Regional industry consultation Workshop report

BICP Regional Industry Consultation Workshop

Prepared by

Dr. Barry McAuley, Post Doctorate Researcher, DIT and CitA Dr. Alan Hore, Principal Researcher, DIT Date of Workshop: 19th June 2017 Report Published: 10th August 2017

EXCUTIVE SUMMARY

A BICP Regional Industry Consultation Workshop took place on Monday 19th June 2017 with representatives from nine organisations representing Engineering, Contracting, Legal, Surveying, Consulting, Training and Clients. Items under discussion included establishing strategies to increase the value proposition of BIM to Clients, establishing current legal impediments, identification of pathfinder projects, use of BIM standards and BIM education.

A focus group methodology was applied as it enabled the researchers to draw upon respondents' attitudes which was moderated by a group leader on the specific topics as noted above.

Some of the key findings included a lack of understanding of what is entailed in achieving a Level 2 BIM standard and Client concerns with regards to the costs associated with BIM. The workshop discussion on SMEs highlighted a reluctance in them embracing BIM, as they perceive that only the larger contractors are benefiting. From a legal standing the CIC BIM protocol and EIR were regarded by the attendees as important sources of legal documents but are proving difficult for Clients to integrate into their work flows. The PAS suite of documents was widely recognised as the most suitable standards due to their impeding ISO accreditation and global recognition. Many of the attendees were aware of the work of the Scottish Future Trust (SFT) in their monitoring of particular pathfinder projects and were keen to see this replicated in Ireland. An outreach BIM programme or an extended campus were considered as options by the attendees in respect to promoting greater engagement for HEIs with stakeholders. In addition delegates suggested that Ireland should look at building on the work of the BIM Academic Forum in developing an educational template for all HEIs to use in delivering BIM education.

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Table of Contents 1.

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 4

2.

WORKSHOP ATTENDEES .................................................................................... 5

3.

METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................... 6

4.

PRIVATE CLIENT ENGAGEMENT ..................................................................... 7

4.1

How can we persuade more private Clients to engage with BIM?............................. 7

4.2

Is there an awareness programme required for these Clients? .................................... 7

4.3

Are Clients finding that there is capability in the market to deliver BIM? ................. 8

5.

CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT .................................................................. 8

5.1

Are you using BIM as part of your contracts/projects presently? ............................... 9

5.2

How was BIM facilitated in the contracts? .................................................................. 9

6.

PATHFINDER PROJECTS ................................................................................... 10

6.1

What is the purpose of pathfinder projects in this context?....................................... 10

6.2

Are you aware of any potential project candidates? .................................................. 10

7.

NATIONAL BIM GUIDELINES ........................................................................... 10

7.1

Should Ireland develop its own guidelines or use international guidelines? ............. 11

7.2

Who should draft these guidelines? ........................................................................... 11

8.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING ............................................................................ 11

8.1

What educational and packages could be designed to increase overall awareness and understanding by key stakeholders? .......................................................................... 12

8.2

How do we design programme to facilitate a consistent approach to BIM service delivery? .................................................................................................................... 12

9.

SUMMARY .............................................................................................................. 13

10.

COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE CENTRAL AND REGIONAL WORKSHOP ........................................................................................................... 14

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1. INTRODUCTION The workshop took place on Monday 19th June 2017 with representatives from nine organisations representing Engineering, Contracting, Legal, Surveying, Consulting, Training, Academia and Clients. The workshop offered the opportunity to collect opinions from a number leading professionals who have been active in the promotion and practice of BIM within organisations outside of Dublin. The workshop sought to provide an opportunity to feed into the National BIM Programme for Ireland by eliciting experiences, aspirations/future directions of owners, designers, constructors and building operators/managers in respect to a future requirement for the use of BIM on Irish public and private sector projects specifically within a regional setting. Items under discussion included the nature of economic and industry constraints to BIM adoption, as well as the identification of business strategies and models that may support adoption of BIM in the architecture, engineering, construction and facility management sectors in Ireland.

Pic 1: Workshop Members in deliberation

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2. WORKSHOP ATTENDEES Name

Company

Role

Represented Sector

Alan Hore

DIT / CitA

Academia

Barry McAuley

DIT / CitA

Michelle Burke

Korec

David Mullen

Engineering Documentation RPS Consulting Engineers

Lecturer and director of CitA BICP Postdoctoral researcher and lecturer Geospatial Solutions Consultant Managing Director Project Engineer

Engineering

Lisa Haverty

Academia Geospatial M&E / BIM Support

Ruth Staunton

RPS Consulting Engineers

Project Manager

Engineering

Mel McGerr

Murphy + McGerr Architecture

Director

Architects

Jonathan Reinhardt Rory Coen

Datech Ireland

BIM Specialist

RPS Consulting Engineers

Senior Engineer

Commercial / Training Engineering

Tom Barry

Tonabrucky Construction GMIT

Programme and Contracts Manager Lecturer

Contractors

Mark Costello

RPS Consulting Engineers

Director for BIM

Engineering

Jim O Connor

GMIT

Lecturer

Academia

David Fallon

C&F Quadrant

Building Services

Surveyor

Mark Kelly

Table 1: Workshop |Attendees

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Academia

3. METHODOLOGY The methodology selected was that of a focus group. A focus group is a form of qualitative research in which a group of people is asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes towards a product, service, concept, advertisement or idea. To ensure that a non-biased opinion was recorded it was agreed to a wide range of multi-disciplinary professions at different levels of BIM maturity would be invited to participate. The attendees were invited to share their opinion on 1. establishing strategies to increase the overall value proposition of BIM to private sector Clients; 2. current procurement routes and possible legal impediments to facilitate the use of BIM in Ireland; 3. the identification and function of pathfinder projects and their potential role in a National BIM implementation programme; 4. the production of a central reference document that defines roles and responsibilities, collaboration procedures, modelling requirements, digital, etc.; and 5. developing and delivering BIM education and training programmes for key government and broader industry participation.

The focus group enabled the researchers to draw upon respondents' attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences and reactions in a way in which would not be feasible using other methods.

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4. PRIVATE CLIENT ENGAGEMENT This part of the workshop explored three specific areas about establishing strategies to increase the overall value proposition/benefits of BIM to private sector Clients. The following three areas provided the focus for the workshop.

4.1

How can we persuade more private Clients to engage with BIM?

There is a lack of understanding of what is entailed in achieving a Level 2 BIM standard. Clients are finding it difficult

to

produce

an

Employers

Information

Requirements (EIR) document. The EIR can be a very

“BIM can be disruptive to the workflow if it is not done correctly” (David Mullen, Engineering Documentation).

comprehensive and onerous document and the Client needs assistance in how to write it.

At present Clients are concerned with the costs associated with the BIM process. They can only see the initial cost outlay and the work involved getting it to the point of tendering. In order to “It’s the fear of actually crossing the threshold to make that first step and there needs to be some kind of an incentive there to assist with that” (Tom Barry, Tonabrucky Construction).

4.2

address these concerns, it was suggested that there needs to be some incentive or subsidiary given to companies who are buying software. There is a requirement for a more concentrated information campaign for both developers and Clients, so as to inform them of the requirements to execute a successful BIM strategy.

Is there an awareness programme required for these Clients?

There has been a significant engagement through activities and workshops, such as the CitA Smarter Cooperative Building Series to promote and raise awareness of BIM for Clients. However, there is still a resistance in the market place. There is a fractured level of awareness with

“There’s probably a fractured level of awareness out there in relation to BIM” (Tom Barry, Tonabrucky Construction). the majority of companies now

implementing BIM only on larger scale projects. The smaller Clients and companies at best have a limited awareness and are afraid of the change associated with BIM.

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There can be an unrealistic understanding of the costs associated with BIM, as Clients can “Because awareness only goes so far. If you ask them are they doing BIM they will say no. They will say they are never asked for it. So, their approach is a bit reactive”.

(Mark Kelly, GMIT).

4.3

underestimate the level of resources required i.e. Common Data Environment (CDE) fees. However, awareness can only go so far and unless Clients trial it on a pilot project they will never understand both the benefits and barriers associated with BIM.

Are Clients finding that there is capability in the market to deliver BIM?

The Clients are finding that the bigger contractors have the capability to deliver BIM Level 2 but the SMEs are struggling. Some of the larger contractors despite stating they are at a Level 2 standard are still making all their enquiries with 2D drawings. SMEs are receiving large

“At the minute it is a legitimate concern because we are still getting enquiries from sub-contractors with no BIM capability” (Mark Costello, RPS).

models and are not fully confident in using them. This is causing re-work through the conversion of the 2D drawings into 3D and is adding additional cost.

In some instances, SMEs believe that BIM will only save money for the larger contractors.

This is making them apprehensive about investing in software and training. The larger contractors are then required to place skilled staff on site to ensure that correct procedures are followed.

The BIM regional hubs have helped Clients and SMEs better understand the value proposition of BIM through the sharing of experiences of working with BIM on local projects and addressing the challenges of implementing BIM. The regional hubs have provided a key resource in promoting BIM and their ongoing activities will be an essential tool in upskilling the sector.

5. CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about current procurement routes and possible legal impediments to facilitate the use of BIM in Ireland. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.

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5.1

Are you using BIM as part of your contracts/projects presently?

The workshop attendees were in agreement that if BIM is to be a requirement then it should be clearly stated in the contract documents what the expected deliverable is to be. One workshop attendee’s noted that they are witnessing a number of professionals stating that they are operating within a BIM environment, which actually translates to using Revit. This is resulting in them not taking advantage of the advances in

“Rather than take advantage of advances in all of these various technologies, they are increasing risk to their project because they don’t have any protocol in place to manage the new software deliverables” (Mark Costello, RPS).

various technologies and inadvertently increasing risk to the project, as they don’t have the correct protocols in place to manage the new software deliverables. If no protocols are in place to manage the transition to digital workflows then it will be extremely difficult for the project to be successful.

5.2

How was BIM facilitated in the contracts?

BIM is a new way of doing business and with that the correct protocols are a necessity.

A number of the workshops

attendees have used the CIC BIM protocol as a guide for including BIM in their contracts. The EIR was also stressed

“You are using the CIC BIM Protocol in most cases in the absence of an EIR” ( Mark Kelly, GMIT).

as a valuable document in setting out key legal requirements.

One of the workshop attendees noted that in a number of cases the EIR is not properly developed and in that case the CIC BIM protocol holds even greater importance, as it is the “Assuming it’s all done properly the project delivery manager on behalf of the employer would be there to make sure that everything is run in accordance with BIM” (Ruth Staunton, RPS).

key legal document that details the agreement in place between the different parties. The EIR should be a key legal binding document for the project deliverables. The project delivery manager on behalf of the ultimate employer should be there to make sure that everything is operated in accordance with BIM and that the EIR is achieved.

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6. PATHFINDER PROJECTS This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about the identification and function of pathfinder projects and their potential role in a National BIM implementation programme. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.

6.1

What is the purpose of pathfinder projects in this context?

The Scottish Future Trust (SFT) ongoing monitoring of their pathfinder projects was suggested as a best practice guide. The SFT have worked with multiple public sector bodies i.e. Transport Scotland, Scottish Water, Scottish Prison Services, etc. which has enabled the key BIM

“In Ireland that could be CITA who brings the stakeholders in that are currently not as involved as they would like� (Mark Costello, RPS).

requirements for each sector to be established within a live environment. It was suggested that CITA could work with a number of public sector bodies to help establish their BIM requirements. The lessons learnt from the pathfinders could be then implemented into the proposed policy documents to be used within the respective projects.

6.2

Are you aware of any potential project candidates?

A number of potential projects where suggested during the workshop. The Centre Parcs which is a proposed 395-acre Village in Longford Forest was mentioned a potential pilot project.

There is to be 488 chalets which are timber frame houses. Another proposed regional pathfinder project was a small housing scheme of 6-12 houses in Leitrim which are to be constructed to a passive standard. It was noted that there are to be 5000 off-site construction houses planned which could offer an opportunity to be partnered with BIM. It was further suggested that an infrastructure project could be an ideal project.

7. NATIONAL BIM GUIDELINES This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about the production of a central reference document that defines roles and responsibilities, collaboration procedures, modelling requirements, digital etc. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.

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7.1

Should Ireland develop its own guidelines or use international guidelines?

All of the workshop attendees agreed that consistent national guidelines were a necessity for any successful BIM project. The PAS 1192 suite of documents were suggested as potential guidelines due to their global recognition. With these guidelines currently in circulation it could enable Ireland the opportunity to learn from the

“At some point either in the EU or globally, there needs to be a standard to make it easier for Irish business to be able to export. A consistent standard that applies to all countries is quite relevant� (Jonathan Reinhardt, Datech)

UK, who have been using these guidelines extensively.

There followed some discussion on these standards becoming ISO recognised with a possible annex to be included that is country specific. If Ireland plan to export their BIM skills abroad then it is important that they adopt recognised international standards.

7.2

Who should draft these guidelines?

Each professional body could produce their own national BIM guidelines but with reference to appropriate international standards. This would enable an understanding from each profession of their roles and responsibilities. Alternatively, an independent body could be commissioned to draft an overall set of guidelines that will representative of the industry.

If guidelines are to be drafted then it was recommended that the NSAI should certify BIM in Ireland. The possibility that an entity such as the BSI who have a recognised BIM accreditation process should also be explored as a potential accrediting body. The option of an independent body who represents all the different professional institutes to validate companies seeking certification should be investigated.

8. EDUCATION AND TRAINING This part of the workshop explored two specific areas about developing and delivering BIM education and training programme for key government and broader industry participation. The following two topics provided the focus for the workshop.

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8.1

What educational and training packages could be designed to increase overall awareness and understanding by key stakeholders?

It was suggested that an outreach programme were one embeds themselves into an organisation would offer an attractive educational experience for HEI students. This will result in the student learning through practice. The prospect of an extended campus for HEIs should be explored which would offer a greater engagement with stakeholders. This

“Unless you have that personal relationship with the company or with an organisation, and make a conscious attempt to maintain it, it will come to nothing” (Jim O Connor, GMIT).

would enable the HEI to build a personal relationship with an organisation to ensure their knowledge gaps can be met within the potential course. This industry relationship can ensure both organisations and HEIs collaborate on an equal setting to develop the programme.

It was noted that it is important for an organisation to have a company plan that is transferable to the different departments. This can be difficult when HEIs are teaching capabilities that may “The learning outcomes have to be based on the education gaps that you find by engaging with industry (Tom Barry, Tonabrucky Construction.

8.2

not fit into the organisations programme.

One of the greatest difficulties encountered by HEIs is sourcing potential staff with the right profile to deliver courses who are not just software orientated but also understand construction industry work flows.

How do we design programme to facilitate a consistent approach to BIM service delivery?

A significant step would be a standard template across the educational sector. This template should be focused on the message of collaborative working with a strong focus on “If it is based on a common standard that a university or a third level education delivers, that’s the important part” (David Mullen, Engineering Documentation).

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processes.

This

may

“I think you do need a template across the educational sector” (Mark Kelly, GMIT) .

prove

difficult as the HEIs are at different levels with regards their BIM journey. While the varied HEIs will have different pedagogies in place they should all work to an agreed standard. This will ensure there is a broad agreement on a standard for digital collaboration.

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9. SUMMARY The second BICP Consultation Workshop focused on a series of relative concerns that regional organisations within the Irish AEC/FM sector now encounter in their journey to fully embrace digital construction. A selection of diverse professionals were presented with a series of key topics and encouraged to critically discuss each one. A number of informative solutions were put forward which have been summarised throughout the course of this report. There is a concern that there is a lack of understanding of what is entailed in achieving a Level 2 BIM standard with Clients more concerned with costs. In order to address this concern, it was suggested that there needs to be a subsidy given to companies who are buying software. Despite ongoing efforts been made to educate the sector there is still a fractured level of awareness with BIM been mainly adopted on larger projects. There is still a reluctance from SMEs to embrace BIM, as they perceive that only the larger contractors will benefit.

The workshop attendees all stressed the requirement to clearly state within the contract documents the level of BIM maturity required. The EIR is essential in achieving this and in a number of cases is not been properly developed. If these protocols are not in place then it will be extremely difficult for a successful BIM project to be executed.

Learning from the SFT experience of ongoing monitoring of pathfinder projects was suggested as a good strategy for Ireland. A number of potential candidates where suggested including Centre Parcs and a small housing scheme of 6-12 houses in Leitrim.

All of the workshop attendees agreed that national BIM guidelines were a necessity in Ireland.

The PAS 1192 suite of documents were suggested as strong guidelines that have received global recognition. The attendees warned that if Ireland plan to export their BIM skills abroad then it is important that they follow in line with international standards, such as the PAS 1192 suite of documents.

BIM education in the form of an outreach programme or an extended campus should be explored which would offer greater engagement for HEIs with stakeholders. A BIM educational template for HEIs which does not impact any respective pedagogies but focuses on setting a standard for teaching was largely agreed by all attendees,.

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10.

COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE CENTRAL AND REGIONAL WORKSHOP

The first BICP Industry Consultation Workshop was held in Dublin on the 28th November with 12 different organisations attending (Click Here to read the summary Report). The same topics were discussed as detailed in this report with the cross referencing of answers detailed below: •

Both workshops demonstrated concerns with Clients and their understanding of the BIM process. Both sets of attendees agreed that if the Client is to fully embrace BIM they need to see specific savings that can be tracked through relevant metrics.

•

The larger contractors both centrally and regionally have shown strong BIM maturity but prevalent concerns are still in place for SMEs. While SMEs generally have shown a reluctance towards BIM it would seem that this is more evident regionally.

•

A number of awareness programmes to upskill Clients, such as workshops are primarily centrally located but significant efforts have been made regionally to promote BIM.

•

From a legal standing the CIC BIM protocol and EIR are both proving key documents in providing a legal context for the execution of BIM services both centrally and regionally.

The Client as reported in both workshops need assistance in completing these documents.

•

A number of pathfinders were suggested in the workshops which provides further evidence of the maturity of the sector. There was more BIM projects discussed in the central workshop compared to the regional one due to the high levels of construction activity in Dublin. The SFT pilot programme was referred to in both workshops as a good template

•

The PAS suite of documents were strongly endorsed throughout both workshops as the most suitable standards due to their impeding ISO accreditation.

•

The singular message for education coming from both workshops is that there must be a collaborative approach between industry and academia to ensure the students receive an understanding of both BIM software and processes.

It was evident that similar results were encountered both centrally and regionally. While more BIM activity has been recorded centrally a lack of Client understanding is prevalent in all areas with further upskilling required. The SMEs regionally have yet to embrace BIM while centrally concerns remain on their capability to work within a BIM environment. The PAS suite of documents is being adopted throughout, with the CIC BIM protocol providing a valid legal starting point. A number of educational models were suggested which could provide a valuable tool to promote HEI collaboration. Despite the recorded concerns a strong appetite and capability has been demonstrated both centrally and regionally for BIM processes.

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