Unleash the true potential of BIM Services

Unleash the true potential of BIM Services

Building Information Modeling is a virtual medium of representing 3D geometry and building data in a real time situation. Entire construction and AEC industry is making the best possible use of it currently with great results of course. However many segments within this industry are not very satisfied with this technology. Some feel that BIM technology is just a hype and it over engineers the entire construction process and delivers project information that is not actually required. What is the reason of this prevailing opinion? It has a lot of reasons but the crux is suitable utilization in the right way.

The main reason why this point comes into the discussion is BIM Services is used where it is not required.  Sometimes the right things at wrong occasions wreak havoc. When we do not use the right kind of detailing or BIM Modeling for the prevailing project, it can give you a feeling that the process is not efficient. Many times companies utilize the wrong level of detailing for a simple project. For Example: If an Architect wants to make a design presentation he or she does not require a detailed geometry or building information to accomplish this. But when a subcontracting firm or a BIM company suggests a solution that is complex and involves advance stages of construction, an Architect will definitely feel that using Building Information Modeling is more complex for a small piece of work. The ability to sell BIM Services based on the real requirement will boost the utilization of the services and will not diminish the value of it.

Whenever the client requests to proceed with the construction using BIM Modelling or other advanced stages like BIM Coordination Modelling, Revit family creation, 4D construction sequencing services etc., check the size of the project.  It is up to the Architects and Contractors to suggest the suitable services to them. If it is residential building the requirements will be different and less complex unless it is a multistoried apartment, Commercial set up using BIM Modelling and other stages may be ideal.

The clients may not understand this however contractors can definitely suggest and guide the client or owners accordingly. Due to this issue the industry has struggled with this process of implementing BIM but has not been able to make the best use of it. People tend to focus on the overall benefits and ignore the process that helps you achieve these benefits. How can we positively use BIM Services?

Understanding project needs: It is important that we understand the requirements of the client. On understanding the requirement we will come to know what to suggest the owner. By suggesting the right kind of services, the client will be able to make the best utilization and will thoroughly enjoy the process instead of being bogged down by the burden of a long, un-wanted process. When an Architect is looking forward to using BIM Services, it certainly is for design presentation or 3D Visualization. Suggesting them to go for LOD 400 detailing, is not a good option. They can create a model that they can use for extraction of Architectural Construction Drawings.

Appointing skilled resources: Most of the time, a failure of technology or projects are associated with poor implementation. When you allocate the work to any BIM Service Provider Company with mediocre experience be sure to receive mediocre results. This ultimately makes the client lose faith in the technology. BIM Services if not implemented correctly can make the project execution process tardy, result in monetary losses and puts the technology in bad books forever. To get optimum results of any process, it is vital to hire experienced resources or outsource to companies who have worked on major projects. Experienced company and trained staff can also advise the right kind of services based on client requirement.

Use BIM Modelling in the entire project execution lifecycle: Using Building Information Modeling only in one process is not the right approach. In case a contractor is undertaking a turnkey project then he should BIM for the entire construction process right from conceptual design through as-built. This is where he will be able to get the real benefit of BIM. The best part is we can use the same 3d Model that was created for conceptual design throughout the entire process by upgrading it with the relevant details across all stages. The same model that we created for conceptual design (LOD 200) can be converted into LOD 300 model (BIM coordination, clash detection), updated to LOD 400 (Fabrication) and finally LOD 500 (As built). If a client is an Architect and is looking for BIM for a particular phase only he can work accordingly.  But certainly, Virtual Construction Modeling is meant for large-scale and complex projects where there is a need to break down construction tasks. Smaller projects can be handled simply by just creating a simple 3d model.

Conclusion

As we discussed the real benefit of BIM Services lies in the utilization of this technology in totality. Virtual Construction Modelling can bring in the excellent and seamless transmission of data, design information in the overall construction, manufacturing and installation process. In the coming years, software like Autodesk Revit, Navisworks etc. will upgrade itself to provide BIM Modelling with an approach that can work well on medium and smaller projects too.

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