Tag: DigitalTransformation

• Annotated Bibliography of Select Writings

  Below is an annotated bibliography few of my articles:

  Stephen, A. (2023, February 1). Digital Twins ain’t no Doppelgängers. Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine. https://csengineermag.com/digital-twins-aint-no-doppelgangers/  

  The article begins by discussing the concept of doppelgangers and how it relates to the idea of Digital Twins. It points out that while doppelgangers are often seen as rare, there is a significant chance of encountering exact lookalikes in a world with a large population. This leads to the author’s main point that Digital Twins, despite being a popular and sometimes misunderstood term, are not as mysterious as they may seem. The article defines Digital Twins as virtual representations of real-world entities and processes, synchronized at a specified frequency and fidelity. It emphasizes the importance of considering end-users, whether human or software, when evaluating the accuracy of Digital Twins. The author delves into the world of engineering and quality management systems (QMS), highlighting that most engineering work products are still analog artifacts, even in a digital age. They point out the gap in QMS when digital models are not considered legal documents, leading to potential issues in construction projects. The article introduces the concept of creating virtual representations of assets and processes using Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform, which helps bridge the gap between physical infrastructure and digital models. Federation and synchronization, common practices in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, are explained in the context of Digital Twins. The article stresses that successful Digital Twins should not only represent assets but also mirror real-world processes. It uses the example of mapping QMS processes from the analog to the digital world, emphasizing the importance of Quality Control and Quality Assurance. In conclusion, the article demystifies Digital Twins by highlighting their practical applications in the engineering and design fields. It emphasizes that Digital Twins are not mystical concepts but rather representations of assets and processes that facilitate access to crucial information for everyday use. 

  Stephen, A. (2022, September 7). Yes, we are all Innovators Anand. BIM Summit. https://issuu.com/bimcoordinatorsummit/docs/bcs22_magazine/84  

  The term “innovator” has recently become overused and glorified, discouraging every day innovators. The author suggests a more moderate stance on the word and aims to awaken the inner innovator by de-fetishizing it. They emphasize the need for collective innovation in the Architecture Engineering and construction (AEC) industry to solve complex problems efficiently. The author argues that we often attribute innovations to single individuals, but in reality, they result from interconnected minor innovations. Elon Musk, for example, acknowledges the contributions of many others to his innovations. The goal is not to diminish the value of crucial innovators but to encourage everyone to become innovators by devaluing the term. The word “innovator” traces its origins to the Latin verb “innovare,” meaning “to renew, restore” or “to change into new.” AEC professionals inherently innovate by changing materials and creating something new or restoring it. The author advocates for a shift in mindset, emphasizing that we all must collectively become innovators to address unprecedented challenges. They propose two ways to awaken the inner innovator: learning shamelessly and listening empathetically. The author’s story of their grandmother teaching them Calculus showcases the value of shameless learning and empathetic listening. Their grandmother’s example of learning purely for the joy of it and looking up unfamiliar words in the dictionary serves as a lesson in shameless learning. Additionally, the experience of listening to her problem-solving methods demonstrates the importance of empathetic listening. In conclusion, the author encourages individuals in the AEC industry to embrace a more moderate view of innovation and to become innovators by rediscovering the joy of learning and listening empathetically. These approaches can help solve complex problems more effectively and make innovation an everyday practice. 

  Stephen, A. (2021, May 1). Shifting the Needle: Increasing BIM adoption for Horizontal Infrastructure Design, a Long-range View. Civil + Structural Engineer Magazine. https://online.flippingbook.com/view/618715940/35/?sharedOn=  

  Leverage is crucial for achieving more with fewer resources in the infrastructure industry. Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in horizontal infrastructure design is essential to address existing deficits. We can increase BIM adoption by incorporating information modeling principles and data exchange standardization in engineering education. Embracing open-source initiatives can also unlock the untapped potential of existing infrastructure data. By adopting these strategies, the engineering community can work towards more efficient and sustainable infrastructure development. 

  Stephen, A. (2021, February 4). A Case for Computational Design: A Systems Perspective. AUGIWORLD. https://issuu.com/augi/docs/aw202102hr  

  Computational Design is vital to developing resilient systems and should become part of our toolbox. Comparing a simple system above shows us the importance of adding a computational design to our toolbox. It dramatically minimizes the steps required to respond to an external force. The difference gets even more exaggerated when the complexity of the system increases.  Through an example, the author illustrates a systems approach. Users can classify the report as the output, the steps to accomplish the task as resources, and the change in topography as an external impact on the system. A resilient system responds to changes by consuming fewer resources without altering the form of the system. 

  Stephen, A. (2020, November 1). Empowering a Paradigm Shift: MicroStation to Civil 3D. Autodesk University. https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/class/Empowering-Paradigm-Shift-MicroStation-Civil-3D-2020#handout  

  Moving from a MicroStation to a Civil 3D platform is a shift. We will review the data presented to senior leadership, arming them with information to make the switch. Not all projects are equal; hence, we will discuss the types of projects that are suitable for the change. Equally, teaching data management, BIM principles, and Civil 3D is key to a successful platform migration. We will cover the pedagogical theory and techniques used to empower users with new skills. We will consider key strategies to facilitate this shift across different offices in the United States. Data is central to a Civil 3D project. We will examine the data management tools and techniques used to make the learning curve less steep. This will include types of data that are typically necessary for a design project with Civil 3D. In this talk, we will consider how data was created, managed, and shared in Civil 3D 2019/20. Finally, we will review a few technical and non-technical challenges encountered while making the shift. 

  #PlatformMigration #BIMPrinciples #DataManagement #digitaltransformation #PedagogicalTechniques #TechnicalSkills #ProjectManagementStrategies #ComputationalDesign #ResilientSystems #DesignEfficiency #SystemsApproach #EngineeringSolutions #InnovativeDesign #TechnologyInDesign #ExternalForcesResponse #SystemOptimization #BIMAdoption #ai #machinelearning  #Education #DataStandardization #OpenSourceInBIM #SustainableInfrastructure #InformationModeling #EngineeringInnovation #EverydayInnovators #AEC #Innovation #CollectiveCreativity #InnovationMindset #Empathy #LearningJourney  #RedefiningInnovation #DigitalTwins #EngineeringInnovation #VirtualModels #QualityManagement #DigitalEngineering #gcp   #openai     
  Gannett Fleming, Autodesk, Bentley Systems Esri, Google

  December 3, 2023

  DataManagement, DigitalTransformation, DigitalTwins, machinelearning, PedagogicalTechniques, PlatformMigration, ProjectManagementStrategies

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• Empowering a paradigm shift: MicroStation to Civil 3D

  Autodesk 2020, Class ID: 467447 Anand Stephen, CME, PE Gannett Fleming

  This post provides a synopsis of Anand’s Industry Talk scheduled at the 2020 Autodesk University. It charts our journey, at Gannett Fleming, moving from MicroStation to Civil 3D. In essence, it is a paradigm shift: from 2D Drawing Centric to a 3D Model Centric Approach. He recounts our digital transformation story by focusing our two hidden gems: (1) our people and (2) our data.

  A paradigm shift entails changing theoretical perspectives and adjusting practices accordingly. Imagine the effort involved in convincing astronomers to change their view from a geocentric to a heliocentric planetary model. From Thomas Kuhn’s text, The Structure of Scientific revolutions, work, societies resist paradigm shifts. Further, Kuhn informs us that a new paradigm overcomes friction and becomes the dominant paradigm with time.

  Outlined in the talk are strategies that helped us overcome friction due to the paradigm shift. Notably, before implementing these strategies, we ensured an empathetic environment where we considered and addressed several perspectives from multiple vantage points.

  Transformation Strategies: MicroStation to Civil 3D

  We took a three-pronged approach to navigate the paradigm shift successfully. A surveying instrument is a useful metaphor to consider. For a surveying instrument to work with precision, we must pay attention to the tripod’s three legs. Similarly, we paid attention to three facets necessary to enable the change from a 2D-Drawing Centric (2DDC) to 3D-Model Centric (3DMC) Approach: (1) Facilitate Leadership Commitment, (2) Develop a cohesive educational framework, and (3) Pragmatic Technical Implementation.

  Facilitate Leadership Commitment

  From Business Leaders’ vantage point, an organization facing competing pressures of current needs and future goals. Making a conscious paradigm shift requires an exact blueprint. Like any well-crafted map, the roadmap should identify potential routes and obstacles along the way to the destination. It should include a comparison of current and future paradigms. It is critical to provide business leaders a blueprint to make decisions balancing current and future needs.

  Comparing the two paradigms allows Business Leaders to see how different processes impact current business needs and future goals. Further, a Decision Matrix located various tasks in four quadrants based on effort, reward, and priority. It provides additional detail to the roadmap on how a firm could accomplish different tasks. These crucial data points give the leaders a roadmap, which empowers them to make the best decision.

  Establish a Pedagogical Framework

  Technological change is inherently an angst producing activity. Hence, acknowledging human emotions is essential to adopt change effectively while maintaining productivity. Creating an empathetic milieu was necessary for the journey since many change adopters were in different locales. Finally, importantly, it aligns well with our work culture at Gannett Fleming.

  The critical point is that it is unwarranted to accept every opinion. However, it is essential to respond to various perspectives. We responded to concerns by relying on data, research, and best management practices recommended by Autodesk.

  Early in our journey, we realized that a single pedagogical approach would not work for our diverse group. Our team members brought varied skill levels and had different ways to process and learn new knowledge. Moreover, listening to our peers confirmed that we needed to formulate a pedagogical approach that maps educational methods and abilities.

  Creating a cohesive educational framework within an empathetic environment has significant advantages. From a functional perspective, a coherent educational framework reduces friction due to the shifting of paradigms. It makes upskilling a smoother process. Any change, let alone acquiring skills to adapt to that change, is a fraught process for people. Hence, for an efficient paradigm shift, we should create a coherent educational framework within an empathetic environment. It enables the teams to hear and react to various users’ perspectives.

  Establish a pragmatic technical approach

  A pragmatic technical approach is crucial in moving from a 2DDC to a 3DMC system. It is one of the three legs of the tripod essential for empowering the paradigm shift. The operative word is “pragmatic.” We do not live in a world with unlimited resources.

  We establish a practical technical approach by adhering to foundational data management concepts from Information Systems Design and following a practical approach towards content creation. The two are not mutually exclusive.

  In Information Systems design and theory, a Single Source of Truth (SSoT) refers to organizing data and metadata to avoid data redundancy. Every data element is stored exactly once. By avoiding data duplication, SSoT ensures data consistency. In a 2DDC approach, often, there are multiple sources of truth. For example, designed grades are noted in a design file and subsequently copied over to the sheet files. The potential for data duplication creeps into the project. The problems associated with data duplication increase exponentially with project size.

  Data Encapsulation is the concept that extends the SSoT concept. The internal structure and representation of the data are hidden from sources consuming the data. Following data encapsulation, you can organize data by user roles.

  Conclusion

  In the Industry Talk, Anand recounts our journey of moving from one paradigm to another using Civil 3D; it is a story of changing our peers’ theory and practice. The three strategies that our story rests on are: (1) facilitating leadership commitment, (2) formulate an educational framework, and (3) implementing a pragmatic technical approach. Importantly, before embarking on the paradigm shift, we ensured to foster an empathetic environment — where we considered and addressed change adopters’ perspectives. Understanding the views of our peers helps reduce friction that paradigm shifts typically encounter.

  References

  1 Kuhn TS. 1962. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions: 50th Anniversary Edition.

  2 Oswald AJ et al. 2015. Happiness and productivity. J Labor Econ University of Chicago Press Chicago, IL. 33:789–822.

  3 Achor S. 2011. The Happiness Dividend. Harv. Bus. Rev.

  Credits

  • • Graphics: Sophia Stephen, Indigo Digital Art, http://www.indigodigitalart.com/

  November 12, 2020

  aecindustry, Data, DigitalTransformation, education, engineering, joinourjourney, People

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