Barry McAuley, PhD Post-Doctoral Researcher 086 014 4853 bmcauley@cita.ie www.bicp.ie
FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR IRELAND'S BIM INNOVATION CAPABILITY PROGRAMME (BICP) Background
How would you best categorise your knowledge of the BICP?
In 2016 and 2017 the CitA BICP research team set about capturing the capability of the Construction Industry and the Higher Education Institutes in Ireland response to the increased requirement for BIM on Irish construction and engineering projects. The BICP Team have conducted an extensive survey to further understand if the project has influenced the increased use of BIM by practitioners, educators and clients in Ireland. The results of the survey will also be used to assist the BICP team to provide a strategic focus for a potential phase 2.
A total of 95% of the survey has some awareness of the BICP, with 55% been very aware (See Figure 2). This will mean moving forward that the results will reflect those who have an understanding of the BICP and are familiar with the projects research.
The BICP Team surveyed a database of 500 professionals who have in some form been exposed to the findings of the BICP over the last two years i.e. case studies, presentations, surveys, workshops, etc. A total of 80 responses were received. This short report details the key findings of the study.
Is your organisation a member of CitA?? A total of 73% of the respondents are members of CitA ( See Figure 1).
Figure 2 – Knowledge of BICP
Have you in any way directly or indirectly engaged with the BICP in 2016 and 2017? The vast majority of respondents (82%) reported that they were directly or indirectly engaged with the BICP in 2016 and 2017 (See Figure 3). When asked to expand on their answers a number of respondents stated surveys, presentations through attendance at the CitA Smarter Co-Operative Series, interviews, BICP regional workshops, Client Working Group, case studies, HEI presentations and interviews.
Figure 1: Is your organisation a member of CitA
Figure 2 –BICP Engagement
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How would you best categorise the impact of the BICP in influencing the increased use of BIM by practitioners, educators and clients in Ireland? A total of 68% of the respondents believe that the BICP is influencing (34% stated very influential) the increased use of BIM by practitioners, educators and clients in Ireland. 11% of the sample have stated that the BICP has had no influence with the remaining 21% unsure (See Figure 4).
BICP Influence
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Very Influential
Somewhat Influential
No Influence
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Figure 4 – BICP Influence
When asked to elaborate the following comments were recorded.
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The publication of the BICP Report shows that comprehensive research has been undertaken in an Irish context into the breath of BIM adoption nationally. This is an important document for key decision makers within Industry and academia as it provides them with an understanding that the BIM process is becoming integral to the delivery of a growing number of Irish construction projects. Very influential, due to the continued message of the importance of BIM to the Irish Construction Industry and wider economy.
Very influential as it promotes awareness at grass roots level. The BICP has undertaken the role of bringing all industry practitioners and bodies together. The BICP has also produced excellent industry statistics to demonstrate where Ireland is on its BIM adoption journey, which I believe will provide the Irish Construction Industry with genuine verified direction. Very influential - it is ensuring that progress of BIM at both worldwide and national level is being captured and analysed and imparted to the relevant industry personnel. This in turn ensures the Irish construction sector is maintaining a high-level knowledge of the development and use of BIM so it can be put into every practice. Influential on education choices for the companies BIM role out. Very relevant to what we are all working towards in BIM. BICP Research and industry involvement that I am aware of is driving BIM agenda in Ireland. Many SME's in construction do not have the resources (time/money) to conduct research into emerging practices and technologies. Having access to the research CITA BICP provides is very helpful to SME's. I feel that it gives a perspective on what others are doing. It gives a baseline of capability within Ireland and globally. It allows a company to compare its level of understanding and implementation of BIM processes in relation to others and thus informing their decisions around the level of BIM adoption they want to apply to their company, so as to keep pace with the development in the industry.
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Never heard of it, and we're BIM users in the construction sector. Positive case studies are worthwhile in promoting use of BIM. However, industry still needs to upskill and there is a high cost in this for SME,s which is a consideration outside of CitA activities.
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Industry likes to know progress in Global BIM, but is more likely to increase adoption due to local drivers like mandates and procurement (Govt & Private clients). Not sure where BICP sits within the industry and how influential they are. Don't Know|: My reason is that in my experience BIM adoption is largely driven by Client expectation and by service providers trying to gain a competitive edge. I believe this would happen regardless of the BICP. However, my experience is confined to large private sector industrial projects, so it is possible that in other sectors the BICP has been more influential. Not sure if the impact is as strong as it could / should be, particularly assisting the mandatory inclusion of BIM for public project. Difficult to evaluate the impact but the update during the CITA breakfast and other events along with the Report issued earlier this year must be influencing. The profile of BICP needs to be increased.
What one activity/resource mattered most to you when observing the BICP over the past two years? The BICP Publication in the guise of the Global BIM and BIM in Ireland Reports were selected as the most important resource (33%). The second most valued resource selected were the case studies (20%) with the presentations provided at the workshops (16%) selected as third. A complete breakdown of the results can be seen in figure 5.
Figure 5: Resource
When asked to elaborate the following comments were recorded. Networking and Events • Great for networking and education. • Updates on activities of BICP at CitA events. • Opportunity to network and gauge first hand the increased requirement for BIM on Irish construction and engineering project. • Events and working group were also helpful in promoting and identifying a wider network. Case Studies • Case studies give best information on practical use of BIM and potential value in relation to outcomes.
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Practical examples of how BIM made a difference to others is a compelling business driver. Sharing of best practices real world applications and an acknowledgement of efforts being made by varying institutions. In my opinion there is no better way of understanding and learning the BIM process than seeing how it was implemented in a real life project, so case studies is the best way of educating people on the periphery like QS's who are not or have not been directly involved with the BIM chain. Actual case studies that go in to the nuts and bolts of Level 2 BIM. Some case studies are very general, BIM is good etc. Case studies providing research results are very valuable. These papers were expertly presented to a wide audience. They represent a large piece in business case authoring for BIM. Case Studies enable a good awareness of what other companies use, what where the issues and what did they do to complicate their projects successfully.
Industry and Academic Engagement. • I feel that engagement with representatives from Industry and Academia, through working discussion groups, provides useful insights into the high level status of BIM adoption across the industry. I think more of these types of events, such as that held in the CIF earlier in the year would be useful in determining where key stakeholders from Industry and Academia believe the research programme should focus future research. Website • To do anything in modern business today, a good website is mandatory. People are too busy to keep track of email notifications. It is much easier to refer to a well put together and up to date website when you want to find / review information. The BICP Publication, working groups, case studies and annual conference were important aspects of BICP.
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Well formatted website. Easy navigation. All publications and videos easily accessible and downloadable for reference. Availability of information is crucial.
Reports • I thought the report was the first genuine attempt to establish and understand Irelands BIM competencies which will now hopefully be put to some good use. • The reports have been useful as a commentary on BIM implementation progress. • Hard facts of the global BIM mandates encourages the Irish public sector to listen and commit to the paradigm shift. • The Global BIM report was a useful document. • BICP Publication solidifies the requirement for BIM globally. • All features of the BICP programme have been useful, but the publications have been very good. Need to distribute these more, and keep them upto-date. Working Groups • The working group was effective and I believe it is important to get out there and engage with industry face to face, so as to help with changing the mindset and educating the industry fully on the benefits. • The working groups are key to understanding where the industry are and helping to set the future direction. Other • Have mentioned stats in BICP to show benefits of moving to BIM. • I used some findings of the BICP to help write my own research project on the important role of standardised parts/components (one of the macro maturity models 8 complimentary components) play in an organisations/markets BIM implementation process.
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The focus of 2018/19 will move towards a BIM capability programme which includes guidance and support, particularly for SMEs. The BICP team would welcome your feedback on to how this guidance and support could be best provided?
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This question invited the respondents to provide valuable feedback on how they would like to see best guidance and support provided. A total of 58 comments were recorded with the most informative detailed below. Client unawareness • Construction industry is struggling to attract enough people, educate (potential) clients in the process and put a large focus on FM people/companies. Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Sub-Contractors have all bought into BIM but without more client/FM demand (knowledge), no one gets the full benefit of BIM • Clients are poorly advised Guidance Documents • Short documents explaining in lay person language what is BIM, what are the benefits of BIM and what are the minimum requirements and standards. Many of the current documents are overly complicated and do no need to be. • Keep it simple, not 100 page protocol documents. Good training & support / specialist advice would be a great resource to assist SME adoption. • Practical advice on use of BIM and the required BIM standards in relation to current industry non BIM best practice standards e.g. for drawing production etc. • Training, Guidance and tools. • Possible document templates, etc. • Guidance notes are a very useful starting point for any client organisation researching BIM with training as the next natural step.
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BIM implementation guidance for Public Sector clients. Ongoing seminars and further quality publications in the form of a first version Irish client handbook. Linking practitioners to standards and training in implementing standards that deliver a measured objective output rather than a subjective approach. In France a BIM Object Library was made available to make it easier to apply BIM for housing design. In Singapore the Model information has to be submitted to the state. There are consultancies providing training already but linking user needs to the available consultancies and getting to concrete standards based outputs/deliverables could be a role for BICP. Clear definition of terms. Accessible information and material.
SME Support • Special purpose BIM for SMEs training programme. • Agree focus on SMEs is very important as they have limited financial and other resources to spend on BIM capability building. • SME skill development is important and could be "a" focus. • SME's are mostly affected by cost in buying Revit licences rather than using perpetual licences of AutoCAD. It's hard for some companies to justify the learning curve and extra expenses when they realistically won't be required to produce information requirements for small works. Perhaps leaning towards IFC and open source softwares for BIM would help generate interest in modelling. Specific clarifications on practical leverages of BIM softwares would also help. • As I am in a large company with a dedicated specialist BIM team, I see relatively little need for us to seek support from the BICP team. The regular briefings and case studies are valuable for us, but I imagine that all of the abovementioned support tools would be of huge benefit to SMEs. Specialist advice is probably right up there as the most useful resource for those
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starting out with BIM implementation. Of course, access to these resources (especially online resources) would be of benefit to larger firms like ourselves also. Most SMEs are members of the different professional bodies: CIF, SISI, EI, RIAI, etc. The BICP should try and leverage these organisations to get access to the masses. A robust online resource such as the Scottish Futures Trust is required. The perception is that BIM is only applicable to large scale projects. The BICP could help demonstrate how BIM can be used for domestic housing and refurbishment projects. This would engage the SME sector, which is the backbone of the Irish Construction Industry. Specialist advice, and an information portal is critical.
Case Studies • BIM from different perspectives of the team and the benefits for each one. i.e. Architects and structural engineers view, M&E view, contractor view, Project Manager view, Client view. Currently there are a lot of people using BIM but a lot of teams not using it and don't fully understand it. Important to address the positives as well as negatives. • It is extremely important to provide strong consistent and prolonged programmes for the education and support of industry. Explain, demonstrate, imitate and practice is the best form of learning. BIM is only at the explain stage for the majority of the industry. • More case studies from smaller design firms. The bottom of the market is sinking the uptake. If small businesses are using BIM then the entire Irish BIM market will rise. • Practical examples of the implementation of BIM information management processes and tools to BS1192:2007+A2:2016 within SMEs. Practical examples of use of AIM for FM. • The focus appears to be all about helping the industry which is very important. However, there is also an opportunity for the BICP to play a leading role in adopting BIM into Irish public
contracts by referencing the best/appropriate practices in other countries (e.g. Scotland). Training Courses • Well-publicised hands-on courses could be the best option. • Training is an important step forward. Processes and procedures are key but software training at the end of the day is the enabler. The BICP should be promoting an OpenBIM strategy and try to spread this through the training being made available. • CPD`s outline benefits would be useful. • BIM Roadmap & Adoption Planning, upskilling IT staff with BIM knowledge and tools, publishing trends and information to start with BIM. • Practical training. Specialist Advice • Would be keen to see specialist advise from nonvendor aligned (independent) industry experts. I feel there was certainly a gap here when we were in the early phases of adopting BIM, which led us to re-invent the wheel on several occasions. • Support and information events are essential to inducing change to BIM. Ease of access to plain language BIM information. • Provision of mentoring sessions at the bimonthly events. These could be ten minute conversations held before or at the interval were mentors and mentees express interest in advance. • Continued education at CITA events. Visiting organisations to explain the benefits of BIM. • As advisors and not practitioners, the most useful support we could get is the provision of specialist advice, as required. • Specialist advice, regular training, guidance notes and online tools. e-Portal / Online • Webinars • I think providing an interactive process map on the CITA website relating to the 'Level 2' BIM process would be very useful. Ideally this would
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take users through the full information delivery cycle with the use of gateway questions and hyperlinks for every point in the process. The map would allow those engaging with the process to fully understand their obligations and highlight where capability or capacity to deliver said requirements might fall short. It should also highlight to Clients the importance of establishing clear guidance with regard to their deliverables. In many cases Clients do not understand why they are asking for BIM, which inevitably leads to difficulties further into the process. Online training tools is very important. This should not be focused on software but rather all other aspects of BIM and digital construction. A well put together website offering guidance notes and other resources is very important. A BIM information / best practice portal to help organisations independent of where they are on their BIM journey supported by relevant consultancy. Training required to deliver the BIM level 2 process. An information portal and online tools like Scotland are also essential to streamline the process. Online tools and information portal. Online guidance based on BIM maturity levels Look at Scottish Futures Trust BIM Portal as a good example. Also HS2 online training. Make adoption of BIM "easy" for SME's, so they don't all have to do the same work. I've noted that the BICP has not paid much attention to the role of standardised parts & deliverables (one of the macro maturity models 8 complimentary components) in a markets BIM maturity. Also in the CitA 2016 & 2017 surveys respondents highlighted that the lack of standardised parts were one of the top BIM Barriers encountered. I wrote my own research project on the import role of standardised parts/components play in an organisations/markets BIM implementation process. 96% of the respondents believed an online toolkit with a library of model components that meet Irish building standards would help
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their organisation implement BIM. 88% of the respondents believed an online toolkit where they can review & download national BIM standards & guidance templates would also help their organisation implement BIM. Online tools are the most convenient .
Certification • Encouraging organisations onto a certification path will make a genuine difference. Organisations will get far more out of training, guidance notes, information portals and specialist advice if they understand the actual business benefits of an actual Level 2 BIM Digitisation Programme. • I think you need to establish a list of all stakeholders BIM friendliness; then they can collaborate together. A BIM-ready rating of different practices would be useful with a marking criterion based on BIM capable employees, BIM projects completed, etc. There needs to be an accreditation system introduced to encourage and enforce companies to be proactive with regard to BIM in their organisations. • Provide National BIM certification programmes for companies to deliver ISO19650 and the PAS1192 suite of documents. Other • Removal of the apparent complexity around adoption of "BIM" and campaign to remove the "noise" around what BIM really is. • I think the current method is working. • Being kept informed on national and international trends regarding BIM is helpful. • Any effort to improve awareness and education on BIM is welcome and needed. One of the main difficulties to implement or progress BIM is the lack of even basic knowledge of clients, practices or contractors to what BIM is and what can be gained from it. • Approach seems fine so long as it does not replicate other sources • Demonstration of how BIM is a Lean Tool as Lean Construction grows. • Support with links to EI funding.
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CitA are currently looking at developing alliances with other international BIM promotional teams, who have developed guidance and support resources that could well be appropriate for Ireland. Would you be supportive of this strategy?
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A total of 93% of respondents would be in favour of CitA developing alliances with other International BIM promotional teams (See Figure 6). •
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• Figure 6: Develop alliance with International BIM promotional Teams.
When asked to elaborate the following comments were recorded. UK / Scotland • There is a thriving BIM strategy and drive in the UK and Scotland - the ISO 19650 (Irish annex) will be largely based on PAS1192 so why not "steal with Pride" the UK / Scotland learnings and experience. • BIM in UK has set a standard that is challenging and satellite institutions are developing ever more impressive resources for BIM implementers, such as NBS Toolkit. It would be very useful if a proposal under consideration by the PM Group in SCSI were to receive support for an Irish version. • UK, EU and US sources. • BSI, BRE, Building Smart, etc. In Ireland, the BICP should have the backing of all CIC members.
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Scottish Futures Trust would be an appropriate organisation . Size and scale of the implemented BIM mandate in Scotland is much closer to the ideal for Ireland than the UK Level 2 mandate. I would recommend the BSI. Scotland and Singapore. International best practice has to be the leading guide to achieving success. Which country is doing it well, does it match our culture and how can we implement that same strategy. No need to reinvent the wheel Singapore planning submissions in Revit format files. Extending this example to Dublin city council as a case study would excel the BIM uptake. I always believe that the more information you can get about best practice, the better. By sharing what others are doing we are bound to find new and better ways of doing things. The collaboration between researcher and public and private practice are the key for a successful implementation. International progress based on proof points are key learning points. UK BIM Guidance is a good template and lessons learnt from the UK Mandate implementation - it is also very relevant due to our close working partnership with the UK. Very important to have an international dimension. Yes. I think it would be a good idea to use tried and tested resources. SFT website is a very useful tool but suitable for Scotland - an Irish equivalent would help the industry. EU BIM task group. Scottish Futures Trust. BuildingSmart Scottish Futures Trust, Digital Built Britain, Co-BIM, etc. Singapore Model for Building Control - The only way to get Ireland to jump forward is to require all non-private residential buildings to have a minimum model delivered as part of BCAR. Australian BIM experience would be really interesting to learn from.
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Please provide any additional comments or suggestions you may have as to how CitA could best extend the BICP into 2018/2019. Any additional feedback on how CitA could plans its future direction between 2018-2020 would be beneficial to capture here. This question invited the respondents to provide valuable feedback on how CitA could best extend the BICP into 2018/2019. A total of 40 comments were recorded with the most informative detailed below. HEI • More collaboration between HE Institutions. • Stronger "national" network. More permanent presence in the "regions". Links with Local Authorities, local chambers of commerce, local universities/colleges, local schools, etc. Funding • Maybe join forces with the Enterprise Ireland BIM Enable / implement programmes and have an integrated approach - and streamlined integration of courses and funding. SMEs • Include representatives from SMEs on any steering group being set up. • Cost of implementing BIM for SMEs is high in particular for training. If the Irish Government want to mandate BIM for public projects, it may be worth providing some form of subsidised training allowance for SMEs to upskill. • SME's to help deliver on these standards based BIM expectations. • CitA should engage in some way with software developers and vendors to create transparency on pricing. This will be particularly important for SMEs who need to forecast their spending months in advance. SMEs cannot afford to be held to ransom and if BIM processes and procedures are to be the "norm", there needs to be strict regulations with regards the cost and upgrades to software.
An online toolkit with standardised parts would help SMEs implement BIM as they simply do not have the resources to create the component libraries for themselves. Without it BIM could become a multinationals only industry. The NBS toolkit is a good example of one, however its very much Revit heavy. More components for infrastructure programmes such as Civil 3D/MX/Open roads are needed.
Clients • Focus initiatives around getting clients (both private and public) to procure BIM of a high standard. • Provide support to clients to help specify, procure BIM of a high standard. • I really think serious work needs to go into working with clients to educate them of the potential value of the process but more importantly the vital role they have in defining the process! Standards • Leveraging LOMD and LOI definitions and develop use cases that help clarify how LOD helps to improve project outcomes Online • I think CITA should develop the use of webinars. • Webinars. • Online recording of seminars. • Offer BIM advice helpline. • The online information portal and specialist advice should be the key deliverable. Mandate • BICP should use best endeavors to convince Government that expenditure must be allocated to upskilling in both private and public sectors. Resources need to be put in place to make the transition to full level 2 BIM as easy as possible. Irelands commitments to EPBD and energy resources are best served through BIM implementation of Part L TGD. • The BICP need to include members who are actively engaged with BIM delivery in Ireland –
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and not just policy makers. The BICP should follow the CIC and recommend UK standards. A common technical language is important. There needs to be no confusion on the matter of BIM related standards - which is often the case in Ireland. The message needs to be viewed as a national movement and aligned to Irish Government policy (including Enterprise Ireland). Wholesale transformation of the industry from 2D papyrus to BIM is unlikely to just occur through osmosis. BIM needs to be delivered and used by estate and city management. Public Contracts need to specify a minimum delivery or way of working to eliminate waste caused by failure of industry to coordinate its designs and output. If there is a Government mandate, CitA/ BICP are well positioned with regional groups to enable further communication and collaboration to assist role out for academia and industry.
Training • A mentor programme. • Roadshows, workshops, support and supervision for those that are already trying to implement. • Continuous development for people involved would be helpful. Although usually very interesting, the bi-monthly breakfast events tend to present the same level of overall knowledge (based on different case studies, of course, but sill). • CITA breakfasts are good for colleagues to grasp BIM and to network. Work colleagues realise the benefits of BIM, but are unsure of some aspects of Level 2 BIM like for example COBIe. Some of the general theory is understood but case studies or breakfast mornings with the more technical content of BIM would be useful. • Focus should be on new entrances into BIM such as 2nd level students, as these are the very people that will be possibly starting work in the industry in the next 5 to 10 years. More emphases should be placed on the benefits for using BIM on projects of all sizes not just the large projects in the state. Should there be some
focus on the possible roles within BIM in the industry. For example, in our own case as mechanical services contractors we find that M&E consultants are not up to speed with BIM processes and as they are not installers its sometimes difficult for them to build a model that would reflect a real install, and as such the models are basically 2d layouts. Guidance • I think the next big step is clarifying which software is suitable for specific applications required of them. A lot of the terms we are using now are actually the same terms for a more advanced version of existing definitions, which is confusing to a lot of people. The BIM-enabled people need to drop the new jargon to bring in those who will be implementing BIM from 2018 on. Scope of information requirements is also something that needs to be clarified. Publications • Highlight ROI metrics where possible on publications. • From my point of view with an IT Background I find it difficult to engage with senior stakeholders in our business on a BIM strategy, as I find it very difficult to find out information on how to adopt and implement BIM and recommended best practices. • Promote and have regular events, arrange more interviews and/or surveys, provided more case study material. • Enjoying every event and case study, so thanks a lot for organizing - no suggestions yet it is great as it is. Accreditation • There needs to be an accreditation system introduced to encourage and enforce companies to be pro-active with regard to BIM in their organisations. Other • Set specific measurable targets for achievement by 2020.
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Assist with improving the NBS toolkit. Keep up the excellent work. It is only with the commitment of people and programmes like the BICP that the Irish Construction Industry will maintain our journey from Level 1 to Level 2 and 3 BIM. I think you are already on the right track. Just keep doing what you are doing. No other thoughts at this date. The current BICP process with industry involvement seems very practical.
The survey has generated a number of informed responses from professionals familiar with the work of the project to assist with providing a direction for a potential phase 2 of the programme. The vast majority of the sample reported that the BICP has helped influence the increased use of BIM by practitioners, educators and clients in Ireland. The BICP Publications such as the Global BIM and BIM in Ireland Reports were selected as the most important resource, with case studies cited as second. The following key points were recorded with regards to the suggested direction of BICP • • • • • • • •
Client unawareness: Further awareness programmes for clients to educate them on the potential value of the BIM process. Guidance Documents: Compact documents explaining BIM in simple terminology and BIM best practice standards. SME Support: Guidance and support structure for SMEs that are not vendor reliant. Case Studies: The production of more case studies with a greater focus on ROI and SMEs. Training Courses: The mapping of all training courses. Specialist Advice: A specialist advise offered from non-vendor industry experts. e-Portal / Online: An online resource with templates, webinars and best practice guides. Certification: Encouraging organisations into a certification path by providing an understanding of available accreditation
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services. Explore the possibility of setting up an Irish focused BIM certification. HEI: Further engagement with HEIs in promoting BIM. Publications: Further publications similar to BIM in Ireland Report 2017.
All of the above areas represent key criteria which both BIM and non BIM practitioners would like to see addressed. A number of the above initiatives are complimentary of each other i.e. an e-portal can assist with Client unawareness and SME guidance. The vast majority of respondents were also in favour of the BICP Team exploring synergies and learning from other BIM International jurisdictions. All recorded suggestions will be reviewed at an extended Steering Group committee before a proposal is put forward for Phase 2.
Prepared by The BICP Research Tam Published: November 2017
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