Purpose built solutions like BIM are designed with an intent to offer an intuitive, distinctive and powerful platform for engineers, architects, design building firms, general contractor and owners to visualize and create building designs. The parametric approach of BIM for modeling is considered as the real essence to construction designs but it also provides numerous groundbreaking ways for utilising computers in design. Shifting the base to parametric building modeling is being considered a major change especially for the firms which prefer the use of technology in the best possible manner. To ensure a successful BIM implementation, formal implementation strategies must be implied and they should be extended beyond the rollout schedule and simple training. The strategies should be able to address organisational challenges and head on workflow which are in relation to BIM.
1. Acquire Stakeholders Support
It is implied that resistance to changes is true in terms of BIM solutions. Few of the biggest challenges which are being faced during the BIM implementation include apathetic stakeholders, teaming and standards of BIM which remain unclear. It is required that BIM stakeholders go through the process of change management which needs external assistance and at a point of time which can turn to resilience to changes. BIM is considered to be a methodology which allows the integration of digital descriptions in relation to all building objects while considering their relationship with others in order to ensure that the stakeholders can simulate, query and estimate the results of activities during lifecycle process of the building project. Therefore it can be concluded that BIM gives the value judgement which is required for the creation of sustainable buildings meant to ensure the satisfaction of stakeholders. Hence it’s suggested that the benefits in relation to BIM shall be conveyed to the stakeholders to assure support during the time of BIM Implementation.
2. Jot Down the Objectives of BIM implementation
It is the responsibility of the Implementation team to jot down the plan for BIM implementation at the time of conceptualization. These steps and documentation highlighting the reasons for BIM implementation help the team to understand the strategies and plans behind the move, while they can even make decisions in regards to future changes. BIM should be able to bring in new efficiency in the business, but if the control is not exercised properly it may develop complex processes which may be less efficient than the present modes of working. Keeping in mind all the possible risks which may appear at each stage and by mitigating such risks one can keep the project on track.
3. Finalize Your Key Project Execution Team
Unless you work for a small company it is not possible to do everything yourself. In most of the cases, steering groups are needed to look into the process and these groups consist of representatives belonging to different business areas. Sharing the burden during set-up and including the representative group from the starting helps in ensuring that all the major areas of business are equipped properly with knowledge which may seem to be invaluable at the beginning but will pay in the years to follow. It is important to consider the proper construction of the team. Passionate specialist for BIM will be considered to be useful allies but it is necessary to ensure that there are enough contributors to the knowledge of the process in order to study the impact of any decision. There should the appraisal of the team members to ensure potential resistance. It is essential to encourage the “I can do it” attitude in order to avoid the defaults and delays in relation to status quo while problems arise and they may impact the scheme.
4. Frame and Deploy BIM Execution Plan
The success of any BIM project is completely dependent on the implementation of an effective BIM plan. The plans which are meant to facilitate the management about the implementation of BIM project as created as the plans designed by the suppliers in order to explain the ways in which information modelling aspects in regards to a project shall be carried. BEP is responsible for detailing the deliverables of the project which are stipulated by the contract and will also define the information requirements as stated in the protocol for BIM. The plans abbreviated as BXP or BIM are developed both before and after contract and are created as the direct response towards the EIR or Employer’s Information Requirements.
5. Select the Right BIM Implementation Partner
With the increasing use of BIM in all the phases of construction firms always look forward to identifying right BIM implementation partners who shall become the bench strength every time while managing the BIM implementation. BIM competency can be considered as a strategic advantage and it is not possible for all the BIM implementation providers to have an expertise in developing BIM workflow, standards, content and process.
It is required for BIM partners to acquire high-quality BIM knowledge in regards to each BIM discipline. Whether it is architecture, civil, structural, medical, manufacturing or plumbing the BIM partners are required to have good knowledge on all the BIM disciplines with an expertise to the real world in regards to the core areas.
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