

Along with most other design consultants in the AEC industry, you too must have adopted BIM. But did you ever bother to introspect whether your implementation is correct or not? Or how well have you implemented it?

If you say you are implementing it correctly because your design consultant developed the BIM models for you then it’s just a tip of the iceberg you are considering. If you say because your site engineers are doing the right work efficiently, then you are probably unaware of real BIM advantages.

We bring a checklist of characteristics that signify correct BIM implementation for general contractors, and in turn the entire building construction project team.

Organized data for every stage

BIM is said to have been established with an aim to coordinate construction site activities and collaborate designs well. But when will this be achieved? To answer this; being a design support partner to several iconic projects, we know that the core requirement to say that BIM is obtained only when all the design and design related data is in place and easily accessible.

It becomes a prime requirement to ensure the correctness of BIM implementation that design consultants, as well as all the design stakeholders, have their data organized.

Currently, even with BIM co-exists, the data is in silos. Only design stage of building construction projects have integrated data. However, implementing BIM Level 2 should eradicate silos and integrate the data in a holistic sense. Bottom-line is design stakeholders consolidate this data, be it laser scanned data, the point could or GIS – whatsoever, consolidate this data on BIM platform. Stay organized stay profitable!

Extend data exchange for external software enterprise

Design consultants might take time coping up with the fact that BIM data and BIM objects should be interoperable in order to make the most of BIM platforms. But that is the only way moving forward once you’ve developed 3D as-built model. For example, it is highly recommended that Revit models and AutoCAD models are developed according to standards. IFC and COBie are the standards usually followed for file exchange.

Such interoperability will ensure that BIM data is accessible to all involved in the building construction project, irrespective of their discipline. Additionally, the fundamental reason of BIM, i.e. to schedule a streamlined construction, can be generated through construction timeline videos in Navisworks only if Revit models can be imported. Cost estimation and quotes for bids and tender approvals can be generated by linking as-built models.

Digitize every stage

Mere design integration in 3D cannot be considered as doing BIM; even a generalized CAD platform can do that. In fact, that was done even before Autodesk launched BIM platforms. With BIM, the aim is to go digital at every stage, from concept through construction.

While designs are digitized, RFIs, quotes, BOMs and other construction documentation for interdisciplinary activities are being digitized slowly.

This is essential because managing paper trails is cumbersome onsite. A site engineer carrying blueprints with the helmet is an age-old concept – this is a fact that we need to accept. The sooner we do, the faster are we on the correct track of BIM implementation.

Digitized not only means accuracy but also keeping track of changes made, the change maker and time of the update. It is very crucial while preparing BOMs and QTOs once the construction has started as there are several simultaneous activities to look after.

Currently, there are mobile apps too which are available for BOMs and other document generation processes and they give excellent results. However, a full desktop version of Revit or other BIM platform will have unparalleled accuracy.

Give Cloud a thought

When we say there needs to be digitization at every stage of the construction project, it is inevitable to have all required data available every time – especially when the construction sites are at a remote location. As a result, Cloud is a brilliant alternative for contractors and site engineers to be in touch with the designer or design consultant at any point of time during construction. This establishes a smooth flow of information and transparency between all stakeholders, and investors as well.

Additionally, if design consultants or contractors are having a hard time accepting BIM, there are multiple BIM help groups, BIM champions, BIM experts and BIM4M2 – a few to name. Above all, an expert BIM service partner with extensive experience and proven track record of working with BIM will certainly ensure that BIM implementation meets all aforementioned criteria, making your BIM implementation correct.