Building Information Modeling (BIM) has transformed the way architecture, engineering, and construction experts ideate, plan, design, devise, and operate a structure. Despite being a relatively novel phenomenon, the adoption of BIM is increasing at a rapid rate; spiking from sparse awareness in 2011 to nearly universal awareness and 73 percent use in 2023.
Truth be told, nowadays, the execution of any major construction project is hard to imagine with BIM implementation. But, as amazing as the benefits of BIM are, its implementation is not a one-swipe process. A comprehensive and detailed plan is pertinent to bring the BIM methodology and model to life.
BIM Implementation Plan
Simply put, we can understand a BIM implementation plan as an all-around document that helps identify the multiple benefits that come with implementing BIM in various project phases. Its four primary phases include :
1. Evaluation or Assessment
The first phase is about publishing the implementation plan and intent for BIM in your company as an internal assessment method. Some of the best practices you can adopt to ace this phase are –
– Evaluate your team’s capacity vis-a-is technology and processes
– Have feedback sessions with the internal team on how you should go about adopting technology, processes and workflow
– Examine the legal contacts and deliverables expected of each party
– Make sure that the higher management is in full support of your decision to adopt BIM or take help from reliable BIM Implementation Services
2. Prep for the Transition or Project Pre-planning
The second aspect of a BIM Implementation Plan is to pre-plan everything by embracing standardization in technology processes and training human resources. Technological uniformy helps lay down a step-by-step flow for information exchange, archiving and data-update in real-time, so that no crucial information is lost. Similarly, your team must be equipped with the right knowledge and faculties to maneuver the software and sharpen their expertise in using BIM.
3. Execution of the Plan or Design and Construction
The third phase is to execute the plan collaboratively by keeping all the stakeholders in the loop. A BIM execution plan includes –
– Portfolio management
– Test case-based planning and implementation
– Spatial planning
– Team restructuring
– Information handover
– Explanation of new roles and responsibilities
– Performance measurement
4. Expertise and Experience in Operations and Maintenance
Finally, a well-versed BIM implementation plan should contain best practices for using building data during design and facility management and maintenance.
Now that we have touched upon the various phases of a BIM implementation process, let us check out its benefits.
The Benefits of BIM Implementation
1. Collaboration
BIM implementation facilitates real-time collaboration and plan correction to reduce unnecessary issues and silos among project duties. Thus, every project receives optional attention, irrespective of the undulating standards.
2. Time-savings
Time crunch is a looming threat for almost every construction project. However, a strategic BIM implementation plan is equipped to concentrate on the most relevant benefits for the projects. Thus, the various parties involved do not have to fret about unnecessary details. So, you can dodge delays and ensure timely project deliverables.
3. Communication
BIM fosters communication among various teams and parties involved in the project throughout the entire project lifecycle. BIM also helps in communication with stakeholders.
4. Execution
A BIM implementation process eradicates the confusion and lethargy that sets in when there are too many file formats and standards involved. A correctly implemented plan ensures that everything is on track so that the project’s execution is on time and under budget.
5. Data sharing
Last but not least, a BIM implementation plan also facilitates transparency, so that data accessible to everyone at any stage of the project is easily shareable.
Conclusion
So, there we have it, a simple summary of the phases of a BIM implementation plan and its various benefits. BIM implementation services are, indeed, the future of construction and the ripe has been better to consider the same!