Project Engineer
NESPRESSO SWISS
Optimising factory expansion through BIM 4D
Leader in portioned coffee, Nespresso specializes in high-quality coffees, machines, and accessories. Since its creation in 1986, Nespresso has established itself as a symbol of quality and excellence. As part of the Swiss Nestlé Group, the multinational corporation has revolutionised the way we enjoy our cup of coffee.
Project Stakes and Objectives
In February 2022, Nestlé Nespresso wanted to assess the possibilities of expanding roasted coffee storage on their existing site. The envisioned investment by the brand should enable an increase in the storage of roasted coffee supplied from the existing roasters.
The objective of this project lay in the capacity of Nespresso’s future unit to transfer roasted coffee from roasters to production lines.
However, the project presented some technical challenges: the unit consisted of 2 silos groups, each group consisting of about thirty silos, which must fit into an existing building, in a restricted space, while maintaining the operation of the factory without disrupting it.
Our Solution: BIM 4D to Add a New Dimension to the Project
To best meet the company’s expectations and challenges, we chose BIM 4D, which appeared to us as the ideal solution to successfully carry out this project.
The first step was to create a 3D model composed of over 30,000 objects. Developed six months before the start of the project, thanks to this model, we had a detailed visual representation of the factory, which gave us the opportunity to plan and adjust every detail, from equipment placements to the overall configuration of the installation. It also allowed us to visualise the final version of the project with dimensions, equipment, and how everything would be assembled.
Simultaneously, a thorough planning was conducted to provide a reference framework for future stages. Its objective was to define tasks, deadlines, and all necessary resources for the project, thereby creating a strategic guide for the teams involved.
Finally, the integration of BIM 4D, or Building Information Modeling 4D, was crucial. This step required meticulous configuration. The use of Navisworks software proved essential: on one hand, it integrates the 3D model, and on the other hand, it incorporates planning, forming a synergy between time management and the visual representation of the project. The addition of this fourth temporal dimension offered a dynamic perspective that revolutionised project management, allowing for real-time visualisation of the site and simulation of its progress. In the context of Nespresso’s project, BIM 4D has proved to be a valuable resource for our teams:
- Our designers could model each new structure
- Engineers could precisely plan equipment installation
- Project managers simulated real-time progress
Strategic Planning for Optimised Project Management
By offering an innovative solution, BIM 4D, Igenium significantly improved its project management approach. By establishing a common knowledge base for all involved teams, it created essential cohesion and a better understanding of the project’s objectives.
This solution also provided us with the opportunity to regularly send models and simulations to Nespresso teams so they could concretely visualise the project’s progress and anticipate upcoming stages. Nespresso project managers were thus able to benefit from a visualization of the 4D models, from initial excavation to unit completion, even from the other side of the world. The 4D schedule provided a comprehensive perspective on progress and installation level, allowing for tracking of project progression. This functionality enabled us to precisely monitor the project’s evolution from start to finish, offering an overall view of each crucial stage.
Anticipated Challenges and Maximised Opportunities
BIM 4D proved to be a valuable resource for the Nespresso project. Thanks to this innovative technology, we were able to model the project in a realistic temporal perspective, anticipating and resolving potential conflicts before they materialised on-site. During project modelling, we addressed various project issues, thus anticipating all risks.
Regular simulations conducted by our team contributed to identifying potential friction points, whether logistical delays or space conflicts. This way, we were able to take corrective measures before they impacted the construction progress. Through proactive conflict management, the project maintained its course, meeting the set deadlines.
The Project’s Articulation Over Time
This large-scale project was articulated in several phases: studies, procurement, delivery, and installation of all project equipment, as well as assistance with unit start-up.
Thus, equipment installation was completed around early November 2023, followed by the provisional acceptance phase of the unit.
Olivier Gibey’s Experience, Project Engineer at Nespresso :
“Igenium was able to focus on a decisive point for us: safety. Indeed, the main challenge of the project was to transport materials and equipment through a logistics zone and then set them up at the destination. All of this was made possible thanks to BIM 4D technology, which allowed us to anticipate every potential danger or difficulty. A real plus for this project.
Besides their rigour, we will remember Igenium for their proactivity and innovation, which allowed us to discover new processes and technologies.“
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