7:15 am Check-in, Networking & Coffee
8:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Fostering Buy-In to Enable Project Success
8:10 am Securing Buy-In from Clients, Designers, & Trades to Enable Timely Decision-Making
Synopsis
• Educating project stakeholders on the benefits and feasibility of panelized systems to build initial support for prefabrication
• Presenting cost, schedule, and quality advantages of prefabrication to gain early commitment from key decision-makers
• Identifying and addressing concerns early in the process to ensure alignment and secure buy-in from all project members
8:50 am Educating Teams on the Requirements of Panelization to More Seamlessly Integrate Prefab into the Project
Synopsis
• Introducing panelization principles early in the design phase to help teams identify necessary adjustments to design for prefab from the outset
• Providing targeted training for contractors and architects to understand prefab systems and their impact on construction processes
• Defining clear prefabrication guidelines and requirements to ensure teams are aligned on design parameters and reduce scheduling risks
10:00 am Speed Networking & Morning Refreshments
Optimizing Designs for Prefabricated Systems
10:40 am Panel Discussion: Exploring the Range of Prefabricated Panelized & Façade Systems Being Successfully Implemented Today to Open Doors for your Next Project
Synopsis
• Discussing the range of prefabricated panelized and façade systems being adopted in the US today: How do you know what makes sense for your business?
• Evaluating the changes that need to be made to shop and field workflows to accommodate different types of systems
• Showcasing the latest technological advancements in panel systems and lessons learned to help more advanced prefab become more mainstream
11:20 am Fostering Early Collaboration Between Façade Consultants & Contractors to Align Specifications & Performance Requirements
Synopsis
• Reviewing the general points of tension between façade consultants and contractors to enable smoother collaboration
• Identifying strategies to foster alignment and a shared understanding of project goals and responsibilities
• Exploring practical approaches for integrating façade systems with structural and building components through detailed coordination, ensuring accurate performance requirements and seamless project execution
12:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm Enabling Cost-Effective Transformations of Stick-Built Designs to Make Prefabrication a Profitable Alternative for More Projects
Synopsis
• Evaluating the design features that often prevent prefab from making sense: At what point is it too late to still realize cost savings?
• Resolving panel geometry and joint details to avoid further potential costly rework
• Determining how to streamline coordination of design intent with manufacturing processes to ensure efficient production and reduce project costs
1:40 pm Enhancing Your Value in Collaborative Design Settings to Enable Cost- Effective Prefabrication & Achieve Project Goals
Synopsis
• Knowing when and how to elevate your voice to directly inform prefab feasibility and cost-effectiveness
• Aligning design, engineering, and construction teams behind your expertise to ensure design intent is clear and transitions between project phases are smooth
• Analyzing methods for navigating conflicting design and constructability visions to achieve a shared understanding and avoid costly rework during later stages of construction
• Establishing a prefabrication roadmap to enable timely material decisions, minimize delays, and ensure schedule certainty for the rest of the project
2:20 pm Afternoon Refreshments
Streamlining Shop Processes
3:00 pm Building a Roadmap to Introduce More Advanced Automation Into Your Shop for Productivity Gains
Synopsis
• Identifying key processes within the shop that can benefit from automation to enhance productivity and reduce labor-intensive tasks
• Evaluating the cost-benefit analysis of integrating various technologies to ensure a positive return on investment and long-term productivity improvements
• Exploring the steps to transition to these advanced automation technologies: What are the potential roadblocks to look out for?
3:40 pm Rethinking Shop Manpower Requirements to Enable Scalable Operations & Efficient Machinery Upgrades
Synopsis
• Assessing how to adjust shop manpower needs in light of upgraded machinery to realize enhanced operational efficiency as quickly as possible
• Identifying strategies to upskill workers to harness more advanced machinery and seamlessly integrate it into your workflow
• Analyzing staffing models that balance automation and skilled labor to ensure optimal machine utilization and reduce dependency on manual processes
4:20 pm Navigating Inspection Requirements in the Shop to Ensure Product Compliance, On Schedule
Synopsis
• Working with inspectors early to understand jurisdictional guidelines and prevent delays to shop inspections
• Proactively educating inspectors on the quality and safety of prefab systems and processes ahead of time to streamline approvals and avoid delays
• Establishing clear documentation and checklists for inspectors to streamline the review process and ensure consistent, compliant inspections throughout the project