In today’s fast-paced construction industry, the pressure to deliver projects faster, more efficiently, and with fewer errors is a given. Working in a construction industry is defined by tight deadlines and rising expectations, great execution doesn’t start on site, it starts at the design table.
At the heart of every high-rise or commercial building is its structural skeleton, and aluminum formwork plays a crucial role in shaping that framework. Traditionally, formwork design has relied heavily on manual 2D drafting and endless rounds of revisions. But now, with the rise of BIM (Building Information Modeling) based software, the game is changing.
At Mitaka Aluform, we believe there are two key ways to increase output in any project:
While both approaches have their place, we are going to talk about technology in this article. Our BIM-based aluminum formwork software is designed to streamline every step of the design journey, from final 2D plans to 3D modeling, paneling, checking, and automated fabrication and modulation drawing generation, so your team can do more with less, without compromising quality.
Traditional formwork workflows are often filled with challenges, from the tedious task of designing to manual checking and cross-referencing to the high risk of errors caused by misinterpreting flat 2D drawings. Even detailed drawings and BOQs can become a time-consuming process, draining valuable resources.
In an industry where even a small mistake can snowball into costly rework or major delays on site, reducing errors to a minimum is a necessity now. Improving output isn’t just about building faster; it’s about building smarter, with clarity, confidence, and fewer surprises along the way.
Let’s break down the process using BIM-based software into clear, actionable steps, from importing the initial shell plan to generating detailed fabrication drawings. Each stage plays a specific role in streamlining the design process, ensuring smooth collaboration across design, production, and site teams. Here's how the flow typically works:
Importing the Finalized 2D Shell Plan: The journey begins once the client’s shell plan is finalized, (using CAD (.dwg) files, comprising structural, architectural, and other details, etc.) and is imported directly into the BIM software.
Building the 3D Model: This is where things begin to take shape; quite literally. The finalized 2D shell plan is now converted into a detailed 3D model. Every wall, slab, staircase, and all structural element is recreated digitally, allowing for greater design clarity and seamless progression into the paneling stage. This step lays the foundation of the 3D model designing.
Paneling the 3D Model: Once the 3D structure is built, the next major
step
is paneling, where the actual formwork system begins to take shape. At this stage,
designers
begin placing the panels over the 3D surfaces, translating digital models into buildable
components.
The software supports three methods of panel design:
This flexible approach allows for a personalized solution that balances speed with
control.
During this stage, accessories such as wall ties, stub pins, etc. are also added
directly
into the model.
The biggest advantage of this stage? Designers can see how every panel
connects, overlaps, or aligns with the structure. There’s no need to jump between
separate
files or guess how accessories will work on-site, the software makes sure it all fits
together digitally before anything gets fabricated.
Inbuilt 4-Step Inspection
This is where the software truly stands out. A four-layered, error-checking system
reviews
the full design:
This drastically reduces on-site conflicts and ensures the design is installation ready.
In a traditional aluminum formwork design workflow, handling a 10,000 sq. m. workload often demands 8 or more engineers working over 6 to 8 weeks. This time includes manual drafting in CAD, repeated rounds of checking, drawing extraction, and countless back-and-forth to address coordination gaps or overlooked errors. The process, while workable, is slow, resource-intensive, and vulnerable to human error, especially under tight deadlines. Now contrast that with a BIM-based approach.
Using BIM based software; the same 10,000 sq. m. workload can be completed by just 4 engineers in approximately 4 weeks. This covers the full cycle of 3D modeling, paneling, automated error detection, and generation of all required outputs, including modulation drawings, fabrication drawings, BOQs, and packing lists.
This isn’t just about saving time. It’s about unlocking much higher output with the same resources, without compromising on precision or quality. By shifting from a manual approach to an integrated digital workflow, teams gain better control, clearer communication, and significantly faster turnaround.
Note: Timelines may vary based on project complexity and engineer experience.
In formwork, even a 10mm mismatch in holes or tie points can stall an entire day of work on-site. Manual checking, though effective, is prone to fatigue-based oversight.
With an in-built virtual QC system, the software becomes a safety net. It doesn’t just catch errors; it prevents them before they even exist.
“Do it right the first time” isn’t just a motto, it becomes a built-in feature.
BIM-based design software doesn’t aim to replace people, it enhances their ability to focus on complex, value-added tasks. It reduces repetition, increases confidence, and creates a digital workflow that can adapt to changes without falling apart.
It’s the difference between drawing panels and designing solutions.
Formwork is more than lines and labels on a drawing; it’s the foundation of delivery. With rising pressures and shrinking deadlines, outdated design methods will only hold you back.
BIM-based aluminum formwork software offers a proven, scalable way forward. From importing 2D plans to generating BOQs, from panel design to error-checking, it automates what’s repetitive, visualizes what matters, and empowers engineers to build smarter.
If your team is ready to move from chasing mistakes to preventing them, maybe it’s time to see what’s possible when you design with a tool built for the future.
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