BIM Building Information Modeling 1 - (Page 11)

knows where it is and when it has been installed and communicates that back to the construction model • RFIs - when there aren't any of the typical coordination problems • CHANGE MANAGEMENT - when field changes are rare • DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT - when the model is “the truth” and paper is minimized • CONTRACT MANAGEMENT - when every intelligent object in the model knows what contract it is associated with • BUDGETING - when models are connected to the market from the start • ESTIMATING - when quantities are in the model and integrate directly into cost databases • SCHEDULING/SITE LOGISTICS - when you can simulate virtually in advance to optimize before mobilization • PROCUREMENT - when you have visibility to suppliers and can do just-in-time deliveries. External • Talk with the firms you regularly work with to determine where they are in the process. Some may want to work with you on a BIM initiative once they know you are interested. Most companies are willing to share their experiences and can help you to jump start your initiative. • Talk with clients who are interested in BIM or who have had experience with it on their projects learn about the benefits and challenges from their perspective. • See what resources and information is available through the industry organizations you belong to. For example, the AGC has an active BIM Forum with regular meetings and an informative website (www.bimforum.org). • There are a growing number of print and online resources as well as industry events that address the many aspects of BIM. Conclusion Although it can be said that we are still in “The Wonder Years” of this industry transformation, one thing is clear, we are not going back. Your career and the prosperity of your company depend on becoming familiar with the tools, processes and value propositions of BIM, and adapting them to the particular markets you serve. The BIM revolution is happening from the bottom-up, driven by individuals and companies who see the potential and devote their energies towards building the bright new future of design and construction. If you have already begun the journey, congratulations, you have more fellow travelers every day. And if you are still waiting to take the first step, don't wait too much longer, your competition isn't. What Should Your Company Do Relative to BIM? If your firm has not yet become engaged with BIM, there are both internal and external steps you can take to start the process. Internal • Determine the level of motivation your company has to make this change. It will be important to designate a BIM Champion and give that person the support needed to lead the change process. • Determine the level of senior management support within your company. The transition will require commitment of funding (both for software and probably more powerful hardware as well as for training) and time for staff to learn new tools and processes. Some companies report positive ROI on their first and every subsequent experience with BIM, but others report it can take two or three projects before they see net positives. The transition requires patience and senior management needs to stay committed. • Build momentum by starting small if possible with pilot projects. Some firms model projects in parallel with traditional projects. Others model projects they have already completed to determine what the benefits would have been. • Determine ahead of time what you want to achieve, and establish metrics to gauge your success. This benchmarking will be the best driver for wider adoption and more comprehensive implementation. Resources To learn more about BIM technology visit these sites: • Archicad: Graphisoft.com • Autodesk/Revit: Autodesk.com/PowerofBIM • Bentley Systems: Bentley.com/BIM • Digitalproject: www.gehrytechnologies.com • Solibri: Solibri.com • Tekla Structures: Tekla.com • Vectorworks: www.nemetschek.net/architect • Vico Software: www.vico.com About the Author Stephen Jones leads McGraw-Hill's initiatives in BIM. He can be contacted at steve_jones@mcgraw-hill.com BIM 11 http://www.bimforum.org http://www.Graphisoft.com http://www.Autodesk.com/PowerofBIM http://www.Bentley.com/BIM http://www.gehrytechnologies.com http://www.Solibri.com http://www.Tekla.com http://www.nemetschek.net/architect http://www.vico.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of BIM Building Information Projects No 1

Cover How Building Information Modeling (BIM) is Dramatically Transforming the Design, Building and Operation of Projects An Interview with a Local AGC Chapter on Its Nationwide BIM Training and Validation Program Launch BIM - more than just a clash detection tool A Contractor Tells How They Made BIM Work for Their Firm BIM’S Sixth Dimension: RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY ALLOCATION Experiencing the Benefits of a New Tool AIA Member Perspectives on BIM Thoughts From a Digital Imaging Firm

BIM Building Information Projects No 1

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