From a handful of panels to thousands annually. Digital Building Components (DBC) scaled their prefabricated wall panel operation without sacrificing precision or quality. The key? Digital tools that automate design complexity and connect seamlessly to their factory floor, in conjunction with innovative prefab delivery methods.
In this customer spotlight, we’re excited to share how DBC leverages Strucsoft Metal to design and fabricate high-quality prefabricated wall panels speedily and reliably.
The Company
Phoenix-based Digital Building Components (DBC) specializes in prefabricated metal stud framing and panelized exterior wall panel systems. Starting off as an ambitious operation producing a handful of panels, DBC has grown into a leader in the prefab and modular construction sector over a span of 8 years.
By relying on offsite construction methods and moving construction in a factory-controlled setting, DBC is able to build faster and smarter. Furthermore, they’ve created stable, skilled jobs while helping contractors and developers complete projects on time, and on budget.
As Travis McCoy shares:
"The big savings of utilizing prefab vs. conventional framing is the speed to market[...] we’re able to dry in the building a lot faster than conventional framing which means all the other trades, interior drywall, and ultimately the owner gets a fully operational building faster."
Driving Speed and Efficiency in Prefab Construction
To deliver the full value of prefab construction, DBC relies on digital solutions that can handle the complexity of preconstruction design and translate it seamlessly into shop floor data.
Success depends on these essential requirements:
- Effiicent BIM design: Reducing the complexity of framing design in Revit and automating repetitive tasks.
- Coordination and clash detection: Catching errors early on, preventing costly rework during the installation process.
- Quality and consistency: Ensuring every panel meets exact specifications.
- Simplified fabrication: Translating Revit models into readily accessible data for DBC’s roll forming machinery.
Seamless Model-to-Fabrication Powered by Strucsoft Metal
DBC optimizes Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) through Strucsoft Metal’s LGS framing tools, which supports a fully digital, BIM based, fabrication ready environment.
Anand Khede, highlights the core tool:
"The main feature that we use is the Wall Module feature because most of our projects are exterior skin projects where we prefabricate wall panels[...]. [With] the template settings in there, we are able to configure the templates based on the engineering requirements, which are very different on each type of project."
Templates allow DBC to customize framing for specific needs across models, evolving from simple setups to advanced configurations like custom headers.
Favorite features include:
- Marker Lines: Essential for flexible framing adjustments, used for backing (e.g., light fixtures or handrails), CRC channels, punches, and even inclined lines for complex geometries. Cap tracks can also be added via marker lines for quick customization.
- Box Headers: Out-of-the-box options for openings, configurable in the Strucsoft Marker Manager. DBC duplicates and renames these to create variations, applying them to windows or doors for precise, build-up member systems.
This DfMA-focused approach engages DBC early in projects, allowing value engineering for cost and budget savings.
The Impact: Delivering Real Value to Projects and Clients
DBC’s approach yields measurable wins, delivering value to contractors and clients. With the combination of prefab methods and Strucsoft Metal, DBC is:
- Speed to Market: Designing and delivering prefab panels quickly, letting interior trades start sooner with construction, and residents occupy earlier.
- Quality & Consistency: Controlled factory environment ensures precision and repeatability. Teams control every detail, reducing waste and rework.
- Labor Efficiency: Dedicated facility addresses shortages by producing panels nationwide without relying on field labor.
- Client & Trade Benefits: Fewer RFIs, happier clients, and smoother coordination
Watch The Customer Story
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