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EUROPE
Computer-based project management software is being used increasingly by construction companies in Europe. In France, for instance, the industry is the main user followed by computing (for software development), general industry and aeronautics. Three types of software packages are generally available: small, for around 10,000-25,000 Francs; medium for 30,000-55,000 Francs; and large systems selling at over 60,000 Francs. (9.41 Francs = £1 Sterling as at June 1990). According to Computerline, French buyers choose a software package based on the clarity and design of the screens. They are attracted by multi-windowing, clever graphics and 'mouse' controls. The purchasing decision is often made by computing personnel as well as project management teams. Computerline's Plantrac system is usually used by companies who have established strong project management objectives. PLANTRAC A LA FRANCE Computerline, the UK designers of Plantrac, which is already well established in the UK and USA markets, established an office in Paris in 1983. Plantrac was subsequently translated into French. Some 80 companies in France, including Spada, the Marseilles-based construction company; Sollac in Dunkirk, providing plant maintenance products; and Merlin Gerin in Grenoble, manufacturers of a large range of electrical equipment; all use Plantrac for their projects. A major French user of Plantrac is Aeroport de Paris. This company is responsible for the building, maintenance and running of all the terminals of all the Paris region airports: Orly (two terminals), Roissy, Charles de Gaulle (two terminals), and Le Bourget. The planning department of Aeroport de Paris decided to purchase a project management software package when they were asked to manage the construction of the new module 2D for Terminal 2 at Charles de Gaulle airport. (The complete terminal was designed in six symmetric modules separated by an access way for passengers. Each module has six gates to planes). The total project involved some 120,000m3 of concrete used for car parks and main buildings, for road access and for light concrete roofs. The Terminal 2 module is covered by a curved roof rising to the centre and made up of nine segments some 60 metres long. There are also three levels of car parking with a combined surface area of 120,000m2. The actual terminal throughput area covers 120,000m2. After studying different software options, Aeroport de Paris chose Plantrac for the quality of its reporting system, for its clear graphics presentation and for its diverse functionalities — large numbers of activities per project, libraries and comments. On the project, Aeroport de Paris use Plantrac on an IBM AT microcomputer interfaced to a ZETA AO plotter. Plantrac obviously proved its worth for it was used by Aeroport de Paris for work on a further module (2C) and for work on the new Terminal 3 at Charles de Gaulle airport. USER CROUPS User group meetings are held regularly in Paris for the French users. 'The input from them contributes a great deal to the further enhancement of Plantrac', said Alain Deheinzelin of Computerline South Europe in Paris. Plantrac is also being used in the context of the Channel Tunnel project on both sides of the Channel. The versatility and international flavour of Plantrac is to continue in further developments', added Walford Pears, managing director of Computerline. cc 16 Construction Computing Summer 1990 |
terminal 2
a' Charles de Gaulle airport (Photo courtesy Aeroport de
Paris)