Few digital construction technologies of recent times deserve a special mention as much as Building Information Modelling (BIM). As an advanced 3D modelling software, BIM has revolutionised the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry with its capabilities. Contractors and engineers can leverage BIM to create realistic 3D models of complex structures and efficiently collaborate.
However, it still begs a question – Is investing in BIM technology worth it? Such advanced digital construction technologies are typically adopted by most large AEC companies with significant budgets. Smaller businesses, however, have to be more considerate of their spending. Well, BIM is certainly worth the investment, and we’ll soon find out why.
Why does every AEC company need BIM technology?
Incorporating BIM in construction streamlines the whole process and makes it faster and more efficient. Even small and mid-sized companies benefit from hiring professional BIM services and using the technology in a number of ways.
- Increased construction safety and risk mitigation
BIM breaks down and analyses different aspects of a project, including hazards and uncertainties. This helps contractors identify potential safety risks and resolve them proactively. Besides the well-being of those on the site, it also offers the following insurance perks:
- Fewer chances of claims
- Lower risk premiums
- An overall reduction in insurance spending
- Enhanced collaboration and workflow
The detailed and advanced 3D models generated by the BIM software help streamline the workflow and promote seamless collaboration. In the past, architecture and design were far more manually intensive. Builders and structural engineers have to view a lot of information in order to implement design templates. However, these details keep changing during various stages of the planning and construction processes. BIM mitigates this challenge by constantly updating the alterations.
- Quick project conceptualization and visualization
In the initial stages of a project, BIM can help contractors and designers conceptualize and visualize different ideas. They can use the software to evaluate different alternate designs and compare them against the original idea seamlessly. Engineers and architects can visualize different spatial configurations and evaluate the outcomes of each one. BIM can, therefore, help make major design decisions in a well-informed manner.
- Increased cost efficiency
Let’s be honest here – a good BIM software doesn’t come cheap. However, using BIM construction visualization technology can significantly boost cost efficiency. From giving you a detailed breakdown of the costs to helping avoid unnecessary expenses, BIM can help in several ways.
- When laying out the costs associated with the project, every bit of material is accounted for in the BIM process. This helps get an accurate estimation of the costs.
- Contractors can manage cost overruns in the BIM stage itself, taking out any unexpected surprises.
- The detailed visualization and analysis significantly reduce the scope of errors by informing you of the outcomes of each design.
In other words, BIM helps you save money by avoiding expensive oversights.
- Sustainability
BIM is great for sustainable building design and construction. The software helps carry out sustainability analyses and evaluate the climatic and environmental impact of a project with great precision. This, in turn, helps contractors make sure that their projects adhere to environmental regulations. The modelling technology also helps in other aspects related to sustainability, such as material optimization.
- Systemized facility management
Using BIM in construction helps organize facility management by creating a continuous and accurate digital checklist. BIM can help contractors manage and monitor building information, and even modify building handover. Hence, it makes the entire process much simpler, easier, and faster.
- Enhanced productivity
Ultimately, the streamlined processes, seamless collaboration, and increased transparency result in enhanced productivity at both individual and organizational levels. This is one of the key reasons why an increasing number of contractors are hiring BIM services. It boosts the productivity of the team as a whole, ensuring a quicker project turnover.
How can you utilize BIM in your projects?
Finding professionals skilled at BIM is a major challenge for smaller contractors. The comprehensiveness of BIM is one of its strongest aspects, but it also requires employees at every level in the process to be trained in using the software. Thankfully, you may outsource BIM services from a reputed digital construction company. Their team would work closely with your engineers, training them on the software and working together towards a common goal.
