Tracking the Rising Global Demand for BIM

A Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology that uses various tools, processes and contracts to create a digital model (with physical and functional components) of a commercial, residential or architectural building.  

BIM supports a construction project from the prototype stage, to the last step in a project lifecycle. It is usually hosted on an open cloud platform which allows for collaborations across teams during the development stage. 

The Key Benefits of BIM  

• It makes the design and construction process more efficient, thus resulting in cost savings. This is possible because organisations that have implemented BIM, use visual models instead of using physical prototypes, which can often take up more time and cost.  
• Given that BIM is usually hosted on an open source platform, it enables collaboration between different stakeholders like engineers, contractors and suppliers. The open collaboration results in lesser room for error and lapsed judgements.  

• It doesn’t require manual data entry, which means the project turnaround times are much faster, and the progress can also be tracked more effectively.  
• Using BIM’s visualisation technologies, teams can get a more accurate vision of their models, which results in better design and project quality. 
• BIM uses sustainable design techniques like energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. 

A Merit expert says, “Though the technology has been in use for several years now, it has grown in popularity only in the last two years owing to its ability to tackle some key challenges currently faced by the construction industry; that is, low performance, productivity and efficiency, high construction waste, lack of a proper mechanism for building stakeholders to collaborate on, and poor quality of raw materials and output.”  

With its advanced 3D, 4D and even 5D modelling technologies, and data analysis and cloud capabilities, BIM has proven to have the ability to create visual representations of a project, allow for quick and effortless modifications and additions throughout the project lifecycle, enable collaboration across stakeholders like architects, engineers and contractors, and monitor and forecast building performance through reports and analysis. 

The Adoption of BIM over the past 20 years 

In 2021, the global BIM in the construction market reached USD 3.3 billion, with its adoption set to reach USD 7.6 billion by 2027.  

Another data set reveals that currently, the UK leads in adoption of BIM in its construction projects, followed by Germany, Poland, France and Croatia. Foremost reasons cited by companies for BIM adoption are better coordination and clash detection, enhanced visualisation, and efficient project planning. 

A notable example of a project that was implemented using BIM is the Crossrail in London and South East. Known to be one of the most complex and challenging projects undertaken in the UK, the Crossrail project was set rolling in 2008.  

The development team used BIM to create a 3D visualisation of 25 design contracts, centralise and connect databases, create a centralised system to manage the design work, coordinate logistics from end-to-end, and create and approve over a million CAD (computer-aided design) files. 

Best Practices to Follow When Piloting with BIM 

These best practices remain more or less the same compared to what we suggest when you implement any new technology into your business. Let’s look at what they are. 

Step 1: Investment from the leadership team  

Investing in BIM has to come from the leadership team. The executive team should first be given training and understanding into how the technology works, and how it can benefit their business. That includes setting a vision and objectives for the project, and identifying how BIM can contribute towards achieving them. 

Step 2: Company wide communication of vision and strategy  

The second step involves communicating the vision and objectives to every last member of the organisation. BIM is a technology that needs to be integrated across every team to be most effective. So, it’s imperative for the executive team to first understand how it will impact the project, and in turn translate it effectively to every other stakeholder in the organisation. 

Step 3: Training on use of technology stack 

The third step is to train teams to use the technology. Whether it is a CRM, a cloud application or a BIM, it requires employees to have a working knowledge of the application, to get the most out of it. The onus, again, lies with the leadership to ensure that stakeholders develop requisite skills to use the technology effectively. 

Is your client aware that you are implementing BIM into your projects?  

Incorporating BIM into AECs can bring a shift in processes that are unlike the traditional approach taken to rolling out a project. Businesses need to ensure that they have their customers on the same page, and make BIM part of the contractual agreement. 

Auditing BIM Impact 

A general best practice is to audit and measure the impact of implementing BIM in the project development process. Regular audits can ensure that the data and processes are compliant with the contract and industry standards, and also leave room for identifying errors and improvements and executing the same. 

These audits and compliance best practices can extend to understanding how the organisation is adapting to BIM, and evaluating if the technology is contributing towards achieving the desired goals and objectives. 

Merit’s Expertise in Data Harvesting & Data Analysis in Construction 

Our state-of-the-art data harvesting engine collects high-volume, industry-specific data at 4 times the speed, with 30% more accuracy than normal scrapers, at a lower cost and with the quality control from seasoned data experts.  

Our solutions help some of the world’s largest construction intelligence brands seamlessly deliver data and insights to their end customers, including:  

• Delivering curated content from thousands of online documents or PDFs  
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To know more, visit: https://www.meritdata-tech.com/service/code/data-harvesting-aggregation/