How can BIM help my business?

Building Information Modelling or BIM is a technology that brings with it a new way of working. Companies that adopt BIM can benefit from its streamlined approach, in which data is shared in a collaborative environment. The technologies that underpin BIM have their roots in shared, structured information which, once created, can be used up and down the value chain.

If data is to be interoperable, standards – the open IFC standard is one of them – need to be observed. New technology can often seem a threat, but section 1 takes the mystique out of it and explains it in common sense terms. As the industry incrementally adopts the technologies and processes, it will move from a basic CAD approach to higher levels of seamless working and data management.

BIM has the power to encompass numerous functions, from checking planning regulations, through design, fabrication and construction to operations and FM right through to decommissioning and demolition, if need be – it can serve a project from cradle to grave. Its core strength is that all the parties contribute to the central model and draw from it. Completed projects confirm its rich potential.

Why should we be thinking about BIM right now?

With the potential for new efficiencies, uptake of BIM is gathering speed. Research in the US indicates a 75% increase in the last two years, and client demand is increasing around the world. 

A small sample of UK projects using the technologies has shown that immediate benefits are there for the taking – and this is probably the tip of the iceberg. Benefits include clash detection, reducing the cost of changes, clearer scheduling and swifter fabrication using data from the project BIM. There are competitive advantages and green benefits. At the same time, training and process change are required and software interoperability could be improved.

Benefits to companies and the wider industry are incremental. As a BIM-aware and practised supply chain emerges, so a better co-ordinated industry can reap the benefits. Clients and industry leaders are encouraged to show the way, allowing all the parties to experience cost certainty, reduced risk and higher quality.

Measured benefits include savings in:

• design co-ordination
• drawing production
• information management and exchange
• construction phase

Improvements in design quality, sustainability and client communication have also been reported. 

The BSI (British Standards Institute) have published their guide "Constructing the Business Case: Building Information Modelling", which outlines how BIM can be of use to you and is free to download.

If you have any queries on BIM, please call the BWF Technical Helpline on 0844 209 2614.