Smarter Workflows for Precast Concrete Production

Greater control over prefabrication processes thanks to integrated software

In the world of precast concrete, everything revolves around efficient production. Continuously optimizing production processes is of great importance in this regard. For Thomas Praefab, an international precast company with factories in Denmark and Poland, achieving these goals has become within reach through the implementation of IMPACT for design, production, and project management.

David Habib, project manager at Thomas Praefab, explains how IMPACT has revolutionized prefabrication processes. He began his career at Thomas Praefab in the drafting department and has steadily worked his way up to the position of project manager. His role involves overseeing numerous projects, and IMPACT has become an indispensable tool for managing them effectively. Whereas the company previously relied on standard AutoCAD for design, the implementation of IMPACT has significantly improved workflows.

A world of difference in design and planning

Before Thomas Praefab integrated IMPACT into its workflows, it relied on standard AutoCAD for design and planning. The transition to IMPACT marked a significant shift in its approach, allowing it to move beyond conventional methods and embrace a more streamlined and efficient process. Gone are the days of manually drawing lines in AutoCAD. IMPACT has provided Thomas Praefab with an automated solution for its design processes, enabling the company to create complex prefab detailing and automated working 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

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

Unleashing the Power of Modern Tools

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

With this integration, Thomas Praefab has not only improved its efficiency but also enhanced the quality and precision of its prefabricated products. The software has become an indispensable asset, enabling the company to meet the demands of complex projects while adhering to tight schedules. “The benefits of IMPACT are wide-ranging,” Habib agrees. “As a project manager, I can fully manage all our projects through a centralized database, where elements are presented in 3D and a clear overview of their progress is provided.” 

Matrix Software would first and foremost like to thank David Habib for taking the time to provide deeper insight into how IMPACT plays a role at Thomas Praefab—and how it helps him in his day-to-day work as a project manager. It’s always exciting to hear how IMPACT is being used. Since it’s such a comprehensive piece of software, it’s not always possible to make a direct comparison. 

One of the features that stands out for Habib is the ability to color-code items in IMPACT, providing a visual representation of their stage in the production process. “I can easily track the progress of the elements, whether they’ve been poured, delivered, or are at another stage of production,” he says. “This feature improves the efficiency and transparency of the 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 decisive advantage. We save a great deal of time and effort when generating component drawings and improving our workflows.”

Scalability is a critical factor in any software—and IMPACT stands out in this regard. “IMPACT is scalable and adapts effortlessly to the project’s requirements. Whether it’s a small-scale project or a large enterprise, IMPACT has proven to be effective for our needs,” says Habib. After the project is completed, calculating the materials used is a crucial step. IMPACT simplifies this process for Thomas Praefab. “We can effortlessly gather the necessary data for a comprehensive overview of the materials used. This is a huge benefit for our planning and analysis and a major advantage for gaining a complete project overview.” Furthermore, Habib appreciates the exceptional support that IMPACT provides. “The support team is always accessible and proactive, offering effective solutions to all the internal challenges we face. Effective communication with the support team is essential for optimizing our use of the software.”

In short, IMPACT is seamlessly integrated into Thomas Praefab’s daily operations. Habib sums it up by saying, “IMPACT is a tool that all my colleagues value highly and remains an integral part of our daily work. Its 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 industry and demonstrates how modern tools can be leveraged to achieve optimal efficiency and productivity.