
How can the construction professionals bridge the communication gap with BIM?
In the past decade BIM has gained significant momentum in the construction sector. Looking at the various advantages that it offers to the AEC professionals throughout the project lifecycle it is not really surprising. It has the potential to detect clashes and reduce errors, increase productivity, save time and cost etc. It also enables the construction sector to address issues like lack of skilled labor, increased demand for sustainability, risk mitigation etc. However, one of the key benefits that BIM has offered the AEC professionals is that of enhanced and integrated communication and collaboration.
Importance of Collaboration in construction:
Every construction project has its set of challenges and problems that requires comprehensive and precise planning. These challenges are compounded by the fact that in a given project there are various stakeholders involved. There are architects, designers, engineers, government officials, manufacturers, project managers, contractors etc. For the construction to go smoothly all these members must be kept in the loop. Even a small miscommunication could have adverse potential consequences. There are certain things that project managers and owners can do to streamline construction like creating a proper flow of information, allocating proper roles and responsibilities to each team member. By providing a clear idea of who is responsible for what holds people accountable for their mistakes as well as ensures that other people know who to contact regarding a given aspect or a problem. When using BIM, a BIM Execution plan can be created from the onset of the project that defines the tasks of each member in the team. Along with that it also provides tools that allow stakeholders to communicate effectively and ensures that the project can be completed without any major communication gaps.
BIM for Collaboration:
The modern CAD and BIM Software are both cloud based which allows to work faster and smarter. Cloud based BIM also allows the architects, designers and engineers to access their 3D model from virtually anywhere. BIM, and more specifically Revit takes collaboration to a whole different level. Revit Server allows multiple members of the BIM team to work on the same Revit model. When various teams are working on the same model, any inter or instar disciplinary clashes are easily detected and productivity is greatly increased. With BIM 360 the BIM teams are connected to information in real time. This ensures that any decision taken is based on updated and accurate information. Finally, BCF manager a plug in which can be integrated with BIM software. It goes a long way in streamlining workflows and makes it possible to create filters, flag issues etc. so once detected no error goes unresolved.
There are also various mobile based applications that allows stakeholders to stay on top of the project at all times. They combine mobile technologies with cloud based collaboration and reporting. For instance, A360 mobile app makes it possible for AEC professionals to share, view and even comment on Navisworks and Revit software files. With BIM 360 field they can reference project documents, run QA/QC, create issues etc.
Finally, another area where BIM offers an edge over Drafting Services is by communicating time and cost related information accurately. With many stakeholders involved any change at a given point in the project cycle could have an effect on the final cost and timeline. If every person started making changes without updating the other members the final cost and project timeline could very different from the original one. The changes can be as minor as a small change of delivery date by the manufacturer or a large change like change of materials used for the building. With BIM integrating time and cost related information with the 3D model it is possible to see the effect of each small change on the project estimation and delivery date. It also makes it possible for all the members involved to see the changes and take informed decisions.
BIM for client communication:
Finally, the benefits of BIM don’t just extend to enhanced communication between BIM team members and stakeholders but also to client interaction. The 3D format of the BIM would provide the client with an overview of the design process in a clear and more understandable format. It can help them properly visualize how the final design will look and facilitate clear and informed decisions. Just as 3D Rendering Services provides better marketability and is more appealing, BIM can be used with virtual reality and augment reality to provide a complete feel of the place. From presentations to marketing BIM could prove quite advantageous when it comes to communicating with the clients or selling the final design.