Creating Apps & Python

Digital transformation


## Using the code

There are two ways in which this functionality can be used: 

1. With VIKTOR, out-of-the-box, using our [free version](https://www.viktor.ai/try-for-free).
2. Without VIKTOR, in that case you create the following yourself: Parametrization of geo-location, map view interface, and output visualization.

Here, you see a snippet of the application code. With the following seven lines of Python code you can create map views *(return MapResult(features))* and enable users to put lines on the map *(params.geo_polyline)*. Get the full application code from our [GitHub repository](https://github.com/viktor-platform/sample-ahn-profile).

``` python 
@MapView('Map', duration_guess=1) 
def get_map_view(self, params: Munch, **kwargs: dict) -> MapResult: 
  """Set the map view on which the line can be drawn for which the AHN values are wished to be known""" 
  features = [] 
  if params.geo_polyline: 
    features.append(MapPolyline.from_geo_polyline(params.geo_polyline)) 
return MapResult(features) 
```   

The video shows the functionality being used in a VIKTOR application.

<div style="padding:64.23% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/671970467?h=517d41c094&amp;badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay=1; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="chrome_SLk3J6DZq8"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script> 

<br>



## Ground level profiles in 3 steps

As you can see in the video, the process of creating ground level profiles with the sample application consists of three easy steps: 

1. Drawing a polyline on a map (using a GeoPolylineField) 
2. Filling in the required resolution of the resulting profile 
3. Showing the elevation profile based on AHN3 in a Matplotlib plot 

Use our [free version](https://www.viktor.ai/try-for-free) to start using this app!




geotechnics sample app ground level profile

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Get open-source Python code to automatically generate ground level profiles with your own apps for free.

Visualize ground level profiles | Open-source Python app

Open-source map-based AHN elevation visualization sample app

### Content: 

1. An introduction to developing successful applications
2. Designing and planning your application
3. How to start coding
4. Gathering and processing feedback
5. Increasing the adoption of your app



How to create successful application that ensure adoption

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How to create a succesful that people will adopt

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Do you want to build a successful application? This guide is here to help you make apps that provide real value to your work and that other people will definitely want to use too!

Over the past years, we, the application developers at VIKTOR, have built many apps for many different industries. We have learned a lot from that and now want to share our experiences with you. 

The principles and processes we explain in this guide are the same as we apply daily. They have helped us build anything from simple apps designed to save time to advanced engineering applications that are used to automatically calculate underground tunnels, dikes, and other large structures. 

This guide will provide actionable insights that are useful for anyone involved in creating custom software tools. For example:

- People developing the tools (developers, engineers, data scientists, etc..)
- End-users, who will use the tools when they are released
- Project managers who are interested in workflow automation/optimization
- Program managers, who oversee and stimulate digital transformation initiatives
- Domain experts, who provide their expertise to people creating software tools
- And anyone else interesting in the process of creating awesome software tools

Learn the process to build apps that provide real value to your work and that other people will definitely want to use as well.

Build successful applications

Learn how to build apps that provide real value to your work and that other people will definitely want to use as well.

Building Successful Applications

Parametric design

*Read the original article on [heijmans.nl](https://www.heijmans.nl/nl/verhalen/digitaal-bouwen-en-ontwerpen-door-samenwerking/)*

A thick mist is hanging over the dark polder near Lage Zwaluwe when they arrive at Heijmans’ construction site. In the distance lie the foundations of six wind turbines, currently under construction, spread over several kilometers: Constructions of piles, reinforcements, and concrete in different stages of completion. Heijmans designed these foundations and is now constructing them.

![Heijmans_VIKTOR_wind_turbine_foundation_app_on_site](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Heijmans_VIKTOR_wind_turbine_foundation_app_Wouter_Marcel_0b31531573.jpg)

*Wouter Riedijk, CEO of VIKTOR and Marcel Simons, manager Energy Design at Heijmans on the construction site of wind turbine park Klaverspoor near Lage Zwaluwe.*

## Calculation work

Noticeable is how the designs came to be: With the help of an application that Geotechnical Advisors and Constructors from Heijmans developed themselves on the low code application development platform VIKTOR. VIKTOR empowers engineers and domain experts at construction companies and engineering firms with basic Python knowledge to build their own technical design applications. Now, engineers at Heijmans used VIKTOR to create an application that takes over a lot of their manual calculation work. 

## Automation

“We have some unique knowledge within the industry”, says VIKTOR co-founder and CEO Wouter Riedijk. “Of the analysis, design, and of software development. In 2017, we decided to combine these into one platform, specifically aimed at the construction and infra sector. To enable engineers to build their own applications for the automated generation of designs. Within these applications, data is centrally stored, and processes are automatized to save time, generate smarter solutions, and turn knowledge into assets.”

![Blog_Heijmans_wind_turbine_foundation_app_interface](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Heijmans_VIKTOR_wind_turbine_foundation_app_interface_3569f8c211.jpg)

## Together

A design consists of many variables that all influence each other. For example, with pile foundations: The width of the piles, the length, the soil, the load, the planning… When you turn one wheel, all the others start to turn as well. Multiple disciplines work on one design with each their own tooling and data sources. In an application, you can bring all of these together and simply press a button to come to one integral design. This is not only very efficient, but also gives them much more control over the process since all design calculations can be performed by Heijmans. 

## Better decisions

“This way, you can calculate many different scenarios much faster to generate different possible solutions”, explains Wouter Riedijk from VIKTOR. “Multiple people can work simultaneously on a design. You create several designs within less time, which leaves more time to judge each design based on costs and risks, which enables better decision-making and improves registration on tenders.”

![Blog_Heijmans_wind_turbine_foundation_app_agile](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Heijmans_VIKTOR_wind_turbine_foundation_app_sprint_meeting_c8103d82a7.jpg)

## Digital Engineering Community

The application for the automated calculation for the design of wind turbine foundations is one example, but there are a lot more. De digitization of design processes is increasing within the engineering and construction world. Construction companies and engineering firms are even collaborating in this. That is also how the [Digital Engineering Community (DEC)](www.digitalengineeringcommunity.nl) came to be: A group of organizations collaborating in the development of design applications for infra objects. 

## Soil bodies

“Within the DEC, there are now four applications that are developed in collaboration on the VIKTOR platform”, tells Marcel Simons. “Geotechnicians at Heijmans, BAM, and Ballast Nedam were the first to build an application for the design of soil bodies. After that, five other constructors got on board as well. Within a year we (further) developed three more applications. Now, engineering firms are joining in as well!”

## Competitive

A collaboration like this is not very common. The engineering and construction world is competitive. Construction companies are heavy competitors whenever they register for a tender. So why would you collaborate in the (co-)development of applications in which you share data and that allow everyone the same chance to generate the optimal design?

## Journey

“It is true that you can see you are collaborating with your competitors. Everyone is in it for a strategic reason”, states Wouter with a fresh look at it from the outside. “We have been through quite a journey together, the trust really had to grow. But once it was there, it quickly accelerated. The set-up is accessible: When someone has a good idea for an application, the other companies can join in voluntarily by in it investing in some way.”

## Higher level

“And if you don’t do it like this, everyone starts building their own applications”, adds Marcel. “That also makes it more difficult for clients to judge designs. Now, the top of our geotechnicians is collaborating and all of this knowledge is put into one application. That takes the whole industry to a higher level.”

## Building blocks

Moreover, the DEC works according to the building blocks principle: Only standard processes are automated within an application. Everyone drives piles, everyone builds soil bodies, everyone pours tarmac. Not one constructor distinguishes themselves with that. “But these building blocks can be used to create your own, distinct application”, says Marcel. “The [wind turbine foundation application](https://www.viktor.ai/customer-cases/35/wind-turbine-foundation-parametric-design-python) is an example of that: It completely belongs to Heijmans.”

## Concrete

A short car ride away, the results of the application can be observed. The foundation of wind turbine number 6 currently consists of only a circle of 40 piles with a wickerwork construction on top. In a few days, they will start pouring concrete. The question arises: Can you also make a *better* foundation with such an application? 

## Optimal design

“You create an optimal design. That is always better”, says Wouter. “Less material, safer, cheaper, less nuisance for the surrounding environment.” “You also become more predictable, which means you are more likely to finish on time”, adds Marcel. Wouter: “And more flexible: Whenever something doesn’t work the way you planned, you simply generate a new design.” Marcel: “Within certain boundaries, of course. You cannot build a foundation using gingerbread.”

![Wind turbine foundation parametric design engineering](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_Heijmans_Wind_Turbine_Foundation_8bb28b6967.jpg)


The sun has come up by now, but the mist is still hanging around. Inside the polder near Lage Zwaluwe lie six wind turbine foundations, waiting to be completed. After that, the wind turbine can be anchored on top. Partly a product of digitization and collaboration; and partly of old-fashioned manual labour. 






Cloud-based design application wind turbine foundations on sight

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Discover how geotechnical engineers developed their own online parametric design application for wind turbine foundations on VIKTOR.ai.

Parametric design web app for Geotechnical engineering | VIKTOR.ai

All design knowledge within one Cloud-based application

## Get the white paper

**INDEX**

1. Construction companies and digital transformation
2. Technology trends for a different approach
3. Technology trends in the construction industry
4. A new technology trend for the construction industry
5. Low code for the construction industry
6. The VIKTOR platform
7. What does it cost?
8. How to start
9. What's next?

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Autonomous cars, algorithms that are trading stocks, people having conversations with robots and digital services from the valley make our lives easier. It is already part of many different industries and drives extreme productivity. Considering these benefits of digitalization, there is huge potential in introducing this in the engineering and construction sector.

However, the engineering and construction industry spends way less on digital transformation than other sectors or automotive. So when the benefits are obvious, why have the engineering and construction industry not yet fully embraced new digital technologies? The reasons of lacking behind are understandable and have to do with the characteristics of the industry. But we have come to a time where there are increasing opportunities at hand for 
the sector to speed up digital transformation.

What are these trends in digital transformation and how will it effect the engineering and construction industry? You can read the answers to these questions and more in the white paper.



Learn about the trends on digital transformation and how to take the next step.

Download the White Paper and get INSPIRED

What are the trends in digital transformation and how will it effect the engineering and construction industry? You can read the answers to these questions and more in the white paper.

Digital Transformation: Engineering and Construction Industry

Original article: [VIKTOR en WSP werken samen aan applicatieontwikkeling](https://www.wsp.com/nl-NL/nieuws/2022/WSP-en-VIKTOR-werken-samen-aan-applicatieontwikkeling/)

[WSP](https://www.wsp.com/nl-NL) starts building Cloud-based Python applications with VIKTOR, the [web-based development platform for engineering applications](https://www.viktor.ai/platform). WSP started using the VIKTOR platform back in 2021 with two successful Prove of Concept’s (PoC’s), in which within two shorts sprints (four weeks) two applications were already developed.

## Partnership WSP - VIKTOR 

This successful approach is now continued through a partnership that has been signed by both parties as of this week. 

> “Our goal for this year is to provide our colleagues with easy-to-use Python applications. Additionally, we want to professionalize our application development. The reason for this partnership with VIKTOR is because their platform enables our engineers to develop Python applications themselves and distribute them amongst colleagues in a secure manner. These colleagues don't need to have any programming experience to use the applications. Before, it took our coding engineers lots of time per colleague to whom the application had to be made available. Now, the VIKTOR platform enables us to do this all at once. So far, this has already been very promising and that is why we are now continuing at high pace!” - Mark van den Brink, Digital Transformation Lead at WSP

## First two applications finished

The applications that were developed within the first sprints are the ‘cross-section tool’ and the ‘remmingwerken tool’ (with the purpose of slowing down ships whenever they approach e.g. a bridge). Both tools can be used within WSP by colleagues without any programming knowledge, enabling them to benefit from the programming experience of their colleagues that do have programming experience, without constantly requiring their interference. 

### Cross-sections

> “The cross-section tool allows our engineers to easily define a large set of perpendicular lines along a line object (dike trajectory, railroad, go on), after which cross-sections of the ground level are generated by connecting with the AHN-web service. Additionally, the user has the possibility to upload grid files that function as data source. Examples of this are the extraction of hydraulic head from ground water models to calculate the hydraulic gradient on a dyke or to determine the local soil build-up by extracting 3D underground information.” - Martijn Kriebel, Flood Risk Consultant at WSP

![UI of Cloud-based Python Cross-section tool](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_WSP_partnership_cross_section_tool_888a9cde77.jpg)

*Interface of the cross-section tool*

### Remmingwerken

> “De remmingwerken tool allows our constructors to easily perform an iterative calculation of the energy intake of fenders in a 3D-environment. By automating the iterative non-linear analysis, a higher accuracy and time-gain can be achieved. Through a graphic web app, different software such as SCIA engineer and Excel work together to come to an answer. After the calculations, the results are presented in an interactive graph.” - Wichard Bron, Constructor Infra at WSP

![Visual UI Cloud-based Python Remmingwerken-tool](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_WSP_partnership_Remmingwerken_tool_2c15164caa.jpg)

*Visualization from the Remmingwerken tool*





Application development engineering Python

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Discover how engineers at WSP use VIKTOR to develop their own Cloud apps for colleagues without programming experience.

WSP engineers build apps to automate processes with VIKTOR

WSP builds engineering apps for colleagues without Python experience

20 years ago, I, Peter Madlener, started working at the age of 16 as a welder at a heat exchanger manufacturing company. Now, when I walk into a workshop, engineering department, or a jobsite I am still amazed that processes are not much different from back then. This is especially remarkable when considering that I just got out of my car which could drive autonomously and in my pocket is a mobile phone which has enough processing power to send a rocket to the moon.  

What is keeping engineering and construction companies from implementing widely available technology to accelerate their digital transformation? Fascinated with this subject, I joined forces with Max Breeman who is doing a master's in management of Technology at the Delft University of Technology. During his studies, he has worked for several technology firms and has developed a keen interest in the struggle of ICT adoption within engineering. Together, we interviewed numerous industry visionaries to answer these questions and we gained many insights, some of which I will share with you here. 

## E&C: A great and important industry 

The importance of the engineering and construction industry is obvious. The industry is responsible for building our infrastructure, our industrial facilities, and the places we live. It is one of the biggest industries in the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, construction spending in 2019 topped $1.3 trillion in the USA alone. Despite the Covid crisis, the industry is currently growing at a rapid pace with an expected growth of 3% in 2021. This trend of a growing demand for engineering and construction projects will continue over the next few decades: Estimates show that only 25% of the infrastructure we will need 2050 is already in existence today. 

### Demand 

To keep up with demand while also staying competitive, E&C companies feel a sense of urgency to invest in new digital solutions that help with their workload. At the same time, the E&C industry is one of the least digitized industries in the world, with the shift towards digital still in its early stages. The introduction of digital solutions to the work floor could create huge potential, provided the people working with it are able to extract the right value from it. 

### Supply 

On the supply side, digital product and service companies see this as an opportunity resulting in an overwhelming influx of digital solutions and ICT consultancies. The gap between what is available and what is currently in use throughout the industry keeps growing. This can make it daunting to start introducing these kinds of technologies, since they keep getting more advanced with each release. Thus, harder to adopt for people that are unfamiliar with their workings. If you want to start now, this leaves the question: Where do you even begin?  

Connected systems, [intelligent machines](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-engineering-construction), IoT and new software applications designed to support the engineering and construction processes all offer great promise. But you can’t implement them all at the same time. The huge difference in supply and demand makes it even more important to carefully take the right steps at the right time in this process of transformation. To do this, it is important to really focus on the ‘why’ of this transition. What is it that we want, exactly? What processes do we want to digitize? What tools do employees desire? And how will we gain (and measure) return on our investment? 

![blog 1a 01_02.svg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/blog_1a_01_02_b99c19eb29.svg)

## Digital transformation in E&C 

The main challenge in a digital transformation is not the technology itself, as the supply of these technologies is overwhelming, but rather convincing your people. Transformation processes are always 80% human and just 20% technology. Since many companies have already implemented the necessary technological innovations before, there is no reason to reinvent the wheel. Instead, focus should be on the challenges regarding people and processes within your digital transformation. 

### People 

There are many digitization related changes that are currently going on in the E&C industry, such as the rapid influx of digital technology in the lives of employees and an ongoing labour shortage. Additionally, there is a separation between two generations of employees. New workers are more technology centric, meaning that the need for better and more advanced work-related digital technologies has been rising and will continue to rise over the upcoming years, widening the gap between non-tech-savvy and tech-savvy people.  

### Process  

A typical engineering and construction project involves not only multiple companies, but also different departments within a company. The brief time a team spends working on a project is usually too short to have an incentive to embrace new (digital) methods. When you have a job to do, it is easier to use the methods you are familiar with than to develop a new one of which you don’t know if it will work in advance. Moreover, projects in the E&C industry vary greatly, which makes construction companies struggle to implement digital tools that can be applied on multiple projects. And, next to uncertainty about reusability, there is also a battle for the limited R&D budgets within the construction industry, especially compared to other sectors, like aerospace or automotive. 

![00.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/00_cc833208b3.png)

*Use of digital technologies per sector in %* 

This results in departments that keep on doing their own part of the implementation, with poorly structured communications between departments. Information sharing is slow and haphazard, resulting in different versions of reality. Digital transformation can solve this problem and, at the same time, help to capture and analyse data more effectively and more efficiently.  

![blog 1a 0.png](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/blog_1a_0_da770a29f8.png)

*The impact of digital solutions on multidisciplinary communication: scattered (left) vs centred (right)* 

## What should the digital transformation look like? 

So how could the digital transformation help relieve the pressure on the industry? Digital technology holds much untapped promise for improving the E&C industry. The digitization of workflows is a good place to start. But what should a digital transformation look like? We tried to formalize this in four steps, which iterate continuously rather than as one-time actions. 

### 1. Matching technology to process 

The first step is proper matching, both with people and process. You need to match new digital technologies not only with the current workflow you want to digitize, but you must also take the human aspect into account. Within a firm this match usually has two points of origin. One is top-down, where management introduces a new technology. The other is bottom up, where an employee (for example an engineer) introduces a new tool within the workflow. This matching should not only be done internally, but also with an external focus. Many E&C companies employ contractors who will be working with the tool, or customers who want to view information about the status of a project, so it should be workable for them as well. 

### 2. Create new job aspects 

The second step is one of creating new job aspects. If you introduce a digital solution to the workflow, the engineer who helped to introduce it, is also the one that takes care of it. This adds a whole new aspect to their engineering job by becoming a bit of a programmer as well, part of the time. 

### 3. Introduce a new value mindset 

With this shift to also being part programmer and product owner of the digital product, the engineer just helped with building a new mindset for value creation. Where the conventional engineering process delivers value in a linear fashion, a digital way of working often does not. In classical engineering, every step adds value. With programming, the initial steps usually lay down the groundwork. Value is created, usually exponentially, at the end of development. Because results are not immediately visible, it is important to make sure this process is understood throughout your organization. 

### 4. Process changes 

By introducing a digital solution to the workflow, data can be centralized and democratized. Information becomes more accessible for everyone in the organization, which fundamentally changes the way E&C firms work. From this centralization, new ideas and tools are enabled to grow. Additionally, since the value delivery process is not linear anymore, new ways of working will be needed, such as Scrum. Because the focus also shifts from linear value creation to measuring exponential outcomes of the tool developed, companies need to start thinking about maximizing return on investment from their digitization efforts as well. 

 
![Blog 1a 02.svg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_1a_02_dcb06d1bfc.svg)
 

## Opportunities 

The engineering and construction industry is one of significant long-term costs and low margins. Transforming project initiation, such as the design process, financing, and procurement can yield a 10 to 30% reduction in engineering hours. This can, for example, be achieved using [generative design](link). Within the construction process itself, a 5 to 10% reduction in building cost can be achieved through the implementation of [Building Information Modelling (BIM)](link) as well. And when a project is finished, a 10 to 20% reduction in operations and asset management cost can be achieved by continuously using this BIM system too. The digital transition of an E&C company could even aide in decommissioning, as a more efficient process could reduce the decommissioning hours between 5 to 10%.  

 ![Blog 1a 03.svg](https://cms.viktor.ai/uploads/Blog_1a_03_40c9bb0e21.svg)

*Ways to realize value from investing in new technologies within the E&C industry*

By implementing technological advancements, you can improve your bottom line and make better use of the resources you have, distinguish yourself from the competition, and gain a competitive advantage. 

*This is the first in a series of blog posts about the digital transformation within the engineering and construction industry. Following articles will dive deeper into the available technologies, the problems engineering companies face, processes, solutions and more. We will talk about how you can make professional engineering solutions that everyone can use, as well as on how you can [build parametric design tools](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software) using Python and common engineering software like Grasshopper, Dynamo, SCIA, RFEM and IDEA StatiCa.*

**Want to know exactly what you need to get the digital transformation of your E&C company going? Download our whitepaper now!**



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Discover how you can boost digital transformation in your organization in the engineering and construction industry on VIKTOR.ai

Digital Transformation in Engineering and Construction | VIKTOR.ai

Digital Transformation in Engineering and Construction

## New software solutions 

Technosoft is known foremost from their constructive calculation software, which can be tailored to an individual customer’s needs and used to facilitate and accelerate parts of their job. Since the construction industry is changing, Technosoft wants to offer more than only the standard software solutions by focussing on new topics such as BIM, [parametric design](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction), [Cloud](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software), and [AI](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-engineering-construction) as well.  

>“As a supplier in this market, you are no longer the only solution. It is important to keep creating new and more integral solutions. Therefore, we saw a partnership with VIKTOR as a great opportunity to join forces and bring parties together.” – Bart Zwager, Commercial Director at Technosoft.  

## It’s not about the size 

A trend that both VIKTOR and Technosoft have noticed is that a lot of small companies think they are not able to implement these new and more integral solutions successfully.  

>“They say it will be too much work, that different software products cannot integrate and collaborate well with each other, and that customized solutions are way too expensive and high maintenance. Smaller companies think that only large companies with a lot of technical knowledge and employees have the capacity to apply new digital solutions.” – Bart Zwager, Commercial Director at Technosoft 

By integrating Technosoft software with the VIKTOR platform, we facilitate people in quick and easy development of customized and accessible applications for everyone. This makes our clients future proof in a fast changing digital world. This enables organisations to improve operational excellence, adopt new technologies like parametric design and [AI](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-engineering-construction).  This makes them more competitive by finding better solutions quicker. 

## Democratization of digital solutions 

Both VIKTOR and Technosoft share the same goal: facilitate people in doing their job. VIKTOR does this by being a platform that provides digital building blocks to quickly build custom applications. Technosoft does this by building these custom web-based applications on the VIKTOR platform  which integrate with their calculation software. By also hosting the Technosoft software on the VIKTOR platform, people can also build their own applications that integrate with Technosoft completely to their own desire to create a tool that can be used to centralize data, automate and optimize design processes, and collaborate with other people. 

>“We want to be more than only a supplier of software packages by broadening our scope and looking at how we can be of assistance for the total work package of constructors. These people must deliver good quality work by lots of things, from doing calculations to staying connected with the engineering and construction  industry and staying in touch with construction companies. These are all aspects of the job that can be facilitated with a custom-made application in some way. By integrating our software with the VIKTOR platform, we want to provide people with the right tools for this.” – Bart Zwager, Commercial Director at Technosoft. 

## To be continued 

Currenlty, multiple applications are being developed on the VIKTOR platform that help automate parts of the engineering  process, using software such as Technosoft Raamwerken. Technosoft Raamwerken can be compared to structural analysis software such as D-Foundations and SCIA. It allows you to model and , analyse, and 3D structures and is mostly used in the buidling sector. More details on these projects will be discussed in subsequent articles, so stay tuned! 

We look forwards to these upcoming projects and the collaboration with Technosoft! 

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Technosoft and VIKTOR partner to provide better cloud-based solutions

1. What is parametric design, and how is it evolving
2. Collaborative parametric design: working together for better results
3. How to make tools available to others
4. Active collaboration on parametric design tools
5. Parametric design in a billion-euro project
6. What collaborative parametric design means for you



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The adoption of parametric design grows exponentially thanks to friendly programming languages like Python or visual programming packages like Dynamo or Grasshopper.
 
Our perception is changing. We no longer see parametric design as a model to solve specific technical problems, but rather as a new way of working, in which stakeholders collaborate to find the best solution for a project.

Learn about the latest trends and the future of parametric design in this white paper

Collaborative parametric design models allow you to work together for better solutions

Download the white paper and get INSPIRED

Did you know parametric design models are no longer just used to solve specific technical problems, but rather as a new way of working? Read here how stakeholders use parametric design to collaborate and find the best solutions for their projects!

The Future of Parametric Design is COLLABORATION

Artificial Intelligence

## Automating and optimizing construction sites

By joining the design process from an early stage on, Voorbij is able to assists their clients by thinking along and optimizing results. BASE Foundation Technology (FT) plays an important role in this, as it is used to automate all kinds of processes on construction sites, from sketch design to execution, and functions as a database for logging all Voorbij’s project data. BASE FT currently consists of three pointers: The applications on the VIKTOR platform, Voorbij’s machinery, and the database. By applying [Machine Learning techniques](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/python-artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-automation-application-development) on this, Voorbij is able to predict, improve, and optimize future projects. Voorbij is also looking to expand this network by adding more external applications from other companies. 

> “It is important that BASE FT can be used to link other applications and disciplines to your processes” – Mark Remijnse, Head Sales at Voorbij Funderingstechniek

## Contributing to a sustainable future

By now, it is no secret that AI can be used to analyse data and automate processes anymore. However, Voorbij is stepping up the game by using their VIKTOR application to optimize processes in such a way that it not only contributes to a more efficient way of working but a more sustainable future as well. Their application can for example be used to exactly calculate the number of materials needed, thus reducing material waste. Additionally, they can use the application to decrease the number of crane days and truck movements, speeding up projects and reducing fuels. Furthermore, the application can be used to generate the optimal design within seconds using as little construction material as possible, leading to both a reduction of production costs and CO2 emissions.

## Great side-effects

Before, Voorbij’s design process consisted of a series of manual actions and designs were generated based on experiences. With their [parametric design application](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/46/parametric-design-cloud-engineering-construction) on the VIKTOR platform, Voorbij is able to calculate and optimize designs within moments of time, leaving more valuable time to take on complex projects. Voorbij’s engineers are now able to share their knowledge, advise clients, and optimize design from an early stage on in the project. Because there is more capacity to optimize, Voorbij was able to use their application to reduce materials to their best extend. Thanks to this, they have already reduced CO2 emissions by more than two tons and lower construction costs as well. Beneficial for the client, for Voorbij themselves, and for a sustainable future!

> “Before, we were mostly doing calculations. Now we are able to put a lot of effort on advising. You can use your cleverness and really add value to a project this way.” – Wiebren Koers, Geotechnical Advisor at Voorbij Funderingstechniek



Read more about Voorbij's work:
- [Pile Foundation application 1.0](https://www.viktor.ai/customer-cases/7/digital-transformation-python-pile-foundations)
- [Pile Foundation application 3.0](https://www.viktor.ai/customer-cases/34/automation-parametric-design-python-digitization)
- [Machine Learning to estimate drive time](https://www.viktor.ai/blog/40/python-artificial-intelligence-machine-learning-automation-application-development)

Or see how you can [build your own parametric design application](https://www.viktor.ai/parametric-design-software) with VIKTOR.

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Learn how Voorbij FT used AI to create a smart app for the automation and optimization of construction processes on VIKTOR.ai

Smart app for sustainable future of construction | VIKTOR.ai

Smart application contributes to a sustainable future of construction

1. An introduction to Artificial Intelligence
2. Artificial Intelligence vs Machine Learning
3. AI and ML in organizations
4. Building a Machine Learning application
5. About VIKTOR

artificial intelligence AI machine learning ML engineering construction

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artificial intelligence machine learning engineering construction

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What exactly is artificial intelligence? 
What are the four types of AI? 
How does artificial intelligence differ from machine learning? 
And what are the different types of ML?

In this White Paper, we will answer all of these questions and more about the topic.

Find out how you can use AI to improve and automate (engineering) processes within your organization and learn how to build a machine learning application yourself as we guide you through the following chapters:

1. An introduction to Artificial Intelligence
2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
3. AI and ML in organizations
4. Building a Machine Learning application
5. About VIKTOR

Find out how you can use Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to automate engineering processes!

Artificial Intelligence in Engineering and Construction


>“We are very enthusiastic about this collaboration! Together with our business ProductOwner and a ‘Coding Engineer’ we are exploring this collaboration in the development of the underwater concrete floors application. Quite exciting, with questions as ‘what is generic and suited for shared development?’ versus ‘where do we secure our own IP?’ It is clear that this kind of automation is necessary. The exploration surrounds the question: What can we do together? And with that faster and cheaper?” – Mark van den Brink, Digital Transformation Lead at WSP 

## From idea to proposal
 
In a few sessions with the participating parties, the four ideas have been worked out into the following proposals:

### Crane hardstand

The purpose of this development is enabling engineers to determine the stability of crawler- and outrigger cranes, including the design of possible needed ground improvement, fast and easy to decrease the changes of tripping over. Within the application, cranes can be inserted parametrically, from which the maximal ground pressure can be determined. CPT’s (.gef files) can easily be uploaded as well. These are directly interpreted to a schematized overview of the soil layout. From there on, the stability can be determined through an integration with D-Foundations (shallow foundations). 

### Floor on piles

Many infrastructural objects consist of a concrete foundation- and floor. With this development, an optimal design of the combination floor and piles can easily be generated, including the ideal reinforcement configuration. A constructor can use this application to easily link the force effect from a finite element model (e.g. SCIA) to a cut test (e.g. IDEA StatiCa). Additionally, the pile plan can be varied to find the optimal configuration between plate reinforcement and piles. 

### Sheet piles/Construction pits

To realize construction and (temporarily) turn ground, we use sheet piles and construction pits. The purpose of this development is to parametrically design sheet piles and integrate these with anchors, underwater concrete floors, outrigger frames, etc. Within this application, the sheet pile is tested through an integration with D-SheetPiling, which enables the fast calculation of different cuts and variants.

### Underwater concrete floors

Underwater concrete is, amongst others, used for underground parking garages, underpasses, and tunnels. This development fits nicely with sheet piles/construction pits. With the application, a design of a floor including anchorage is parametrically designed to automatically generate the optimal configuration. The underwater concrete floors are tested conform the CUR77. The carrying capacity of the anchors/piles is determined through an integration with D-Foundations. 

## How to participate? 

To turn the development ideas into concrete proposals, a few in-depth sessions were organized to come up with ‘user stories’ that form the basis of every application’s functionality. Based on the user stories, a development plan and associated estimation of the costs can be determined. In March, the first definitive proposals will be sent to the entire community. Every party that is interested in joining one or more of the development proposals can sign up.

>“It’s like the old saying “many hands make light work”. Especially with crane hardstands. We all have the same goal in mind, which is safety. This is something we should take on together, so that we can quickly develop a good tool that helps us check the stability of cranes.” – Arie-Jan Tol, Team Lead at engineering firm Hektec
 
## What is the DEC?

*Accelerated digitization through collaboration*

The DEC is thé digital meeting point for the construction and infra sector, where ideas for software development come together, are started up, and accelerated. 

We share our knowledge so that we can work together to invent the wheel, make it easier to finance the (engineering) process, and offer smart and high-quality solutions. 

The initiators are Ballast Nedam, BAM, Boskalis Nederland, Dura Vermeer, Heijmans, Mobilis, Van Oord, VIKTOR, VolkerWessels. Antea Group, CRUX, Hektec, RPS, Tauw, and WSP are now a part of the DEC as well.


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The Digital Engineering Community is expanding and has 4 new development proposals for engineering automation apps early 2022. Join now!

VIKTOR Blog

Expansion DEC brings 4 development proposals early 2022