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3 Ways to Keep BIM Simple

First-time BIM adoptees may find BIM a complex concept, but it can be broken down into three easy parts to help teams on their way to becoming BIM champions.

Read on to discover these three parts:

3D models and depth of data as the foundation

Whilst models are not the sole focus of BIM, they are a big part of it and help to form its foundation. BIM strives to provide an optimised representation of all relevant construction information at a glance.

The depth of data created by the ability to attach additional information to the 3D models creates an extra layer of added value to BIM. Information can be added at all stages of the project lifecycle and can include valuable files and data about scheduling, cost, material during planning and execution phase, or notes and tasks essential for operation and maintenance – just to name a few.

Work method for project collaboration

An aspect of BIM that is often not focused on heavily enough is that it is a management tool. Construction projects often reach across company boundaries and a standardised process that allows people in different companies to easily collaborate is needed. An online accessible Common Data Environment (CDE) where this is possible is one of the most important building bricks for BIM.

A CDE is where information is structured, stored, and can easily be updated and accessed by all parties working on the project, including from the construction site. This helps to ensure that everyone working at each stage of the project lifecycle has the most up-to-date version of models and documents and has easy access to any additional information that they may need.

It can also help avoid duplication and mistakes and is a single shared space where all types of data from different software can be combined and organised.

Goal of making better decisions

The main goal of BIM is to help companies make better decisions throughout the construction process. It also allows for decisions that would traditionally be made between the planning and construction phases of a project lifecycle to be made earlier. Having all the information available and organised, plus the ease of collaboration, make it possible to make important decisions in the planning phase or before. This can help save companies money because changes can be made before spending even occurs in some cases.

So what is BIM in one sentence?

BIM refers to a collaborative work method for stakeholders to manage and connect information throughout the project lifecycle, achieving greater transparency for all involved parties.

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