Delivering a 64MW IT MEP fitout within a large-scale data centre demands accuracy, speed, and strong coordination across architectural, structural, and MEP scopes. For the Iskandar Puteri Data Centre in Johor, DCN Holding adopted Glodon Cubicost TAS and TME from the design to closeout phases to overcome time-intensive verification, reduce manual take-off effort, and improve visual validation across disciplines. By replacing traditional workflows with automated quantity take-off and 3D-based checking, the project achieved greater efficiency, fewer revisions, and stronger coordination throughout the RFP, design, and construction stages.

 

 

About DCN Holding and the Iskandar Puteri Data Centre Project

 

The Iskandar Puteri Data Centre project involves the design and build of the building core and shell, site infrastructure, and a 64MW IT MEP fitout in Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Takzim. Construction commenced in July 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2025.

 

DCN Holding Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian contractor for the project, adopted Glodon Cubicost TAS and TME across the design to closeout phases. By leveraging Cubicost solutions early, the team aimed to automate quantity take-offs, enhance visual validation, and improve efficiency across architectural, structural, and MEP works.

 

 

Key Challenges in Quantity Verification and Coordination

 

 The project's scale introduced significant operational bottlenecks across structural, architectural, and MEP components. Reliance on manual take-off processes for structural and architectural elements was time-intensive and prone to inconsistencies, often requiring repeated verifications that diverted resources from other critical tasks. For MEP systems, traditional methods exacerbated these issues, leading to error-prone measurements, potential rework, and delays in decision-making during the RFP and design phases. 

 

 

Additionally, visualising and validating quantities, particularly for complex elements like pipe risers proved challenging, as 2D drawings offered limited spatial context. This resulted in difficulties with clash detection, precise length calculations, and interdisciplinary coordination, extending timelines and risking the integrity of the data centre's IT infrastructure fitout. Addressing these inefficiencies through digital tools was vital to boost accuracy, collaboration, and productivity.

 

 

How Cubicost TAS and TME Addressed Project Challenges

 

Figure 1. Structural model of the data centre project developed in Cubicost TAS.

 

DCN Holding piloted Glodon Cubicost TAS and TME to overcome these hurdles, integrating the solutions early to automate quantity take-offs and provide real-time visualisations. This approach was especially effective during the RFP (request for proposal) and design phases, where iterative adjustments were essential. 

 

 

For structural and architectural elements, Cubicost TAS facilitated efficient modelling and take-off. The software's comprehensive elements offered the quantity surveyors involved versatile options to model the project quickly and accurately. It took just less than two weeks to complete the modelling of the entire structure, with 3D capabilities allowing the team to reference the model seamlessly at any stage. The traceability and tracking of quantities proved highly convenient, enabling the organisation to redirect focus toward broader work scopes beyond mere measurements.

 

Figure 2. Lighting fixtures under the electrical system modelled in Cubicost TME for automated quantity take-off and validation.

 

For the MEP systems, Cubicost TME automated key processes, transforming manual workflows into visual, error-reduced operations in this project. Among key features that DCN Holding have utilised included but not limited to the followings:

 

1. Clash Detection Test

With combined usage of TAS and TME, this function proactively checks and notifies the clashes between entities and elements, reducing calculation error risk in this project. 

 

2. Identify Device

TME able to scan and identify 2D PDF or CAD drawings to recognise standard MEP symbols, such as lights, switches, sockets, valves, and grilles and counted them instantly, eliminating the need for manual enumeration.  

 

3. Riser Pipe Elevation Setting

This setting streamlined the setup of riser heights, proving invaluable for precise pipe length assessments and overall validation. 

 

4. View Quantity and Reversely-Check

When quantities were extracted from models or drawings, TME mapped them back to a 3D view, enable direct checking to each item. This also helps DCN for better documentation for this project. 

 

Figure 3. View Quantity by Categories and reversely check entities in Cubicost TME.

 

By incorporating these tools, DCN Holding achieved improved model integrity, fewer revisions, and stronger team alignment for this project. 

 

 

How Cubicost TAS and TME Addressed Project Challenges

 

“We highly recommend Cubicost TAS and TME for contractors handling complex projects. It transforms tedious manual tasks into efficient, automated processes, allowing teams to focus on delivering quality outcomes.” – Adibah, Quantity Surveyor, DCN Holding Sdn Bhd 

 

For structural and architectural take-offs, Cubicost TAS's features such as Copy and Auto Identify proved particularly useful in this project for handling repetitive elements during modelling. The software enabled fast and accurate 3D modelling with quantity reports generated efficiently, while also allowing quick cross-checks back to the model. These capabilities were extremely helpful, centralising data management and freeing resources for strategic activities beyond routine measurements.  

 

“The integration of Cubicost TME has revolutionised our MEP workflows, providing a centralised platform for quantity validation and visualisation that drastically cuts down on errors and time spent on revisions.” – Farah, Mechanical Engineer, DCN Holding Sdn Bhd 

 

In MEP applications, the View Quantity function centralised all measured elements into a summarised view, allowing users to cross-check calculations and significantly boost accuracy across the project. By automating device detection, the Identify Device feature saved substantial time over manual methods, as it reliably spotted identical components within the model. Meanwhile, the Riser Pipe Elevation Setting streamlined the setup of riser heights, proving invaluable for precise pipe length assessments and overall validation. 

 

The flexibility of Cubicost TAS and TME facilitated numerous design adjustments needed to align with project specifications, maintaining momentum through the RFP and build phases. It ensured seamless compatibility with existing drawings and models, promoting interdisciplinary coordination and operational efficiency. 

 

Overall, adopting Cubicost TAS and TME not only addressed the project's core challenges but also promoted enhanced collaboration from design to closeout. It mitigated risks from traditional processes, delivering the 64MW IT MEP fitout with superior precision and supporting on-schedule completion for improved client satisfaction. 

 

 

Cubicost TAS and TME elevate operational efficiency by modelling, take-offs, and reporting, reducing errors and accelerating timelines. They provide real-time insights into quantities, enabling better resource allocation. This shift allows teams to emphasise high-value tasks, enhancing productivity and project outcomes. By implementing BIM software, DCN Holding positions itself for competitive advantages through its digitalisation BIM journey, sustainable growth, and expanded service capabilities via BIM-enabled innovations. 

 

If your team is managing complex data centre or infrastructure projects and looking to improve quantity accuracy, coordination, and efficiency, Glodon Cubicost can help you achieve the same level of digital performance.

To learn how Cubicost TAS and TME can support your projects from design to closeout, get in touch with our team through our Contact Us page.