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Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board (W4IDB) is a prominent public authority responsible for water level management and land drainage in Lincolnshire. Established in 1935, W4IDB’s mission is to manage and maintain watercourses and drainage infrastructure to protect properties, agricultural land, and the environment from flooding. The Board operates within a defined geographical area known as the Witham Fourth District, encompassing approximately 40,000 hectares of land.
In its continuous effort to improve efficiency and service quality, W4IDB has embraced modern technologies and tools. The adoption of BricsCAD and KeyTERRA-FIRMA Mainstream reflects the Board’s commitment to leveraging advanced solutions for enhanced project execution and operational effectiveness.
W4IDB’s dedication to protecting land and properties from flooding while promoting environmental sustainability makes it a vital organization in Lincolnshire’s landscape management and water level control.
(W4IDB) was facing challenges with their existing CAD and drainage software. The need for improved efficiency and consistency in their projects led them to explore alternative solutions.
Before adopting KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD, W4IDB utilized light versions of CAD software and outdated bespoke drainage tools. The manual creation of long and cross sections was time-consuming and labour-intensive. Surveying was conducted using a theodolite and staff, which later transitioned to GPS technology in conjunction with KeyTERRA-FIRMA to expedite the process.
Cost-effectiveness also played a significant role in W4IDB’s decision to adopt KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD. Full versions of other CAD software were prohibitively expensive, making the BricsCAD and KeyTERRA-FIRMA bundle a practical solution. Key features that stood out included the speed of section generation and robust design capabilities, which promised to enhance project efficiency and quality.
Chief Engineer, Ed Johnson, explained, “The transition to KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD was smooth, supported by excellent training and ongoing assistance. As an experienced CAD user, the intuitive interface of the software facilitated a quick adaptation. New users at W4IDB also found the learning curve manageable, thanks to the strong support from the KTF Software team, who provided valuable guidance whenever needed”.
The introduction of KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD has revolutionized project efficiency at W4IDB, allowing surveys to be turned into actionable drawings faster than before. Ed told me, “Project efficiency has improved 10-fold!”. This significant improvement has streamlined workflows and reduced project turnaround times.
The consistency of work achieved through adopting KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD has been a game-changer for W4IDB. Once set up, the software ensured that all drawings were uniformly laid out, making them easier for field staff to interpret and follow. This uniformity has enhanced the overall quality and precision of W4IDB’s design work.
While specific cost savings were not quantified beyond the savings on the price of software, the substantial increase in project output directly correlates with reduced staff costs. Ed went on to say, “The ability to complete more work in less time has undoubtedly provided financial benefits, making the investment in KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD highly valuable”.
When Ed was asked to comment on technical support, he said, “W4IDB has found KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD to be very user-friendly. The software has an intuitive design and easy to use. Furthermore, the support received from the KTF Software and Bricsys support teams has been exceptional, with knowledgeable staff always ready to assist with any queries or issues”.
W4IDB indicated satisfaction with the current capabilities of KeyTERRA-FIRMA and BricsCAD, noting no immediate need for additional improvements. Ed expressed strong recommendations for these tools to other professionals in the industry, emphasizing the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and quality improvements experienced.
Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board’s adoption of BricsCAD and KeyTERRA-FIRMA Mainstream has led to remarkable improvements in efficiency, consistency, and overall project quality. The transition was seamless, supported by excellent training and customer service. Their experience underscores the value of these tools in enhancing operational workflows and delivering significant financial benefits.
Like Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board, you can take advantage of powerful CAD tools with an easy learning curve that can help you create detailed and accurate plans that are compatible with your customers.
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