#estimating lifecycle

[asestimationsconsultants]

From Blueprints to Budgets | The Journey of a Construction Cost Estimating Service

Every successful construction project begins long before any physical work starts. The journey from architectural blueprints to finalized budgets is a critical path paved by expertise, precision, and careful financial planning. At the center of this path lies the construction cost estimating service, a vital link that translates vision into reality by aligning creative designs with financial feasibility.

The Starting Point: Understanding the Project Vision

A construction cost estimating service typically becomes involved early in the design phase. Whether the project involves a residential building, commercial facility, or public infrastructure, the estimator’s first task is to understand the client’s goals and priorities.

This early collaboration involves:

Reviewing the initial blueprints or conceptual drawings

Gathering project-specific data like site conditions, location, and timeline

Discussing key design elements, materials, and performance expectations

The better the understanding of the design intent, the more accurate the initial cost projection will be.

Converting Concepts into Preliminary Estimates

Once the basic parameters are set, the construction cost estimating service begins generating early-stage cost estimates. These are often referred to as conceptual or preliminary estimates.

Key elements at this stage include:

Broad unit pricing based on historical data and similar projects

Square footage estimates for building systems

Allowances for unknowns and contingencies

Though not extremely detailed, these early estimates help clients gauge financial feasibility and secure preliminary approvals or funding.

Refining Estimates Through Design Development

As the project moves from schematic design into design development, drawings become more detailed—and so do the estimates. At this point, the construction cost estimating service digs deeper.

Tasks in this phase often involve:

Quantity takeoffs for specific materials and components

Supplier and subcontractor quotes for pricing validation

Adjustments based on engineering inputs or regulatory requirements

This iterative refinement process ensures the project evolves in line with the available budget, preventing costly surprises down the road.

Building a Detailed Budget from Final Construction Documents

When construction documents are complete, the estimator prepares a fully itemized estimate. This final preconstruction budget becomes the baseline for decision-making, bidding, and financing.

This comprehensive estimate typically includes:

Labor costs by trade

Material pricing by category

Equipment needs and durations

Overhead, insurance, permits, and profit margins

At this point, the construction cost estimating service provides a granular financial map of the entire build, enabling stakeholders to plan with confidence.

Supporting the Bidding and Procurement Process

Once the detailed estimate is approved, the project moves into the bidding phase. The construction cost estimating service remains actively involved to ensure the procurement process aligns with the budget.

This stage includes:

Preparing bid packages with clear scopes and quantities

Reviewing bids from general contractors and subcontractors

Identifying bid discrepancies or omissions

The estimator’s insights help ensure that the selected bids reflect fair market value and comprehensive scope coverage.

Integrating Cost Estimating with Project Financing

For projects that require external funding, a reliable estimate plays a crucial role in securing loans or investment. Financial institutions often rely on third-party estimates to assess funding requirements and risks.

A construction cost estimating service helps:

Provide lender-ready cost documentation

Break down costs for phased financing or draw schedules

Offer justifications for contingencies and escalation clauses

This financial clarity gives banks and investors the confidence they need to support the project.

Managing Costs During Construction

Even after construction begins, the estimator’s work is not always done. Construction cost estimating services often assist with cost tracking, change management, and budget updates throughout the build.

During construction, services may include:

Evaluating change orders and their cost impacts

Reforecasting budgets based on real-time data

Identifying cost-saving opportunities during execution

Their ongoing involvement ensures the project stays on financial track, especially when dealing with unexpected conditions or design changes.

The Final Phase: Closeout and Cost Reconciliation

Once the project nears completion, the construction cost estimating service may assist in reconciling actual costs against the original budget. This retrospective analysis provides valuable insights for future projects.

Activities at this stage may include:

Final cost reports and comparison to estimate

Evaluation of cost variances

Documentation for auditing or post-project review

The outcome is a clear record of where money was spent and how closely the project adhered to the original financial plan.

Why This Journey Matters

The journey from blueprints to budgets is more than just a series of calculations. It’s a dynamic process of collaboration, adjustment, and informed decision-making. A skilled construction cost estimating service ensures that every line on a blueprint has a corresponding cost that reflects current market conditions, project goals, and stakeholder expectations.

By providing clear and accurate cost data at every stage, the estimating service supports:

Better design decisions

Realistic project timelines

Stronger contractor relationships

Greater financial accountability

Conclusion

The construction cost estimating service is a behind-the-scenes guide that ensures a project’s financial path is just as solid as its structural foundation. From the first conceptual sketch to the final payment, estimators turn vision into viable, budget-conscious execution. Their expertise not only safeguards budgets but also empowers owners and builders to move forward with clarity, confidence, and control.

[reasonsforhope]

Green energy is in its heyday. 

Renewable energy sources now account for 22% of the nation’s electricity, and solar has skyrocketed eight times over in the last decade. This spring in California, wind, water, and solar power energy sources exceeded expectations, accounting for an average of 61.5 percent of the state's electricity demand across 52 days. 

But green energy has a lithium problem. Lithium batteries control more than 90% of the global grid battery storage market. 

That’s not just cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, and tools. Scooters, e-bikes, hybrids, and electric vehicles all rely on rechargeable lithium batteries to get going. 

Fortunately, this past week, Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. 

“Sodium-ion batteries offer a unique alternative to lithium-ion, with higher power, faster recharge, longer lifecycle and a completely safe and stable chemistry,” said Colin Wessells — Natron Founder and Co-CEO — at the kick-off event in Michigan. 

The new sodium-ion batteries charge and discharge at rates 10 times faster than lithium-ion, with an estimated lifespan of 50,000 cycles.

Wessells said that using sodium as a primary mineral alternative eliminates industry-wide issues of worker negligence, geopolitical disruption, and the “questionable environmental impacts” inextricably linked to lithium mining. 

“The electrification of our economy is dependent on the development and production of new, innovative energy storage solutions,” Wessells said. 

Why are sodium batteries a better alternative to lithium?

The birth and death cycle of lithium is shadowed in environmental destruction. The process of extracting lithium pollutes the water, air, and soil, and when it’s eventually discarded, the flammable batteries are prone to bursting into flames and burning out in landfills. 

There’s also a human cost. Lithium-ion materials like cobalt and nickel are not only harder to source and procure, but their supply chains are also overwhelmingly attributed to hazardous working conditions and child labor law violations. 

Sodium, on the other hand, is estimated to be 1,000 times more abundant in the earth’s crust than lithium. 

“Unlike lithium, sodium can be produced from an abundant material: salt,” engineer Casey Crownhart wrote ​​in the MIT Technology Review. “Because the raw ingredients are cheap and widely available, there’s potential for sodium-ion batteries to be significantly less expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts if more companies start making more of them.”

What will these batteries be used for?

Right now, Natron has its focus set on AI models and data storage centers, which consume hefty amounts of energy. In 2023, the MIT Technology Review reported that one AI model can emit more than 626,00 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

“We expect our battery solutions will be used to power the explosive growth in data centers used for Artificial Intelligence,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron. 

“With the start of commercial-scale production here in Michigan, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable battery energy storage.”

The fast-charging energy alternative also has limitless potential on a consumer level, and Natron is eying telecommunications and EV fast-charging once it begins servicing AI data storage centers in June. 

On a larger scale, sodium-ion batteries could radically change the manufacturing and production sectors — from housing energy to lower electricity costs in warehouses, to charging backup stations and powering electric vehicles, trucks, forklifts, and so on. 

“I founded Natron because we saw climate change as the defining problem of our time,” Wessells said. “We believe batteries have a role to play.”

-via GoodGoodGood, May 3, 2024

--

Note: I wanted to make sure this was legit (scientifically and in general), and I'm happy to report that it really is! x, x, x, x

[regular-gnome]

huh...

So when the Archivist find a planet capable of sustaining life but currently without life, they... Release single celled organisms? ...Just to archive them in the future? That's so odd to me.

Why not just wait, is archiving some sort of deep-seated urge or instinct that they NEED to do? Isn't it counterproductive to not just let life naturally develop, or is artificially creating new life apart of the reason they exist?

The short answer (its kinda a tdlr, the text got long)

So life develops slowly and needs stable conditions, what is hader when things like stars have finite lifespans (our Sun is already halfway through!). The Starchildren can’t create life or bring it back, and not all planets have the right conditions for it to start in time when planet is habitable, but might adapt once it’s there. They treat planets bit like gardens in a region where apocalypses are common, with the Archive serving as a storage for seeds, saplings, and tools. Its more usable and not as much lifeless museum of life

Most planets do well on their own, so only parts are collected but beyond that left alone, and some are destroyed or struggle to progress beyond microbes. In those cases, they might step in to improve conditions or remove threats. Sometimes, they just observe how life adapts to what chaos it has. If it can.

There are also personal reasons for work, things like attachment or desire for control, but their mission began when the first life-sustaining planet was destroyed, leaving them alone in the void believing everything was lost forever. When life SLOWLY re-emerged on other worlds, they began preserving and protecting it, spreading across the void.

Long answer under the cut

Life in general develops extremely slowly. Earth is around 4.5 bln years old (Ga), it's estimated that it took around 1,1Ga to go from anoxygenic bacteria to aerobic bacteria (after some ox producing bacteria ruined the party for all those who couldnt deal with it, also called Great Oxygenation Event). From there, it took roughly 0,5 Ga for eukaryotic cells to develop. Shortly after (like 0.1 Ga), life transitioned from single-celled to multicellular organisms. In comparison it took 1.7 Ga for evolution to progress from algae to humans—about 1.6x faster than the journey from primordial soup to microbes

There could be planets capable of supporting life that are just off the mark, preventing organic material from developing well enough. Some might have all the right conditions but lack the right combination of energy sources, maybe too far from a star, maybe something else. But, once life forms and we get a "Last Universal Common Ancestor" (LUCA) It could spiral to the point where, as on Earth, almost no surface remains untouched by life (you really don’t want to know how many bacteria are on your phone). But thats only really because life got a really good footing here. If a catastrophic event wiped out all complex life, bacteria adapted to extreme would probably be fine and maybe evolve further.

If primitive cells formed under specific conditions and those suddenly changed, all that progress could halt or go back entierly to a primordial soup (Going with the Heterotrophic Theory, this is my gen favourite term for this, soup). And there is another aspect. Suns are not eternal; our sun, at ~4.5 Ga, is already halfway through its lifecycle before becoming a red giant. At that point, Earth will lose its "habitable" status. If Earth went through a hard reset, and assuming everything went the same, next intelligent life might be one witness their star’s death, sooo there is a finite window of habitability.

Each evo step is faster than the last one, Archivists intervene at mostly early stages making the beginning bit smoother, more controlled. They aim to make planets with potential more habitable or stoping them from losing it. For example they might create an atmosphere if one lacks it but is otherwise perfect, and past that let life develop naturally.

And even with perfect conditions, factors like astronomical events could mess up whole process. In the infinite space it's not really a question of if but more which planet heads into a catastrophe, so they stay around. Archive functions like a backup, preserving progress where possible. If a planet faces extinction, they might change the enviroment, whatever is esponsible for it, maybe introduce creatures more capable of surviving—or even short-lived organisms, some that arent meant to survive but will provide enough short term nutrients for the native organisms to pull through.

That being said they usually try to avoid too much interferance, sometimes its just patching up small element before it becomes an problem. But sometimes they will just stay clear. If one is doing okay or particularly fascinating they'll stay back and watch how it adapt to the unique environments. World where due to temperatures the only habitable zone is on the edge of a star’s light? Organisms adaptation might give some insight for future and give templates for backing up similar ecosystems elsewhere. But there are limits to their interference. If saving a planet requires more effort than its results justify, they let it fade, something Wayfarer was upset about

There’s also a personal element. Archivists sometimes release life forms they’re familiar with—ancestors of creatures they once befriended. While they know these won’t develop into the same beings, it’s comforting to see familiar traits re-emerge (and to know how to deal with them). When universe is so hellbend on reminding of inevitable end, its a small victory.

Those are some words about methods, when it comes to why they even start its bit diffrent. The Starchildren’s mission stems from witnessing the first total extinction of life on a first developed planet. Unable to create life or reverse what had happened, they were confronted with the vast emptiness of the void and believed all was lost, that was it. And then saw the painfully SLOW emergence of life elsewhere, collectors agreed on a mutual goal to prevent life fading out of existance, not taking for granted it will work out. Bit ironic joke of fate that ones suited to live in isolation of void are also one to seek company. When the only other comapny is one that lives in blink of an eye its easy for the unguided Starchildren with almost divine power develop some quirks and complexes (not an excuse, just a reason).

But maybe its by design, just the right trait to have something always watching tirelessly over the gardens, ensuring there is someone there. I wouldn't say there isn't a quiet internal push for it, a drive that took root in the right environment and grew into a lifelong mission. Magic, like energy, isn’t created—it once formed part of Everything. When Everything awakened, it wanted to be more, sought to ensure there would always be something

[flowerishness]

Campanula medium (Canterbury bells)

Canterbury bells are a biennial plant. They have a two-year lifecycle and they typically flower and set seed in the second year. They're noted for a four month long flowering season and do well as a cut flower in a vase. Originally from southern Europe, this flower has been cultivated in gardens since the 16th century. It is now 'naturalized' in most European countries and is slowly spreading in North America.

We planted our first Canterbury bells in Vancouver decades ago, and these flowers are their distant descendants. Obviously Canterbury bells can self-seed and move around. I certainly didn't plant that last one in a pot on the back deck. I don't think the climbing rose (the original tenant) really appreciates Campanula medium in it's personal space. This leads us to a complicated, philosophical question: When does a 'naturalized' plant become an 'invasive' plant?

Canterbury bells are showing up on various US state Invasive Species lists (California, Montana, Washington State) and have been seen growing on roadsides, far from the nearest flower bed. It's estimated that worldwide, 70% of 'naturalized/invasive' plants are garden escapees or deliberately introduced by humans. Let's just call this modern state of affairs, "The Sisterhood of the Travelling Plants" and leave it at that.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Anthropocene Magazine:

People who follow a diet rich in plants cut their mortality risk by almost a third, while simultaneously slashing the climate impact of their food by a similar amount. These results come from the largest study ever to analyze the health and environmental impacts of the widely-publicized EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet. 

Launched in 2019, the EAT-Lancet Commission brought together reams of research to determine what would be the best way for us to eat on a global scale, to limit the environmental impacts of farming and food. The Commission came up with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain and plant-sourced proteins, and lower in—but crucially not excluding—animal-sourced products like meat and dairy milk. That became known as the Planetary Health Diet. 

Until now, however, the benefits of this diet have been explored mainly on a small scale. The new study takes it up a notch. “This is by far the longest term, large study in actual people to look at both the human and planetary health benefits of the Planetary Health Diet,” says Walter Willett, the Fredrick John Stare professor of epidemiology and nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health, and lead author on the research.

His new paper, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, relied on three pre-existing datasets that drew dietary information from over 200,000 American nurses over a 34-year period between 1986 to 2019. All participants were disease-free when the surveying started, and were required to complete a questionnaire every four years on the makeup of their diets. 

To evaluate this vast trove of data, Willett and colleagues first selected 15 indicator foods that captured the span of dietary impacts, including whole fruits, vegetables, and nuts on the lower-impact end; and red meat, processed meat, and dairy on the higher-impact end. Then, they used these foods to develop an index that allowed them to score the nurses’ dietary surveys by how closely they aligned with the EAT-Lancet suggested Planetary Health Diet. Using a lifecycle-analysis, they estimated the environmental impacts of each reported diet according to those 15 indicator foods.

Because the study also recorded a varied set of health outcomes for the participants—everything ranging from cancer to diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and neurodegenerative problems—this allowed Willett and team to correlate participants’ dietary trends with their health over the 34-year period. 

Their analysis left little doubt that those who eat diets richer in plants are also healthier, as well as having a lower environmental footprint. In fact, in the top 10% of participants, whose plant-heavy diets most closely matched the Planetary Health Diet, the risk of premature death due to disease was 23% lower than those in the bottom 10% of the survey. These plant-keen participants showed a 14% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a 10% lower risk of death from cancer, a 28% reduced risk of death from neurodegenerative conditions, and strikingly, a 47% lower death risk from respiratory disease.

Meanwhile, the environmental gains of eating more plants were striking too: their diets produced 29% less in the way of greenhouse gas emissions, required 21% less fertilizer, and 51% less cropland area compared to those whose diets scored lowest in the index. The reduced land use could bring significant further climate gains, if it is turned over to wild habitat again, which would lock in more carbon via new vegetation and undisturbed soils. 

[gook54-blog]

Green Energy’s Dirty Secret: The Copper Fallacy 🧵

The push for electric vehicles (EVs) and solar power is hailed as a climate solution. But beneath the surface lies a growing crisis: copper dependency.

Each EV requires up to 4x more copper than a gas car. Solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage also depend heavily on copper. The IEA estimates copper demand could increase 600% by 2050. But reserves are limited, extraction is destructive, and costs are skyrocketing.

🔍 A recent Earth.com study warns: there simply isn’t enough copper to electrify both developed and developing nations.

So what are we really building? A sustainable future—or a green-painted industrial complex?

⚠️ The Problems:

Toxic mining harms ecosystems & pollutes water

Child labor and poor working conditions in DRC, Chile, Peru

EV batteries often aren't recycled

Grid rebuilds are copper-heavy and economically risky

This isn't clean energy—it's outsourced destruction.

🌍 Carbon Colonialism

Rich nations extract copper from the Global South, leaving behind environmental degradation and human rights violations. Amnesty International has reported widespread child labor in EV supply chains.

🚗 The Case for Hydrogen:

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use far less copper, offer longer ranges, and refuel in minutes. Infrastructure can piggyback on existing gas networks—unlike EV grids that require total copper-dependent overhauls.

🔋 Other low-impact solutions include:

Graphene batteries

Thorium reactors

Compressed air vehicles

💡 What’s the path forward? ✅ Invest in hydrogen infrastructure

✅ Enforce ethical supply chains

✅ Encourage diversified tech development

✅ Educate the public on lifecycle impacts

🌱 Conclusion:

EVs and solar panels aren’t the endgame—they're a stage in a broader conversation. We must challenge greenwashing and support solutions that work for people, planet, and posterity.

[queering-ecology]

video observations under the cut;

narrator begins by doing a land acknowledgment researcher works in the fields of critical geography and queer ecologies defined by the researcher: taking some of the notes from queer theory and applying them to the "so called" natural world (the video doesn't touch on the researcher's use of 'so called' but I am guessing it has to do with the binary we put between natural and ourselves as if we aren't the natural world) queer ecology defined by the video itself: (noun) a series of practices that reimagine nature, biology and sexuality through queer theory

research on sexual orientation and gender expression within the natural world has been limited due to the negative biases about queerness has stood in the way of the work (queer ecology?) i.e. even when researchers noticed homosexual/homosocial (re queer) behavior those papers would not be published that means we do not have the whole picture on these animals and their place in the ecology when we want to do important conservation work or other interventions to help nature researcher applies queer ecology to lesser studied, local wildlife species. (little brown bat and other bat species) (an estimated 35% of sexual behavior in bats is homosexual) in general animals that don't fit our ideas of what we want to see reflected in nature have been ignored--looking deeper into the ecologies themselves, to look at things in relationship and to look at species that arent considered as 'cute' or charismatic or that fit into heteronormativity. animals often don't fit into nuclear families, they have sex for non reproductive purposes.

while Science once called anything not heterosexual unnatural, queer ecologists are starting to uncover how these behaviors are an important part of the lifecycles of many species. queer ecology's role in conservation and preservation--exciting new critical framework to re imagine our relationship to land and rethink about ourselves in our ecologies (backyards and parks) new ideas about how to move forward with protecting our planet the narrator ends the video saying: "queer ecology: it's gonna save the world".

[bimpro123]

The Evolution of BIM: From 2D Drafting to 7D BIM

The construction industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the past few decades, driven by technological advancements. One of the most significant innovations is Building Information Modeling (BIM). What started as simple 2D drafting has evolved into a comprehensive system encompassing multiple dimensions. From design to maintenance, BIM has revolutionized the way we plan, construct, and manage buildings. In this blog, we will explore the journey of BIM from its early days to the highly advanced 7D BIM we see today.

The Era of 2D Drafting: The Beginning

Before the advent of BIM, architects, engineers, and designers relied on 2D drafting techniques. Blueprints and technical drawings were manually created on paper, requiring immense precision and effort. The introduction of computer-aided design (CAD) in the 1960s and 1970s brought a significant shift, allowing professionals to create digital 2D drawings. However, these drawings remained static representations, often leading to errors, miscommunication, and time-consuming revisions. The lack of data integration meant that project information was scattered, leading to inefficiencies in project execution and management.

Moreover, 2D drafting required extensive manual labor for each stage of the design process. Any changes in the design had to be redrawn from scratch, consuming valuable time. Coordination between different teams was also challenging, as changes in one discipline often led to inconsistencies in others. Errors were only discovered during construction, resulting in costly rework and delays. Additionally, quantity take-offs and bill of materials (BOM) had to be calculated manually, increasing the risk of miscalculations and cost overruns.

The Transition to 3D Modeling: A Game Changer

The limitations of 2D drafting led to the development of 3D modeling. In the late 20th century, software like AutoCAD, Revit, and ArchiCAD introduced the concept of three-dimensional design. 3D modeling provided a more realistic and detailed representation of structures, improving visualization and coordination among stakeholders. Architects and engineers could now see their designs in a virtual environment before construction began, allowing for better planning and reducing costly errors.

Unlike 2D drawings, 3D models allowed for a more intuitive understanding of spatial relationships. Teams could detect clashes between different systems, such as plumbing and electrical, before construction, leading to a significant reduction in errors. However, despite the added dimension, it still lacked data integration and intelligence, as it mainly focused on geometry rather than project information management. At this stage, Level of Development (LOD) concepts started emerging, enabling different stakeholders to define and refine the details of the BIM model at different stages of the project lifecycle.

4D BIM: Adding the Time Dimension

The next breakthrough in BIM came with the introduction of the fourth dimension: time. 4D BIM integrates project scheduling with 3D models, enabling stakeholders to visualize the construction sequence over time. This advancement improved project planning, reduced delays, and enhanced collaboration among teams. Contractors could simulate different scenarios, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize construction workflows.

By linking the construction timeline to the 3D model, project managers could anticipate potential issues, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure smoother project execution. 4D BIM allowed teams to see when each component of the project would be constructed, facilitating better coordination between trades and minimizing on-site conflicts. As a result, construction projects became more predictable, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency.

5D BIM: Incorporating Cost Management

Cost estimation has always been a critical aspect of construction projects. 5D BIM brought financial management into the equation by linking cost data with the 3D model and project schedule. This integration provided accurate cost forecasting, real-time budget updates, and improved decision-making. Stakeholders could analyze cost variations, track expenses, and ensure financial control throughout the project lifecycle.

With 5D BIM, cost estimators and project managers could evaluate different design alternatives and their financial impact, ultimately helping in budget optimization and cost-effective decision-making. Cost changes due to material choices, design modifications, or construction sequences could be assessed in real time, preventing budget overruns. Automated quantity take-offs became more efficient and accurate, ensuring that project cost estimates aligned closely with actual construction costs. This real-time tracking of costs made construction more financially transparent, ensuring stakeholders had a clear understanding of budget allocations at every stage.

6D BIM: Enhancing Sustainability and Facility Management

As sustainability became a key focus in the construction industry, 6D BIM emerged to address environmental concerns. This dimension incorporates energy analysis, lifecycle assessment, and sustainability metrics into BIM models. Building owners and facility managers can use 6D BIM to optimize energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and plan for long-term maintenance.

Additionally, it aids in predictive maintenance by providing insights into building performance over time. With real-time data and simulations, sustainability goals such as energy efficiency, material durability, and operational cost reductions can be achieved, ensuring environmentally responsible building designs. Green building certifications such as LEED and BREEAM can be seamlessly integrated into the BIM model, allowing for data-driven decision-making in sustainability planning.

By leveraging 6D BIM, facility managers can track energy consumption, perform preventive maintenance, and monitor the building’s carbon footprint. It enables owners to make data-driven decisions that enhance the building’s efficiency and extend its lifespan, ultimately leading to significant cost savings and environmental benefits. COBie (Construction-Operations Building Information Exchange) standards also play a critical role at this stage, ensuring that asset data is structured and efficiently transferred for use in facility management.

7D BIM: The Future of Building Management

The most advanced stage of BIM, 7D BIM, integrates facility management with real-time data. It allows stakeholders to manage the entire lifecycle of a building, from design to demolition. By incorporating asset management, maintenance scheduling, and IoT integration, 7D BIM enhances operational efficiency and reduces maintenance costs.

Building owners can track the performance of building components, automate maintenance tasks, and ensure long-term sustainability. With the growing adoption of smart buildings and IoT-enabled systems, 7D BIM is paving the way for more connected, efficient, and resilient building management practices. Facility managers can use digital twins of buildings to simulate operational scenarios, predict maintenance needs, and improve asset longevity.

Through integration with IoT, sensors can provide real-time data on occupancy, temperature, and equipment performance, enabling automated responses and predictive maintenance. This not only enhances comfort and safety but also significantly reduces operational costs, making 7D BIM an essential tool for modern building management. Furthermore, as-built BIM models ensure that facility managers have an accurate digital representation of the constructed building, enabling informed decision-making throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Benefits of BIM Evolution:

Here are some expanded benefits of BIM evolution:

Improved Collaboration and Coordination Accurate Quantity Take-Offs and Cost Estimation Reduced Errors, Rework, and Risks Enhanced Time Management and Scheduling Improved Facility Management and Lifecycle Analysis Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Higher Level of Development (LOD) for Better Detailing

Conclusion

The evolution of BIM has transformed the way we design, construct, and manage buildings. From simple 2D drawings to the intelligent and data-driven 7D BIM, the construction industry has embraced a new era of efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more dimensions and capabilities to be integrated into BIM, shaping the future of architecture and engineering. Whether you are an architect, contractor, or building owner, understanding and leveraging BIM is no longer an option but a necessity for success in the modern construction landscape.

‎

[harpagornis]

Compendium of Enantiornithean Late Cretaceous Jaws

Adamantina Formation enantiornithean jaw from Wu et al 2021.

I still remember the Mirarce paper and its authors’ decisions to depict the eponymous bird with a toothless beak. This decision was based on an assumption that, by the Late Cretaceous, most Enantiornithes had lost their teeth, concurrent with increased speciations towards powered flight and large sizes.

Yet, in recent years it has become increasingly clear that there was no “end goal” for the evolution of toothlessness in birds, with many taxa remaining toothed until the very end of the Mesozoic. Thus, no specific reason for the opposite birds to have lost their teeth.

Still, fact of the matter is that very few cranial remains identified as Enantiornithes date to the Late Cretaceous. While most sepcimens are predictably fragmentary, a few are almost complete, rendering this a frustrating puzzle. For example. Neuquenornis retains a fairly complete skeleton aside from the jaws, a skull well preserved aside from the front. Classic spiteful gods.

Hence, I’ve decided to make a small compendium of known enantiornithean jaw material from the Late Cretaceous.

Gobipteryx (and Gobipipus)

A menagerie of materials associated with embryonic Gobipteryx and Gobipipus, Chatterjee et al 2013.

For most of history the most well preserved Late Cretaceous enantiornithean material came from Asia. The taxa Gobipteryx occurs in Campanian-aged deposits of the Gobi Desert, and includes a myriad of exquisitely preserved material ranging from adults to embryonic remains. A lot of our understanding of the lifecycle of Enantiornithes in fact comes from these animals, hatchlings being supreprecocial and able to fly nigh immediately after birth.

Another more controversial taxon is Gobipipus, known from much the same deposits. Its known almost exclusively from embryonic specimens and several researchers have argued that it differs substantially from embryos assigned to Gobipteryx, but this debate is on-going.

Both birds lack teeth, instead having a keratinous beak whose upper jaw curves upwards. The bony components of the beak differ drastically from those of modern birds, with the maxilla being well developed and forming a large part of the upper jaw margin instead of being reduced as in modern birds, and it’s still unclear if it was capable of cranial kinesis like modern birds do. The ecology of these animals is also rather unclear; they come from what were in life arid environments, but some have suggested a piscivorous lifestyle for these birds, which would be in line wth some studies finding them closely related to the piscivorous longipterygids and Halimornis (see supplementary material). Maybe some sort of seagull-like ecology, foraging in desert lakes?

Regardless, this painted a picture for Late Cretaceous Enantiornithes, and no doubt inspired the decision of the peeps on the Mirarce paper. Thankfully, other, more recent discoveries seem to be putting this to rest.

Adamantina Enantiornitheans

More material from Wu et al 2021

The Adamantina Formation dates to the Late Cretaceous, somewhere between the Campanian and the Maastrichtian depending on estimates. A partcular quarry, known as “William’s Quarry”, has wielded a massive amount of fairly well preserved enantiornithean fossils. These birds have not yet been described, but they are so complete that a study about their tooth replacement patterns was even possible.

Unlike the Mongolian birds, these ones clearly have teeth. Curiously, their snout shape is rather similar to that of modern raptors, the jaws ending on a hook. However, unlike contemporary birds like Ichthyornis, these hooks end not in a beak, but still host teeth, which is frankly amazing. I’m assuming they probably were hawk or falcon like animals, but given their rather unique snout morphology a more specialised diet like that of snail kites is also a possibility.

These animals clearly prove that toothed opposite-birds endured until the end of the Mesozoic, and considering avisaurids have typically been reconstructed as raptor-like birds I’m assuming Mirarce probably also had teeth.

Yuornis

Yuornis material from Xu et al 2021.

In 2021 a brand new completed enantiornithean was found in Henan, China. Roughly contemporary to the Mongolian birds, the ensuing phylogenetic study actually groups Yuornis with them, but the authors rejected this as bias due to toothlessness and elected to not make it part of Gobipterygidae.

Like gobipterygids Yuornis lacks teeth, but has a substantially different beak morphology, hence why the reluctance to consider it closely related t them. For starters its maxilla is more reduced (albeit much larger than in modern birds) while its premaxilla approaches the modern condition. Its beak is also rather narrow, and does not curve upwards. Combined with strong wings and perching feet, this seems like a Mesozoic analogue for a small corvid like a jay or magpie. No mentions of cranial kinesis are made, but several palatal elements are similar to more derived birds so it might have been able to do so.

If unrelated to gobipterygids, Yuornis represents a second lineage of toothless opposite-birds. This is not unsual as birds as a whole lost teeth multiple times and the same likely applied to Enantiornithes, but its clear by now that this was not the norm for the last enantiornitheans.

Falcatakely

From O’Connor et al 2020.

Falcatakely was found just two years ago and shows one of the most derived Mesozoic avian beaks of all time, with a maxive maxila and nasal while the premaxila is tiny, the polar opposite of modern birds. Small peg-like teeth line the end of the jaws, while the rostrum itself is deep and curved, resembling that of a toucan. It would then join hornbills and true toucans in the convergent evolution club.

But there’s a reason I left this for last. Several reseachers are not convinced it is actually an enantiornithe, with a viable alternative by Mickey Mortimer being an omnivoropterygid. Sapeornis like birds are known from Falcatakely‘s Maastrichtian locale in Madagascar, but so are pengornithid enantiornitheans (which coincidentaly match O’Connor et al 2020’s phylogenetic results for this bird). In the end, more evidence will be needed to determine it either way.

Conclusion

Its clear that Late Cretaceous Enantiornithes had a wide variety of lifestyles and ecologies, and with that came a variety of jaw anatomies. Some groups did indeed become toothless, but it is patently clear that many toothed species lived all the way to the end.

[elsa16744]

The Business Case for Sustainability: Balancing Profitability and Environmental Responsibility 

Investors have embraced responsible portfolio management strategies to encourage sustainable enterprises and support socio-economic development. Meanwhile, customers refuse to buy from a brand that fails to curb labor malpractices, pollution, waste generation, and petroleum consumption. This post will describe the business case for sustainability to increase awareness about these trends. 

What is Sustainable Business Development? 

A company engages in sustainable business development when it revises its operations, product design, and resource allocation to contribute to social and environmental problem resolution. It is not about pretending to be eco-friendly or slowing industrial progress. Instead, sustainability for business ensures companies can thrive without harming social harmony and Earth’s resources. 

Today, business leaders leverage sustainability consulting services to navigate modern regulations demanding more responsible corporate approaches. Besides, several pressing matters range from safekeeping consumer data to making workplaces more inclusive. 

At the same time, multiple compliance guidelines have overwhelmed managers. So, it is imperative to embrace a tech-led strategy. It will help increase your firm’s compliance across all the major frameworks, like the ones described below. 

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, 

Task force on climate-related financial disclosures (TCFD), 

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), 

And the EU taxonomy. 

How Can a Business Balance Profitability, Ethics, and Sustainability? 

The older the organization, the more challenges you must overcome to go green. An excellent method is multistakeholder brainstorming. Let customers, suppliers, employees, business associates, and investors chime in and provide improvement ideas. 

Another indirect approach involves extensive data gathering, insight extraction, and reporting. Using automated computing systems, companies can monitor the policy dynamics in the target markets and improve specific operations in realistic stages. 

They do not need to transform all practices and risk productivity loss. Since they will utilize data from authoritative sources, their decisions will also have a sound foundation. Available technologies can involve ESG data solutions tailored for private companies, financial materiality estimates, controversy analytics, and risk forecasting tools. 

Finally, leaders, board directors, and the rest must periodically evaluate their business sustainability initiatives. If they notice some strategies becoming obsolete, they must devise appropriate action plans to rectify such issues. 

Advantages of Business Sustainability 

1| Efficient Resource Consumption 

Pollution and carbon risk mitigation require brands to replace conventional energy systems with greener alternatives. This renewable energy transition allows companies to rationalize how they allocate resources to operations. Moreover, they can reduce dependence on public infrastructure for power and water using modern technologies. 

Treating and reusing water might not be suitable for all enterprises. However, the scope of these practices encompasses offices, factories, and post-sales product maintenance. In other words, you want to consider the entire product lifecycle to increase your ESG ratings and positive impact potential. 

Integrating green technology to fulfill the efficient resource consumption requirements makes you more competitive and attracts more investors. Therefore, business profitability increases thanks to sustainability accounting compliance. 

2| Resilient Supply Chains 

Socio-economic and ecological threats limit your enterprise’s growth potential. They endanger the well-being of consumers and supply partners. Consider how environmental problems, political chaos, or social issues hinder free transportation, making timely product delivery more arduous. 

However, brands can voluntarily work toward building a peaceful, green, tolerant, and resilient community. They must collaborate with employees, educators, policymakers, and local stakeholders. After all, most corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects aimed at literacy increase, women empowerment, and cyber safety awareness create opportunities to create a more stable world. 

Aside from social disharmony threats, your supply chain is often vulnerable to fraud, region-specific quality norm inconsistencies, and controversies. You cannot eliminate these risks, but you can reduce the harm they might cause using predictive analysis and contingency plans. Many sustainability frameworks address these aspects in their reporting guidelines. 

3| Long-Term Stakeholder Relationships 

Responsible consumption and a solid supply chain increase an organization’s reputation. Socially conscious customers prefer companies that realize the cost of human-caused industrial activities. Therefore, they want leaders to embrace business sustainability, transparent communication, and ethical human resource practices. 

Simultaneously, social networking sites (SNS) have empowered individuals to voice their disappointment with brands that fail to improve compliance. So, customers will likely stop purchasing from you if you lag behind competitors in sustainable business development. 

Conversely, corporations with adequate CSR programs get loyal customers, free press, positive value association, and investor goodwill. They become leaders in establishing new industry norms while others struggle to understand sustainability accounting principles. 

Precaution: Greenwashing is Not a Business Case for Sustainability 

Consider the following: 

What can anyone do if companies manipulate their financial and carbon disclosures? 

Will investors, regulators, and customers trust other brands who also report on sustainability or ESG performance metrics? 

What types of green claims can an organization include in its marketing campaigns? 

How do we verify that a brand’s reported CSR outcomes are genuine and tangible? 

Can ESG disclosures backfire and expose your company to controversies and misinformation attacks?  

These are legitimate fears expressed by many because of the greenwashing cases. The perpetrators use deceptive verbal and design tactics to boast about on-paper CSR achievements with no on-ground impact. Some claimed they use 100% renewable energy by cunningly omitting crucial reporting elements. Others had suppliers employing child labor in life-threatening working conditions. 

Greenwashing hurts stakeholder trust in ESG, TCFD, and GRI documentation. When one company receives greenwashing allegations, others in the same industry also attract criticism. Sooner or later, the media picks up the story, and the hard-earned brand reputation evaporates into infinity. 

Avoid greenwashing and disassociate with partners, municipalities, and suppliers doing it. 

Conclusion 

Leaders who recognize the significance of sustainable business development are visionaries. They know their business can thrive if the consumers, employees, investors, and regulators are happy with their work. So, the world has witnessed a rekindled interest in ethics-driven corporate attitudes and investment strategies. 

Reducing byproduct generation, enforcing anti-harassment policies, and adopting practical data governance standards make brands more sustainable. Their supply chain resilience increases while more stakeholders trust them. 

Nevertheless, greenwashing risks prevent organizations and investors from unlocking the full potential business sustainability use cases. Therefore, all the stakeholders must be honest with compliance reporting. It is okay if your ESG ratings are low because you can implement initiatives and work with experts to improve them. 

In the end, only transparency matters. Without it, sustainability reporting will become a worthless formality. However, with the proper oversight, the opposite will happen, and your organization will surpass all competitors while solving social and environmental problems.

[ashimbisresearch]

Transforming the Health Landscape: The Global Blockchain in Healthcare Market

The integration of blockchain technology into the healthcare sector is revolutionizing the way medical data is managed, shared, and secured. As the demand for transparent, efficient, and secure healthcare services grows, blockchain offers promising solutions to longstanding challenges.

Understanding Blockchain in Healthcare

Blockchain Technology is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers in a way that ensures the security and transparency of data. In healthcare, blockchain can be used to manage patient records, track pharmaceuticals, ensure the integrity of clinical trials, and streamline administrative processes. The immutable nature of blockchain helps in preventing data breaches, ensuring data accuracy, and enhancing patient privacy.

According to BIS Research, the Global Blockchain in Healthcare Market was estimated to grow to a value of $5.61 billion by 2025, and still the market is showing a steep growth till 2030 witnessing a double-digit CAGR growth rate throughout the forecast period.

Key Market Dynamics

Several factors are driving the growth of the global blockchain in healthcare market:

Data Security and Privacy:

Need for robust data security and privacy solutions.

Healthcare data breaches are a growing concern.

Blockchain's secure, immutable nature protects sensitive patient information.

Interoperability and Data Sharing:

Facilitates seamless data sharing between healthcare providers and systems.

Overcomes current interoperability issues.

Leads to better patient outcomes by providing a comprehensive view of health history.

Supply Chain Transparency:

Tracks the entire lifecycle of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Ensures the authenticity of medications.

Helps combat counterfeit drugs.

Efficient Administrative Processes:

Streamlines various administrative processes, such as billing and claims management.

Reduces fraud and administrative costs.

Support from Regulatory Bodies:

Increasing support from regulatory bodies and governments.

Initiatives by FDA and EMA to explore blockchain for drug traceability and clinical trials boost market growth.

Request for an updated Research Report on Global Blockchain in Healthcare Market Research.

Global Blockchain in Healthcare Industry Segmentation

Segmentation by Application:

Data Exchange and Interoperability

Supply Chain Management

Claims Adjudication and Billing Management

Clinical Trials and Research

Others

Segmentation by End-User:

Healthcare Providers

Pharmaceutical Companies

Payers

Others

Segmentation by Region:

North America

Europe

Asia-Pacific

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

Future Market Prospects

The future of the global blockchain in healthcare market looks promising, with several trends likely to shape its trajectory:

Integration with AI and IoT: The integration of blockchain with artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will enhance data analytics, predictive healthcare, and real-time monitoring.

Expansion of Use Cases: New use cases for blockchain in digital healthcare will emerge, including patient-centered care models, personalized medicine, and enhanced telemedicine services.

Focus on Patient-Centric Solutions: Blockchain will enable more patient-centric healthcare solutions, empowering patients with greater control over their health data and enhancing patient engagement.

Development of Regulatory Frameworks: The establishment of clear regulatory frameworks and industry standards will facilitate the widespread adoption of blockchain in healthcare.

Conclusion

The Global Blockchain in Healthcare Industry is poised for significant growth, driven by the need for enhanced data security, interoperability, supply chain transparency, and efficient administrative processes. By addressing challenges related to regulatory compliance, implementation costs, standardization, and scalability, and leveraging opportunities in technological advancements, investments, partnerships, and government initiatives, the potential of blockchain in healthcare can be fully realized. This technology promises to revolutionize healthcare delivery, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and patient outcomes, and setting new standards for the future of digital health.

[allaboutmarketing4you]

The Future Of Online Shopping

"CNBC Marathon explores how companies like Amazon, Walmart and their competitors are shifting their marketing and business strategies to compete in today’s economy.

Quietly launching its app in September 2022, it only took Temu a few weeks to top app store charts, edging out Amazon, Walmart and even fast-fashion brand Shein. By February 2023, the 5-month-old company made its TV debut during Super Bowl LVII, airing two commercial spots totaling an estimated $14 million. With an annual advertising budget of about $1.4 billion, Temu is focused on aggregating a user base of nearly 100 million people by year-end.

Walmart employs more people than any other company in the world and is the country’s largest grocer. But when it comes to e-commerce, Amazon is the clear leader, with 39.5% of the market share compared to Walmart’s 7%. Now Walmart has ambitious new plans, and new leadership, to try and catch up.

Livestream shopping took China by storm during the pandemic, growing into an estimated $423 billion market in 2022. The trend has caught on more slowly in the U.S., but now Amazon, TikTok, YouTube and Shopify are making big investments in hopes it takes off. CNBC goes behind the scenes with creators like Myriam Sandler to find out what it’s like to sell via livestream, and what it’ll take for the emerging model to become a mainstream way that U.S. consumers shop.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:37 How Temu Makes Money From $10 Smartwatches from China (Published August 2023)

16:57 How Walmart Is Betting Big On Stores To Catch Amazon In E-commerce (Published June 2022)

34:26 Will Live Shopping On TikTok, Amazon And YouTube Take Off In The U.S.? (Published February 2023) "

Source: CNBC

#mktmarketing4you#distributionchannels#HoshinPlanning#Leanmethods#marketing#M4Y#lovemarketing#IPAM#ipammarketingschool#Kanban#ContingencyPlanning#virtual#volunteering#project#Management#Economy#ConsumptionBehavior#BrandManagement#ProductManagement#Logistics#Lifecycle

#Brand#Neuromarketing#McKinseyMatrix#Breakevenanalysis#innovation#Facebook#icebergmodel#EdgarScheinsCultureModel#STARMethod #VRIO #7SFramework #gapanalysis #AIDAModel #SixLeadershipStyles #MintoPyramidPrinciple #StrategyDiamond #InternalRateofReturn #irr #BrandManagement #dripmodel #HoshinPlanning #XMatrix #backtobasics #BalancedScorecard #Product #ProductManagement #Logistics #Branding #freemium #businessmodel #business #4P #3C #BCG #SWOT #TOWS #EisenhowerMatrix #Study #marketingresearch #marketer #marketing manager #Painpoints #Pestel #ValueChain # VRIO #marketingmix

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[sikariatech]

web design company in patna

web design company in patna

In Patna, the capital city of Bihar, India, several website design companies cater to the growing demand for online presence and digital solutions. Choosing the right website design company in Patna involves considering various factors to ensure that your web presence reflects your brand effectively. Here’s an overview of what to look for when selecting a website design company in Patna, encompassed within a 500-word limit:

Local Presence and Reputation: Seek a company with a physical presence in Patna and a positive reputation in the local market. Check their experience working with businesses in the region and their familiarity with the local audience and market trends.

Portfolio and Expertise: Review their portfolio to assess the quality and diversity of their previous work. Look for designs that resonate with your vision and demonstrate creativity, functionality, and responsiveness across various industries.

Client Testimonials and Reviews: Check for client testimonials, reviews, and case studies to understand the experiences of their previous clients. Testimonials can provide insights into the company's reliability, communication, and the ability to deliver on promises.

Technical Expertise and Services: Ensure the company possesses technical expertise in website design, development, and other services you might require, such as SEO, e-commerce solutions, mobile responsiveness, and content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.

Customization and Client-Centric Approach: Look for a company that values client input and offers customized solutions tailored to your business needs. A client-centric approach ensures that the website reflects your brand identity and goals effectively.

Communication and Support: Effective communication is crucial for a successful project. Assess their communication channels, responsiveness to queries, and the willingness to provide regular updates throughout the project lifecycle. Also, inquire about post-launch support and maintenance services.

Cost and Value Proposition: Consider the cost of services in relation to the value provided. While cost is important, prioritize value and quality over a low price. Ensure transparency in pricing and clarity on what services are included in the quoted price.

Timeline and Project Management: Discuss the estimated timeline for project completion and their approach to project management. A reliable company should have a structured project plan and a realistic timeline to meet deadlines effectively.

Local Market Understanding: Look for a company that understands the local market dynamics, cultural nuances, and preferences of the audience in Patna. This understanding can help in crafting a website that resonates well with the target audience.

[sikariatech005]

website design company in patna

website design company in patna

In Patna, the capital city of Bihar, India, several website design companies cater to the growing demand for online presence and digital solutions. Choosing the right website design company in Patna involves considering various factors to ensure that your web presence reflects your brand effectively. Here’s an overview of what to look for when selecting a website design company in Patna, encompassed within a 500-word limit:

Local Presence and Reputation: Seek a company with a physical presence in Patna and a positive reputation in the local market. Check their experience working with businesses in the region and their familiarity with the local audience and market trends.

Portfolio and Expertise: Review their portfolio to assess the quality and diversity of their previous work. Look for designs that resonate with your vision and demonstrate creativity, functionality, and responsiveness across various industries.

Client Testimonials and Reviews: Check for client testimonials, reviews, and case studies to understand the experiences of their previous clients. Testimonials can provide insights into the company's reliability, communication, and the ability to deliver on promises.

Technical Expertise and Services: Ensure the company possesses technical expertise in website design, development, and other services you might require, such as SEO, e-commerce solutions, mobile responsiveness, and content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal.

Customization and Client-Centric Approach: Look for a company that values client input and offers customized solutions tailored to your business needs. A client-centric approach ensures that the website reflects your brand identity and goals effectively.

Communication and Support: Effective communication is crucial for a successful project. Assess their communication channels, responsiveness to queries, and the willingness to provide regular updates throughout the project lifecycle. Also, inquire about post-launch support and maintenance services.

Cost and Value Proposition: Consider the cost of services in relation to the value provided. While cost is important, prioritize value and quality over a low price. Ensure transparency in pricing and clarity on what services are included in the quoted price.

Timeline and Project Management: Discuss the estimated timeline for project completion and their approach to project management. A reliable company should have a structured project plan and a realistic timeline to meet deadlines effectively.

Local Market Understanding: Look for a company that understands the local market dynamics, cultural nuances, and preferences of the audience in Patna. This understanding can help in crafting a website that resonates well with the target audience.

[ruchikalts]

Achieving Cost Savings through Supplier Collaboration in Siemens Teamcenter PLM Software

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, collaboration is the cornerstone of success. This holds true not only within an organization but also across the entire supply chain. Suppliers play a pivotal role in the journey from concept to creation, and their collaboration can yield significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. Teamcenter PLM's supplier collaboration features are transforming the way organizations interact with suppliers, leading to negotiated cost savings, improved procurement processes, and enhanced cost control. In this article, we delve into how Teamcenter PLM is fostering this collaborative spirit, backed by real-world examples.

A New Paradigm in Supplier Collaboration

Gone are the days of transactional relationships between organizations and suppliers. The modern approach is based on collaboration, where suppliers are viewed as strategic partners integral to the success of a project. Siemens PLM Software, with its comprehensive suite of supplier collaboration tools, empowers organizations to seamlessly integrate suppliers into their product development processes.

Negotiated Cost Savings: A Win-Win Scenario

Supplier collaboration in Teamcenter PLM opens the door to negotiated cost savings. When suppliers are brought into the design phase, they can offer valuable insights into cost-effective materials, manufacturing processes, and alternative components. By tapping into their expertise, organizations can optimize designs for cost efficiency without compromising on quality. For instance, a manufacturer collaborating with a supplier might identify a more cost-effective yet equally durable material for a component, resulting in substantial cost savings over the product's lifecycle.

Improved Procurement Processes: Streamlining Efficiency

Procurement is a critical component of the supply chain, and any inefficiencies can lead to increased costs. Teamcenter PLM's Cost Management Software supplier collaboration features streamline procurement processes by providing real-time visibility into supplier capabilities, capacities, and lead times. This enables organizations to make informed decisions about sourcing, reducing the risk of delays and costly last-minute changes. For instance, a company collaborating with a supplier can receive updates on raw material availability, helping them plan their production schedule and avoid costly supply shortages.

Enhanced Cost Control: Data-Driven Insights

Effective cost control requires accurate and up-to-date information. Teamcenter PLM's supplier collaboration features enable organizations to access real-time cost data from suppliers. This transparency empowers procurement teams to make strategic decisions based on actual costs rather than estimates. Furthermore, collaboration with suppliers can help organizations identify cost drivers and areas where cost reductions can be implemented. For instance, a company working closely with a supplier might discover opportunities to consolidate shipments, reducing transportation costs.

Real-World Examples of Success

Real-world examples illustrate the power of supplier collaboration in achieving cost savings. Consider a consumer electronics company partnering with a supplier to design a new smartphone. By collaborating closely, they identify a more cost-effective battery design that doesn't compromise on performance. This leads to reduced manufacturing costs and a competitive edge in the market.

In the automotive industry, a car manufacturer collaborates with a supplier of advanced materials. Together, they explore innovative materials that are not only lightweight but also cost-efficient. This collaboration results in cost savings due to reduced material consumption and improved fuel efficiency in the final product.

Conclusion: Empowering Future Success

Supplier collaboration through Teamcenter PLM software transcends traditional boundaries. It's a strategy that fosters innovation, efficiency, and cost savings. By involving suppliers early in the product development process, organizations can tap into their expertise, optimize designs, and make informed decisions that positively impact the bottom line. As the business landscape continues to evolve, organizations that embrace supplier collaboration are not only achieving cost savings but also laying the foundation for future success and growth.

For Free PLM Software trial, download Siemens Teamcenter PLM software trial!

[marketresearchnews1242]

Floating Wind Turbines Market to Surpass $83.4 Billion by 2034

The floating wind turbines market is undergoing a dramatic transformation as global economies race to decarbonize their energy supply. Valued at US$ 4.9 Bn in 2023, the market is poised to surge at an exceptional CAGR of 29.4% from 2024 to 2034, reaching an estimated US$ 83.4 Bn by the end of the forecast period. Driven by environmental mandates, rapid technological advances, and growing investor confidence, floating wind turbines are gaining traction as a scalable and sustainable solution to meet global energy demands.

A Turning Point in Renewable Energy

One of the key drivers behind the floating wind turbine market growth is the global push to reduce fossil fuel dependency. As countries seek to limit their carbon emissions and increase energy security, investment in renewable energy infrastructure—especially offshore wind—is accelerating. Floating wind turbines offer a solution that overcomes the depth limitations of traditional fixed-bottom offshore turbines, allowing access to high-wind areas in deeper waters.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), offshore wind energy production rose 15% in 2023 compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing momentum in this sector.

Funding the Future: Eco-friendly Floating Wind Farms

Governments and international organizations are increasingly backing floating offshore wind projects with dedicated funding. One notable example is the Floatfarm project, launched in January 2024 by a consortium of 17 partners across eight European countries. Funded by the European Commission with nearly EUR 6 million, the project aims to minimize environmental impacts on marine ecosystems and boost public support for offshore developments.

These initiatives reflect a broader shift toward sustainable wind energy systems—not just in power generation, but also in turbine design, material sourcing, and lifecycle management.

Engineering Excellence: Types of Floating Foundations

The success of floating wind turbines largely depends on the type of floating foundation used. The three most common types are:

Improved engineering and a drop in installation costs are enabling larger turbine capacities and the deployment of floating systems in more challenging offshore environments.

Regional Landscape: Europe Takes the Lead

According to the latest market analysis, Europe held the largest market share in 2023, driven by robust public funding, policy support, and infrastructure maturity. Recent initiatives like France’s BATSO project, backed by EUR 2.9 million from ADEME, are focused on improving component replacement methods to cut costs and reduce environmental impacts.

Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is rapidly catching up. In June 2024, Norway-based Equinor received approval to conduct a feasibility study for Australia’s first floating wind development, highlighting the region’s growing interest in floating wind technologies.

Market Dynamics: Key Trends and Opportunities

Several trends are shaping the market trajectory:

Furthermore, the entry of new players is increasing competition and accelerating innovation. Startups and established manufacturers alike are striving to offer low-cost, high-efficiency floating wind solutions.

Competitive Landscape: Industry Leaders in Action

Prominent players in the floating wind turbines industry include:

These companies are investing heavily in R&D, focusing on rotor aerodynamics, advanced mooring systems, and intelligent wind farm control systems to strengthen their market positions.

In June 2024, Skyborn Renewables signed a Master Supply Agreement with Siemens Gamesa for 63 wind turbines for its 945 MW project in the German Baltic Sea. Likewise, Vattenfall and BASF inked a supply and service deal with Vestas for 15 MW turbines in Germany’s Nordlicht project.

Conclusion: Floating Wind’s High-Growth Horizon

With an expected market value of US$ 83.4 Bn by 2034, the floating wind turbines sector presents one of the most dynamic opportunities in the global renewable energy landscape. As technologies mature and investments rise, floating wind turbines are set to become a cornerstone of clean energy strategies worldwide.

Stakeholders who act decisively now—by investing in innovation, forging partnerships, and scaling operations—stand to lead in what is shaping up to be a transformative decade for offshore wind energy.