How to Successfully Implement BIM

Around the world, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is being requested by more and more clients, with many public clients mandating its use on their projects. To avoid being disqualified from working on an increasing number of projects, architects, engineers, and contractors need to implement BIM into their current working practices. Adopting BIM also brings a number of advantages to each party involved in the process. However, the process of transitioning to a new working method can seem daunting, particularly at the beginning. Here’s what you need to consider and how to prepare for a successful BIM implementation.

The advantages of using BIM as the primary design and working method vary for each discipline involved in the project. By identifying the benefits that each party will realize by adopting BIM, a suitable implementation strategy can be developed that takes into account the characteristics of the business and the steps that need to be adjusted and synchronized. Design teams will benefit from improved accuracy and coordination, while contractors will have an earlier understanding and involvement in the design than traditional construction approaches, for example.

BIM works best when it is adopted as a mindset and method of delivering projects, rather than an instruction from the management that must be followed. Involving all employees with the new process will help them understand the advantages of BIM and how they personally will benefit from the new approach. Not only will this help overcome any potential reservations that staff may have, it will also help change the culture within the office.

Developing a BIM implementation strategy can help ensure that all actions that are required are identified, managed, and executed successfully. Like any project, setting clearly defined goals and milestones and assigning responsibilities, budgets, and time constraints will give your organization the best chance of making the transition to BIM a smooth one. A documented strategy also provides employees with a visual roadmap of the implementation and encourages free and open communication about the process, so that it can be adjusted if needed. Recording the outcome of each step of the implementation is another useful way of ensuring that the plan is discussed and evaluated so that best practice can be shared amongst the team.

Getting the right features for your needs is another important aspect of a successful BIM implementation. Whether you need to create organized data structures for quick access to project information, design user-defined objects that can contain geometric and alphanumeric information, or share information easily with other parties, pinpointing what is critical to your workflow is an essential exercise before choosing a BIM software package.

However, finding a software vendor that will partner with you and help you identify the features you need and the technical conditions that will be required can significantly improve and facilitate the transition process. For example, as a leading BIM expert, ALLPLAN offer a wide range of support and advice for all our customers and work with you as a partner rather than just a supplier. Our range of BIM guides – such as the Office Implementation Guide – has further advice on how to make the transition to BIM an easy one.