Blueprints to Breakthroughs

Frederic Leclair, Senior Director of Drafting Services, Canam

Frederic Leclair is Senior Director of Drafting Services at Canam, bringing over 20 years of experience in structural steel. He leads digital transformation initiatives, including BIM integration and excels at driving collaboration and efficiency across engineering, drafting and fabrication teams to deliver innovative, high-impact project outcomes.

Overcoming Roadblocks in BIM Integration

Achieving transformational business objectives often means overcoming common challenges such as resistance to change and the steep learning curve associated with new digital tools and workflows.

Proactive approaches such as Gemba walks to collect feedback, workshops, pilot projects, phased implementation, targeted training and fostering a collaborative environment are key to driving engagement and ensuring successful transformation.

BIM as the Backbone of Better Builds

Today, steel manufacturers technical services offer a broad range of BIMbased deliverables to both internal teams and external project stakeholders. These include high-detail modeling (LOD400) from the early design stage, advanced bills of material to support early steel procurement and real-time tracking of each steel element from procurement through on-site installation.

BIM is also used for subcontractor coordination and clash detection, generating digital outputs for robots and CNC machines in fabrication and providing 3D model files for augmented reality inspections. BIM also supports planning, logistics and installation methods, including 3D scanning of anchor positions before steel column placement.

By enhancing collaboration and streamlining information flow, BIM has significantly reduced friction across projects. For drafting teams, this translates to greater efficiency, with structured, standardized and easily accessible information shared across all stakeholders.

Demystifying BIM: More Than Just 3D Modeling

In recent years, Canam’s drafting services have implemented a process that imports the progress status of each individual steel member into a centralized data environment. Accessible to clients and project stakeholders through a BIM 3D viewer platform, this system provides real-time visibility into every stage of the steel manufacturer’s responsibility, from procurement and drafting execution to approval, fabrication, delivery and on-site installation. By offering a clear, up-todate snapshot of project status, the platform enables informed decision-making and timely interventions and ultimately contributes to cost savings and smoother project execution.

“As automation takes over routine tasks, the traditional role of the ‘steel detailer’ may fade, with 2D drawings becoming largely obsolete in modern fabrication environments.”

Despite these advancements, one of the most persistent misconceptions about BIM is that it’s merely a 3D modeling tool. In reality, Building Information Modeling is a comprehensive methodology for managing project data throughout its entire lifecycle. It is a collaborative process that promotes better coordination, transparency and efficiency across all phases of a project.

As Senior Director of Drafting Services at Canam and a Board Director for the Building Transformations organization, I actively participate in numerous events, workshops, and roundtables. These platforms allow me to help demystify BIM and encourage its broader adoption, contributing to the digital transformation of the construction industry.

The Digital Horizon of Steel Fabrication

With ongoing advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence, many current ‘steel detailing’ tasks are expected to become significantly less time-consuming. This shift will enable teams to refocus their efforts on planning, value engineering, collaborative project execution, sustainability and other evolving demands within the construction industry.

Much like the transition in the 1990s from drawing tables to 3D software, the 2030s are poised to mark another major turning point for steel manufacturing drafting and engineering services. As automation takes over routine tasks, the traditional role of the ‘steel detailer’ may fade, with 2D drawings becoming largely obsolete in modern fabrication environments.

Instead, LOD400 data from 3D models will feed directly into robots, CNC machines and augmented reality tools used on the shop floor. In this future, drafters will likely evolve into technical data specialists who focus more on managing and optimizing digital workflows than producing conventional drawings.

Advice for BIM-Driven Leadership

My advice is simple: embrace change, stay curious and take it one step at a time. No matterwhere you are in your BIM journey, maintaining momentum is key. Digital transformation inconstruction and the growing adoption of BIM in steel fabrication aren’t just trends; theyrepresent the future. Adopting the right mindset will make all the difference.