Precision and efficiency are two of the most important factors in the construction industry. Building Information Modelling (BIM), a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics, is one of the key tools that businesses use to achieve these objectives. BIM enables businesses to create a virtual representation of a building, allowing them to identify and resolve design clashes or conflicts before construction begins.
Despite the benefits, not everyone in the construction industry is using these methods. One common misconception is that BIM involves adapting to a completely different way of working.
Well, actually, that’s not the case.
BIM can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows and processes, making it easier for businesses to adopt this technology. Additionally, BIM offers significant cost and time savings by reducing rework and improving collaboration among project stakeholders.
In today’s article, we will deep dive into the core reasons why companies are increasingly turning to BIM, exploring its benefits and impact on various facets of the construction process.
BIM is important because it allows for better visualisation and coordination of construction projects, leading to improved decision-making and fewer errors during the design and construction phases.
According to Autodesk, BIM not only allows design and construction teams to work more efficiently, but it also allows them to capture data generated during the process for use in operations and maintenance. This is why BIM mandates are growing around the world.
For example, complex projects like airports and hospitals. BIM enables more efficient planning and coordination among multiple teams working on such complex projects. As a result, the cost of rework and construction delays can be reduced, resulting in a more efficient process.
After the building is completed, the BIM model can be used for facility management, making it easier to schedule maintenance tasks and identify areas that need to be repaired or replaced.
However, if you are unfamiliar with what BIMs are and how they work, you can read our other article, in which we go in depth about what BIM is.
9 Benefits of BIM for Independent Consultants & Small Firms
1. Cost Savings
One of the primary advantages of BIM for independent consultants and small businesses is cost savings.
BIM allows these professionals to avoid costly rework and construction delays, which are frequently caused by design flaws or conflicts. Furthermore, BIM enables more efficient planning and coordination between multiple teams, reducing the need for costly revisions or changes during the construction process.
This results in a more streamlined and cost-effective project overall. Furthermore, BIM can help with resource allocation, ensuring that materials and labour are used efficiently, resulting in cost savings.
2. Improved Collaboration and Coordination
BIM enables better collaboration and coordination among the various stakeholders in a construction project. Architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors can collaborate seamlessly using a single platform for sharing and accessing project information.
This improved collaboration results in better decision-making, fewer communication errors, and, ultimately, more efficient project execution. Furthermore, BIM provides real-time updates and instant feedback, which enables teams to address issues quickly and avoid costly delays or conflicts during the construction process.
3. Efficient Project Management
Efficient project management is the number one priority in the construction process, and BIM plays an important role in streamlining these procedures. BIM allows project managers to create detailed schedules, allocate resources more effectively, and identify potential bottlenecks before they become a problem. This proactive approach greatly improves project timeliness and overall delivery.
Another advantage of BIM is its ability to integrate with other project management software and tools. This seamless integration facilitates team collaboration and communication, resulting in smoother workflows and improved coordination throughout the construction process.
You might be wondering about how BIM is applied in construction. Check out our other article about the construction industry’s use of building information modelling (BIM) and the corresponding challenges, where we go into great detail about that topic.
What is Building Information Modelling (Image by Medium)
4. Transparency in the Process
Transparency is a cornerstone of successful project delivery, and BIM provides a transparent and holistic view of the entire construction process. Stakeholders can access real-time data, monitor progress, and identify any deviations from the initial plan. This transparency fosters accountability and builds trust among project teams and clients.
5. Better Visualisation and Simulation
BIM enables stakeholders to visualise the entire project in 3D, offering a realistic representation of the final outcome. This not only aids in better understanding but also allows for virtual walkthroughs, helping clients and project teams grasp the design and functionality before construction begins. Additionally, simulation capabilities in BIM help assess various scenarios, optimize design choices, and improve overall project performance.
6. Increased Efficiency
Efficiency is a key driver for the adoption of BIM. The ability to automate repetitive tasks, such as quantity takeoffs and clash detection, reduces the time and effort required for these processes. This efficiency gain translates into faster project delivery, minimising delays, and enhancing overall productivity.
7. Competitive Advantage in the Industry
In a highly competitive industry, gaining a competitive edge is crucial for the success of any company. Embracing BIM positions a company as forward-thinking and technologically advanced. This not only attracts clients who value innovation but also opens up opportunities for collaboration with like-minded partners. The ability to showcase BIM proficiency becomes a valuable differentiator in winning bids and securing projects.
8. Improved Quality Control
Quality control is a non-negotiable aspect of construction, and BIM significantly contributes to this aspect. By providing a comprehensive digital model, BIM allows for meticulous analysis and scrutiny of every detail. This detailed scrutiny helps identify potential issues early in the design phase, minimising the likelihood of defects or flaws during construction.
9. Reduced Errors and Rework
One of the most tangible benefits of BIM is the reduction in errors and rework. Traditional construction processes often involve multiple revisions due to inaccuracies or miscommunications. BIM, with its real-time collaboration and data accuracy, minimises these errors, resulting in fewer design changes and rework. This not only saves time but also reduces overall project costs.
Conclusion
To summarise, the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) by construction companies is more than a trend; it is a strategic move. BIM’s multifaceted benefits, ranging from cost savings and improved collaboration to improved project management and reduced errors, make it an invaluable tool for companies looking to succeed in the competitive landscape.
At this point, you might be considering incorporating BIM into your construction project. If this is the case, you should consider BIMscaler’s consulting and management services.
BIMscaler consulting and management services provide end-to-end BIM usage for your project, starting with BIM/model management, content management, project start-up, project meetings, and end-user support.
As a leading Australian provider of BIM services, BIM Scaler assures you of a professional and effective BIM implementation for your building project.Transform your business today with BIMscaler.
