Why You Should Learn More Than One BIM Software
For many people learning a BIM authoring tool considerable effort. So it might seem strange to suggest that they should take the time to learn another. So why even consider it? Well, I believe that knowing only one BIM software can actually be detrimental and the benefits of learning another could be significant.
"the benefits of learning another could be significant"
The Dangers of One
It has been said that "if the only tool you have is a hammer then every problem begin to looks like a nail". There is deep truth in this proverb. In essence your BIM software can become the lens through which you view your work, your business and even your entire industry. And if you are not careful inherit software limitations can become blind spots that limit your vision.
"software limitations can become blind spots that limit your vision"
Division of Labor
An example of how our perspective can be limited by our software is the division of labor in a typical Architectural office. Generally the process of Design is separated from the process of creating Construction Drawings and even from Visualization in some cases. Simply put many offices have a departmentalized approach to their work as indicated below:
Departmentalized Approach
But not every office view things this way....some have a more wholistic approach with no clear division between Design, Construction Drawings and Visualization as indicated below:
Wholistic Approach
So what accounts for the difference? Obviously there are many factors that might influence it. But is it possible that the chosen BIM software is a factor? Absolutely! I often see a correlation in this regard. Organizations that use BIM software that is not well suited for Design tend to view Design as distinctive department. In many cases the leadership team do not even sense that it could be possible to remove the division of labor. So they design and visualize with one group of people using a set of software and then switch to another group and other software for Construction Drawings.
领英推荐
"organizations that use BIM software that is not well suited for Design tend to view Design as distinctive department"
So which came first the companies' culture or their use of software that might have a role in shaping that culture. There is no clear answer to that question and some might argue for and against the division of labor at fundamental level in any case. But it is clear to me that people tend to see only what their software shows to them...and they often do not question any further. So while you think you are customizing a BIM platform software to meet your needs...it is possible that the software is actually squeezing you into a mold at the same time!
"it is possible that the software is actually squeezing you into a mold"
Through the Looking Glass
My point is simple when you look at BIM through the lens of a single BIM solution you get a myopic and perhaps somewhat distorted view of the technology. The only thing that can affect this is to have another perspective.
This was certainly the case with me...I knew and trained hundred of people to use a specific BIM software. But when I learnt another BIM software it taught me things that I didn't know I didn't know. My general view of BIM and Collaboration was enhanced and it has opened doors to new ways of thinking.
"when I learnt another BIM software it taught me things that I didn't know I didn't know."
Curiosity Won't Kill You
In my view there is not enough curiosity in the AEC industry regarding BIM. So while maybe curiosity "killed the cat" in the idiom told to children...it probably won't kill you. Even if you never switch, learning more about another software might be a step into a larger world. It might challenge your thinking and basic assumptions. You might end up seeing your work and organizational approach to BIM in a new light.
Joe Magas is CEO of Fusiontek which provides best of class BIM, Virtual Reality and Collaboration solutions to the AEC industry.