Building Information Modelling (BIM) may have been around since the 1990s, but its capacity has increased enormously making it an indispensable tool in today’s construction industry. Essentially BIM refers to a method of collaborative working that is based on the exchange of data and information between all those involved in the construction process. And there are four distinct levels of maturity from the starter level of low collaboration, through to the mature full integration level. So, why is the future of construction BIM? Well, let’s find out what advantages it brings.
BIM boosts productivity.
Quite simply the ability to share information and data faster and more easily is a great boon to productivity. What’s more, collaborative working reduces the amount of time typically spent on incorporating and editing new information.
BIM improves the quality of builds.
The increased use of data together with an enhanced ability to manage and manipulate this information with higher precision will lead to improvements in the quality of new buildings. BIM makes it easier to include parameters such as the environment and the modernisation of designed structures into consideration during the construction process. The result will be more complex buildings that have more to offer residents and users can now be designed and built.
BIM increases clash detection rates.
Clash detection is the process of identifying potential mistakes that can emerge during the design and construction of a building. And thanks to BIM, this process is a lot easier resulting in fewer clashes being detected. And fewer clashes will positively impact on the building project’s efficiency and by extension, the costs of the build.
BIM can handle Big Data.
BIM is all about handling vast amounts of data. We’ve heard much about Big Data in the media over recent years and how it will revolutionise the ways that businesses work. Well, when it comes to the construction industry, BIM can capture, format, manipulate and analyse both structured and unstructured data. BIM can handle all Big Data needs so that construction project managers gain useful insights, improve operations and make better decisions. What’s more, it will also ensure that resources are managed and deployed more effectively.
BIM will open up smaller markets.
BIM has an important part to play in optimising the construction process. Markets that previously were problematic may soon be opened and developed now that the right tools are in place. And projects that were once too complex or difficult will be ripe for development with the help of BIM.
It’s clear that BIM has much to offer the construction industry. And it’s likely to change the way that professionals within construction – from contractors and surveyors through to engineers and designers – are working. The future of construction is indeed BIM so make sure you’re ready to take advantage of the efficiencies it offers.