM authoring Software
 Built-in calculation rules with options to customize
 Import 3D model from TRB to calculate quantities
 Produce 3D model from by identifying CAD entities or on image
 User-friendly interface
 Dynamic links of quantities to BQ description
 Calculation result with detail breakdown
 Various reporting format

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3.1 Advantages
1. High efficiency and productivity
The system comes with in-build SMM which allow the user to take off the element
according with the actual SMM clauses. This result in saving time for QS to check the Bill of
Quantities.
2. High level of security
Glodon TAS provide a security function which allow user to create a temporary account
to each project which come with passwords or without passwords. This result in provide a
higher security level to Glodan TAS user which avoid unrelated personal to access the data.
3. High traceability
Glodan TAS will pop up a reminder to the user to save their current work to avoid the
file being lost due to accident happens.
4. High flexibility
Glodon TAS accept almost every kind of files, for example, IFC, DWG, PDF and JPEG
files and so on.
5. Paper-less production
By using Glodon TAS, this can allow the user to save in using paper which is required
for traditional method taking off.

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3.2 Disadvantages
1. Lack of experts
The relative newness of BIM means that there are limited numbers of experts working
in the field. This software purchase may require an additional investment in training and
education.
2. Cost of Software
GLODON TAS software requires a substantial investment in new technology. The
advantages usually make the investment worthwhile, but only if the software is used to its full
capacity.
3. Incompatibility with partners
GLODON TAS is not yet universally used among construction professionals
(Malaysia). There is always the possibility that one of the partners or subcontractors may not
use GLODON TAS and may not be able to use TAS models.

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4.0 Masterbill
Masterbill is the complete BQ Production System, fully featured and including pricing, cost
analysis and tender comparison routines. Masterbill uses a Project Structure, which is divided
into four parts, that is, parts, elements, references and cost code, which together with full
sortation results in the ability to produce bills in almost any sequence. It also has the ability to
measure faces, areas and lengths directly from the 3D model.
Masterbill also allows the user to create a Bill of Quantities at any point in the measurement
process. In creating a BQ the user can set:
 The BQ sequence
The user may choose from the 10 available sequences, allowing the BQ to be
sequence to suit their particular requirements.
 Measurement selection
The user may choose which parts, elements, workgroups and cost codes they would
like to include within their BQ.
 Layout
With user-defined headers, footers, page numbering, fonts and column widths.

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4.1 Advantages
1. Time saving
It enables the cost plans to be produced in minutes.
2. Easy to use
It only requires us to complete the data entry screens. Once it is done, the system will do the
rest.
3. Cost & Investment Consideration
The overall cost to implement this system is not expensive compare to the benefit that will be
obtained. In long-term prospect, investing to this system will guarantee a superior return to us
by giving us better quality of products to our clients and customers.

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4.2 Disadvantages
1. Difficulty
Even though this software is more convenient and can help to save a lot of time, we
will still experience a learning curve when converting to any software package. It takes time
to learn to fully utilize the software.
2. Maintenance
Maintaining software not only includes performing upgrades to the software package,
but also maintaining and upgrading all the necessary equipment to utilize the software. New
versions sometimes require upgraded equipment such as PC or laptop, monitor, printer,
internet connection and modem, backup drive and operating system. This result in more cost
needed to operate the software.

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5.0 Buildsoft
Buildsoft specialized in 3D on-screen take off, construction estimating and bill of
quantities production software. Buildsoft can enhance estimating skills by introducing the
innovative ways to speed up the estimating process, saving both time and money. The
Buildsoft Cubit Reader software enables users to take off quantities quickly and accurately,
directly from 2D (CAD/PDF) drawings or 3D BIM Models directly into the estimate for pricing.
MudShark can be used for precise cut, fill and spread by building a 4D model of both
existing and proposed site stages which can be used as part of the BIM Process.
There are types of products for Buildsoft, which are:
i) Cubit Lite
ii) Cubit Standard
iii) Cubit Pro
iv) Mudshark Earthwork
v) Buildsoft Global

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5.0.1 Cubit Lite
Cubit Lite is the modern estimating software without complexity. It suited the
subcontractor who wants better visibility, keep track of estimators within job manager screen
and regularly estimate without a plan. Cubit Lite also contains the estimating tools that help
to estimate a project that is on a budget.
5.0.2 Cubit Standard
Cubit Standard has an extra function compare to Cubit Lite is take-off software. This
application allows us to perform the quantity take-off directly inside the estimate. The work
will become more accurate with the link of quantity take-off and estimate. This application
allows the import of plans and perform quantity take-off from PDF, CAD, and image files.
5.0.3 Cubit Pro
Cubit Pro has the extra function compared to Cubit Lite and Standard. It has the
control to modify and delete any row in the estimate with grouping columns. Most
importantly, Cubit Pro produces professional Bills of Quantities.
5.0.4 MudsharkEarthwork
Mudshark Earthwork allows to build a 4D model to define how the site currently looks
like and how the site will look like after all earthworks are complete. Mudshark also has an
advance solid modelling engine to perform simulations of earthwork. It is a very precise
representation of all the cut, fill, stripping and structure foundations. There is another add-on
module, which is Mudshark Trench, which is a good choice for estimator to perform take-off
for trench and pipe networks accurately. It feature depth categories, automated clash
detection and interactive 3D display.

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5.0.5 BuildsoftGlobal
The main function of the Buildsoft Global is that it is a subcontractor comparison
program. This is normally use by contractor to hire a subcontractor. It is because the
contractor is able to compare the subcontractors based on the cost calculated by the
subcontractors and determine their opportunities and risks of each subcontractor.
5.1 Advantages
1. Time Speed
It helps reduce time for squaring, total up figures and transferring quantity, compare to
manual system, which need staff to do the checking manually. It is also able to shorten the
time to complete the task given.
2. Internet Accessible
It enables us to tender the project in kind of e-tendering system. The contractor can price
their tender in their own computer and send it via e-mail to the QS office. In this case, the
QS can do the tender assessment or valuation faster to let the contractor awarded earlier.
3. Shorter Tendering Period
If there are additional of drawings, documents or information during the tendering process, it
can informed to the contractor, sub-contractor and suppliers via Buildsoft in the shortest
time.
4. Low Labour Cost
By using Buildsoft software, the company can reduce its labour costs because it only
requires one or a few persons to handle the job by using Buildsoft.

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5. Centralized Storage of Data
Buildsoft manages all the data sequences in computer to make it easier to refer for the data
and low risk of losing of data. The storage can only entered by password that allow the
specific workers to access the storage.
6. Easier Arrangement and Carry of Documents
Work done on Buildsoft is able to save into a thumb drive instead of written down in paper
and store in the files because it might get lost easily. Other than that, when there is a
meeting or discussion sessions, a thumb drive act as a data carry is able to carry all the
documents to the meeting.
5.2 Disadvantages
1. Permanently Delete
It must be very careful when we do amendment because when amendment is add to the
existing data, the data cannot be undo to its previous part.
2. Typing Errors
Buildsoft is unable to detect the typing errors.
3. Virus Attack
Before installing Buildsoft software, make sure the computer has the anti-virus software. This
is because once the Buildsoft is not been protected, all the data may be lost and may not be
recovered by any means.
4. High Utilities Bills
Buildsoft software is running in a computer so it required usage of electricity, internet
connection and the initial cost to purchase the software.

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6.0 FeaturesChecklist
Sofware
Features
Cost X Glodon TAS Buildsoft Masterbill
3D visualisation    
On screen takeoff    
Contain various
build-in element

Support various
files format
   
Paperless    
Various quantity
report
  
Embedded with
different
calculation rules

Free student
license


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7.0 Recommendation
There are various BIM QS computer software in the market nowadays. Every software have
their own benefit and limitation. The best BIM software does not mean the one that having
most features compare to others. It’s all about which one is more suitable and comfortable for
the users. Based on our study and understanding on the 4 BIM QS software we had chosen,
we recommended Cost X as the best BIM software between this four. The reason we
recommend Cost X are as following:
1. Easy to use
Cost X is easier to use compared to other software. For example, the overall operating
for the software is very simple and easy to learn compare with others.
2. Suitable software for QS
Cost X provide many good features that bring benefits to Quantity Surveyor. For
example, on-screen take off, 3D visualisation, paperless estimating, estimating
solution for 3D BIM model and others. Traditional manual measurementis not required
if using this software. It saves up a lot of time for a quantity surveyor while doing
measurement and preparing a BQ.
3. Free student license
Cost X provides free student license. This allow students to enhance and improve their
skills of using the software at home.
4. World recognized product
CostX is one of the world leading 2D take off software and integrated workbook system.
They also have a very good customer reviews.
Customer Reviews:
Overall  4/5
Ease to use  4/5
Customer Service  5/5
Features & Functionality  3/5

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8.0 Intro to PartB
The design and construction of a building is often divided into stages. This can be
helpful in establishing milestones for the submission of progress reports, the preparation of
information for approval and also for making payments easier. Basically, there are four main
stages in the construction of building, that is preparation stage, design stage, preconstruction
stage and construction stage. Each stage has its own significant functions. Nowadays,
software such as AutoCad and BIM has started to widely used in construction industry. We
are going to discuss about the impacts of software and manual measurement that brings to
the four main construction stages.

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9.0 Benefits in Preparation/Briefing Stage
Building Information Modelling
(BIM) CAD Measurement Manual Measurement
Allow For 3D Views And Detect
Problems At Early Stage
 Compare to 2D drafting,
building information
modelling improves over 2D
drafting by allowing
designers to view the building
and its contents from all
angles, and revealing
problems at earlier stages to
reduce the errors to the
lowest and allow for
correction without costly
changes.
Performance Evaluation
 It can also help to evaluate
building’s performance
according to regulations
regarding constructability and
functionality.
Generation Of Site Terrain Profile
 Surveyors can create a
terrain model for higher
accuracy of site conditions,
which allows project team to
review viability of
construction and prevent
possible problems and
overruns.
Measurement On Printed
Copy Using Digitizer
 CAD Measurement can
measure from paper
copy by the addition of a
digitizing tablet, or from
photo digital images
taken with a digital
camera. It can also be
used to measure from
fax copies when saved
to digital format.
Produce Accurate Design
 The ability to producing
very accurate designs
and thus error in
quantities due to
incorrect scale is
eliminated.
Drawings Can Be Created in
Different Models
 CAD Measurement
programs can definitely
accelerate the design
process, especially if you
do a lot of design work or
have clients who change
their mind frequently
during the design phase.
Reduce The Risk Of Loss Of
Information
 All the measurement
will be in hand written
so it will reduced the
risk of loss of
information where the
use of software will
have a higher risk in
loss of information
because if the files are
not save properly or
the computer suddenly
corrupted, all the
information will be
gone.
No Training Required
 The complexity of
using manual
measurement is much
lower compared to
using software where
training is compulsory
if you want to use the
software
Cost Effective
 You can also save a
lot of money by using
manual measurement
because it technically
does not charge you
anything where you
need to pay an amount

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Improve of Visualisation
 Projects can be visualized as
of this stage, giving users,
clients and operators a rough
idea of design intended. They
can have some ideas for
them on what is going to be
done soon on that particular
project.
Accelerate The Design
Process
 Programs can definitely
accelerate the design
process, especially if you
do a lot of design work or
have clients who change
during the design phase.
Better Presentation
 Better presentation to
the clients to prevent
misunderstandings to
ensure that the final
product is to their
satisfaction.
of money for the usage
of the software.
Save Time And Easier To
Present To Client
 When some of the
clients who change
during the design
phase, it is easier to do
it manually compare to
digital use because it
can helps save a lot of
time and can provide
the clients a better
understanding of the
design.

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9.1 Constraintin Preparation/BriefingStage
Need High Performance
Computer
 BIM requires higher
performing computer
hardware to operate it
effectively, so it will also
cost a lot when using it.
Training Is Required
 BIM requires substantial
training at first in order to
know more and have a
better understanding of it.
 Besides that, in order to
effectively use the BIM
software, we may need to
upgrade our computer
system frequently. BIM
also results in a much
larger file sizes compare to
CAD systems.
No Standard Name For
Layers
 They are not formed
using a standard
method in layering and
also there is no
standard in naming the
layers. This will make
the user had the
problems in searching
for the applicable items
during measurement.
Requires More Steps For 3D
 As the drawings are
2D, measurement is
easily done for unit of
measure that required
2D only. Quantities that
require 3D such as the
measure of volume
would require additional
steps in obtaining the
quantity, thus it will also
require more time for it
to be done.
Requires More Time
 Compare to using
software, manual
measurement requires
more time and delay
the completion of the
tasks.
Accuracy Of Scale
 The scale we used in
manual might not be as
accurate compare to
software so it might be
a little difference in the
final answer.
Carry Out Checking
Manually And Requires
Longer Time
 Manual measurement
cannot identify error as
quickly as software
because manual
measurement doesn’t
have systems to help
us to check errors like
software, so in order to
make sure it is
accurate, we need to
carry out the checking
manually and will
require more time
compare to software.

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10.0 Benefitin Design Stage
Empowered to Make Desire
Changes
 BIM makes design
information to be readily
available to all stakeholders
that are involved in the
design process. The design
team is empowered to make
desire changes in real time
without the need to do
expensive and time-
consuming coordination and
checking manually.
Evolution of Design Progress
 When there is evolution of
the design progress, it can
done directly through BIM
software instead of required
manual verifying by
designer because the
design has implemented
into the BIM model.
Reduce Errors
 Next, BIM reduce the errors
to the minimum. Therefore,
it allows the quality of
design work and its
documentation to be greatly
improved.
Improve Accuracy
 CAD has an ability to
produce a very accurate
scale of drawings with
2D or 3D drawings and
able to rotate with
different degree.
Flexible to Organize Drawing
Information.
 CAD is flexible to
organize drawing
information. With CAD,
layers like structural,
electrical and plumbing
components are
equivalent to transparent
overlays. As with
overlays, it able to
display, edit and print
layers separately or in
combination.
Establish Drafting Standards
 Able to create styles for
text, dimension and line-
types. A text styles able
to established font and
format characteristics
such as height, width
and slant. With different
darkness and styles of
lines produced the
Client’s Satisfaction
 When meeting with
client, the client might
have some changes for
the design. Thus, the
designer can draw out
the design manually on
the spot for the client to
have a clearer view or
more understanding
instead of showing in
CAD measurement
design. This is because
if the designs shown in
CAD, it consumes time
because many tab
folders are required to
open and the client
might not have the
background of
computer software
application.
 Other than that, the
client might also not
familiar with the
software. Design
manually can produce
the designs with
curves, shapes, and
different kind of lines to
meet the requirement
from clients, which has

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Provide 3DModeling
 BIM also provide three-
dimensional modelling to
support the target value
method of design. With
three-dimensional view, the
building value with all the
elements and materials will
clearly show to keep within
the target value. As design
work progresses, cost-
estimating need to be up to
date with development of
the design. With the
traditional conventional
method, this would be too
slow for the projects that are
fast-paced.
Generate Bills of Quantity
 Three-dimensional
modelling can automatically
generate bills of materials
with the pricing to keeps
designer updated of the
overall project cost.
drawings more clearly
with light, mid and dark
lines to differentiate the
distance between the
lines.
Variety of Drawing Tools
 CAD provide variety of
tools that can create
lines, circle, spline
curves and patterns of
shapes and lines. It also
able to move, copy,
offset, rotate and mirror
the objects.
Different kinds of size and
resolution apply in a
drawings
 Able to zoom in the
drawings to view the
detailed works within the
area and zoom out to
view more of the
drawings area.
more flexibility,
compare to the CAD
measurement design.
Although CAD also can
provide different kinds
of shapes, curves and
lines but it need some
times to draw them out
compare to free hand
drawings.
 Lastly, the architect or
engineer who can draw
manually provide a
good impression to the
client that he or she is
professional in his job

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10.1 Constraintin Design Stage
Slow Work Speed
 The BIM has the slow work
speed because the
software use up a lot of
memory on the computer is
partly to blame for the
slowdown of designs.
Although the computers in
the firm are upgrades within
the maintenance period but
the BIM still clogs the
computer and it must be
make sure that all the other
applications were close
before open the BIM
program otherwise the
computer will faces stuck
and crash situation.
High Initial Cost
 Where the firm required to
buy the original software
license and the computer
used to installed the BIM
software must be updated
and not the old fashion
computer. Other than that,
the firm required to send
some of the employees to
attend the software course
that will distract their
working hours in the firm.
High Initial Cost
 CAD drawings are
highly priced for
individuals because it
required of the
computer system too.
Always Keep Up-To-Date
 Operators have to
update the CAD
software every time
when there is a new
release of version.
Less of Job
 Less designer who
graduated to get
employ because with
the computer system
which able to produce
quicker CAD drawings
compare to manually
drawings.
Drawings Skills
 The designer must be
good in drawing skills in
order to come out with
the drawings which
able to describe the
building.
Errors
 Other than that, the
scale used might not be
accurate enough
compare to CAD
measurement due to
the parallax error when
reading the unit from
the scale ruler.
Waste of Time
 It consumes a lot of
time to produce the
drawings because
there are few of
drawings that need to
be produce for a
construction, for
example site plan, floor
plan, details drawings
and elevation drawings.
During the process of
producing the drawings
it might faces the
situations like erasing

P a g e 28 | 35
Data Can Be Modified
 Engineers and architects
are unwilling to provide
digital data to suppliers and
contractor because the data
can be modify. BIM give
access of the model for
suppliers to do taking-offs.
Normally engineers and
architects use PDF files to
protect their data and work
for liability and copyright
purpose.
and redrawing the lines
for the design.

P a g e 29 | 35
11.0 Benefitin Pre-constructionStage
Reduce countless change orders
 BIM helps reduce countless
change orders and added
cost issues during
construction period and it
can accomplish space
planning and coordination
more economically.
3D Modelling
 3D BIM modelling
services enable the project
team of construction
companies to visualize the
project by creating a virtual
environment or 3D-model.
Therefore, this model can
be used as a resource in
the planning stage of the
projects.
 Through generating
drawing or CAD drawing
into 3D Virtual construction
model, this enable
customer/client to visualise
the actual product before
construct it.
No erasing and redrawing of
designs
 CAD systems offers a
number of advantages
over conventional drafting
methods that use rulers,
squares, and compasses.
For example, designs can
be altered without erasing
and redrawing during the
preconstruction stage.
Avoid the parallax error which
cause by the naked eyes
 CAD allow architect and
engineer to avoid the
parallax error, which cause
by the naked eyes. This is
because CAD allows them
to draw any desire
dimension or patterns
without facing any
common circumstance
compared to traditional
drafting methods for
example wrong scaling.
Low cost
 Required minimum
initial cost compared
to BIM software and
CAD Measurement.

P a g e 30 | 35
Allow client to make changes
 BIM software is able to
generate the new
quantity for the building
after the variation order
and present to the client.
 This helps the client to
solve the issues in
coordination and
constructability and thus
avoid extra expenditure.
Enhances communication
 BIM/3D tools enhances
the communication
among the different team
members of a project like
design team,
subcontractors, owners
and others that leads to a
significant development
in the planning process of
a project.
Zoom Features
 CAD offer "zoom" features,
whereby a designer can
magnify certain elements
of a model to facilitate
inspection.

P a g e 31 | 35
11.1 Constraintin PreconstructionStage
High initial cost High initial cost
CAD systems have no means of
comprehending real-world
concepts
 The nature of the object
being designed or the
function that objects will
serve. CAD systems
function by their capacity
to codify geometrical
concepts. Thus, the design
process using CAD
involves transferring a
designer's idea into a
formal geometrical model
only.
Misunderstanding
 By using manual
measurement, each
specification work shall
be fully described
according SMM2
clauses, whereas the
contractor might be
misunderstand the
description and price
wrongly in tender yet
might also cause loses to
client.

P a g e 32 | 35
12.0 Benefitin ConstructionStage
3D visualization effect to users
 It bring benefit to contractors
by giving them a virtual copy
of the project to reference
during the construction stage.
 Allow the contractor to
examine site conditions
without going to site. It also
allows them to coordinate
phasing of construction by
assigning the components of
a model to a timeline.
Improve coordination
 Communicating a project
schedule visually is a useful
tool for coordinating with
subcontractor on the job site
especially when schedule
data is integrated with the
quantities available. For
example, contractor can
easily present to
subcontractor the quantity of
doors and where exactly it
locate.
Time saver and cost control
 BIM is a huge time saver
during the construction phase,
especially in projects with
complex design. BIM
technology allows the control
of cost budget from the
beginning to the end,
Better communication
 CAD provide better and
standardized drawings. It
helps in better
documentation of the design,
fewer drawing errors, and
greater legibility. With a
more clarity drawing it will
improve the communication
between the project team.
Reduce cost and result in
higher quality end product
 3D CAD provide virtual
reality simulations of the
layout of a buildings. This
mean construction team will
have a clarity look on the
actual building model. Thus,
it will reduce any
unnecessary mistake during
construction and result in a
better quality end product.
Cost Savings
 No software are
required if using manual
measurement.
Everything are done
manually by hand. This
can save a lot of cost.
No training required
 Manual measurement
do not required any
training. Any graduated
quantity surveyor or
related programme can
do manual
measurement. However
using BIM software, you
will required technical
expertise on the specific
software.

P a g e 33 | 35
facilitating automatic quantity
reports and valuation in any
phase of execution works.

P a g e 34 | 35
12.1 Constraintin Construction Stage
(BIM)
CAD Measurement Manual Measurement
Incompatibility with partners
 BIM is not yet universally used
among construction
professionals. Sometime one of
the partners or subcontractor
may not use BIM. In this case,
it will be hard for them to
understand or read the BIM
because they don’t have the
technical expertise in BIM.
Disruptive
 Although BIM provide a benefit
that changes can be made
quickly during construction
stage but this can disrupt the
general procurement and
construction process when
orderin items that require a long
lead time.
Legal Issues
 BIM is a new technology, thus
there have not been many court
cases addressing issues
relating to errors and omissions
on BIM projects.
Extra expenses on site
 The use of CAD at
construction site may
require a computer,
which means extra
expenses may require
for a computer system.
Human errors
 It is normal for quantity
surveyors to make
mistake or error while
doing manual
measurement. In this
case, they must
always do checking on
what they had done
and this may cost a lot
of time.
Not able to make changes
quickly
 If there are changes of
any dimension or
quantity during
construction,
recalculation of the
work will be required.
That’s mean time is
needed for the quantity
surveyor to calculate
the changes.

P a g e 35 | 35
13.0 Benefit& Constraintin Other Stage
(BIM)
CAD and Manual measurement
Safety features easier to visualize
 By using BIM software, the safety
features that will be required at different
times can be visualized. This is
because some of the software contains
a 4D features which allows to predict
the sustainability of the building
according to the structure and material
of the model.
Speed up the process
 Other than that, BIM software can
simplify the work of the civil engineering
in this stage as the calculation and
formula are already set to the software
resulting an instant generation of
sustainability checks.
Consumes more time
 Engineers will have to measure the
sustainability and maintenance of the
completed building manually when
CAD and manual measurement are
used in the construction process.
Engineers will go through a series of
test to check the sustainability of the
building.
More accurate
 Although this takes more time
compared to BIM software, it is more
accurate as the engineers can consider
some other factors which are not able
to be predicted when using the
software during the construction.

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