Synchro Launches Project Constructor Dedicated to Google SketchUp

Coventry, England January 14, 2009 – Synchro Ltd., a global leader in 4D construction project delivery simulation, has announced the release of its new Project Constructor software dedicated to Google SketchUp to provide complete, 4D BIM, construction visualization.

Project Constructor features project scheduling, advanced risk management, synchronization with 3D design changes, supply chain management and cost allocation to offer comprehensive virtual construction simulation.

Synchro Project Constructor enables alternative scheduling options, resource allocation and time/cost savings to be evaluated.

Project Constructor works as a stand-alone – workstation managing the project model independently and is dedicated to the Google SketchUp *.skp 3D file format.

Synchro Project Constructor can be used to define and communicate to the entire construction project delivery team what, when and where work is occurring on complex, large-scale construction projects.

Construction resource management includes the 3D representation of material, equipment and human as well as the ability to effectively manage task locations as a project resource.

Moreover, these resource representations can be synchronized with revised 3D SketchUp Models utilizing our Synchro SketchUp 6.0 plug-in provided with the Synchro license.

Tom Dengenis, Synchro's CEO said, "Google SketchUp is a powerful modeling tool with compelling aesthetic values, which is easy to use. It was logical for Synchro to dedicate a new product, which builds upon 3D Google SketchUp modeling to add 4D simulation with the dimension of time through scheduling and project management to yield real, 4D BIM, construction simulation for project delivery."

Synchro's Project Constructor is available for download at $595 USD, including first-year maintenance of $120, on the Synchro web site. (See Editor's Note below on price increase effective 27 October, 2009.)

Synchro Project Constructor can be upgraded to Synchro Professional, the fully featured collaborative solution enabling the connection to Synchro Server and a comprehensive project team environment without the loss of your initial purchase price when upgraded within one of the initial purchase.

Planning Features:
• Task status control

• Task sequencing options

• Resource management

• Multiple baselines to compare actual performance against the plan

• Progress tracking

• Rescheduling options

• Critical path analysis

• Risk analysis to create risk buffers for chains of activities to protect the critical path and avoid unnecessary rescheduling as well as reduce or mitigate identified risks.

Cost Features:
Resources and tasks can be assigned fixed or variable costs, which are then displayed for selected individual or a hierarchical range of tasks, and are reported for Earned Value Analysis.

Communication:
If 80% of all we perceive is visual, then Synchro offers an ideal planning environment to exploit the power of visualization and construction simulation.

Synchro significantly enhances the task sequencing of the Gantt chart with vivid time scaled 3D views of the corresponding solid model at the same point in time. There is significant value in being able to view multiple 3D views, and for further clarity and advanced analysis each view can be modified interactively.

This offers the opportunity to improve the delivery of projects through a better understanding of site conditions and the implications of logistical plans.

Users can visualize and evaluate the impact of alternative construction sequences and avoid conflicts in assigned work locations.

Additionally, Synchro helps to clarify and accommodate agreement upon proposed schedules with the entire delivery team, and interested parties, by sharing video simulations generated from the 3D views.

Interoperability:

• Import and export project schedules in Microsoft Project
• Synchronize with Primavera™ P3, P5/P6 and Asta Powerproject

Editor's Note: Please note that as of 27 October, 2009, the price of Project Constructor has increased to $990 ($825 each plus $165 required first-year maintenance fee.)