In the fast-evolving world of digital transformation, automating design processes isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Recently, one of our talented team members at Pacelayer Tech collaborated with Arup, a global engineering and design consultancy, to bring innovation to an automated rail crossing project. This endeavour wasn’t just about making workflows more efficient; it was about fundamentally changing the way engineers approach iterative design tasks. Here’s how we streamlined the process and delivered game-changing results.
The Challenge: Streamlining Iterative Design
Rail crossings are intricate structures, requiring precise sensor positioning to ensure safety and functionality. Traditionally, the design process involved extensive manual work. Engineers had to input various parameters, record outcomes in Excel sheets, and adjust settings repeatedly to assess the best sensor positioning. Not only was this process time-consuming, but it also opened the door to human error, especially given the volume of data and adjustments involved.
Arup’s team faced a significant challenge: the time and effort involved in capturing results and altering parameters manually. Each adjustment had to be documented, analysed, and reconfigured until they found the optimal setup. The need for a streamlined solution was clear.
Our Solution: Revit Automation for Efficiency and Accuracy
With our Revit automation expertise, Pacelayer Tech developed a solution to automate the repetitive tasks involved in the rail crossing design. By integrating automation directly into the Revit environment, we were able to reduce the manual effort involved by a remarkable 90%. Our automated solution took over the repetitive design tasks, allowing Arup’s engineers to focus on the bigger picture rather than getting bogged down by minute adjustments.
The automation allowed for seamless iteration, adjusting sensor positions and capturing results without manual intervention. Now, instead of filling out Excel sheets and painstakingly tweaking parameters, engineers could run simulations and receive optimal sensor positioning results in a fraction of the time.
Key Features of the Automation
- Automatic Iteration of Design Parameters
We created an algorithm that could automatically adjust design parameters, testing various sensor placements to identify the optimal configuration for safety and efficiency. The automation was set to iterate through different combinations, analysing each position’s efficacy based on predetermined criteria. - Real-Time Results and Reporting
The automation didn’t just streamline parameter adjustments; it also included an in-built feature for generating reports. Every parameter combination and its resulting effectiveness were automatically documented. This allowed Arup’s team to access detailed reports instantly, without the need for manual record-keeping. - Printable Parameter Reports
As a final touch, we added the option to print reports detailing the parameters checked and their respective results. This feature provided an easy way to share findings with stakeholders or keep a physical record of the design process, further enhancing transparency and collaboration.
The Outcome: Increased Efficiency and Reduced Errors
Our Revit automation project with Arup was a resounding success. By automating 90% of the iterative design tasks, we drastically reduced the manual workload and improved accuracy. Engineers no longer had to rely on repetitive, error-prone manual inputs; instead, they could trust the automated system to deliver reliable results with each iteration.
Moreover, the ability to print and review parameter reports added a layer of accountability and traceability to the process. Not only did this save time, but it also empowered Arup’s team to make more informed decisions backed by comprehensive data analysis.
A New Standard for Automated Design
This project exemplifies the potential of automation to revolutionize design workflows in engineering. Through collaboration and innovation, Pacelayer Tech and Arup successfully transformed a traditionally manual process into an automated, efficient, and highly effective system. This is just one example of how we at Pacelayer Tech leverage technology to simplify complex tasks and deliver value for our clients.