{"id":163316,"date":"2026-08-12T07:04:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T06:04:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/?p=163316"},"modified":"2026-08-12T13:34:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T12:34:41","slug":"work-smarter-build-better-how-automation-transforming-mechanical-engineering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/digital-construction-news\/construction-technology-news\/work-smarter-build-better-how-automation-transforming-mechanical-engineering\/163316\/","title":{"rendered":"Work smarter, build better: How automation is transforming mechanical engineering"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>For many mechanical engineers, the question is no longer whether to embrace automation but instead how to make it work best for them. Brad Freeman, MEP solutions specialist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trimble.com\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trimble<\/a>, breaks down some of the digital tools and features available, and explores how they can help engineers design faster, eliminate manual errors and improve efficiency<\/h2>\n<p>Even today, a significant portion of a mechanical engineer\u2019s working week can be taken up by repetitive and manual tasks, whether that\u2019s cross-referencing calculations, updating drawings or correcting clashes.<\/p>\n<p>Combine this with the challenges of tighter project timelines, increasingly complex building systems and a persistent squeeze on margins and it\u2019s clear that working smarter is essential. For many engineering firms, this begins with automation.<\/p>\n<p>Digital tools and platforms are increasingly offering a variety of intelligent built-in features and functionalities that allow mechanical engineers to work smarter and design faster.<\/p>\n<p>Tasks that once consumed hours of manual effort, whether that\u2019s pipework routing, equipment selection, calculations or drawing production, can now be completed in a fraction of the time, with the added benefits of greater consistency and fewer errors. In turn, these productivity gains free up time for engineers to spend on more complex or creative design work, as well as improving quality.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s more, with buildings and their service systems becoming larger and more complex,<br \/>\ntraditional CAD drafting in isolation increasingly falls short. Designing and considering complex interfaces between pipework, ductwork and steel pillars (among others) can be incredibly challenging on just a 2D plan.<\/p>\n<p>Combine this with frequent client changes, contractor-driven requests and timeconsuming<br \/>\nredesigns and it\u2019s no surprise that rework continues to be a costly and ever-present problem. In fact, avoidable errors are reported to cost around \u00a35bn per year in the UK. The closer a project gets to site, the more costly and time-consuming drawing errors can be to rectify, making it critical that any mistakes or clashes are caught early.<\/p>\n<h3>Design automation<\/h3>\n<p>This is precisely where design automation can deliver real, quantifiable value. Some MEP design software solutions (such as Trimble\u2019s Stabicad for IntelliCAD) contain intelligent, parametric components that automatically adjust when changes are made to the wider scheme design, helping drawing errors to become a thing of the past.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, it\u2019s not just the model that needs to be considered when drawing changes<br \/>\noccur. Fortunately, automation tools can also automatically update all associated documentation (such as tags and schedules) too, ensuring that everything is current and<br \/>\nup to date.<\/p>\n<p>Automatic clash detection can further support early-stage problem solving, flagging issues such as pipes clashing with beams, making it easier for teams to collaborate and resolve the conflicts before they become costly problems further down the line.<\/p>\n<p>While built-in manufacturer content libraries also offer additional benefits, not only providing up-to-date manufacturer data with ease \u2013 enabling more accurate and detailed models to be built \u2013 but also reducing the time-consuming and monotonous back and forth of sourcing product specs and technical information from websites or datasheets.<\/p>\n<p>Users of Stabicad for IntelliCAD have access to this extensive library of real-world manufacturer components and systems embedded in the software, allowing for the easy and seamless incorporation of current products.<\/p>\n<h3>Connection design<\/h3>\n<p>Moving from clash detection to connection design and this too can present its own set<br \/>\nof challenges \u2013 as well as its opportunity for automation.<\/p>\n<p>The Nodesolver tool (available within all Trimble Stabicad offerings) delivers rapid, accurate solutions to complex connection nodes. During drawing and clash detection, various options for connecting pipes and ductwork are automatically shown, with oneclick routing and connections, saving the designer valuable time.<\/p>\n<h3>Built-in compliance<\/h3>\n<p>Another challenge for mechanical engineers is keeping up with ever-changing industry<br \/>\nstandards, including CIBSE, British Standards and CIPHE, adding additional compliance<br \/>\npressures. Carrying out manual calculations, corrections and compliance checks can all<br \/>\nbe incredibly time-consuming, especially on the larger and more complex projects.<\/p>\n<p>Here again automated tools can deliver. Look for digital platforms that contain built-in,<br \/>\ncode-compliant, CIBSE-verified calculations, providing mechanical engineers with the<br \/>\npeace of mind that designs are precise, meet the required specifications and remain<br \/>\ncompliant with industry requirements. As well as enhancing design quality, this also<br \/>\nreduces the need for manual corrections.<\/p>\n<p>With Trimble\u2019s Stabicad for IntelliCAD, users can go beyond the standard Autodesk calculations, with a full suite of standard and regulation compliant calculations for ventilation ducts, tap water, central heating, cooling pipes and wastewater systems. This<br \/>\nensures all designs consistently meet local regulations, while eliminating the risk of<br \/>\nhuman error from manual calculations that take place outside of the model.<\/p>\n<h3>Stabicad for IntelliCAD<\/h3>\n<p>Stabicad for IntelliCAD is a comprehensive mechanical design solution that eliminates<br \/>\nthe need for additional software purchases. Featuring both a built-in CAD platform and<br \/>\nspecialised BIM module, it allows mechanical designers and engineers to effortlessly move<br \/>\nbetween traditional drafting and modern BIM projects.<\/p>\n<p>With a combination of intelligent design tools, parametric components and integrated<br \/>\ncalculations, it delivers the perfect balance of precision and speed to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pbctoday.co.uk\/news\/digital-construction-news\/trimbles-ai-takeoff-capabilities-cut-mep-estimating-time-increase-accuracy\/163310\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">boost productivity<\/a><br \/>\nand accuracy in building services projects.<\/p>\n<p>Supported by manufacturer-specific content and detailed system schematics, Stabicad<br \/>\nempowers teams to deliver constructible designs from initial concept through to final installation. By bridging the gap between collaboration and compliance, Stabicad provides a streamlined path to more accurate designs and more profitable project outcomes.<\/p>\n<p>Built-in CIBSE verified calculations ensure that designs are precise and meet required UK specifications, while access to extensive libraries enables users to seamlessly incorporate accurate, up-to-date manufacturer components and systems.<\/p>\n<p>By automating time-consuming tasks, such as modelling complex connections, users can drastically reduce drawing errors, free up time and enhance overall design quality.<\/p>\n<p>Taking advantage of digital tools and platforms like these can represent a meaningful shift in how mechanical engineers approach their work. Automation can help them to reduce error, improve productivity and deliver greater quality out on site. In today\u2019s industry, that\u2019s not just an efficiency gain; it\u2019s a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about Stabicad for IntelliCAD, or to request a demo, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trimble.com\/en\/products\/stabicad-for-intellicad\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>**Please note, this is a commercial profile<\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"mk-custom-module-container\">\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Brad Freeman, MEP solutions specialist at Trimble, breaks down some of the digital tools and features available to engineers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":163317,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[38487],"tags":[172725,464,173389,636,172727,148511],"stakeholder_rel_tag":[172539],"contributor_rel_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-163316","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-construction-technology-news","8":"tag-artificial-intelligence","9":"tag-contributor-profile","10":"tag-digital-construction-today-september-2026","11":"tag-engineering","12":"tag-featured","13":"tag-process-automation","14":"stakeholder_rel_tag-trimble"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - 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