Design and Implementation of a Custom Waterfront Structure Configuration Tool

The client faces inefficiencies in the design process due to manual drafting and limited visualization capabilities, which hinder scaling operations. They require a flexible, visual design tool that supports multiple structures (docks, piers, boathouses), including various customization options, to improve customer engagement and expedite permit submissions to local authorities.

A mid-sized waterfront construction company specializing in designing and building docks, piers, and boathouses, seeking to streamline their design process and support customer customization.

• Develop a comprehensive design tool enabling detailed visualization of docks, piers, and boathouses with customizable features.
• Increase design efficiency and reduce manual effort by providing intuitive configuration capabilities.
• Automate the generation of detailed plans and material lists to support construction and permitting activities.
• Support multi-view visualizations, including top and side perspectives, for accurate and professional presentation.
• Enable customers to customize structure attributes such as roof styles, boat slips, lifts, and surrounding land configurations.
• Create an exportable package for permit submissions containing visualizations and precise dimensions.
• Support scalability and ease of use for the small design team to handle increased project demand with improved turnaround times.

• Support for multiple structure types: docks, piers, boathouses
• Customization of design elements: roof styles, boat slips, lifts, and land features
• 3D visualization to preview designs from different angles
• Generation of detailed plan views, side views, and dimension reports
• Automatic compilation of material lists based on selected designs
• Export capabilities for plan files and permit submission packages
• User-friendly interface allowing customers to experiment with layouts and features
• Ability to visualize safety and fall protection systems without draftsperson input

• CAD or design data import/export systems
• Permitting authority electronic submission portals
• Material inventory and procurement systems
• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems for project tracking

• System scalability to support increasing project volume while maintaining fast load times
• High-precision rendering for accurate visualizations
• Security protocols to protect client data and project plans
• Responsive interface usable on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices
• System uptime target of 99.9% with robust backup and recovery procedures

The implementation of this configuration and visualization platform is expected to significantly enhance design efficiency, reduce manual drafting time, and support faster permit approval processes. It aims to increase project turnaround by approximately 30-50%, improve customer satisfaction through interactive design experiences, and enable the small team to scale operations without proportional increases in staff, ultimately driving business growth and operational excellence.