Securing Competitive Advantage with Integrated BIM

Digitalization and Collaboration have become the buzzwords in every industry and it has become imperative to adopt these to ensure success in the critical infrastructure industry. Integrated BIM offers a collaborative approach between multiple disciplines within the project lifecycle of an entire project by allowing information from various sources to be stored, shared, exchanged and managed on a single digital platform. This incorporates every aspect within project lifecycles including the planning, designing, construction, operations and maintenance as well as demolition / decommissioning.

It is no surprise therefore that Integrated BIM is viewed by industry experts as one of the most innovative developments that the Architecture, Engineering & Construction fields have witnessed.

The integration of BIM with collaborative software can enhance efficiency at every stage of a project. Some key benefits that integrated BIM offers within the construction domain are discussed herein:

1.??????Maximizing Efficiency Levels:

A critical advantage that integrated BIM offers to construction projects is by shortening the project lifecycle through enhanced efficiency. The challenging aspects endured in the pre-construction and the planning stages can be managed more easily and hence the project is completed more efficiently.

Integrated BIM software helps enhanced accuracy in estimation through automatic quantity take-off directly from Engineered Model without manual processes. The BIM architecture facilitates better communication and collaboration between different stakeholders involved within a project. Specific data can be accessed at any point of time on a "Need To” basis ensuring that everyone is working with the latest and most relevant information. This minimizes errors and reduces rework that is generally caused due to the use of inaccurate or incorrect information.

2.??????Controlling wastage to reduce costs:

Integrated BIM arms designers and contractors with various tools to work on process improvement much before the start of the construction activity. This helps reduce waste significantly, leading to cost savings. The entire construction process can be streamlined through an effective inventory management that eliminates ‘Idling’ during the project. There is no doubt that if the planning stages are optimised, wastage of both time and material can be reduced significantly.

3.??????Reliable Cost Estimates:

When estimators have the benefit of working with detailed models, they can offer much greater accuracy in results. With 3D BIM modelling replacing the traditional 2D blueprints, the planning becomes much more insightful. Cost estimates based on these modelling tools are far more accurate and reliable. Integrated BIM is not just restricted to cost optimisation; the comprehensiveness of this model also makes quantity planning much more easier.

4.??????Broader Project Insights:

With Integrated BIM, construction professionals are provided with a far more realistic view on the eventual project outcome. This is something that is highly desirable not just for the contractors but also for the clients, as they have better control in their journey towards building an asset. Providing better understanding about the project also means that unnecessary rework is avoided. With realistic plans always available through Integrated BIM, planners are always up-to-date on what is going to work and what needs to be changed. All such changes are therefore implemented during pre-construction planning itself resulting in saving costs and time otherwise needed due to rework.

?5.??????Enhanced collaboration and communication:

Integrated BIM has always promoted collaboration. Using cloud-based Integrated BIM software enables all stakeholders involved in the project to effectively communicate and collaborate with one another. Since updating the latest information can be done through a simplified process, accessing the same easily also minimises unnecessary bottlenecks that any project can face. Through effective access sharing, all stages of the project lifecycle can be worked upon simultaneously by designated stakeholders. Armed with up-to-date information, the project model can be changed even without having to actually visit the site. All this adds up to increasing the Project efficiency.

?6.??????Risk reduction:

Integrated BIM has made project planning a low risk activity. The collaborative approach provides for better project overview much before the construction actually starts. With information being updated continuously, there is lesser miscommunication, better resource management and enhanced safety at the sites. In fact, unfounded claims can also be controlled through successful usage of Integrated BIM.

7.??????The Final Product is always better:

With Integrated BIM focusing primarily towards enhancing both the planning as well as the construction stages, the results have ensured delivering a better final product. Detailed insights facilitate better planning and enable contractors to deliver better quality. With architects getting a visual interpretation of the buildings at a much earlier stage, an enhanced emphasis is generated that ensures better aesthetics and safety.

Bexel Consulting?has been an innovative leader in offering Integrated BIM solutions and has extensive experience and knowledge backed by Bexel Manager Technology for presenting clients with a comprehensive approach that facilitates effective management of all stages within a construction project.