The concept of building information modelling (BIM) is new to some people who are far more familiar with CAD for building concepts. However, it’s gaining pace for larger construction projects right through to the post-completion maintenance work involved in complex, commercial buildings too.
Here is how BIM is useful in the construction industry to assist employees to keep a project on track.
Clearer Communication Focused Around a Common Goal
BIM in construction management enables the entire team to be on the same page for a new building.
Using BIM lets staff reference cloud-based digital solutions on a tablet or laptop to visualize not just the basic structure of the building but dig deeper still. The various designers can look critically at different aspects of the overall business park or extensive building structure to ensure it fits the needs of the client.
Other people working on the project can see not only the design details but also the specifications for each area right down to the nuts and bolts. Confusion over what work needs doing is largely removed at this stage.
Improved Project Visualization
While CAD certainly had its uses, BIM now offers vastly improved visualization for all stakeholders through accurate modelling.
Rather than using wire-frame models that make it difficult to anticipate how the building will eventually look, colourful 3D models complete with all the necessary details allow everyone involved in the project to see exactly how the structure should appear once completed.
It is no longer necessary to expect everyone involved to use their imagination to picture it because the visuals are now far superior to how they were a few years ago. This avoids mistakes over misunderstandings on how the client wanted the building to look when finished.
Reduced Costs Through Clarity
The larger the project, the more that’s subject to interpretation or human error.
Respected business consultancy, McKinsey, found that companies using BIM discovered initially unexpected gains from its adoption. Lost time managing paperwork and fixing miscommunications were reduced dramatically. Clarity on the design allowed for the correct ordering of building materials that were suited to the task. Because how the building will look and be used for is so transparent, mistakes were avoided. Also, insurance premiums often declined because there was less risk of waste, cost overruns, or human error.
Staff Aren’t Going to Burn Out
New projects from the initial design concepts to architectural designs, blueprints, and then the construction stage last for years. When they drag on, the more significant the work, the likelier that some of the people involved will burn out and need to be replaced on the project. This leads to a lack of continuity that can potentially add new problems.
When communication is improved, all stakeholders know the project plan in detail right down to the specifics that are pertinent for their role. This reduces their job stress considerably. As a result, the staff involved can proceed through long projects without wearing them down before they reach the finish line.
For companies anticipating early problems with their initial ideas for a new building and the construction to follow, BIM offers a smoother ride.
