Visual 4D Planning with the Trimble Connect Planner Extension V2
VIDEO: Edited recording of the webinar
In many construction projects involving prefabricated components or cast in place concrete—traditional planning tools like MS Excel and MS Project are still widely used. While these tools are familiar, they often lack a connection to the 3D model, leaving planners and project teams without a clear visual understanding of the sequence of work.
Connecting the plan and 3D model
Project planners often create erection sequences that drive production, logistics, and delivery schedules. When this process happens in a disconnected format, it’s harder to identify errors, collaborate with team members, or respond to changes. One key issue is the lack of visual feedback—there’s no easy way to see how the project will be built over time. This can result in miscommunication between planners, production teams, and site crews.
The Trimble Connect Planner extension, developed by BuildingPoint Scandinavia, provides a model-driven alternative! Built on top of Trimble Connect (an extension), it allows planners, engineers, and site teams to create and share erection plans directly within the 3D environment. This improves clarity, speeds up planning, and makes it easier to coordinate across disciplines.
In the video above, we highlight how the Planner extension supports both prefab and cast-in-place workflows through model-based 4D planning.
FREE E-learning: Trimble Connect
Check out our free e-learning with detailed insight into Advanced Workflow Extensions!
Planning Workflow
The first example in our presentation focuses on a multi-phase prefab project. A part of the model has already been scheduled, and the remaining scope—an external building section—is used to demonstrate the workflow.
Step-by-step planning
The Trimble Connect Planner Extension offers a simple, hands-on approach to planning:
IMAGE: Using the Replan function to automatically install 7 elements per day, as an example
Step 1: Create the Sequence by virtual ‘disassembly’ of the model. Start by clicking on the elements in the 3D model like you were disassemblying the building.
Step 2: Reverse the order! This creates the actual erection sequence! You can animate the subplan, or the whole plan and already at this stage share and discuss the plan with the on-site team for comments.
Step 3: Assign Dates. Once the sequence is set, you can assign dates to each element. This can be done individually, or you can assign dates to groups of elements manually, or even automatically for faster planning! The system allows for quick adjustments, so you can modify the timeline as the project evolves.
Step 4: Review! Use the animation function to play/simulate the erection sequence. If you made a mistake you can adjust the sequence easily. Simply drag and drop elements into the correct order. For example, if a wall panel is incorrectly placed in the sequence, you can move it and replay the assembly to check that everything is correct before proceeding. (Changes can be done at any point during the planning.)
VIDEO: Example project courtesy of Overhalla Betongbygg.
Step 5: Export the plan. Exporting the the plan file from Trimble Connect gives you a text file that has the element ID, dates, and sequence number.
This file can be imported to Tekla, and from there you can connect to ELiPLAN for manufacturing planning to meet the need dates in the erection plan.
IMAGE: Exporting the CSV-file from Trimble Connect Planner extension with the Label, Guid, Date and Sequence for each element, as well as which subplan it belongs to, for import to Tekla and e.g. EliPLAN.
Infrastructure Planning
The second example focuses on cast-in-place concrete in an infrastructure context. This use case shows how the Planner extension can be used for short-term site planning or to prepare 4D simulations for tender submissions.
Using the data table, objects are grouped by attributes like position number or material. These groups are then added to subplans, which might represent weekly work packages or construction zones.
IMAGE: Using the Data Table in Trimble Connect to easily select elements or objects that will be installed or cast in the same phase, for example.
Color-coding is used to highlight different subplans in the model, making the simulation more readable. Playing only the subplans—rather than every individual object—helps teams quickly grasp the overall sequence without getting bogged down in detail.
This approach is particularly useful on large projects and during tender phases where owners are increasingly asking for 4D simulation as part of bid submissions.
Collaboration
IMAGE: Access control makes it safe(r) to share the plans with the whole team. Only giving ‘Read’ rights to the site team will ensure that they can replay the plan without concern that they will accidentally change it.
A major advantage of the Planner extension is how it simplifies collaboration. Access controls in Trimble Connect let users define who can view or edit the plan. This means the entire project team (including planners, production managers, site supervisors) can reference the same sequence, using the same model.
Interactive simulations can be used in planning meetings to walk through the build sequence, helping identify issues early, such as crane placement or access conflicts.
Reference: Overhalla Betongbygg
The Planner extension was developed by BuildingPoint Scandinavia, based on real input from contractors like Overhalla Betongbygg. Facing increasing project sizes and tighter timelines, Overhalla needed a visual planning tool that allowed for quick updates and better coordination.
Their feedback helped shape key functionality: easy task creation, flexible sequencing, and the ability to handle ongoing changes without reworking the entire plan.
PICTURES: Some pictures from Overhall Betongbygg’s projects, manufacturing, and the project planning team!
All pictures courtesy of Overhalla Betongbygg.
Key Benefits
Trimble Connect Rebar Labels 2.0
The Trimble Connect Rebar Labels extension was developed to help contractors take advantage of the 3D model in production!
✔ Plans are built directly in the model, reducing risk of mistakes because of visual feedback!
✔ Task sequences are easy to adjust using drag-and-drop, changes in the plan can be made very easily!
✔ Simulations provide a clear visual of the erection process for team reviews, enhanched communication
✔ Dates can be assigned manually or automatically using install-rate logic, reduced chance for mistakes, and it is easy to create quick estimates early.
✔ Exported plans integrate with production systems like ELiPLAN and Tekla.
✔ Access controls allow the right stakeholders to view or edit the plan.
The Trimble Connect Planner extension is currently available to users in the Nordic region. BuildingPoint is continuing development using an agile approach, adding functionality and improving performance based on feedback from active users.
Interested?
Reach out to BuildingPoint Scandinavia to get access to the Trimble Connect Planner Extension!
IMAGE: Anders Sand-Larsson is responsible for Trimble Connect in BuildingPoint Scandinavia
OTHER ARTICLES
