subject: Building Information Models- BIM basics [print this page] Business Information Modelling (BIM) systems are to design systems what foundations are to buildings: Indispensable. It's an ultra-efficient way of managing information created by building data. These models are derived from data created by advanced 3D CAD building software, and they're designed to improve productivity. BIM can cover the entire construction life cycle, and retains the typical CAD-like characteristic of being able to deal with components and design elements.
BIM- The new concept in building design
Older people in the construction industry will remember the various forms of administrative chaos which were possible in paper-based building projects, and the sheer hard work of creating a strong management system. Monitoring everything was a full day's work, and efficiency was a sort of wishful hope. It was the sort of work only experts could do well. The computer age made a dent in that situation, but it's only now that real, dedicated systems for construction management are coming onstream.
BIM is the new wave of single stream, tailored business management tools for construction. It has the unique distinction of being highly regarded by all levels of the construction process for its reliability and efficiency. These systems allow full management scrutiny, and provide a lot of valuable data for reporting at all stages and levels of construction.
Working with BIM
BIM is a product of the demand in the construction industry for efficiency and productivity. It's very much a business-based system, as well as a design and presentation tool. BIMs are derived directly from the 3D CAD planning information. They're literally built from this data, and apply the CAD plans to a full working model. BIM allows a huge range of presentation and collaborative functions, providing a "same page" effect for consultation.
BIM relates to a full spectrum of construction issues:
Demolition
Waste removal
Risk management
Supply chain
OHS
Design
Planning
Scheduling
Contractual completion staging
Tendering
As you can see, this covers pretty much the entire building process, from inception, including the business administration functions.
The big advantages of a BIM system approach
BIMs are effectively a synthesis of data and graphic presentation values, used as much for business as for design and construction work. Recent surveys in the US indicate that 50% of the US construction industry now usesBusiness Information Modelling systems. The chief area of demand is in major project construction, and the basis of the demand is productivity and management efficiency. BIMs provide a holistic stream for management, and make every aspect of a project easy to track.
For systems which incorporate practical administrative, design and business values, BIMs are great sales tools They're also invaluable as presentation media, providing both data and very strong visual presences as models and simulations. BIMs are the high end sales production media for sales professionals, the type which are used for everything from prospectuses to investor briefings.
It's no exaggeration to say that BIMs are now the leading competitive edge of the global construction industry. They've already revolutionized design, and they're now having the same effect on commerce.
