DILFO had already worked to modernize its fabrication process, but adopting PypeServer Inc.’s cloud-based workflow allowed them to do even more, demonstrably saving on labor and materials. As Brendan Myers, DILFO’s director of operations, put it, “By automating processes, reducing waste, and enhancing productivity, the software has delivered tangible financial and operational benefits.”
As one of Eastern Ontario’s largest mechanical contractors, DILFO designs and builds complex systems for high-rise multifamily, institutional, and medical facilities. Headquartered in Ottawa, the second-generation family business has long embraced innovation to improve efficiency and accuracy in its prefabrication shop. To further streamline production and reduce waste, DILFO turned to PypeServer.
DILFO’s prefabrication process begins in Revit, where risers and spools are designed in-house. Once modeled, DILFO uses PypeServer’s Connect for Revit add-in to select parts for fabrication and send them to the shop using PypeServer’s Cloud+. Cloud+ eliminates file transfers to shop machinery, tracks fabrication progress, extends tracking to the field with a mobile app, and keeps track of production schedules.
Once cut lists have been sent to the cloud, they are available to the fabrication stations in the shop. DILFO has deployed Lyte tool control software at three fabrication stations to date:
- A manual saw for plastic materials
- A custom plasma cutter for steel pipe
- A semi-automatic bandsaw for grooved or threaded materials, fed by a TigerStop running Lyte software
At each station, Lyte nests all the parts in the cut list to minimize waste. As each part is cut, Lyte prints labels with text, images, Revit parameters, and QR codes and automatically updates each part’s cut status in the cloud. The QR codes on the labels can be scanned at the assembly stations and in the field to track spool assembly, delivery to the field, and installation using the Cloud+ mobile field app.
“PypeServer’s ability to optimize nesting cuts and integrate seamlessly with existing VDC [virtual design and construction] tools such as AutoCAD made it the ideal solution,” Myers noted. “And the best part is, it just works—across all our machines, with minimal training.”
Myers continued, “PypeServer has proven to be a valuable addition to DILFO’s operations,” quickly delivering a strong return on investment by automating manual processes and increasing the shop’s flexibility:
- Labor efficiency: DILFO saw increased throughput at cutting stations, which allowed them to reallocate one worker away from cutting tasks.
- Material optimization: Better nesting has cut down on scrap and saved on material costs.
- Paper reduction: Moving toward digital spool packages has streamlined documentation and reduced printing.
By implementing PypeServer Connect, Cloud+, and Lyte, DILFO has achieved meaningful gains in productivity and reduced costly waste. As the company moves toward full digital integration, PypeServer will remain a key part of its commitment to innovation.
For more information, visit PypeServer.com.
