Built In-House to Build Better: Inside ECA’s BIM Department 

At Electrical Corporation of America, innovation is not something we chase for the sake of having the newest technology. We invest in tools and people that help us work smarter, communicate more clearly and deliver better results for our clients. Our in-house Building Information Modeling (BIM) department is a strong example of that commitment. 

Known around ECA as the “Nerd Herd,” this specialized team combines construction knowledge, electrical expertise and advanced technology to help projects move from concept to installation with greater accuracy and efficiency. Having this capability in house gives ECA greater control over project information and creates a direct connection between design, coordination, Prefabrication and the teams performing the work in the field. 

Turning Information into Installation 

Our BIM team takes traditional two-dimensional drawings and transforms them into detailed three-dimensional models. By combining architectural and structural models with the electrical systems ECA will install, the team creates a clear digital picture of the project before installation begins. 

That model becomes an important communication tool. It allows ECA to coordinate closely with mechanical, plumbing and other trade partners so potential conflicts can be identified and resolved before they reach the jobsite. Instead of discovering that two systems are competing for the same space during installation, the teams can work through the issue virtually and provide the field with accurate, coordinated information. 

This process also strengthens ECA’s in-house Prefabrication capabilities. With precise information from BIM, our Prefab team can prepare the correct materials and assemblies for the people installing them on site. Better information leads to better preparation, less rework and fewer surprises in the field. Ultimately, that saves time and money while helping the entire project team work more efficiently. 

Innovation with a Purpose 

One of the latest additions to ECA’s BIM capabilities is LiDAR scanning. LiDAR uses laser pulses to capture the dimensions and conditions of an existing space. The technology sends out as many as 350,000 points per second, each striking a surface and returning to the scanner. Together, those measurements form a highly detailed “point cloud” that can be used to create a digital representation of the environment. 

To scan a facility, ECA’s team walks the perimeter before moving through the space in a zigzag pattern. This allows the equipment to capture surfaces and materials from multiple angles and develop a more complete record of current conditions. 

For clients, the value is significant. Existing drawings may be outdated, incomplete or unavailable. LiDAR gives our team a way to capture what is actually there and provide reliable information for planning, design and future construction. It can also reduce the need for repeated site visits and help teams make informed decisions earlier in the process. 

A New Capability Put to Work at Evergy 

ECA recently used LiDAR to document existing conditions at Evergy’s 45-year-old power station, an active facility generating at least 85 megawatts (MW). The project was a unique assignment for our BIM department and demonstrated how our in-house team can apply technology in new ways to meet a client’s needs. 

Rather than modeling systems for immediate installation, the Nerd Herd captured the facility’s current state and converted real-world conditions into usable digital information. This gives Evergy and future project teams a detailed reference for continued planning and coordination. 

The project represents more than a successful scan. It reflects ECA’s willingness to invest, learn and expand what we can offer our clients. LiDAR technology has existed for years, but continued advances have made it faster, more detailed and increasingly valuable to the construction process. Our team is finding practical ways to put that progress to work. 

Integrity in Every Detail 

Technology may strengthen our capabilities, but it is the expertise and integrity of our people that give it value. Every model, scan and coordination decision is approached with precision, accountability and a clear understanding of how it will affect the teams relying on that information. 

With BIM capabilities housed under our own roof, ECA maintains a direct connection between design, Prefabrication and field installation. That alignment allows us to identify challenges earlier, communicate solutions clearly and provide dependable information from planning through completion. 

This is what makes the Nerd Herd such an important part of ECA. They are not simply creating digital models. They are reducing risk, protecting project resources and equipping our teams to perform at their best. 

At ECA, innovation is more than adopting new technology. It is having the vision to see what is possible, the integrity to get every detail right and the in-house expertise to turn that vision into something our clients and field teams can trust.