The Role of Modeling and Visualization: Pushing the Boundaries of Engineering Projects

Engineering projects are constantly evolving, and in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the integration of modeling and visualization tools is transforming the way projects are conceptualized, designed, and executed. This was the key theme during a recent panel discussion featuring Janet Farrara, BIM Manager at Progressive Design, and Matt Walker, Manager of Technology at Rotating Machinery Services. Both panelists shared insights into how cutting-edge tools like 3D scanning and visualization platforms are reshaping the engineering workflow.

The Power of Visualization in Engineering Workflows

“Visualization has been a game-changer for us,” said Matt Walker during the discussion. “It allows us to see an entire turbomachinery deck without actually being on-site, and this collaboration eliminates countless hours of inefficiency.”

At Rotating Machinery Services, visualization tools are being used to identify critical issues before they become catastrophic failures. By integrating 3D scans with CAD models, Matt’s team can overlay designs onto real-world data to pinpoint misalignments or potential conflicts. For example, Matt shared how they detected a nine-inch misalignment between a CAD design and real-world equipment. “Without this technology, this would have been a costly issue discovered in the field,” he emphasized.

Janet Farrara echoed these sentiments, explaining how visualization tools have transformed the client experience at Progressive Design. “Our project managers aren’t always CAD experts, but with tools like Prevu3D, they can quickly visualize what’s happening and gain the confidence to make informed decisions,” she said. Clients now expect this level of clarity on every job, and the ability to provide it has strengthened relationships and streamlined project delivery.

Empowering Collaboration and Innovation

One of the most profound impacts of these technologies is their ability to enhance collaboration between teams and clients. As Janet explained, “It’s not just about the cool factor—though clients love that—it’s about bridging gaps in understanding and improving safety and efficiency.”

At Progressive Design, this collaboration extends to safety training and pre-project feasibility assessments. Teams can answer complex questions, like whether a piece of equipment can be moved between facilities, within hours rather than weeks. This rapid iteration not only saves time and money but also instills greater confidence in the final results.

Matt highlighted how visualization has allowed his team to avoid the logistical nightmare of delays. “Our clients want their machines fixed and back up as soon as possible,” he said. “These tools let us plan every detail—from complex crane lifts to minor piping adjustments—before we set foot on the deck. It’s night and day compared to how we worked before.”

Transforming Engineering Through Integration

While visualization tools like Prevu3D have already revolutionized workflows, the panelists discussed how further integration with design software could unlock even greater potential. Janet shared, “In a previous life as a designer, I remember how tedious it was to model from a point cloud. But now, with tools that integrate directly into platforms like Revit, we can skip steps and get right to the insights we need.”

Janet is particularly excited about the ability to export 3D scanned data directly into Revit families, enabling designers to save hours of back-modeling time. “We’re creating our own Revit libraries with these assets, and it’s been invaluable. It’s not just about visualization anymore—it’s about bringing that data directly into the engineering workflow,” she said.

Matt added that similar integrations are helping his team in the world of turbomachinery. “The new comparison tools and alignment features have been huge for us. We can now check for misalignments and clashes more efficiently, which saves time and avoids costly mistakes.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Modeling and Visualization?

When asked what improvements they’d like to see in the future, both panelists had clear ideas. Janet hopes for even deeper integration between visualization tools and design software, allowing engineers to create actionable plans directly from scan data. “When we get to the point where we can manipulate native elements from scans into our design software, that’s when these tools will become indispensable,” she said.

Matt expressed interest in better alignment tools and integration with digital metrology software. “We already use these tools to measure down to the micron, but the ability to seamlessly integrate that data into our visualization workflows would be a game-changer,” he said.

The conversation also touched on making these tools more accessible to less tech-savvy clients. As Janet noted, “We’re finding that owners want all the information at their fingertips, but it needs to be simple. They don’t want a steep learning curve.”

Final Thoughts: Pushing Boundaries and Building Confidence

The discussion concluded with a powerful reminder of the value these tools bring to the engineering industry. As Janet summarized, “Visualization tools allow us to answer questions quickly, build confidence with our clients, and create solutions we couldn’t have dreamed of a few years ago.”

From enabling safer, more efficient projects to fostering stronger collaboration and innovation, modeling and visualization tools are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in engineering. As these technologies continue to evolve, the opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve outcomes will only grow.

For engineers, project managers, and clients alike, the future is bright—and it’s being built in 3D.

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