4 minute read
Talking Point
DEBUNKING FOUR MOST COMMON BIM MISCONCEPTIONS
Nigel Davies, from the Communities Leadership Team at UK BIM Alliance, debunks some of the myths commonly associated with BIM and unpacks how, by using BIM processes to digitally transform business, the industry can improve efficiency gains in the long term that far outweigh the initial investment costs required to implement the right software solutions.
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By now, most public sector organisations have likely heard the term BIM, at least in passing. However, how many of them actually understand it and feel confident enough to implement it is another matter. Sadly, the numbers might be low, despite the benefits being substantial.
A simple Google search is of little-to-no help as the internet is unfortunately crawling with conflicting (and wrong!) information. The myths and misunderstandings surrounding BIM, which have grown and evolved over the years are, in large parts, hindering businesses’ ability to succeed with their digitalisation plans. Thus, it is time to put the most common ones under the microscope and debunk them once and for all, starting with the acronym itself. What does BIM actually stand for?
Is it building information modelling? Is it better information modelling? Or perhaps better information management? The truth is BIM can mean different things to different people, which, in hindsight, does not help the matter.
As BIM was originally and primarily focused on 3D models and associated data, many still link the acronym to building information modelling. Whilst this isn’t necessarily wrong, BIM has matured significantly over the past decade to describe the wider information management process across the lifecycle of a built asset.
It is clear that there is a greater need to simplify the terminology and to give BIM a commonly-understood description. One that will reflect the broader industry transformation and today’s digital landscape, and that can spark instant understanding and confidence amongst all professionals in the public sector’s built environment.
Therefore, supported by the UK’s industry-led BIM community, from now on, BIM could be considered as better information management, and associated with managing information in a smarter way.
Is it just a 3D model?
The simple answer is no. For years, many public and private sector businesses have thought of BIM as a 3D model. Certainly, the old acronym of building information modelling did not help to shift the common thinking that BIM is a model that aims to create a more visual representation of the project at hand. 3D models are only part of a much wider information management process that at its heart should foster more collaborative working, seamless data sharing and easier access to data at every stage of the project for every party involved. It is, therefore, key to look at BIM beyond just the model and into the wider improvements to information management processes. This way, companies will be able to produce a wide variety of digital datasets easier, meet tight project deadlines, gain efficiencies and cost savings.
Nigel Davies, from the Communities Leadership Team at UK BIM Alliance, has 20 years’ extensive experience within the AEC industry. He has unique insight and first-hand understanding of cuttingedge design and construction data production and exchange practices.
BIM is just software, right?
Wrong! BIM software per se does not exist. Having said that, however, there are various solutions on the market that are designed specifically for public sector professionals to help them generate and share project information more effectively. Depending on the scale of the project, organisations might need a range of software tools to meet different project milestones in an easier and faster way.
The specific software will, therefore, depend on the specific needs and goals. What works for one business might not be suitable for another, so it is always up to the individual organisations to choose a solution – or solutions – that will help them improve communication, efficiencies, or reduce safety risks.
Choosing the right solution is an important element of achieving better information management practices, however, BIM in itself is much bigger than just an online tool.
Is BIM worth paying for?
In short, yes. The focus shouldn’t, however, be on how expensive BIM is, but rather on what happens if an organisation chooses not to implement better information management practices. It’s an old cost versus benefits conundrum. information sharing equals met deadlines, no time-wasting, better communication, less risk, and, subsequently, greater trust amongst local authorities to deliver future projects.
Whilst there could be some upfront costs associated with changing traditional and legacy working processes, more often than not, these will be countered by the long-term efficiencies gained. These upfront costs can – but don’t have to – include software and extra training. It is worth researching and asking local communities whether they can recommend any free or low-cost tools to start the digitalisation journey. There are also reputable and readily-available sources online, for example from the UK BIM Framework, that provide clear step-by-step guidance for smoother, cross-team BIM implementation.
Whether a company is starting, re-starting or moving onto the next step of its BIM implementation, it should always keep the efficiency gains at the forefront, as there is a clear and direct correlation between efficiencies and the bottom line. Easier project On a journey towards successful BIM implementation
A clearer description of BIM as better information management can now help the public sector built environments confidently move forward with their digital transformation journeys. Knowing exactly what BIM is and is not, as well as expected costs will undoubtedly help adopt better practices and reap the benefits of BIM for years to come.
