Webinar Recording: Exploring the New Tekla PowerFab Connector for Enhanced Fabrication Workflows

On 08/09/2025, Building Point Australia hosted an insightful webinar focusing on the innovative Tekla PowerFab Connector, a transformative feature introduced in the 2025 version of Tekla PowerFab. Presented by Andrius Reciunas and Brett Holland, the session provided a comprehensive overview of how this connector streamlines collaboration between detailers and fabricators, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in structural steel workflows. Below is a formal summary of the webinar, highlighting key discussions, demonstrations, and audience engagement.

Webinar Overview

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Andrius Reciunas opened the webinar by welcoming attendees and outlining the agenda. He emphasized the collaborative benefits of the Tekla PowerFab Connector, which simplifies the exchange of data between detailers and fabricators. The session included a brief overview of Tekla PowerFab, a live demonstration of traditional and modern workflows, and an in-depth exploration of the connector’s functionality, led by Brett Holland.

Introduction to Tekla PowerFab

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Brett Holland provided an overview of Tekla PowerFab, a structural steel Management Information System (MIS) acquired by Trimble in 2018 and developed from the original FabSuite software. Over the past seven years, Trimble has enhanced the platform to support the entire steel fabrication process—from estimating and procurement to production and site installation.

Key features of Tekla PowerFab include:

• Comprehensive Workflow Management: Supports estimating, procurement, production tracking, and delivery.
• Integrated Tools: Includes a graphite license of Tekla Structures for modeling, a desktop version for project managers and procurement teams, and PowerFab Go for real-time production updates via tablets on the shop floor.
• Data-Driven Modeling: Enables parametric modeling to add welds, holes, and other details, reducing reliance on manual data entry in spreadsheets.

This foundation set the stage for discussing the Tekla PowerFab Connector, a feature designed to address common challenges in ensuring accurate grades, sizes, and material availability.

Traditional Workflow: Challenges for Detailers

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Andrius Reciunas demonstrated the conventional process detailers follow when preparing files for fabricators. This typically involves:

1. Creating fabrication drawings and single-part drawings within Tekla Structures.
2. Exporting NC files with specific settings.
3. Generating reports, such as Excel spreadsheets or PDFs, based on fabricator requirements.
4. Optionally converting NC files to DXF format.
5. Organizing all files (PDFs, NC files, DXFs, and reports) into a structured folder, zipping it, and emailing it to the fabricator.

Andrius highlighted that this manual process is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially if non-standard profiles or materials are used that the fabricator cannot procure. The Tekla PowerFab Connector addresses these inefficiencies by automating and streamlining the data exchange.

The Tekla PowerFab Connector: A Game-Changer

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Brett Holland took the stage to showcase the Tekla PowerFab Connector, which leverages Trimble Connect to facilitate seamless collaboration. Key features include:

• Fabricator Catalog Integration: When a detailer selects a fabricator in Tekla Structures, the software automatically populates the fabricator’s catalog of available profiles, materials, and finishes. This ensures detailers use only procurable materials, reducing errors.
• Real-Time Validation: A “Validate Model” button allows detailers to check for errors (e.g., unavailable materials or profiles) before submission, with visual feedback highlighting issues in the model.
• Streamlined Submittal Process: Instead of manually zipping and emailing files, the connector enables direct uploads to a Trimble Connect project. Fabricators receive notifications of new submittals within Tekla PowerFab, eliminating the need to search through emails or servers.
• Change Management: The connector supports automated change tracking, flagging issues like duplicate piece marks or missing files, which can be sent back to the detailer for correction.
• Production Integration: User-defined attributes (UDAs) and production codes map to fabrication routes (e.g., galvanizing or painting), automatically assigning hours and schedules for production planning.

Brett demonstrated how the connector simplifies file management by automatically organizing PDFs, NC files, and other outputs into default folders, reducing manual folder creation. The system also supports advanced bill of material (ABM) numbering, ensuring consistency from estimating through to fabrication.

Live Demonstration Highlights

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The webinar featured live demonstrations from both Andrius and Brett, showcasing the practical benefits of the connector:

• Detailer’s Perspective (Andrius): Andrius showed how selecting a fabricator in Tekla Structures updates the material and profile options to match the fabricator’s catalog. Errors, such as unavailable materials, are flagged immediately, allowing for quick corrections [0:12:31.75 – 0:15:16.995].
• Fabricator’s Perspective (Brett): Brett demonstrated how fabricators receive submittals directly in Tekla PowerFab via Trimble Connect. He highlighted the ability to sync submittals in real-time, review pending changes, and manage production routes without leaving the system [0:15:36.955 – 0:41:28.435].

The demonstrations underscored the connector’s ability to save time, reduce communication errors, and enhance collaboration across project phases.

Audience Q&A

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The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, addressing audience questions:

1. Separating Assembly Drawings by Paper Sizes (Herman of San Juan) [0:42:23.235 – 0:43:48.555]: Brett clarified that Tekla PowerFab organizes drawings by revision number, not paper size. However, fabricators can create zip files containing all drawings and NC files for suppliers.
2. Support for DXF Files (John) [0:44:0.995 – 0:44:50.875]: Brett confirmed that DXF files can be included in the NC file folder and imported into Tekla PowerFab, though NC files are preferred for modern machinery due to their cleaner data format.
3. Sharing Catalogs with External Detailers (Michael) [0:48:33.955 – 0:50:21.315]: Fabricators can share their shape, grade, finish, and ABM settings via the address book in Tekla PowerFab, ensuring detailers have access to the correct catalog when assigned to a project.
4. Multiple Detailers Across Project Phases (Luke) [0:50:24.475 – 0:52:2.35]: Brett explained that the connector supports multiple detailers under the same firm via Trimble Connect, with the flexibility to reassign projects to new detailers if needed.

Attendees were encouraged to reach out post-webinar for further clarification or personalized demos.

Future Webinars and Integrations

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Andrius and Brett announced upcoming webinars, including one focused on Trimble Connect, which serves as a central hub for Trimble products. This session will explore features like status sharing, allowing stakeholders to track the progress of elements (e.g., columns, beams, or plates) in real-time [0:47:35.635 – 0:48:32.795]. Additionally, a webinar in Q1 2026 will cover integrations with ProjectSight, a new product under Building Point Australia, enhancing project management and document control [0:53:26.75 – 0:54:33.115].

Conclusion

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The Tekla PowerFab Connector represents a significant advancement in structural steel fabrication, fostering collaboration between detailers and fabricators through automated workflows and real-time data exchange. By integrating with Trimble Connect, it ensures accuracy, reduces manual tasks, and enhances project visibility. The webinar successfully demonstrated these benefits, offering attendees practical insights into optimizing their workflows.

A recording of the webinar will be available on Building Point Australia’s YouTube page and shared via email and social channels. For further information or to schedule a personalized demo, contact the Building Point Australia team via their LinkedIn page or website.

Thank you to Andrius Reciunas, Brett Holland, and all attendees for an engaging and informative session. Stay tuned for future webinars exploring Trimble’s innovative solutions for the construction industry.

Stay Connected
Follow BuildingPoint Australia on LinkedIn for updates on upcoming webinars and product developments. For specific inquiries, reach out to the team directly to explore how Tekla PowerFab and Trimble Connect can transform your fabrication processes.