BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a system for creating and managing building information models for all stages of the lifecycle of a building. BIM provides 3D models of buildings and their components as well as metadata to describe those models. By using BIM technology during every phase of a project’s lifecycle—from design to construction through maintenance and operation—architects, engineers, builders, and contractors can eliminate errors and improve coordination across trades.
It’s important to note that BIM does not replace traditional methods such as hand drawing or computer-aided drafting (CAD). Instead, it simply enhances them by providing additional information about each element included in those documents.
BIM is a game-changer for the construction sector, providing a host of benefits, from improved collaboration to increased efficiency. However, before you can start reaping the rewards of BIM, there are a few things you need to do first in order to set your company up for success.
From developing a BIM model management strategy to choosing the right BIM software, there are a number of key steps to consider before you take the plunge. Keep reading as we go over five key steps you need to take before you implement BIM in your construction firm.
What is BIM?
BIM stands for Building Information Modeling, a type of software used to create 3D models of buildings. This software allows designers to collaborate on projects and share their ideas with one another and also helps architects create models that are more realistic than traditional drawings or sketches. The use of BIM software has become increasingly common in the architecture industry over the last decade as it has become clear how useful it can be for designing buildings.
BIM is essentially a 3D digital model of your building that integrates graphic, spatial, and engineering information to describe all aspects of the construction project. It allows you to visualise your design in 3D before it’s built so you can share the model with contractors, subcontractors, clients, and architects during the planning phases, review the model online at any time during construction, and make more informed decisions along the way.
BIM technology streamlines building construction processes smoother by minimising errors, tracking defects on the go, planning against the latest building blueprints, and keeping all project stakeholders in the loop – especially when there are countless documents being exchanged in every project.
Why is implementing BIM important for your construction projects?
Implementing BIM software in your construction projects can provide a significant number of advantages for your business. BIM modeling is important for construction projects because it can help to improve communication and collaboration on the project with all the various parties involved, from the architects and engineers to the construction workers and facility managers. It can also help your company reduce errors and rework and improve the overall quality of the finished project. It also improves the accuracy of project estimates as well as aids you in identifying potential problems and solutions more easily. In addition, BIM enables you to better visualize the finished product, which can be helpful during a project’s planning and execution phases. Ultimately, BIM improves the quality of your construction projects while also saving you time and money. Read here to learn more about the benefits of BIM.
5 essential steps you need to take first before implementing a BIM model
If you haven’t already, here are a number of key steps you can take to get the most out of your BIM software implementation easily and efficiently.
It’s important to know what you want to achieve before you start implementing BIM, which is why it’s essential that you first make sure that you’re clear on what exactly needs to be done. Consider what kinds of models will be most useful for this project and how they will be used in the future.
When top management understands why it’s so important for them to implement BIM and why they should support it at every step, they’ll be much more likely to give their full support – and help create a successful implementation plan that works for everyone involved!
Here are five essential steps you need to take first before implementing a BIM model. By following these steps, you’re on to greater success for your construction projects.
Step 1: Specify your goals
Any transformation starts with having goals and a plan of action. Define your objectives clearly before you start using BIM. It is essential that your software goals are defined for both the organization and the project. To help you get started, consider the reason why you want to use BIM information modeling, how it can help your construction projects, how it can improve your on-site and day-to-day workflows, and how it works best for your business.
Remember, the goal needs to be specific and measurable. Therefore, in this case, it is worth registering with PlanRadar to book a product demo, and our sales team can provide a free consultation to help you with the planning step. Find out more about PlanRadar here.
Step 2: Plan a strategy
Strategy and planning are the most important tools for implementing any new procedure or project. A comprehensive BIM Implementation Plan is a good idea because it outlines everyone’s responsibilities, objectives, and specifications.
Keep in mind that it will take your company some time to adjust to BIM since it may be a brand new process. Of course, not every venture pans out the way we hope. So after kick-off and rollout, you will need to keep your company on track by periodically evaluating your performance, identifying what works and what needs to be adjusted, and, if need be, changing your strategy for best results.
Step 3: Choose the right BIM project software
Before making a decision on the BIM software you want to use, do some research! Be sure to understand all the available features so you can make the best choice for your needs. These features should include 3D modelling, scheduling and planning, cost estimation and budgeting, efficiency improvement, and more. The ability to modify and compare blueprint updates, work directly off a plan, ticketing systems, and mobile-first access are all key factors that can determine how much you can benefit from using BIM software on-site.
The quality of the software you use is important. You should confirm that the program will meet all of your needs and potential workflows. To allow you to try out its features, several BIM software platforms offer free trials for first time users. This enables you to determine whether it might work well for your company. If a piece of software appeals to you, you can also request a demo of how the platform works to understand it better.
Step 4: Form a BIM management team
BIM software is a powerful tool for construction, but it can also be a lot to handle. That’s why it can be a good idea to create a team dedicated to managing your BIM software implementation, set-up, rollout, and performance monitoring. It’s incredibly beneficial having a team of experts in the field who will make sure that all projects are accurate, transparent, and fully support your needs for every project. It’s also crucial to promote a positive attitude towards the new software and workflows, so team members should be willing to share their experiences and learn from one another. Hosting open learning or training sessions can be a smart way to support a collaborative tech approach in your business.
Step 5: Provide training to your employees
It is the responsibility of the project manager to ensure that their team is sufficiently trained to use new software before it is put into effect. Some employees may have difficulty adapting, so this might be a lengthy process. You can make the process easier by hosting well-planned training sessions and being open to answering any questions your team may have.
Conclusion
Before implementing BIM, it is crucial to do your research and understand the software well. You should also develop a plan for how you will use BIM in your projects and make sure that all of your team members are on board with the transition. After you have deployed BIM, you should turn your focus to streamlining your procedures. This means constantly observing, assessing, adjusting, and repeating.
PlanRadar is designed to be user-friendly and includes a variety of features that will revolutionise your building projects. Our mobile and desktop platform supports 2D plans and BIM models, so whichever format you work with, it’s easy to upload, store, view, and collaborate on plans – all in one place. To learn more about the features of PlanRadar, book a demo or contact us today.
