5 Myths about BIM

By Mark Baldwin 6 years ago
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At the moment it seems there is nothing BIM can not do! It can be hard to distinguish the facts from the myths. In this video we address some of the most common BIM claims.

 

BIM is only for big projects

No, that is not correct. Of course, the bigger the project, the more involved you are; the coordination of trades becomes more complex and production of plans is more time intensive. However, this is largely a question of scale. We are essentially dealing with the same problems, regardless of the project size. There is a value in digital ways of working, even on small projects. As a company, ask yourself, where are bottlenecks, difficulties, and then see if there are any ways to improve them.

 

BIM completely changes the way we plan today

Yes and no. BIM will change the way, but perhaps not the way you expect it to. BIM does not mean throwing all our existing processes out of the window. Actually, it’s just the opposite. BIM is about creating and improving structures based on the experience we have. The project roles and responsibilities remain identical, but with more communication, clarity and understanding. It’s more helpful to talk about an improvement than to work from a whole new way of working.

 

With BIM we all work on a single model

That’s not true. The idea that all planners can work on a single model is a myth. BIM is not a central model, rather a collection of several different models or databases linked together. The advantage is that every stakeholder remains the owner his model and discipline. Likewise, only he has the opportunity to make alterations.

This preserves the traditional ways of communication, the roles and responsibilities.

 

With BIM I have to change the complete IT and CAD environment

That depends on your current environment. Most planning companies already have powerful computers and may have BIM compatible software. The only thing missing is to implement BIM processes. In this case, BIM is more of a business process and investment in employee education than in a completely new IT environment.

 

BIM works only in collaboration with other planners

Not quite. BIG BIM needs the collaboration of planners to share models and information. But also to plan ahead for the future of a project. However, it has to be said that such projects require a certain amount of experience and competence.

We therefore recommend starting with BIM as an internal may of working, to improve your own processes. This is called little bim. Once you implemented these processes, then a BIG BIM project is just a small step away.

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About

 Mark Baldwin

  (12 articles)

Australian architect and BIM-specialist. I am drawn to the simple, the pragmatic and the innovative. BIM - the digitalisation of our construction industry - must be all of these things.