1. CONCUR The importance of Inception Modelling
Why Inception Modelling?
Inception modelling is a neglected phase of construction projects even though it is a key activity. It is always done but tends to be a stand-a-lone manual process. CONCUR has looked at how company knowledge can be collected and presented to produce initial estimates. The work has not been integrated into the information flow.
Initial Assessment of Projects
Inception modelling takes place when preparing the client brief and results in a first assessment of cost, programme, resource requirement, cash flow and financial risk and ultimately whether or not a supplying company wants to proceed. It could easily interface with corporate financial and risk planning systems. It is potentially a customer facing tool as follows:
Interface with Customers
Inception modelling can be used to support the client in his business planning because it can give him information required to help assess the viability of a project, namely: Initial cost, time to complete, cash flow to first revenue, key figures such as floor area, maintenance cost, operating cost. When combined with his estimate of revenue potential , based on for example floor area, it can support his business planning.
Initiation of Contractor Downstream Processes
Inception modelling is a knowledge based process requiring access to company data on costs and planning. It is difficult to undertake in a generalised way and in concur was limited to numerical modelling , but without shape. However, it could be developed to first-guess the information required by downstream processes such as estimating and programming, and even be used to propose a model for structural engineering design and analysis. This would provide an easy route into starting the use of 3D modelling on a project and the first stages of 3D visualisation
Scope for Development
A number of the CONCUR partners have realised the potential of linking Inception modelling to Product Data Technology and plan to undertake further development.
For information contact Professor Frits Tolman: