Simplifying drainage deliverables
Established in 1911, Woolpert is a global leader in the architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) sectors. The firm’s growth over the last 100+ years has presented challenges, particularly in managing complex data integration across its projects.
For years, Woolpert relied on manual field measurements and documentation for its sanitary and stormwater drainage projects. This approach was not only time-consuming but also susceptible to errors. As the number of projects grew, it became clear that Woolpert needed a more efficient and reliable solution to save time and enhance work quality.
Saving time with FME
Woolpert significantly reduced the time needed to create drainage deliverables by using FME and transitioning to a geodatabase. The team simplified data collection, automated complex calculations, and easily exported data into formats such as DWG and DGN. This change reduced the time required for each structure from 24 minutes to just 8 minutes! With projects involving up to 3,000 structures, the overall saved time demonstrates FME’s exceptional efficiency in handling large-scale projects.
FME has not only saved Woolpert time but also enhanced data quality by retaining attributes as data moves from their geodatabase to AutoCAD, ensuring that all essential information is preserved, accurately reported, and easily accessible to clients, even before they request it.
Satisfied clients
The impact of FME on Woolpert’s operations has been transformative. Each year, Woolpert handles around 70,000 drainage structures across various projects. With FME cutting the time per structure by two-thirds, the firm estimates an annual cost saving of about $200,000.
Woolpert’s clients have also noted the team’s increased speed and accuracy of work. “Clients often ask how we can turn things around so quickly, we just tell them, “It’s FME magic,” said Woolpert Team Lead Alonzo Johnson. FME has allowed Woolpert to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality while facilitating client trust and confidence.
Expanding FME’s role
Woolpert’s success has motivated the company to expand its use of FME across more departments and projects. The team is excited to continue integrating FME Flow, allowing non-technical employees to harness FME’s power through a simple web interface. Woolpert considers FME essential in providing high-quality, innovative solutions to clients. Woolpert GIS Analyst Mike Morgan stated, “We’ve relied on FME for years and can’t envision our work without it.”
FME enables the team to quickly address complex data integration challenges, resulting in improved efficiency, data quality, and better service for clients. As Woolpert continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the AEG industry, they are confident in FME’s ability to help tackle future challenges using a firm-wide approach.
