BimScaler Blog – With its many advantages, including increased project efficiency, lower costs, and better teamwork, Building Information Modelling (BIM) has completely transformed the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.
But putting BIM into practice is not without its difficulties. Successful adoption can be held back by cultural, financial, and technical barriers that many organisations encounter.
Let us now look at the 5 most common challenges in BIM implementation so that you are aware of them during transition.
1. Technical Challenges
One of the primary challenges in BIM implementation is the technical aspect.
Integrating BIM software with existing systems and workflows can be complex, requiring significant time and resources.
These challenges range from the software integration problem, data management complications, and legacy system issues.
BIM requires the integration of various software applications, such as CAD, project management, and analysis tools. Inside this process, there are other complex problems, like file formats, data structures, and software versions, that can all impact the successful implementation of BIM within an organisation.
Additionally, BIM projects also generate large amounts of data that includes 3D models, schedules, cost estimates, and other project information. Efficiently managing, storing, and accessing this vast amount of data poses a technical challenge, especially for large-scale projects, that makes the BIM implementation difficult for some companies.
Lastly, some organisations may have existing legacy systems, such as CAD software or project management tools, that need to be integrated with the BIM workflow.
The integration process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring additional resources and expertise. Thus, some smaller firms are hesitant to implement BIM for their projects.
After implementation, the automation process is causing some issues for businesses. In our previous article, we discussed the challenges associated with CAD automation. You can learn more about this by clicking the link below.
Learn More: CAD Automation Hurdles: 5 Challenges You Should Be Aware of
2. Financial Considerations
Implementing BIM comes with financial implications. The cost of software licences, hardware upgrades, and training can be substantial.
From the software itself, BIM software licences in Australia can range from $120 per month to $6,043 for three years. BIM 360 Design from AutoDesk for example, a single-user licence costs $175 per month, $1,400 per year, or $4,200 for three years.
That much money is spent solely on software. After that, you’ll need to train your teams so that everyone can make the best use of BIM for their project. To do the training, you’ll need to incur another cost. To picture this, we can see the cost of training from BSI Group. They offer a 2-day public training course at a cost of $1,795.
And that’s only for the software and training.
There are still many more costs in the BIM implementation process, such as hardware upgrades, ongoing support, and maintenance. That’s why, some of the companies are hesitant to implement BIM for their projects.
3. Cultural and organisational Hurdles
BIM implementation often requires a significant shift in organisational culture and mindset, and the resistance to change, lack of understanding, and fear of new technology can slow adoption.
The construction industry is often resistant to adopting new technologies and processes, as they can disrupt established workflows and practices. Overcoming the inertia of traditional methods and convincing stakeholders to embrace the benefits of BIM is a significant challenge that every organisation must face in order to fully realise the potential of this innovative technology.
But what exactly is causing this resistance?
It is because the construction industry is often characterised by a fragmented and siloed organisational structure.
Some organisations have their own stakeholders (architects, engineers, contractors, etc.) working in isolation. With the existing organisational culture, implementing BIM can be difficult for them since it requires a collaborative and integrated approach.
And to overcome these cultural and organisational hurdles, it often requires a comprehensive change management strategy, which is not an easy thing to do for them.
4. The Unwillingness of All Stakeholders
Another significant challenge in BIM implementation is the unwillingness of all stakeholders to fully embrace the technology. This unwillingness can come from many different sides. It can come from its practitioners, like architects, engineers, and contractors. It can also come from the industry itself and even from the client side.
Architects and designers may be reluctant to adopt BIM due to concerns about the impact on their design process and creative freedom. They may perceive BIM as a constraint on their ability to explore and experiment with design ideas, and overcoming the perception that BIM limits design flexibility is the challenge itself.
Additionally, industry associations and regulatory bodies may be slow to develop and implement BIM standards, guidelines, and mandates, which can contribute to the unwillingness of stakeholders to adopt BIM. Without clear and consistent BIM requirements, stakeholders may be less inclined to invest in the technology.
That’s why industry associations need to provide standards, so stakeholders have some guidance in adopting BIM.
An example of this in Australia is the BIM Standards from NATSPEC. Through those standards, NATSPEC provides a guideline to help organisations implement BIM in their own projects.
Despite BIM standardisation, some companies are still hesitant to implement BIM for their projects, especially if their clients don’t demand it.
5. Client Demand
Client demand for BIM deliverables is a driving force behind its adoption. However, not all clients may be familiar with BIM or understand its value.
LetsBuild, in their blog post, stated that 73% of smaller companies having five staff or less have been cited as having no client demand for BIM.
They also add that, in the context of a UK construction project, the government is actually enforcing the use of BIM for publicly funded work. However, clients of smaller firms don’t often make similar demands.
This lack of client demand can hinder the adoption of BIM for smaller companies, despite its proven benefits in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As the industry continues to evolve, educating clients on the value of BIM may become increasingly important for all construction firms.
Aside from BIM implementation, another challenge in the construction industry is CAD visualisation. CAD visualisation is essential during the design and planning stages of construction projects, allowing for improved communication and decision-making.
Our previous article delves deeply into this topic. Please check it out by clicking the link below.
Read More: CAD Visualisation Challenges: 5 Common Problem and Strategies for Success
Conclusion
Implementing BIM in the AEC industry comes with its fair share of challenges, ranging from technical and financial hurdles to cultural and organisational resistance. However, by understanding these challenges and developing effective strategies, organisations can successfully adopt BIM and reap its numerous benefits.
Are you ready to take your BIM implementation to the next level?
Look no further than BIMScaler.
As a leading provider of BIM services and solutions, BIMScaler offers expert guidance and support to help you navigate the challenges of BIM adoption.
With our comprehensive CAD and BIM management services, BIMScaler can assist you in streamlining your workflows, improving collaboration, and maximising the benefits of BIM.
