Building Information Modeling, Bim Implementation, Bim Framework

By Author: Devid Marshal
Total Articles: 6
Comment this article

To secure the full benefits of BIM Implementation, a ‘major business programmer approach is needed. Proceeding with the ‘bare minimum' when introducing BIM to the business is a common mistake and can be costly.

Many businesses believe that introducing BIM capability is as simple as buying the most visible ‘marketed' product and providing three days of basic training for their best draftsmen.

Unlike adopting a new technology in isolation, BIM implementation has to be undertaken in stages. This requires proper planning, patience and full commitment from all levels of the business.

The first step is to understand the current status of the business, both in terms of existing systems and available skills. An effective way of achieving this is to undertake an audit that can best be described as a ‘Health Check'. This will determine the level of change required, how best to achieve that change, how long it will take and how much it will cost. All essential steps in ascertaining the critical ‘return on investment' ...
... on which sound business decisions are based.

The first step is to identify and analyze existing business systems and processes (both internal and external) and ‘map' those within a BIM Framework. This is possible because BIM is still in a relatively new phase of development and can often be manipulated and customized to suit your particular needs. The software itself is not the solution to all problems. It is better to think of the BIM application as a tool with which it is possible to increase productivity gradually.

There are many aspects that need to be understood as part of this analysis including:

1. Primary business process
2. Self performed versus sub-contracted work
3. Types of contract worked with
4. How data is transferred and with which platforms
5. Current system standards and operational manuals
6. Existing technology tools and platforms
7. Current document and data management
8. Collaboration platforms
9. Office and financial systems
10. Size and type of existing networks
11. Current skill levels (covered in more detail under ‘Skills Health Check' below)
12. Expectations of cost and willingness to invest
13. Level of management commitment

This can be a daunting prospect, however help is available from the newly established building SMART ME who for a limited period is offering Middle East based businesses a free on line health check and analysis.