BIM has emerged as a remarkable new technology in the field of building construction. But how they can be implemented across different companies, continues to haunt industry people. Implementation of Building Information Modeling has not been a major concern with large construction companies though they also have had their share of teething troubles. Small scale enterprises and companies have not even thought about it back there, but definitely medium sized Architectural and Construction companies are trying to implement BIM in their organizations. There are several road blocks that any company would face while implementing BIM. These road blocks can prove to be worth thousands of dollars though they prove advantageous in long run. Thus, companies which can afford to invest money initially normally work on BIM implementation. Recession has proved to be a deterrent in BIM implementation across the globe. This has hit medium and small enterprises vehemently. Companies, inspite of knowing the benefits BIM implementation are not taking the plunge owing. Hope fully this write up throws some light on why companies refuse to implement BIM. Along with this we would also like to portray advantages of BIM implementation in spite of its initial investment.
Commencement of BIM
Let us see in a nutshell, what exactly are the requirements to implement BIM in any company? Three main requirements for implementing BIM technology are Infrastructure, Technology and Manpower. They seem too easy to avail and implement; however having all three elements in sync with each other. How to bring this in sync is another area to explore and that is where cost comes into picture. With help of some planning BIM can be effortlessly and successfully implemented into medium-sized companies.
Why Implement BIM?
Implementing Building Information Modeling in medium sized companies can be referred as phenomenon in itself. Embracing change is a difficult process, however beneficial it is. BIM implementation in long run offers the following advantages
1. Minimize construction cost
2. Efficient Project Scheduling
3. Manage Pre-construction process efficiently
4. Extraction of Construction Drawings
5. Parametric Detailing and Drawing
6. Bridge collaboration gap between all construction phases
Looking at above mentioned advantages that BIM offers, one would voice an opinion objectively that every company should go for it. Like stated earlier in this article, initial investment in terms of cost and time is what makes companies ponder over the decision whether to invest or not invest. Following are the factors that have to be thought of while implementing BIM.
1. Work Flow: Work flow of projects is a major factor before implementing BIM in any company.
2. Size of projects: BIM is most effective in projects which are large size; small construction projects are not very viable.
3. Man-power: Man-power availability to get trained on BIM and relevant software
4. Infrastructure cum technology: Availability of infrastructure to have computers, systems and manpower to work on projects is important. Usually, there is a requirement of high end computers, with 22″ monitors, Core i5 or i7 processors with graphic cards to give excellent results and speed. Working files are large in size hence may slow down the computer if the processors are not of optimum configurations.
Manpower is one of the most important factors which can break or make BIM Implementation successful. Since this is about bringing a change in the working process, it is important that manpower take it very seriously and learn utilization of BIM thoroughly. Investments in training manpower on BIM concepts, technology, software and most importantly how to utilize the virtual model for construction needs to be looked upon very critically. After all BIM implementation is not all about creating presentation models.
Training and Development can be assigned to a company who is into development of BIM software. Companies like Autodesk, Graphisoft; Bentley etc. offer to assist companies in BIM Implementation. Right from purchasing of software, training Engineers, trouble shooting, subscription upgrades of different versions. In medium sized companies, pre-feasibility study and mutual agreement amongst senior level management is required.
Getting acquainted and exploring new software or a technology can be a great challenge. Implementation and post implementation, execution can become a challenge initially. Understanding software, getting acquainted with menus, commands, saving patterns, working style can be an issue while trying to meet tight deadlines. Constant research, up-gradation of skills etc. needs to be achieved constantly. The best way to implement this technology would be to apply it on existing project. This leads to two way advantages of superior training exercises without influencing the performance by time-bound accomplishment of the project.
By and large, it is very beneficial to implement BIM in medium sized company. Initial expenses and efforts might pinch but it is worth it looking at the benefits one can reap in the long run.
Go BIM today!
BIMARC Engineering Services provides CAD Services like CAD Drafting, 3D Modeling and Rendering and BIM Services to different Clients across the globe.
