eRDS Field is a mobile application for managing room data previously defined in an eRDS Cloud project, or for recording an asset inventory during site surveys. The software runs on any Windows laptop or tablet either online or offline and includes full synchronisation capabilities.

The software will handle a combination of assets defined in BIM models, plus non-modelled (information only) assets defined as room data. The advantage to construction and surveying teams is that a single application using standardised data forms and common workflows can be used.

Assets defined in Revit as objects with geo-reference asset codes are imported through csv files created by the Asset Code Populator (ACP). Information from eRDS Cloud consisting of the five sets of room data (details, finishes, fittings, mechanical specs and components) are imported into the same database tables and use the same forms to provide a complete overview of all assets in every room.

Assets originating from Revit using the ACP will already have asset coding information. Asset codes for non-modelled items coming from eRDS Cloud, or captured during site surveys, have the asset codes added to them in eRDS Field in accordance with the coding protocol.  Assets that should have been defined in the BIM model, but were omitted for some reason, can be added in either eRDS Cloud or eRDS Field.

Large amounts of information are dealt with through an intuitive user interface with a list of rooms on the left, and their contents on the right. Users switch between the five sets of room data (Details, Finishes, Fittings, ME Specifications & ME Components) by selecting from a frop-down menu.

No two projects are the same which is why eRDS Field provides a form builder that lets you arrange the information you wish to collect into logical colour coded sections. Previously validated fields coming from Revit or eRDS Cloud can be set to read-only if required.

The best way to ensure robust and consistent information is to avoid input by manual ‘typing’. It can’t be eliminated altogether because serial numbers must be entered, and occasionally notes need to be made. But wherever possible eRDS Field uses validated lists with pull-down options that users can select from. In-built intelligence using relationships and filters ensures the lists are kept as short as possible to reduce confusion and indecision on site.

eRDS Field uses a bespoke textual database that provides the power to manage information without the complexities of SQL. Properties such as text, dates, validated lists, colour coded status lists, sequential values, barcodes and html links can be added to the imported information.

The information to be captured is entirely user definable and will depend upon the project. If the objective is to capture information for populating an O&M file or an FM system such as Maximo there is going to be a lot of information which could include any or all of the following:

• Manufacturer, supplier, model number, colour/finish
• Serial number, asset code, barcode
• Warranty conditions & dates
• Installation & commissioning information and dates
• Condition status

eRDS Cloud & Field provides you the option of listing assets individually or grouped together by type with quantities. There is no right or wrong approach, it just depends upon how the information will be used later. The image shows a combination of both scenarios.

If the information beings captured is destined to populate a CMMS system like Maximo, then the assets will be listed individually so a unique asset code and barcode can be applied, and to allow serial numbers to be recorded for warranty items.

But if the information is to be used as reference checking or progress monitoring during construction fit-out, then ‘grouped’ items will probably suffice. eRDS provides you with the tools to handle either situation, or a combination of the two.

eRDS Field allows you to record barcodes for specific assets into a property field on the form so its associated with the asset code or serial number. When the information is later exported the barcode will be populated into CMMS and FM systems that make use of the technology.

When using eRDS for surveying an existing building to capture assets for later population of a CMMS system, users can attach barcodes or QR codes to the asset and scan them to make the relationship between the physical asset and the information.

Dealing with assets and room data whether it’s for surveying or fit-out workflows can sometimes be confusing due to the sheer number of assets and the various types and products on the market.

If the asset manufacturer and model number have been specified in eRDS Cloud the documentation associated with it will be downloaded to eRDS Field to provide information and for visual checking.

When using eRDS Field for surveying, the camera option will let you take a photo and associate it with the asset in the library. That way you can be sure that different operatives are referring to the same item as they record information into the database.

eRDS Field is primarily intended for managing room data and asset coding where the assets have been previously defined in Revit and eRDS Cloud. But it’s also used for capturing assets and recording inventories during surveys of buildings where no previous information exists.

An example of this workflow might be to capture assets from buildings so that a Maximo FM system can be populated. In these cases, the information captured is post processed so that individual asset codes can be generated and uploaded to the CMMS system.

The software comes with a standard library of generic finishes, fittings and mechanical components to which more specific details can be added. To start with this can be as basic as light type 1, type 2 etc. Photographs are taken of each type and added to the form to make it easier for the team to identify them and record quantities. More informative data such as such as manufacturer, model number and any supporting documents are added later using batch processes.

The golden rule when capturing assets is to do everything possible so the room is only surveyed once, since returning to collect additional data is time consuming and costly.

No two projects will have the same requirements, which is why eRDS Field has the flexibility and functionality to ensure all necessary information can be captured in one visit. This could include basic room dimensions (where there are no drawings to refer to), manufacturer information, serial numbers and even the ability to attach barcodes or QR codes.

eRDS provides efficient workflows for capturing asset inventories that will be ultimately used in Maximo or other CMMS systems.

At the end of the process or at various stages, the enriched information can be exported to csv. These files are then used to update eRDS Cloud with the latest room data, or to populate Maximo and other CMMS systems.

If the project requires that the information should be held in Revit, then the Asset Code Populator is used to write the information (or parts of it) back into the model as Revit parameters.

Information in eRDS Field can be directly opened in 3D Asset for all kinds of management, work-flow or progress analysis. The model can be either a full 3D BIM or a simple floor objects model as pictured.

Any information, or combinations of information can be searched for, with the results highlighted in the model to inform about the location. Such functions are used to help manage trade activities through colour coded reports.