Today, construction projects are constantly required to be completed faster, with less error, and more cohesively. Introducing Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a game changing technology that has transformed the ways in which buildings are conceived, realized and operated.
In its simplest definition, BIM entails the application of models that depict the physical and the operational aspects of a project. BIM services cover a broad spectrum of solutions that are based on these models and which deliver value by optimizing construction activities and promoting effective decision making.
It is therefore clear that BIM has an increasingly important role to play as demand for more intelligent, efficient and sustainable buildings increases. From conceptual design to actual construction and finally, close out, Building Information Modeling or BIM modeling services are nowadays ubiquitous in today’s construction projects.
From developing elaborate models to handling schedules for projects or maintaining efficient working through BIM facility management, these services offer the right resources for effective execution of projects. This article will define what BIM services are, why these services are critical to today’s construction industry, and how these services are valuable to both construction professionals and clients.
Understanding BIM Services
BIM services encompass a set of solutions for capturing, analyzing, and managing information throughout a facility’s life cycle. It is different from conventional approaches of construction projects that use two-dimensional drawings and phased construction. This model ensures that there is a clear picture of the building’s physical and functional properties so that stakeholders can work together as they make decisions.
These services are based on BIM modeling. It is a process of developing a virtual model of a building or infrastructure where each part from the structural frame to duct work can be modeled, tested and improved. The architectural, engineering, and construction industries need detailed models, which are only possible when BIM modeling services offer the domain knowledge for the same. These services are employed to build and modify models throughout the design-construction-stabilization process of the project.
Even more important, BIM services also encompass more than just modeling. BIM companies provide a variety of specific services that contribute to project coordination, budgeting and facility management.
For example, scan to BIM services enable the capture of existing structures physically with 3D scanning technology and transform real world data into intelligent and changeable BIM models. This is especially so in renovation or retrofit projects where it is necessary to have very accurate measurements of an existing structure in order to redesign it.
As we can see, construction projects become more integrated and efficient with the help of the BIM modeling services. It is the integration of design, planning, and management in one digital platform that leads to reduction of avoidable mistakes, enhanced time efficiency and ensures all stakeholders are on the same page from the conception to the execution.
The Role of BIM in Modern Construction Projects
BIM is now a critical tool that enhances efficiency, minimizes errors and encourages the integration of all stakeholders across the project’s life cycle. Conventional construction practices include the grouping of professionals into different teams, where they cannot easily share information. It removes these barriers by aligning the design, construction, and operational life cycle into one BIM platform that allows architects, engineers, constructors and facility managers to work concurrently.
Undoubtedly, one of the main advantages of using BIM is the availability of a common digital model where all the necessary data is stored. This model can also be used as a reference point that provides all relevant information to all the stakeholders making everyone informed.
BIM modeling is also used to not only present the end result in terms of final design, but also to show how the systems that make up the structure, such as the plumbing, electrical, and structural systems, will work and interact, and where problems might emerge before they occur. This foresight enables the teams to prevent the occurrence of a clash, so that there is little need to alter or redesign during the physical construction of the project.
Also, BIM has better tools for the management of BIM projects so that the project managers can easily monitor the timelines for the projects, and the resources and the costs as well. If the teams have real-time data, then they are able to make a decision very fast and that will not allow the project to stall. BIM is beneficial in trying to increase efficiency and decrease cost by improving the construction process from the design phase right through to the construction phase.
Furthermore, BIM is not confined to the construction processes; it also has significant usefulness in BIM facility management. After construction, the BIM model can also be used for operation and maintenance where facility managers can follow the performance of a building, record repair works and assess the use of space.
Types of BIM Services
BIM Modeling Services
BIM modeling services involve the development of a 3D model of a building which depicts every structural and system element in the building. These models facilitate accurate visualization and identification of clashes that ensure higher design accuracy and coordination. Through the modeling of construction processes, it is possible to avoid mistakes and save money, as all parts will be coordinated at all stages of the project.
Scan to BIM Services
Also known as Point Cloud to BIM services employ 3D laser scanning technology to survey existing structures. The scanned data is digitized into a BIM model to give correct representations for renovation or retrofit projects. This service guarantees that integration of new systems conforms to the existing structures with less probability of errors and time wastage in taking measurements.
BIM Facility Management
BIM facility management refers to a process of utilizing the digital models to manage the continuous processes of operating and maintaining structures. Managers of facilities can identify repairs, control energy consumption and even arrange the maintenance tasks so conveniently. This service adds value to BIM beyond construction, which aims at improving the overall efficiency of a building, its availability and reliability of its systems in the course of its useful life.
BIM Project Management
BIM project management combines project management with digital models, and allows for tracking of time, cost and resources in real time. It aids the management of projects by enabling the projection manager to determine with ease the level of progress achieved, areas of risk and to better coordinate the work of various teams that may be involved.
BIM project management enhances decision making by showing phases of projects and the dependencies of the projects so as to enhance completion of the projects on time and within the agreed budget.
Why BIM Services Are Essential for Modern Construction Projects
BIM services are not the new fad; they are a necessity for the construction projects of the present generation. In today’s increasingly diverse construction market, a clear demand exists for data quality, real time information sharing, and reliable construction project management. Below are key reasons why BIM services are critical to today’s construction ecosystem:
Improving the Processes of Collaboration and Communication
BIM services help all the project stakeholders to collaborate effectively and efficiently as noted below. Most conventional construction practices make communication to be sequential between architects, contractors, engineers, and facility managers. BIM makes sure that all parties work with the same up to date information and there is no misunderstanding and less rework which is costly.
Higher level of Accuracy and Efficiency
This means that through BIM modeling services, construction teams will not have to incur losses in future due to mistakes. BIM allows for modeling of the structure and especially for modeling of the clashes which are useful in solving interferences before the construction phase. Project development becomes easier and faster because potential problems are identified on paper rather than on site and this implies fewer impediments to the construction process together with better overall cost control.
Cost and Time Savings
Techniques in BIM PM enable an organization to monitor project time-line, resources and costs as they progress through a project. With good planning and coordination, BIM services do not allow tendencies such as scope increase, material and labor wastage among others. This leads to a lot of saving on cost and timely delivery of projects among others being;
Product Stewardship and Sustainable Product Lifecycle
BIM facility management entails effective management of building facilities to optimise operation after construction. Energy consumption, building maintenance, and systems optimization enabled by BIM minimize the environmental footprint of buildings at different stages of their life cycle. Such long-term orientation in creating modern buildings guarantees that the latter are to remain as efficient and cost-saving as they are at the present time, many years after construction.
About BPX
BPX is a renowned business process consulting and BIM consulting agency with more than ten years of experience, serving a worldwide clientele base across 12 countries. We specialize in business process improvement consulting, namely process mapping, process transformation consultancy, and BIM modeling services.
We partner with some of the leading BIM companies to provide innovative BIM services focused on improving operational efficiencies, optimizing workflows, and enhancing productivity. Our expertise in BIM modeling services ensures their clients achieve accuracy and efficiency throughout all stages of project execution.
As your partner, BPX strives to reshape operations with optimization solutions and help businesses exceed their goals.
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Author Bio
Nikhil Agarwal
Chief Growth Officer
Nikhil is a calm and composed individual who has a master’s degree in international business and finance from the United Kingdom. Nikhil Agarwal has worked with 300+ companies from various sectors, since 2012, to custom-build SOPs and achieve operational excellence. Nikhil & his team have remarkable success stories of helping companies scale 10X with business process standardization.
