BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING (BIM)
BIM: Improving Collaboration in the Construction Industry As BIM becomes the standard for the construction industry, what are the benefits and what do organisations need to know? Andrew Butterfield, Product Certification Director of Built Environment, BSI, reveals more.
BIM is the management of information throughout the lifecycle of a built asset, from initial design through to construction, facility maintenance and de-commissioning. Whether for it’s for a new building or a rail infrastructure, it focuses on collaboration and is underpinned by digital technologies. These technologies allow for more efficient methods of designing, delivering and maintaining physical built assets throughout their entire lifecycle. BIM enables design and construction teams – engineers, owners, architects, contractors to collaborate across each discipline at a level that has been unseen before. As BIM is being adopted increasingly throughout the construction industry, it’s crucial that CEOs are aware of this opportunity and what it may mean for their organisation.
Change the Way you Work The information shared between design and construction teams remains with a project, from start to finish. It also helps to analyse any potential impacts. The use of BIM goes beyond the planning and design phase of the project, extending throughout the building lifecycle, supporting processes including cost management, construction management, project management and facility operation. The adoption of BIM requires organisations and individuals to change the way they work. They must accept that traditional roles within the supply chain and client organisations may need to be redefined to successfully implement the new processes and information management requirements of BIM.
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Some of the benefits include: • Reduction in CAPEX, delivery and operational costs • Reduced risk • Improved carbon performance • Predictable planning • Faster and efficient processes • Increased productivity and speeds up delivery • Reduced uncertainty • Controlled whole-life costs and environmental data • Avoidance of rework costs • Improved safety • Opportunity to secure Government contracts and meet BIM Level 2 • Reduced onsite waste • Prevention of errors.