Tektome is a new AI platform for processing, automation, and quality checking of architectural design data through the use of natural language.

‘Dark data’ can be analysed across various formats — including CAD, BIM, PDF, Word, and Excel — with a view to automatically identifying, structuring, and extracting insights.

With drawings, for example, Tektome can automatically structure thousands of PDFs from past projects, making it possible to search for the tiniest of details.

For instance, ‘find school projects that were completed after 2010’ or ‘find the drawing for the mechanical equipment for air ventilation in city halls.’

The AI platform can also be used to optimise maintenance planning. For example, to organise and search for information on repair history data for a plant that has been undergoing maintenance for 20 years.

Tektome can also be used to check architectural requirements. The platform includes an ‘up-to-date and extensive database’ of regulations and codes, which can also be customised with internal documents and client specifications.

Tektome will be exhibiting at AEC Magazine’s NXT BLD and NXT DEV events at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre on 11 and 12 June 2025

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Newforma, a specialist in project information management software for the AEC industry, has launched Newforma Konekt File Server Connector. The new technology is designed to act as a golden thread in AEC information management, ‘seamlessly linking’ on-premise and cloud-based systems into one unified, live view of project data.

According to Newforma, the key difference of the software lies in its ability to integrate with Autodesk Construction Cloud, SharePoint, file servers, and more. This isn’t just about connecting systems, explains the company, it’s about creating a dynamic, live view of project data – a single source of truth designed to give AEC professionals the confidence that their data is always current, secure, and easy to share.

“AEC professionals often grapple with disconnected systems, cumbersome workflows and security concerns when managing critical project files,” said Carl Veillette, chief product officer at Newforma. “Many teams rely on a mix of on-premise servers, cloud solutions and third-party services like Azure, Panzura or Nasuni. These fragmented systems create inefficiencies, delays and security concerns that can lead to increased costs.”

Newforma Konekt’s File Server Connector addresses these challenges by mirroring on-premise server content into the Newforma Konekt platform, ‘eliminating the need’ for VPNs and enabling users to access, edit and share project files from a centralised, cloud-based location.

“Security remains a top priority for AEC firms managing sensitive project data,” Veillette added. “The Newforma Konekt File Server Connector ensures that all files remain securely stored within the local server environment, avoiding the need for external backups or replicas. Even with this emphasis on rigorous security, Newforma’s solutions don’t compromise on robust features.”

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Trimble gave attendees of its annual Trimble Dimensions user conference an inside look at the company’s latest initiatives to incorporate AI into AEC workflows, including visualisation, reality capture, project management and takeoff.

For visualisation, SketchUp Diffusion [Labs] is a generative AI-powered tool, available as part of the SketchUp Labs public beta program, that allows architects and designers to generate visualisations in seconds based on the active SketchUp viewport and a natural language text prompt or preset style.

Learn more about Diffusion models in this guide for AEC professionals).

For project management, ProjectSight includes a new drawing import feature that uses AI to read and extract critical drawing information for improved project visualisation.

For takeoff, Trimble LiveCount uses new AI functionality to automatically detect and count thousands of symbols on construction drawings with a view to saving contractors from hours of manual, repetitive and time-consuming tasks.

Trimble LiveCount includes the ability to automatically detect and count different types of receptacles and switches — the most common electrical items on drawings, helping electrical contractors create estimates faster, easier and more accurately.

Trimble LiveCount AI functionality is available in the Trimble Accubid Anywhere (named user) and Hosted Accubid Classic Estimating Essentials subscriptions.

Meanwhile, Trimble has announced that SketchUp has surpassed one million active subscribers.

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Trimble has unveiled a free version of construction project management software Trimble ProjectSight, which offers a central hub for managing and sharing project information, including documents and drawings.

“A no-cost version of ProjectSight removes barriers to entry and presents a simple way to experience the project management benefits,” said Jon Fingland, VP and general manager for Trimble construction software solutions.

“Some contractors have viewed powerful construction management tools like ProjectSight as too expensive or complicated,” he added. “We envision a future where all contractors use this type of solution to access up-to-date information, collaborate, streamline workflows and make critical business and project decisions more effectively.”

The free version of Trimble ProjectSight provides a centralized environment to manage and share drawings, photos, specifications, submittals, punchlists and RFIs. Contractors can also create customised dashboards to view and organise upcoming document-related tasks.

Additional versions of ProjectSight — available with paid subscriptions — allow for unlimited projects and data, and provide advanced cost management, field management, workflow connectivity and integrations with Trimble Viewpoint Vista and Spectrum construction management software.

The latest release of the construction project management software also includes new AI-driven capabilities which were developed in collaboration with Microsoft using the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.

A new ProjectSight drawing import feature uses AI to read and extract critical drawing information. “The specialized drawing tool goes beyond standard optical character recognition with an engine that can read the name, revision number and content more holistically,” explained Fingland. “This makes it much faster to upload, validate and publish drawing sets without re-keying information.”

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Quantum Group, an Ireland-based property developer, has selected Zutec to manage its construction project data from a single platform.

By digitising building information and construction documents, Quantum will use Zutec’s document management system for planning, design, tenders, procurement, and plot tracking, including the ability to approve drawings for future developments and resolve issues on site as they arise.

“In a market where quality cannot be overlooked, we required a platform to differentiate ourselves from others and create a framework for quality-driven processes,” said Patrick Shaughnessy, construction director at Quantum Group.

“Zutec fitted the bill in terms of an easy-to-use platform that provides solutions, features and functionality that gives us more control over how we manage documents and information related to construction and quality for all our projects – all from one place.

“This will help us better manage site teams, site progress, suppliers, and sub-contractors, and ultimately raise the standards of the quality and innovation across our developments.”

A suite of integrated quality assurance and health & safety forms, checklists and inspections will all be delivered to Quantum by Zutec to help ensure data is digitised and can be easily collected in a consistent way and housing and apartments are built to the company’s high standards.

This will include the ability to upload photos to evidence work done and a snagging register so data can be reviewed, and problems resolved ahead of handover. Data related to safety inspections can be captured on-site in real-time then easily shared with teams to provide safety visibility and mitigate risk.

Zutec’s handover management will also help Quantum effectively manage projects to completion by bringing together O&M (operations & maintenance) manuals, fire evacuation files (FEF) and health and safety files (H&S) in one place to meet asset owner and regulatory obligations.

All data can be captured in the field by site teams and subcontractors using the Zutec Field app from any device with or without a Wi-Fi connection. Information is then synced in the Zutec cloud, when a device is online, and uploaded into the Zutec dashboard for reporting and analytics, but also for easy information, site progress and compliance.

“As developers and housebuilders look to digitise more construction and quality processes, our aim is to support them with the best solutions that help drive structure and standardisation in data and documentation across their business,” said James Cannon, Chief Revenue Officer at Zutec.

“Before now, Quantum didn’t have a digital system in place to manage information during the construction stages and relied on manual and paper-based processes. With Zutec they can have all their information in the cloud and workflows in place to ensure the right people have the right information at the right time, empowering teams to deliver builds more efficiently and to higher-quality standards, while giving site managers complete control and confidence over works completed. One solution for everything.”

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Newforma has enhanced its Newforma Konekt project information management (PIM) platform with an updated Outlook add-in that moves email communication from a single siloed inbox to a collaborative BIM environment using buildingSMART’s openBIM format, BCF (BIM collaboration Format).

With the new update, users can convert email threads into actionable BCF issues that can be tracked and managed within the BIM environment.

The software will also connect discussions to 3D models and project plans, with a view to bringing communication into the same workflows as the rest of the project. According to Newforma, it will also ensure all project stakeholders are on the same page with real-time updates.

“We’re thrilled to announce Newforma’s groundbreaking integration of the AECO industry’s number one communication method, email, with the BuildingSMART BCF standard,” said Carl Veillette, chief product officer for Newforma.

“This is an achievement that sets a new benchmark in our industry. Our innovative solution Newforma Konekt has the unique ability to turn emails into actionable tasks, issues, and action items and locate them in BIM. This not only enhances productivity but also brings a new level of clarity and organisation to project management.

“Furthermore, our Outlook add-in facilitates the creation of comprehensive project records, a crucial feature that significantly mitigates risks and improves project knowledge transfer between team members. We believe these advancements will revolutionize the way our industry communicates and collaborates, and we’re excited to lead the way.”

The Newforma Konekt integration of email into openBIM supports a wide range of authoring software, including Revit, Archicad, Civil3D, AutoCAD and Tekla Structures.

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Built environment software provider Eleco has acquired Romania-based custom software integration and development provider, Vertical Digital.

According to Eleco, the acquisition will enhance its capability to service its customers by connecting systems and technical consulting, as well as augmenting its internal research and development capacity.

Vertical Digital provides research and software development, technical consulting and upskilling solutions to European and multinational customers including Lufthansa Technik, PwC, VW Financial Services, Deloitte and Zoopla.

Eleco’s software solutions are used throughout the building lifecycle from early planning and design stages to construction, interior fit-out, asset management and facilities management and delivered through the Elecosoft, BestOutcome and Veeuze brand.

With the acquisition, Eleco adds Romania to its global centres of excellence in the UK, the US, Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia.

“We are pleased to welcome Vertical Digital to the Group, which will accelerate our ability to support our customers in solving the challenges they face in delivering their digital transformation strategies,” said Jonathan Hunter, CEO of Eleco.

“Eleco is now better enabled to provide a broader range of solutions and engage with more of its customers and partners on their strategic technological direction.”

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PlanRadar is to get a new AI-powered ‘SiteView’ feature, designed to enhance the digital construction and facilities management platform’s documentation, communication and reporting capabilities.

SiteView allows users to capture 360° imagery of a project while walking the site with a 360° camera attached to a helmet. Images are automatically mapped onto a 2D plan, creating a ‘detailed visual record’ of activity across every stage of the build.

With the PlanRadar integration, reality capture images are automatically transferred ready to review in PlanRadar shortly after a site walk is completed. According to PlanRadar, this makes it easy to document visual ‘as-builts’ in minutes, as well as quickly maintain any visual site documentation required. Additionally, a compare feature allows images captured on two dates to be compared side-by-side during the build to see progress and spot any deflections.

“This feature’s a game changer for PlanRadar users, combining the easy-to-use experience with the highest levels of accuracy, making it possible to achieve complete visual as-builts, field progress and photo documentation in place of taking thousands of photos,” said Ibrahim Imam, group co-CEO, PlanRadar.

“In addition, with our core documentation, communication, and ticketing platform, SiteView means anyone working on a project can now easily go back and look ‘behind the wall’ to see exactly what was built or installed, often reducing rework.”

“SiteView reduces on-site inspection time and speeds up team collaboration, allowing a complete view of the site, even when working remotely. 360° photographic images provide all the documentation needed to see what has happened, delivering complete project transparency,” added Clemens Hammerl, chief product officer, PlanRadar.

“With minimal training required, users simply set a starting position on a 2D construction plan within the PlanRadar mobile app, walk the site, and press stop when finished; our sophisticated algorithms take care of the rest.”

SiteView uses SLAM technology (Simultaneous Location and Mapping). It operates by estimating the path of the site walker on a digital construction plan, with algorithms constantly aligning sequential data to determine position and path.

The path is then aligned to the plan, using AI-powered computer vision algorithms, which integrate depth estimation and accurate localisation.

Find this article plus many more in the March / April 2024 Edition of AEC Magazine

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Alice Technologies has added the ability to import Primavera P6 schedules directly into Alice Core, a new, enhanced version of its AI-powered construction scheduling software.

With Alice Core, contractors and asset owners can upload their baseline P6 or Oracle Primavera Cloud schedule and the software will then simulate scenarios to look for ‘optimised schedules’. Once the best path forward has been identified, it can be exported back to Oracle’s scheduling products.

According to CEO Rene Morkos, it is the most significant change to the software since it was first released in 2015.

“By making it fast and easy to bring information from Oracle’s scheduling products to Alice and back again, we are enabling Primavera users to build on the investment they’ve made in their existing schedules,” said Morkos.

“We’re excited to see both contractors and asset owners maximise the impact that AI can have on their businesses with Alice.”

With the launch of Alice Core, Alice Technologies has also joined Oracle Partner Network (OPN). “We’re pleased to be collaborating with Alice to help our customers leverage an AI-based tool to optimise their construction schedules,” added Frank Malangone, Executive Director, Industry Strategy and Innovation, Oracle Construction and Engineering.

Alice uses AI to analyse a project’s complex building requirements, generate efficient building schedules, and adjust those schedules as needed during construction. According to the company, users can simulate thousands of options in seconds with the software, then test different scenarios to find the optimum solution, leading to time and cost savings and reduced risk on projects.

The original version of Alice has been renamed Alice Pro. As before, Alice Pro enables users to connect their 3D model with their schedule and estimates to visualise all aspects of a project in 4D.

With the launch of Alice Core, the firm has also introduced a new, token-based pricing model for the Alice platform. According to the company, the token-based model will make the platform accessible to a wider set of prospective users and enable those users to use it on more projects.

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Construction analytics software company, SmartPM, has announced a new integration with Autodesk Construction Cloud designed to help project stakeholders  quickly assess critical factors driving construction projects and allow more time to focus on proactive project management and risk mitigation.

SmartPM’s dashboard and project workspace use graphic visualisation help bring more clarity to schedule data. According to the company, by transforming complex data into straightforward, accurate, and concise reports, stakeholders can assess the key factors driving their projects. Now, SmartPM’s project management and performance analytics can be embedded directly within Autodesk Build Insights or BIM 360 Project Home dashboards.

“By bringing the strength of SmartPM to Autodesk Construction Cloud, we’re helping address the comprehensive scheduling needs of the construction industry,” said Michael Pink, CEO of SmartPM.

“This integration will empower professionals to achieve optimal efficiency, reduce project delays, and ensure that design and execution are always aligned.”

“Without careful project management and close schedule oversight, it’s easy for construction projects to face delays,” said James Cook, director – industry & technology partnerships at Autodesk Construction Solutions. “The SmartPM Partner Card centralises schedule insights alongside key construction data such as Issues, RFIs and Submittals hosted in Autodesk Construction Cloud.

“By offering project stakeholders a single view of all their scheduling and project information, teams can more easily keep projects on track.”

Earlier this year, the Nemetschek Group invested in SmartPM. Nemetschek owns the AEC brands Allplan, Bluebeam, dRofus, Graphisoft, Solibri, Vectorworks and others, .

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