Sophisticated, high-tech and aesthetically pleasing, building information modeling (BIM) promises much, but so far it has failed to deliver on all of its promises. BIM is successful as a design tool when it comes to providing a clear picture of what projects will look like before they are built. It also delivers as a tool to bridge the communication gap between architect, engineer, contractor, facility manager and owner.
However, BIM fails to reach its full value because it typically is confined to the design and pre-construction stages. To realize its true potential, BIM must be integrated into the entire construction project life cycle, which would allow the 3-D model to respond to changes during each construction phase.
In order to integrate BIM into the entire project life cycle, a full-featured project management solution must already be in place. The solution should be designed specifically for construction projects and include a collaboration module that allows all project stakeholders to communicate in real time. The project management solution acts as the hub between the BIM solution and the rest of the system, allowing information to flow from the model into the enterprise.
With a fully integrated project management solution linked to the financials and project control system on a single database, information from BIM can be used for procurement, contract management, accounts payable, accounts receivable and customer relationship management. Project procurement is streamlined because the model calculates the amount of materials needed (e.g., the number of doors or tons of concrete) and then sends the estimates to the purchasing department before the project begins. The ability to use project information from BIM before work begins creates incredible efficiencies across the entire organization, and prevents delays down the line.
Integrating BIM throughout the project life cycle also reduces the number of RFIs that can cause major delays and cost overruns. Their frequency can be reduced using an accurate 3-D model that displays the information contractors need during the construction phase. Similarly, BIM can be used to track each subcontractor’s actions and work orders to help general contractors and owners manage costs.
Project handover also benefits from an integrated BIM solution. In a typical scenario, contractors hand owners the maintenance manuals, warranty information and other documents when a project is completed. In stark contrast, BIM allows users to track information as the project is built, and store it in a comprehensive electronic content management system integrated with the project management system. In this case, the manuals and documents can be burned to CDs or another portable media and then handed over to the owner, smoothing the transition and making the manuals more accessible in the future.
Having information flow from the 3-D model to the enterprise is just one piece of the puzzle in getting the most value out of BIM. To unlock the full potential of BIM, information needs to flow from the enterprise back into the model. Projects are constantly developing during the construction phase, and one reason why the BIM model is stuck in the design and pre-construction stage is it doesn’t keep up with what’s happening on the ground. By having information flow bi-directionally—from BIM to the enterprise and back again—the 3-D model can reflect changes to a project, such as redirecting a heating vent to accommodate a support pillar or a change in the design of an interior room.
The bi-directional exchange of information between the BIM system and the project management system can be achieved using Extensible Markup Language (XML), which allows information to be transferred between systems without the need for data re-entry. Using XML, project information can flow in both directions without re-keying data, meaning both the BIM model and the project management databases update automatically.