The production process of precast concrete elements and structures: DATA ARE NON-THINKABLE

Betca nv of Rumst is a producer of customized reinforced precast and prestressed concrete structures. It is a family SME run by the second generation which supplies major contractors throughout the Benelux. Its elements are used both in infrastructure works and in utility and residential construction.

In the context of a more efficient use of data, smoother work preparation and an optimal flow of orders, from work drawing to delivery to the site, Betca nv recently decided to further streamline its automation processes in terms of production planning and preparation together with i-Theses from Lokeren.

An integrated total package

A thorough preliminary analysis led to the implementation of several i-Theses software modules. IT ProjectManager handles general, overarching project management, drawing room scheduling, document management and project status monitoring. PlanDesk Admin regulates and manages transport, delivery and invoicing. PlanDesk SteelPlanner handles the planning and tracking of rebar and baskets, and PlanDesk MouldPlanner handles the planning of batteries, tables and webs. All modules are seamlessly integrated and use one and the same open SQL database. Thus, the status of the steel (bending and welding) can be perfectly monitored in MouldPlanner. The ease of use of the modules is further enhanced by the particularly intuitive, graphical interfaces.

The importance of data collection and management

Geert Van Loven, director of Betca nv: "The choice of i-Theses' modules was quite obvious for us. They offered a solution where one plus one is more than two. Previously, we also had extensive data sets, but not enough was being done with them. Now we can extract all data from our drawing package and import it into the system, which further manages, administers and applies this data during all administrative and production preparation stages, up to and including delivery. Thus, we are now also able to use the data for all kinds of analysis and can extrapolate the results to future jobs. This is of exceptional importance in order to work efficiently and time-efficiently on increasingly complex files. Moreover, like us, i-Theses is a dynamic, people-sized company, backed by sound entrepreneurship. It is continuously committed to the further development of its products, which gives us more than enough security towards the future. We also felt comfortable with the project-based approach."

i-Theses bv, with its sales department in Lokeren and research center in Heusden-Zolder, has been developing software for structural applications in concrete since 1977. First the focus was mainly on CAD applications, later applications were developed for production planning and project management. In recent years, the focus has been on interfacing with production machines. In the meantime, it has become the worldwide reference in the sector.

Impressive portfolio

Betca nv has already supplied concrete precast elements and structures for numerous impressive realizations including various residential projects at Nieuw Zuid in Antwerp, the extension of the Pfizer factory in Puurs as well as Lotus Bakeries and the Malina shopping center in Mechelen. In the field of special assignments, she delivered concrete elements for the prison in Haren. In terms of utility construction, she worked on the Bergwijkbrug in Merelbeke, the bridge over the Elisabethlaan in Zeebrugge and the Rijnlandroute bridge near Leiden. Several hospitals are also on her record of achievements.