BIM Bar Codes for Automated Construction Sample Ordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of obtaining architecture and construction material samples is time-consuming, inefficient, and costly, with samples often arriving late or in disorganized states, and there is no easy way to purchase the actual products represented by the samples or integrate them into BIM programs using bar codes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically ordering and fulfilling architecture, design, or construction physical product and/or product sample requests using bar codes, which are integrated into 3D modeling programs and digital product information sources, allowing products to be added to a shopping cart for electronic purchase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If architects and designers manually contact manufacturers and suppliers to request product samples, then they can obtain physical samples for evaluation, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient with samples often arriving late or in disorganized states
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-generates bar codes for physical products within BIM programs before actual procurement is needed. These bar codes contain embedded product identification information that enables automated sample requests to be initiated immediately when scanned, eliminating the manual preparation time and ensuring samples are ordered without delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-service sample procurement through bar code scanning. When a bar code is scanned within the BIM program, the system automatically generates and transmits sample requests to manufacturers and suppliers without requiring architects or designers to manually contact each vendor, thereby reducing time loss and improving delivery reliability through systematic tracking.
2Loss of information
If multiple manual calls and visits are made to different manufacturers and suppliers, then complete product information can be gathered, but the complexity and cost of the procurement process increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bar code system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the physical product, stores product specification information, triggers automated sample requests, and enables direct integration with BIM programs. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate manual processes into a single unified system, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The bar code acts as an intermediary carrier that bridges the gap between physical products and digital BIM programs. It encapsulates product information and transmission instructions, allowing the system to automatically retrieve and process complete product specifications without requiring direct human intervention across multiple manufacturers and suppliers.
3Reliability
If physical product samples are requested through traditional methods, then samples can be obtained for evaluation, but the organization and tracking of samples becomes difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback loops where bar code scanning triggers sample requests, and the system tracks the status and location of samples throughout the procurement process. This automated feedback mechanism provides real-time information about sample organization and status, making tracking straightforward and reducing the effort required to maintain organized sample records.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical processes of sample tracking and organization with automated electronic tracking through bar code identification. Instead of physically managing sample inventories through manual records, the system uses digital tracking linked to bar codes, significantly easing the procurement process while improving organizational reliability.
4Productivity
If bar codes are integrated into BIM programs for automatic product identification, then product procurement can be streamlined, but the complexity of integrating multiple systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the bar code identification functionality directly into the BIM program interface, allowing product identification and sample request initiation to occur within the existing BIM workflow. This integration combines multiple functions (product identification, information retrieval, and sample ordering) into a unified system, improving productivity without requiring separate standalone systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automatically ordering and fulfilling architecture, design or construction physical product and/or product sample requests with bar codes is presented. Physical product request bar codes are added to plural 3D modeling programs, including Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs, and digital and paper copies of product swatches, product cards, product sheets, product pages, product catalogs, and/or or standards books, and/or other product information sources and/or directly to physical products and/or product samples with a laser. When the bar codes are activated, architecture, design or construction physical products and/or product samples are automatically added to a shopping cart for electronic purchase and/or requested without charge.