The Tekla Structures Connector workflow enables seamless and easy cooperation between steel detailers and fabricators who are using Tekla PowerFab.

Tekla Structures Connector is a fully integrated end-to-end workflow that helps the project team to collaborate utilizing the same information and ensures the accuracy of information being submitted.

(1) Modeling process starts

(2) Submit for purchasing (ABM)

(3) Detailing continues

(4) Release fabrication drawings and other real-life information

(5) Fabrication starts

The connected workflow makes communication and data exchange between fabricators and detailers easy and quick. It reduces manual fixes and resolving of conflicts in data transfer, which minimizes the risks of delays in fabrication and delivering to site, wasted material, and projects exceeding budget.

As a fabricator, you can share your catalog of profiles, materials, and finishes to the detailer via a cloud storage. You can also share your ABM settings for procurement. The settings are available for everyone working in the model. The detailer can then select to use your settings in a project and access your data.

After this, the Tekla Structures submit functionality guides the detailer to use the profiles, materials, and finishes that are supported by Tekla PowerFab. Therefore, you do not need to spend time on changing shape and grade in Tekla PowerFab to match the available combinations or requesting fixes from the detailer.

The detailer can pass the model information for purchasing, change tracking, and submittal packages directly back to Tekla PowerFab.

To enable seamless collaboration and communication, you need to have a Trimble Connect project selected to which both you and the detailer are connected. Subsequently, you get notifications of submittals inTekla PowerFab.

The new submitted packages are in a pending state until you review them and decide if you accept or reject the incoming package. You can also send comments to the detailer. Thanks to the shared catalogs, there is no need to check or fix values in the submittals, and you can proceed to purchasing or production without the risk of delays or mistakes.

Status data flows equally seamlessly back into the Tekla Structures model to keep the steel detailer informed of purchasing, fabrication, and shipping progress. Any changes made by you will automatically be updated in the model.

See Tekla Structures Connector.

See also the video Tekla Structures Connector.