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The BIM Working Method

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Why do I Need BIM in my Company?

To gain and maintain a competitive advantage over the competition, it is important to pay attention to several aspects. The increasing complexity of a building, the trend towards networking, the increase in time and cost pressure, and the immense competitive pressure demand an efficient way of working. Therefore, it is almost imperative to use BIM and establish it in the company. The BIM working method improves communication between those involved because everyone has the same understanding of the planning. Which in turn leads to easier decision-making processes. Overall, the planning and construction process is made more efficient because fewer errors occur. Thus, the entire project process is carried out more economically.

BIM - What is it?

Building Information Modelling, or BIM for short, is a working method that enables networked and cooperative planning, execution, and management of buildings. The building data is recorded digitally and summarized in a structured manner. A 3D model, often, serves as the central working tool. The project is only actually implemented after the digital recording and planning. The BIM method avoids errors in the planning stage and increases the efficiency of a building. The digital data model is not only used in the initial phase but is used throughout the entire life cycle. Even after planning and completion, it is needed in operations, especially for facility and asset management.

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What are the Advantages of BIM?

Minimization of
Planning Errors

The otherwise time-consuming survey of the actual building area using 2D plans is a thing of the past. Using the latest technologies, we can map over 50,000 m² in one day.

Central Data
Management

All project information can be accessed centrally, enabling structured and efficient work.

More Transparency
and Cost Security

The use of the BIM method provides a realistic assessment of costs, time, and material input.

Higher Efficiency
and Quality

By avoiding errors and realistically estimating costs, time, and material, the efficiency and quality of a building are significantly increased.

3 Scenarios That Show You Need Help With BIM

BIM is now widely used. But, there are often concerns that prevent the consistent implementation of BIM. With these 3 scenarios, we show why you should start with BIM anyway.
Watch the Video

What do I Need as a Company to Get Started with BIM?

In principle, any company, of any size, can use the BIM method. Whether a small start-up or a large corporation, there are advantages for everyone through BIM. However, our BIM consulting focus is on large to medium-sized companies that are active in the construction and real estate industry. But, as is so often the case with change, companies need to have the attitude and the will to change. The demand to digitize and innovate processes must exist. In addition, it is advantageous if the company has a pilot project on which the BIM working method can be tested and applied. It is easier to apply and learn from an example in a real environment.

Who Is the BIM Method Suitable For?

Every industry and company is subject to constant change and the increasing digitization that goes with it. But digitization doesn’t happen overnight – it takes time so that goals and measures can be achieved. With our complete BIM support, you will be prepared to make your company BIMready. Read on to get an overview of the industries for which the BIM method is profitable.
BIM is the most important topic for digitization in the construction and real estate industry. With the introduction of the method, construction planning and execution can be implemented faster and efficiently. The temporal structuring, from the design to the management of a building, is also easier to design. In this industry, BIM can be used in the planning of new buildings and the recording of existing properties.
In the field of architecture and engineering, the BIM method is very useful for developing a high degree of individuality. Every building, project, or company has its character, which should be highlighted as a unique selling point. With the BIM method, it is possible to design one’s approach. In addition, the method implements the parameters of time, quality, and costs for the benefit of the company. Although the working method results in more effort at the beginning of a project, in retrospect, it saves costs that would have been incurred through changes, among other things.
Building services and facility management also benefit from the BIM method. Among other things, the method can be used to collect important product information as well as maintenance and operating documents. This data supplements the information on the building components and can still be viewed after construction. This way, it is possible to maintain the building efficiently, as the information can be accessed in one place.
With BIM, it is possible to create a detailed 3D model that can be used in civil engineering. The road, water, and railway construction sectors, among others, benefit from this method as the projects can be planned more efficiently. The project is precisely simulated with a 3D model and corrected if necessary. Therefore, expensive planning errors are avoided. The model can contain information such as calculations and settlements, which makes the planning and implementation phase cheaper for all parties involved in the long run.
Whether individual buildings or an entire city, with the BIM method, areas of any size can be digitally recorded and planned using the collected data. Efficient and well-thought-out urban planning is becoming increasingly important. Especially in large cities, the combination of scarce living space and high traffic volumes is becoming a challenge. To ensure that all aspects are taken into account, structured planning is imperative. With the BIM method, the fields of construction and real estate, architecture, engineering, and civil engineering can be united in one city model. Thus, the information is centralized for everyone to access. This simplifies planning and communication for everyone involved and increases quality.

What Challenges Can Arise with the Introduction of BIM into Existing Processes?

When implementing the BIM working method in already existing processes, the factors of people, process, technology, and guidelines must be considered. Integrating the method brings a change that encompasses the entire organization. The challenge lies in awakening the willingness of employees. This is because different levels of resistance can arise. But, for change to happen, everyone has to adapt and adjust to new processes. To make integration effective, it is essential to establish guidelines for implementation. These include, among other things, the distribution of development and operating costs and the definition of who will manage the model later. By integrating BIM and change management, such resistance can be effectively removed, and the change can be implemented.

The costs that BIM entails are very high at the beginning. The software has to be procured, the employees trained and changes implemented. However, you should not be deterred by this, as the benefits of the method outweigh the costs. To name just a few:

  • Long-term Cost Savings
  • Greater Planning Security
  • Higher Efficiency

All in all, BIM is an investment for the future that pays off and opens up new avenues through efficient working.

5 Myths About BIM

1. BIM is only effective for larger projects.

BIM is software The digital model of a building can only be accessed with the help of software. Therefore, it is often assumed that this software is BIM. But that’s wrong – BIM is a method. Only the result that comes from working with the method is retrieved via software.

2. BIM is a software.

The digital model of a building can only be accessed using the software. Therefore, it is often assumed that this software is BIM. But this is wrong – BIM is a method. Only the result that emerges from working with the method is retrieved via software.

3. With BIM, the entire IT and CAD environment must be replaced.

It depends on the current environment in the company. Most companies are already equipped with modern computers, so the transformation costs are lower than the costs of a complete IT environment.

4. With BIM, everyone works on a single model.

No. With BIM, the planners of the individual disciplines work on their model. At certain milestones, the individual specialist models are brought together in a coordination model and checked against collisions, etc.

5. BIM changes the entire work structure in the company.

Not quite. BIM changes the way of working, but not to the extent that one would expect. Just because BIM is established as a method in a company does not mean that previous working methods are forgotten. BIM is meant to create a structure with the experience we have already gained.

How Does the Implementation of BIM Work in the Company?

The Four Pillars of Implementation

For the successful implementation of innovations, such as the BIM methodology, the four pillars of people, processes, technologies, and standards must be considered. The human factor is essential, as it must carry the desire for change within itself. A change management process must take place to anchor the feeling of change in employees’ mindsets. Otherwise, the implementation of BIM is not feasible. The existing processes in the company must be analyzed and digitized. For this purpose, the BIM processes are defined clearly and comprehensibly, and courses of action with clear objectives are developed. Standards in the company must be established, to facilitate smooth implementation of the BIM processes. This includes modeling standards and quality assurance processes. Finally, the technology factor is considered. The processes within the company must be optimized and digitized before the right technology solution can be decided. After a detailed consideration of these four pillars, successful implementation of BIM in the company can take place. This way the implementation of the process is the same because every company starts with different preconditions and objectives.

The Implementation by DiConneX

DiConneX has developed its process through many years of experience, which shows the implementation of the BIM method. The graphic shows the steps involved in each implementation. The first step for a successful implementation is mobilizing those responsible. The change must be communicated and everyone involved should be ready for it. The second phase involves a comprehensive analysis of the company. The existing processes in the company are analyzed and checked for a change from digital working methods. From this, potentials are developed that can develop into a decisive advantage. This analysis results in an individual recommendation for the company. The third step, the conception phase, consists of developing the BIM strategy. Actions and goals are specifically defined. In the fourth step, the goals are implemented step by step. We proceed according to the KISS principle (Keep it simple and smart). Accordingly, the measures are kept as simple as possible. The more complicated an action is to implement, the more difficult it is to work with. Finally, the measures are reflected upon. We evaluate the results and, if necessary, make adjustments or optimizations.

How Does the Implementation of BIM in the Project Work?

For a successful implementation of BIM in the project, the requirements and goals must first be defined. For this purpose, the client information requirements (AIA) are determined. The AIA is a document that is created by the client and is part of the specifications. The client describes the requirements, such as BIM goals, levels of detail of the models, or information management. This clarifies the question “what is needed when and how? The AIA also forms the basis for the creation of a BIM execution plan (BAP). The BIM execution plan is a document that is created by the contractor and forms part of the specifications. The BAP provides the answer to the AIA’s requirements. It specifies the BIM objectives and translates them into BIM use cases, defines the organizational structures as well as roles and responsibilities, and specifies the communication and collaboration.

For project implementation with BIM, a common data environment is required for the central management of all project-relevant information. The implementation is done with the help of the Common Data Environment (CDE). The CDE is an internet-based platform for the management of processes and information in all phases of a building’s life cycle. This includes the collection, storage, and organization of data and information within a BIM process. With the help of a CDE, redundancies can be avoided, data can be kept up-to-date and information can be processed in a coordinated manner. The requirements of a functioning CDE are:

  • Accessibility for all Process Participants
  • Traceability of all Changes
  • Support for a Variety of Types and Formats
  • Updating
  • Confidentiality and Security of Information

This platform is the central environment to work effectively with the BIM method.

The Connection between BIM and the Digital Twin

The BIM working method can serve as a preparation to create a digital twin. With supporting CAFM software, sensors, and IoT in a building, a digital twin can be formed. This is the virtual image of a building. The attached sensors enable the current and identical representation on a screen. This means that the actual state of the building can be retrieved at any time. Furthermore, data from the operating phase, such as information about maintenance work, can be collected. By collecting and retrieving the data, inspections can be minimized. Predictive forecasts about the condition of the building can also be made. These are just a few impressions of how a digital twin can be used. For more information and benefits, click here.

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