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Get started with BIM: 10 phases to a successful BIM implementation strategy [infographic]
Are you considering introducing a BIM implementation strategy? Are you thinking about making the switch from traditional ways of working?
A good starting point is to understand that it’s not so much about the technology as much about the change management.
Building Information modeling is taking over design and construction projects all over the world. Now more than ever, public and private clients are more eager to hire BIM-ready teams. The reason is that they recognise the advantages in productivity and cost-savings through all phases.
Architecture practices, that have already adopted BIM in their design workflows are positioned well above the competition and it’s easy to understand why: BIM process throughout the entire workflow fosters collaboration and coordination. At the same time, it provides a virtual environment for the teams to explore all aspects of the design before the actual construction begins.
Here, I present to you the 10 phases to take in order to implement BIM successfully:
PHASE 1 - GET BIM EDUCATED:
Before you dive into a BIM implementation strategy, it’s important to make sure that the whole team understands the fundamental principles of Building Information Modeling as well as the process of transitioning to new ways of working and collaborating.
PHASE 2 - BE AWARE OF THE INVESTMENT (AND THAT IT’S WORTH IT):
You will need to consider that during the BIM transition period, there will be a cost involved in upgrading hardware and purchasing the right software. There will be an investment for training the team in working with new technologies while introducing new processes.
PHASE 3 - MAKE A BUSINESS CASE FOR BIM :
Identify the reasons behind BIM adoption, in the context of where you are now and where you want to go. In addition, you will need to justify the investment and define a BIM implementation budget. Ultimately, ensure that the BIM vision aligns with the company’s mission and goals.
PHASE 4 - DEVELOP YOUR BIM IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY:
Set up a chronological program of change that will guide you through a process for the BIM implementation strategy. This is a comprehensive roadmap with targets and ways to realise them.
PHASE 5 - EXECUTE THE BIM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN:
With a clear strategy about what you are hoping to achieve you can start taking action. Focus on each stage of transition, evaluate the process, and consistently get feedback from the team.
PHASE 6 - INVOLVE THE TEAM IN A PILOT PROJECT AND HIRE BIM CHAMPIONS:
It is a good practice to pick a pilot project and have the team learn during the process of completing it. During this process, the company can start developing standards and document BIM processes. A smart move would be to hire BIM champions that will support the team during and after training.
PHASE 7 - COLLABORATE WITH OTHER DISCIPLINES:
By this phase, the team will become more comfortable working with the new technologies and workflows. It is time to work with other disciplines, share information and collaborate through a unified smart model. At this stage, all designers will recognise the benefits of working with BIM.
PHASE 8 -COMMUNICATE THE (BUSINESS) VALUE OF BIM:
It’s important to educate your clients about your company’s BIM capabilities and the high benefit to them. The rich-data model can give clients great value, especially for facility management purposes.
PHASE 9 - USE BIM AS A MARKETING TOOL:
When bidding or negotiating for new projects, BIM skills are a competitive advantage. BIM experience will help you secure more business, especially when the client understands the value of it. Your company can be considered a forward-thinking organisation that keeps up with technological advancements.
PHASE 10 - ESTABLISH A CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT:
Implementing BIM and changing your business management system is a journey of continuous development, an ongoing process. The BIM strategy needs to be evaluated annually (or more often) to find progress, problems, and opportunities for improvement.
The above steps are suggestions and recommendations for a BIM implementation strategy. It is also important to consider the following:
How will BIM impact the design fees? How will you integrate BIM into building contracts? What is the best way to realise change through new policies, procedures, and protocols?
Stay tuned for future blog posts where we’ll go into more detail about each BIM implementation phase. Please feel free to leave a comment below, or make a suggestion about future articles like this one.
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