3D industrial plants & plant models

Why industrial facilities have special requirements

Production halls, technical centers and factory buildings develop over decades: machines are replaced, pipes are relocated, new routes are laid. What is created is rarely fully documented. Nevertheless, a precise basis is needed for conversions, extensions and MEP adjustments - preferably without long interruptions to operations. Laser scanning provides this: contactless, fast and complete.

The typical initial situation

Grown facilities, incomplete documentationPlans from different construction phases contradict each other or no longer reflect the current situation. Where cables run, where machines are located, which routes still offer space - this information is often missing or unreliable.

Planning during ongoing operationsConversions and MEP adjustments during ongoing production operations require precise knowledge in advance: Distances, clearance heights, cable routes, foundation locations. Without a reliable basis, expensive surprises can arise.

How your 3D industrial plant model is created

Laser scanning under operating conditionsThe data is captured in running or briefly decommissioned plants - contact-free and without major interruptions to operations. Building structures, machines, pipelines, ventilation ducts and cable routes are captured in a common georeferenced space.

3D plant model with MEP and machinesThe model not only depicts walls and ceilings, but also piping systems, ventilation ducts, cable routes, machine locations and units. Detailed enough for MEP planning, collision checks and conversion coordination.

Modeling depth according to planning requirementsThe level of detail is determined depending on the project and phase: from the building envelope with machine locations to fully modelled pipe routing. This creates exactly the model that is needed for the next planning step.

What the 3D system model does

Planning reliability for MEP and conversionsCable routes, routing, distances and collision points are known before the intervention. Modifications and MEP adjustments can be planned and checked on the model - before a screw is loosened.

Digital system twin for operation & maintenanceThe model is not only used for one-off planning. As a digital as-built basis, it supports maintenance planning, facility management and official documentation obligations - updateable and usable in the long term.

Coordination between specialist planners and operationsMEP planners, mechanical engineers, operators and maintenance services work on the same basis. Misunderstandings and interface problems are reduced.

** Typical projects**

• Production halls and factory sites
• Technical centers and heating centers
• Piping and ventilation systems (MEP stock)
• Energy and supply infrastructures
• Logistics and warehouse locations
• Pharmaceutical and food production
• Water supply and wastewater treatment plants
• Conversion and expansion projects during ongoing operations

For whom is a 3D industrial plant model suitable?

Plant models are used where technical complexity meets planning requirements:

• Industrial companies & production plants
• MEP planners & building services
• Planning offices for industrial & plant construction
• General planners
• Facility managers & operations managers
• Energy suppliers & supply infrastructure

VDE and industrial plants

VDE has been specializing in the recording and modelling of complex inventories for over fifteen years. We know the requirements of industrial recordings: cramped conditions, ongoing operations, technical density. Our workflows capture buildings, machines and MEP installations in a single pass - with projects in industrial plants and technical inventories throughout Switzerland.