7 Rules for BIM Success
With all the signs pointing towards a future construction industry dominated by digital technologies, the time has come for BIM to be embraced across all projects, large and small.
As early adopters of BIM here at TDS, we’ve been observing the benefits first hand since 2012, with increased efficiency, improved project outcomes and greater collaboration. For the last 7 years, we have been delivering Level 2 compliant services relating to CAD design, steelwork detailing and modelling for structural/secondary steelwork, architectural metalwork and modular volumetric/light steel framing (LSF).
In November 2018, the team was officially awarded with Level 2 BIM Accreditation from the BSI. Over the next 12 months, we will transition to the new ISO 19650 standard to provide a worldwide compliant service.
With a team dedicated to BIM compliance at TDS, our resident specialist Garrick Thomas, brings you his 7 rules for BIM Success.
Rule 1: If you don’t already have one, create a strategy for BIM implementation
Set clear objectives early on around what you aim to achieve through BIM and at what level you ultimately want to be functioning at. Otherwise known as ‘BIM maturity’ – where would your current internal processes place you on the scale, and how do you plan to progress this as you increase your digital capabilities?
Rule 2: Don’t treat BIM as a ‘Software Solution’
BIM is a process and methodology that you embed within your daily business and project activity. The only software involved is the one you choose to work with as part of your BIM strategy.
Rule 3: Ensure your employees embrace and fully understand your BIM methodologies
For BIM to really work, it’s not just about collaboration within the supply chain and project life cycle. It’s also about a core understanding within a workplace – your team needs to be fully on-board with this way of working, so ensure they have all of the relevant training and support in place.
At TDS we have a core group of staff with in-depth BIM knowledge and the ability to fulfil the many different roles required in a BIM compliant contract. These individuals are constantly learning and sharing knowledge with the wider team.
Rule 4: Understand the terminology
Yes, there are a LOT of acronyms, but you need to learn and be aware of them all. They ensure a standardised way of working and encourage a collaborative approach, instantly reducing the risk of misunderstandings and errors.
Rule 5: Choose your software carefully
Your choice in software will be key to effective BIM implementation and processes. Your current software might be sufficient in fulfilling your needs. Make sure you can share and collaborate your data with all other parties in the most common file formats.
Rule 6: Complete assessment forms with total accuracy and transparency
Depending on your businesses position within the project supply chain, there may be a requirement to complete BIM assessment and capability forms. If you haven’t experienced these already, they need to be completed thoroughly and honestly – ultimately, they present the beginnings of the collaborative approach, and ensure that the needs of the end client are being met based on the existing capabilities and approaches of all suppliers involved.
Rule 7: Remember to update your insurance policies
As the industry migrates towards BIM contracts, you will need to ensure your Public Indemnity insurances cover you for working in this way.
If you’re looking at BIM implementation and need some advice, want to chew the fat with fellow BIM advocates or are looking to work with a BIM compliant business, get in touch at [email protected] or 01952 225835.