CitA BIM Gathering 2021, September 21st – 23rd 2021
Creating Opportunities for Successful Adoption of BIM solutions for Estimators and Quantity Surveyors Animesh Sourabh1 Account Manager (Construction) MagiCAD E-mail: 1animesh.sourabh@magicad.co.uk Abstract ̶ The paper looks at three different groups of estimators and quantity surveyors in the UK & Ireland based on their use of BIM solutions. For those who currently use BIM solutions, we identify the type of solutions they use, explore reasons for investment and then offer ideas to facilitate expansion. For those who do not, we explore the problems they are trying to solve, understand key adoption barriers and suggest ways to overcome them. 'Improving productivity' and 'Reducing risk' come out as the top reasons for investment for the group already using a solution. ‘Cost’ and ‘No time to get up to speed’ are the main deterrents for those who have considered a BIM solution in the past. The third group is waiting for BIM models with cost relevant data to be more widely available before they decide on adopting a solution. Keywords ̶ estimators, quantity surveyors, BIM, productivity, collaboration, risk
I INTRODUCTION The paper looks at a specific audience and where they are with BIM solutions (estimators and quantity surveyors in UK & Ireland). The objective was to explore their opinions on benefits of BIM solutions as it relates to their work. If there are any adoption barriers, what are they? And, if that gives us insights into short and long terms options to overcome these barriers? The paper focuses on three different subgroups. • individuals who are currently using a BIM solution • individuals who don’t use a BIM solution but have considered using one in the past • Individuals who don’t use BIM and haven’t considered using one in the past For the first sub-group (referred to as ‘Use BIM’), we assess if they are satisfied with their BIM solution. For the second sub-group (referred to as ‘Have considered BIM’), we explore reasons for not investing in a solution. Also, if this group would consider a BIM solution in the future and the reasons behind it. For the third sub-group (referred to as ‘Have not considered BIM’), we try to understand what is required for them to consider one.
a) Results The results bring out the differences in motivations for BIM adoption for these sub-groups. The first sub-group is more aware of BIM solutions and their benefits because of the first-hand experience either within their department and/or a different department. The second sub-group lists ‘Cost’ and ‘No time to get up to speed’ as the main deterrents to investing in a BIM solution. However, it can proactively make a strong case in front of management as they understand the key problems they are trying to solve. The third sub-group is waiting for suitable BIM models with cost relevant data to be widely available and will benefit from an external push by the client.
II METHODOLOGY An online survey was sent out to estimators and quantity surveyors in UK & Ireland, which got 39 responses. There were a handful of responses from outside this region (3 of them). The survey was a mix of multiple-choice, rating scales and open-ended questions. The openended questions were included for respondents to offer explanations for their responses. About 87% identified themselves with the construction sector. A handful of other respondents
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