IDEA Mississauga and Modern Mississauga Media present a series of local business profiles, in which each business has participated in the IDEA Mississauga Step-Up Program.

In conversation with Brent Hughes, Project Manager and Owner of Mississauga’s ABA Hughes.

What does ABA Hughes specifically do?
ABA Hughes works with Industrial Designers and Manufactures to produce Digital Twins of their products. Digital Twins are 3D replicas of physical products that can be used for design and testing, procurement, and efficient maintenance of real-world assets. This allows a greater level of collaboration between stakeholders. By implementing Digital Twins in manufacturing, ABA Hughes creates a market opportunity for local industrial designers and manufacturers. The use of Digital Twins allows Manufacturers as well as AECO(Architectural Engineering Construction and Operations) stakeholders to better understand the physical characteristics and performance of their products and enables designers rapidly deploy and test their products in projects.
ABA Hughes has been involved in the design and development of construction documents for over a decade, giving the company a deep understanding of the relevant data sets specific to various stakeholders. This experience allows our company to effectively communicate project requirements and expectations to all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors and owners. The company's knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices enables us to create comprehensive and accurate digital products. Paired with its drive to implement the latest and most effective design tools, we minimize errors and loss of information that typically delay the construction process. This in-depth understanding positions ABA Hughes as a leader in ICT solutions employing Digital Twins for manufacturers and AECO Professionals.

How long has the business been in operation?
For more than a decade ABA Hughes has had a proven track record of success in the design and construction industry, having evolved from small renovations to full-service turnkey. Our implementation of Building Information Modelling and utilization of Digital Twins have greatly improved coordination with project consultants as well as city officials. Our investment in staying current with the latest software tools, including Augmented and Virtual Reality, ensures that our digital assets will remain relevant and valuable well into the future.

What inspired this business?
We have always understood the importance of embracing technology as a tool while being wary of the pitfalls and rabbit holes of industry-wide implementation. Additionally, we continue to be conscious of the digital divide and the disparity it creates for small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs). Through our experience across various sectors, we have learned which technology works to streamline the delivery of design and construction services. Implementing practices and systems of advanced construction sectors, we have realized the benefits of standardized data sharing and are working to ensure that Canadian manufacturers are at the table during this digital revolution.

What makes this business stand out?
ABA Hughes offers manufacturers a unique service in developing digital products. Working with industrial designers and manufacturers, we provide a standardized approach to collating a wide range of data sets including but not limited to performance, code -compliance, manufacturing specifications, etc. Our process ensures AECO members reduce risk when downloading digital assets and often highlights critical points of data that may hinder the ability of a designer to procure a product. Designers are able to rely on us for clean and accurate Digital Twins that dramatically reduce the resources required to test products in their projects. This comprehensive service streamlines the design process and saves clients time and resources, by accurately predicting project costs, constraints and collisions through the Building Information Modelling(BIM) process. While delivering a high-quality design process, the construction phase benefits from a more in-depth plan with detailed construction documents. This approach leaves the owners and operators with an accurate Digital Twin of their entire building system to exploit.

How has IDEA Mississauga impacted your business?
Through the IDEA Step-up Program at Mississauga, ABA Hughes has had opportunities to frequently dialogue with experienced industry professionals, including those in the fields of accounting, law, business development, marketing, and sales - as well as entrepreneurial professionals. This networking opportunity with knowledgeable individuals has provided valuable insights and supported the shift in mind frame from founder to C-Suite. Furthermore, Idea Mississauga through its workshops and networking events has allowed us to, practice pitches, and develop better business language, which translated into stronger business communications and presentation skills. Working with the other businesses during our workshops, we have been able to refine and test our concept and services while completing the development of our prototype - pushing us closer to our launch.

What succinct advice would you give aspirational business owners?
I have only recently become a part of business incubators and accelerator hubs. Over the last year and a half, I have been able to learn and implement so many systems and processes that would have only been a concept picked up in passing. Understanding how selective you may need to be with your time, do not underestimate the benefits of networking and sharing experiences as it can often lead to transferable skills and processes that can better position you in your entrepreneurial journey. Even if you have gone through one incubator, try doing another, as we are people of habit and it typically takes time to absorb and implement the processes learned through recent workshops. Finally, advocate for yourself, tell your story and build your brand.

What are the business's goals for 2023?
As ABA Hughes pushes the boundaries of innovation in the construction industry, our mission remains steadfast: to revolutionize the way the world builds. By harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology like Augmented and Virtual Reality, we're poised to be a leader in the Digital Twins space. In 2023, we'll deploy our new services and platform, with a focus on quantifiable metrics that show real-world benefits to manufacturers. Our aim is to bridge the gap between the multiple demographics of AECO professionals and the Building Information Modelling (BIM) workflows they need to succeed. We'll continue to be champions of digital adoption and help drive the adoption of a national BIM mandate. Together, we'll empower small and medium-sized enterprises to develop sustainable solutions that will shape the future of the construction industry.

abahughes.com
IDEAmississauga.ca