Automation and software for the precast concrete and reinforcement industry

Progress Group is a true pioneer in digital transformation and automation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the precast concrete and rebar industry. The company seamlessly combines advanced machine automation solutions with modern software, so that every step in the process - from the drawing board to the last brick - is optimized by the latest technology, IoT, digital twins, robotics, cloud computing and AI.

The reshaping impact of its solutions is evidenced by the successful operations of Taracon Precast. By using BIMpro, Progress Group's plug-in for Autodesk Revit, they were able to maximize the efficiency of the entire planning process involving architects, structural engineers and production teams. By significantly reducing data import times, BIMpro also streamlined the collaboration process, reducing planning time from the previous eight hours to just two hours. This real-time data transfer also occurred at the production jobs and machines, allowing Taracon Precast to quickly adapt to changes in the project.

Integration of the aheadAPS system facilitated seamless planning of project phases, construction sequences, deliveries and job layouts, with additional benefits for detailed planning of built-in elements, job operations and finishing. This hub platform connects CAD, ERP and MES systems.

Taracon Precast modernized its plant not only with software from Progress Software Development, but also with a plotter from Echo Precast Engineering; both Progress Group companies. With the automatic plotter SmartJet, it is possible to draw and print data such as cut lines and angles, project identifications and parts to be cut out on the channel plates. Printing can be done on the top of the element as well as on both sides to prepare the plates for the next steps in the working process. 

On the benefits of the software, Paul Nelson, vice president of Taracon Precast, notes the following: "The efficiency and cost-effectiveness that Progress Group's software brought to our precast layout not only saved us significant costs throughout the life of the project, but also allowed us to keep projects on schedule and adapt to changes in an efficient manner." The unique mix of in-house competencies available at Progress Group makes all this possible. With its own precast concrete and rebar plant and, on top of that, an outstanding software development team, Progress Group brings a holistic vision to life. Its software solutions are built on three critical pillars: CAD for unparalleled design accuracy, ERP for seamless resource planning and MES for flawless production. Through its rich product portfolio (BIMpro, erpbos, aheadAPS, ebos, profit and stabos), Progress Group ensures that every aspect of business and manufacturing processes are perfectly aligned from a single reliable source.

The tangible benefits are proof. Using the software solutions can reduce the time spent on design and planning by up to 75 percent, thanks to features that allow structural models to be converted into manufacturable precast models with a few mouse clicks. This streamlines rebar processes and facilitates the generation of production data as PXML files for direct machine use. 

"Overall, I think Progress Group is the only company we could have partnered with because of its shared vision for the future and how it can integrate work instructions into machine data files to eliminate human error during the process," said Alan Cartwright, quality manager at Taracon Precast.