Top Pros & Cons of BIM Technology: Is it Worth Implementing?

Revit architecture modeling is popping up in many portfolios today. Numerous countries have started BIM implementation at a national level and are making it a mandate even (UK being the first to mandate BIM for all public projects). Moreover, developing nations are still catching up at an aligned speed.

Awareness and Adoption of BIM in Construction Industry
BIM awareness and use
Source: 10th National BIM report by NBS, UK 2020

A study by Mcgraw Hill Construction shows that about 50% of the AEC industry is reliant on architectural, structural and MEP BIM modeling. Even so, the power of BIM technology for industrial transformation is yet to be unlocked as the other half is yet to adopt BIM, some of the hurdles being resistance to change, low-budget and interoperability issues (Geospatial World). A comprehensive understanding of its benefits and shortcomings can let firm owners and professionals decide if it is wise to shift to BIM and if it is — when is the right time.

7 Benefits of BIM Technology and Why it’s Worth the Investment

1.  Clear and Crisp Communication

BIM technology brings all stakeholders on the same page. It offers an integrated approach to project planning and execution. Consequently, communication within interdisciplinary teams and between multidisciplinary teams improves to a greater extent building trust and transparency.

2.  ‘What-if’ Design Analysis
Evaluating Design With BIM Modeling and Simulation
Conceptual massing in Revit Source: Arch20

Quick project conceptualization (and visualization) is possible in the initial stages of the BIM process. This allows architects and engineers to explore various forms and spatial configurations to analyze the outcomes of each. A major chunk of design decisions can be made to solve bigger problems prior to project initiation at site.

3. Quicker Clash Detection and Revisions

BIM being an information-dependant process is privy to changes. This translates into its ability to detect clashes or contradictions almost instantly. The process is quicker as the web of mail threads reduces.

4.  Improved Planning, Monitoring, and Operating

The BIM process gives you a bird’s eye view. With all stakeholders in consonance, the project planning is streamlined. The transparency of the process lets you assess the impact of a single decision over the entire project. On-site execution, monitoring and operational processes are seamless.

5. Better Control of Project Costs

In the data-driven BIM process, every single inch of material is accounted for when cost estimation goes through Revit modeling. Cost overruns can be adjusted in the BIM modeling stage itself, eliminating any surprises that may come in the way of firms involved in the project.

6. Soaring Productivity

Productivity increases at an individual as well as at an organizational level. This is a product of improved communication, quicker clash detection, and faster revisions. A comprehensive understanding of planning and execution implies quicker project turnover.

7. Sustainable Building Design and Construction

Sustainable design is the future and BIM provides a strong base for it. Sustainability analyses, and climate and environmental impact studies, can occur during project planning. In addition, material optimisation and sensitive planning of construction phases can ensure a low-impact execution. BIM software programs like Green Building Studio help facilitate this.

5 Shortcomings of BIM Technology

Key shortcomings of BIM technology, including high initial costs and complexity in implementation
Revit Architecture Modeling – Software Interface Source: Archdaily
1. High Initial Investment in Modeling Software

The most used BIM software programs like Revit or Navisworks cost higher than the prevalent design and drafting software programs. To ensure smooth BIM workflows, each team member needs to be equipped with the BIM software related to their area of work. This further increases the cost.

2. Different/Too Many BIM Software

BIM process is a working system that runs on multiple BIM software applications, each performing a specific function. For example, Revit architecture modeling is instrumental during the design stage. Navisworks helps in clash detection and BIM Collab allows multidisciplinary collaboration. It could get difficult to keep track until you tune into the BIM process.

3. Training Required on All Levels

BIM is a process that requires efforts from all directions to flow towards a common goal. Hence, every person involved in a project, from a manager to a site worker, needs to undergo training to deliver their part.

4. Lack of BIM Experts to Lead the Change

There is a wide gap between the demand and availability of BIM experts in the AEC industry. There is a shortage, as well as a concentration of that shortage prevailing in the industry. Most BIM experts tend to join established firms for better financial compensation. The scout for BIM leadership is intense.

5. Disconnect With End-user

A facility manager or even a site worker may feel a disconnect from BIM technology if they haven’t trained. BIM benefits maintenance and operations greatly. All efforts would go in vain if the link is weak near the end of the chain.

Shifting to BIM: How to know for sure if you should shift to BIM Technology?

The study by Mcgrawhill Construction reveals that 93% of BIM users expect to gain higher value in the longer run. For individual AEC professionals, BIM can ensure better career trajectories. Building BIM fundamentals and learning Revit architecture modeling can be the first step in that direction. As a firm owner, the decision of shifting to BIM depends on your resources. If you can afford to move past the shortcomings, then a prompt switch to BIM workflows can amplify your growth.

But if the shortcomings seem weighty at the moment, then it is wise to wait and switch when the odds are in your favour. Either way, shifting to BIM was never an ‘if’ question but a ‘when’ question.

FAQs: Pros & Cons of BIM Technology

1. Is Revit hard to learn?

The multi-feature Revit architecture modeling has a steep learning curve but can be easy if you are willing to invest the time.

2. What are the advantages of using BIM to prepare cost estimates?

Revit architecture modeling produces detailed cost estimates based on the inputs in the BIM model.

3. What benefits can BIM give to construction projects?

BIM technology helps optimise the resources, time and cost of a construction project, ultimatelyincreasing productivity and managing construction costs.

4. How does BIM increase value?

Productivity rise through BIM increases the value of AEC firms using BIM as well as BIM professionals worldwide.

5. How does BIM help reduce construction costs?

Accurate cost estimates can be derived from a BIM model and can be monitored throughout the project stages to avoid overruns. A cost-efficient planning of construction can further reduce overall costs.

Author

Kamaljeet S Marwah

About the Author

Having around two decades of AEC Industry experience, Kamaljeet aims for AEODC to serve a purpose in current digital revolution Global AEC Industry is experiencing.

His first experience implementing BIM technology was in Year 2008 while working on Design and Construction of worlds largest and busiest airport situated in the Capital of India - Delhi International Airport T3. Since then, Kamaljeet is a strong believer that global construction Industry needs the much needed digital transformation.

He completed his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from BIT Mesra, Ranchi, followed by MBA from Schulich School of Business, York University, Toronto specializing in Corporate Finance and Strategic Management.

Date

January 6, 2023

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