Cordeel Group's BIM transformation journey

Sep 18, 2024

Cordeel Group, a company with deep roots in the construction industry, has transformed significantly over the past few decades. The shift from traditional construction methods to a fully integrated, innovative approach marks a new era for the company. This article explores this evolution through the experiences and insights of four key employees: Kenny van Hove, Ben Arents, Emma van Nuffel, and Blendi Zenullahi.

Founded in 1934, Cordeel Group is a family business committed to quality and innovation. Over the years, it has grown from a local Belgian contractor into a leading construction company operating across Europe. Cordeel's vision is to build with purpose, integrating sustainability, efficiency, and advanced technology into their projects.

Embracing technology in construction estimation

Kenny van Hove, an Estimator at Cordeel, has been with the company for thirty years. His journey reflects the company's evolution from a traditional construction firm to a modern, tech-savvy organization. "When I started, everything was on paper," Kenny recalls. "But in the last few years, new solutions have emerged, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy."

Currently working on projects like the fertilizer factory in Oostende, a new workshop and warehouse in Antwerp, Kenny highlights the importance of digital tools like Solibri.

"We save a lot of time and reduce errors by using Solibri for quantity checks and model validation," he explains. Despite his initial reluctance towards digital tools, Kenny now appreciates the time saved and the accuracy gained, stating "With Solibri, what used to take weeks can now be done in less than a week."

Kenny's role has evolved significantly with the advent of digital tools. "Thirty years ago, the process was entirely manual. Today, we rely heavily on software to streamline our work," he says. This transition has not only improved efficiency but also enhanced the accuracy of estimates, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

"The switch from paper to digital has revolutionized our work. What used to take weeks can now be completed in less than a week”- Kenny van Hove

Leading digital transformation

As the Digital Transformation Manager, Ben Arents plays a crucial role in Cordeel's technological advancement. Ben's journey with Solibri began in 2004, and he sees it as an essential tool for validating project data. "Solibri is like multiplayer gaming in construction, ensuring that all disciplines understand each other," he says.

Central to Cordeel's digital strategy is the BIMcell, a hub for all BIM-related activities and collaboration. "The BIMcell is crucial for bringing all disciplines together and ensuring smooth information exchange," Ben explains. This centralized approach enhances integration and collaboration. "BIM makes working together even more visible than before; we primarily rely on each other's information, making it vital for everyone involved to feel confident in their role within the BIM chain," he explains. To support this, Cordeel provides ongoing BIM workshops, software training, and BIM kick-off meetings for both colleagues and external partners.

"For me, Solibri is like coming home. It's a tool that ensures the data we receive is accurate and meets our standards." - Ben Arents, Solibrian since 2004

This collaborative approach, supported by tools like Solibri and the BIMcell, helps Cordeel maintain high standards and achieve efficient project execution. Ben's enthusiasm and dedication to continuous improvement, inspire those around him, making him a key driver of Cordeel's digital transformation.

The construction industry is rapidly evolving, and Ben's role involves staying ahead of these changes. "Interface-wise, Solibri has improved significantly, integrating more seamlessly with other tools. We're working towards a fully digital workflow," he explains. This includes developing a Cordeel-specific Information Delivery Specification (IDS) to standardize processes across projects.

Pioneering a new era

Emma van Nuffel, a young project manager and one of Cordeel’s BIM ambassadors, represents the next generation of leadership. With a background in industrial engineering, Emma’s passion for construction and innovation drives her work. "From a young age, I was inspired by engineering and construction," she shares. Emma’s role involves coordinating projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.

Emma highlights the importance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in Cordeel's projects. "BIM enables integral collaboration, allowing us to share project data from a single source," she explains. Emma’s forward-thinking approach and emphasis on sustainability and innovation align with Cordeel's vision of creating energy-efficient and low-carbon solutions. Her enthusiasm for technology and its potential to optimize workflows makes her a key player in Cordeel's ongoing evolution.

Emma’s current project, Montgomery Parc in Brussels, is a testament to Cordeel’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. "The construction world is fantastic; it shows you visual results. You’re literally helping build the future," Emma says. This project aims to create a modern, energy-efficient office building, showcasing how BIM and 3D modelling can lead to significant time and cost savings.

"Motivating people is what I like to do most. It's in my nature, and I'm committed to expanding my expertise to elevate my impact as a project leader." - Emma van Nuffel

Streamlining procurement with Solibri

Blendi Zenullahi, who has been with Cordeel for 1.5 years, works in the procurement department. His daily tasks include preparing and sending out price requests, comparing quotes, and finalizing contracts. Blendi is primarily involved in the initial procurement phase, often called the "purchase" phase, which occurs long before the first stone is laid. He uses Solibri extensively for quantity checks and model validation during the process. "In 3D, we see much more than in 2D," he says, emphasizing the importance of accurate and detailed models.

Blendi notes that while there has been progress in the quality of models provided by subcontractors, there is still room for improvement. "When models are well-prepared, everything runs smoothly, and Solibri's positive impact is evident," he explains. Blendi envisions further efficiency gains by using Solibri to create visual plans that can be shared with subcontractors, ensuring clear communication and reducing manual checks.

Blendi's work exemplifies the importance of accurate data in procurement. "We use Solibri to ensure that the quantities we receive match our expectations," he says. This not only helps in making informed decisions but also ensures that projects stay within the budget.

"In 3D, we see much more than in 2D. Solibri helps us ensure accuracy and efficiency in our procurement process." - Blendi Zenullahi

A unified vision for the future

Cordeel Group's journey from traditional construction methods to a digitally integrated approach showcases the importance of embracing technology and innovation. Through the experiences of Kenny, Ben, Emma, and Blendi, we see how tools like Solibri play a vital role in improving efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration.

As Cordeel continues to evolve, its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence remains unwavering. The collective efforts of its employees, driven by a shared vision of a better future, ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, Cordeel Group is not just building structures but building a better future.