What is Building Information Modelling?
BIM is the process of creating a digital model of a building or infrastructure facility. It's a collaborative way of working, underpinned by the digital technologies used to unlock more efficient methods of designing, creating and maintaining assets.
The fundamental idea behind BIM is having a single source of truth accessible to all parties involved. This enables the creation and sharing of the right information at the right time throughout the design, construction and operation of a building.
The implementation of BIM offers enormous gains in terms of cost and time savings. It allows greater accuracy in estimation, and also contributes towards eliminating costly errors and reworks of a project due to information loss.
The main drivers for the adoption of BIM include:
- Reducing asset costs
- Achieving greater operational efficiency
- Facilitating greater efficiency and effectiveness of construction supply chains
- Assisting in the creation of a forward-thinking sector
- Implementing BIM compliance is not a simple process. It involves numerous levels of implementation that act as milestones towards its full adoption.
If implemented effectively, the savings that BIM could deliver to the construction sector are exponential - which is why it's a core part of the global construction strategy. And while BIM is a must in any construction organisation, effective physical asset management should not be overlooked.