Combining TSI Software’s Autodesk Fabrication and Building Data, along with other TSI solutions, Gallo Mechanical expanded their fabrication operations, increased productivity, and grew their business. Based in New Orleans, LA, Gallo recently expanded to Baton Rouge, LA, and Mobile, AL. To keep up with the pace of the ever-changing construction industry, Gallo turned to TSI for help.
Software Saves Time, Money
“Drawing with real content in Autodesk Fabrication not only saves time, but it also has saved our organization money,” said Mike Clark, building information modeling (BIM) director at Gallo. “We’ve found that the most successful combination of our purchases is to use Autodesk Fabrication with Building Data. Fabrication allows us to draw, but Building Data allows us to draw with real-world measurements and manufacturer specifications,” said Clark.
By boosting their use of Fabrication with content, Gallo Mechanical expanded use of their fabrication shop, going from two employees to 20 in the shop. “By pulling a majority of the jobs into the software and the fab shop, we’ve seen a vast improvement in the productivities of our jobs. Boosting our use of these new tools, we’ve been able to get jobs done on time and with more accuracy,” said Clark. “Getting jobs done quicker has allowed us to take on even more jobs.”
Precision on the Job
For Loyola University in New Orleans, Gallo Mechanical was tasked with installing all the ductwork for a 12-story laboratory, Monroe Hall, into a small, 8″ space in the ceiling.
“[Autodesk] Fabrication allows us to draw, but Building Data allows us to draw with real-world measurements and manufacturer specifications.”
—Mike Clark, BIM Director, Gallo Mechanical
The team had to design and fabricate carefully to avoid any mismeasurements or delays on the job. By using Fabrication and Building Data, Gallo completed the job without modifying any of the ductwork.
Attention to detail was also crucial in rebuilding the University Medical Center New Orleans after it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The job consisted of three towers and 21 stories. “In order to complete this large and complex job, we started out designing in Fabrication with Building Data content,” Clark stated. “A main focus of this job was to fabricate the hangers with the software so that it would be easier to install in the field. With the amount of ductwork and pipe that we were installing, it was imperative that the project was designed with precision. There was no room for error.” Thanks to the right software, Gallo was able to complete their portion of the project on time, and the medical center now serves thousands of people in the New Orleans area.
Tools for Growth
Gallo Mechanical has become a leader in using software to advance processes and efficiencies within the company. “TSI is a one-stop shop for us. We started out with Fabrication products, expanded our portfolio to include Autodesk Revit, and with it all we use Building Data to make our designs come to life,” said Clark. “Being able to come to one company for our construction software needs has allowed us to stay on track with subscriptions and new product releases.” By employing new and evolving construction software, Gallo Mechanical has boosted their workforce to over 200 people while expanding into new sectors.
“Getting jobs done quicker has allowed us to take on even more jobs.”
—Mike Clark, BIM Director, Gallo Mechanical
Clark said a main focus of the organization in the future is to stay ahead of the competition when it comes to the progression of construction software and tools. “We want to ensure that we are using the right tools for our organizations, and I’d stress that to other construction companies who are looking to expand their portfolio of software tools,” said Clark. “In order to stay up to speed with competitors, it is important to use all the tools you can, as long as they are right for your organization.” Along with Autodesk products and the Building Data content library, Gallo Mechanical has now acquired Trimble machines to complete on-the-job scanning that works in conjunction with the software in-house.
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