Building Information Modeling (BIM) is always seen as a key for the engineering and construction industry as it looks to digital transformation to tackle some seemingly inherent challenges such as budget overspend, project delays, and quality control issues.
But with all of this attention, BIM is still seen as a 3D modeling tool, it’s only for experts and that it is used only by a fraction of the teams on a development project. Despite BIM being widely accepted in the industry, there still seem to be some negative perceptions on institutionalizing BIM.
BIM is not just a 3D model...
While 3D models are perhaps the most obvious, visual manifestation of changed ways of working, they are only part of a much wider process. BIM is all about collaboration between engineers, owners, architects and contractors in a three-dimensional virtual construction environment.
In addition to 3D modeling, BIM is known for many other reasons –
BIM improves design
Visualization of the finished product produces more effective and elegant designs. By enabling coordination across disciplines through design and contract document production, BIM further enhances the completed design.
BIM allows clients to truly understand their buildings
A dimensionally accurate BIM provides a sense of scale, allowing clients to experience the building prior to renovation. BIM also helps to predict power consumption, light use and similar factors, thus increasing energy efficiency.
BIM can be used irrespective of the size of the firm or projects
No matter the size of the firm, BIM will help make smarter decisions and positively impact the overall project efficiency and quality. Users can make a change once and all documentation will be automatically updated.
BIM is a process – not a tool
While there is definitely a learning curve to implementing BIM, there are a lot of readily available training to make the BIM manageable even for the busiest firms.
BIM provides better results by improving the efficiency
Productivity gains achieved over time by using BIM can outweigh the initial loss of time during training. For those companies looking to gain competitive advantage, reduce outgoings, improve data accuracy, reduce duplicate work, and work more efficiently, it’s vital to ensure that BIM becomes ‘business as usual’ for the construction industry.
BIM is a mind-set
BIM is more of a mentality or a process rather than “just a software”. To fully utilize BIM, processes are re-engineered to include people, methods and technology properly in a collaborative digital paradigm.
BIM works on multiple models
BIM is not a central model, rather a collection of several different models and databases linked together. The advantage is that every stakeholder can be the owner for his/her model and discipline, which provides the control to make any alterations.
Every architect, designer, engineer, contractor, owner or client, will be benefited from BIM. BIM is a powerful tool for managing data and information all throughout the life of a facility or a building that involves processes, technologies, and people. Owners are now capable of seeing into the future and can make decisions with confidence.
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