The most traditional businesses have the most to gain from digitization. Scaffolding itself is so old that it has been tied to prehistoric cave paintings that predate the wheel. Perhaps this very fact makes some scaffolders resistant to change. After all, if traditionalists bristle at innovation with, “Why reinvent the wheel?”, it stands to reason they would do the same with scaffolding.

However, this argument negates the fact that the wheel has been reinvented many times over with great effect. And while the scaffolding industry does continuously innovate in terms of materials and components, many scaffolders lag behind when it comes to rethinking processes inherent to the work.

Scaffold planning, design, ordering and coordination can all benefit from automated digital processes. Innovative scaffolders that have embraced digitization have already proven it is the single most effective way to optimize project planning while reducing operating costs. Furthermore, these processes have the added benefit of reducing risks that naturally occur when introducing duplicative steps — like copying a set of measurements or materials — thereby improving quality control.

To this end, Layher Scaffolding has introduced a set of tools to take advantage of the digital possibilities inherent in everyday scaffolding work. Using building information modeling (BIM) — a common civil engineering tool — as inspiration, Layher’s Scaffold Information Modeling (SIM) takes scaffolding construction digital with a suite of applications.

SIM is a process based on 3-D modeling designed by Layher to meet the specific requirements of scaffolding construction. It allows users to plan, assemble and manage temporary scaffolding structures more efficiently, with access to BIM for users.

With the integrated Layher software solution LayPLAN SUITE, users enjoy a powerful tool for SIM processes. LayPLAN CLASSIC allows digital planning with predefined scaffolding plans, including temporary roof structures. For more complex scaffolding jobs, LayPLAN CAD accommodates large-scale engineering projects.

Benefits include dependable 3-D planning, a realistic visualization platform and facilitated coordination between stakeholders. Seamlessly transfer data to structural analysis programs and isolate materials lists and assembly plans with LayPLAN MATERIAL MANAGER to ensure transparency, reduce costs, and increase safety and profitability. Finally, view projects with spatial representation in LayPLAN VR Viewer, which makes virtual tours possible.

Contractors benefit from planning certainty, cost control and on-schedule materials delivery while reducing change orders and avoiding the added costs of inadequate planning.