Driving Company Success through the Utilization of BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a robust process serving as the foundation for digital transformation across the AEC industry. This three-dimensional data rich process helps project personnel create and manage data throughout the lifecycle of a construction project. As stated on Autodesk's website, BIM is revolutionizing how projects are delivered across industries, adding intelligence and efficiency to project execution – and connecting teams, data, and workflows at every stage of the project in the cloud for better project outcomes. We recently sat down with Dr. Nathan Blinn, VP of Construction & Strategic Innovation at Eagle Construction of VA, who has an extensive BIM background. He provides excellent insights into the realm of building technology and gives us three takeaways that will help companies drive success through the utilization of BIM: 

1. View BIM Management as a Multiplier, Not An Expense 

2. Don't do BIM in a Bubble 

3. And, Don't Overlook the "I" in BIM  

View BIM Management as a Multiplier, Not An Expense

             Mindset matters. If you go into a situation with a negative outlook, then the outcome will most likely be negative – and vice versa. Building Information Modeling can be negatively perceived as some view its application as another budgetary line item. However, when utilized correctly, this is not the case at all; it is a multiplier. According to Nathan, BIM is "something that has the opportunity to institutionalize knowledge and to help create opportunity as well as drive value. " This powerful technology can be a multiplying factor for the several sides of a construction project. For example, the Management team can use the data to make smarter decisions through improved comprehension of the overall project.

 

Additionally, with BIM utilization project control teams better understand their trade's scope of work and the trades have better information leading to improved project execution. In this way BIM can drive substantial value to various construction project components; however, Owners and GC's alike will have a more difficult time finding success with the wrong mindset and attitude. BIM is not a secret recipe that will fix all your problems. Utilized correctly, however, can be a dynamic tool to enhance and drive your building process, leading to informed decisions that drive positive results and create unique solutions through data. 

 

Don't do BIM in a Bubble 

             Building Information Modeling is a tool that communicates essential information to the teams involved in a construction project. Owners, architects, contractors, subcontractors, and other project personnel can use a BIM model to better understand the functional and physical features of a structure. However, as Dr. Nathan Blinn states, "if your trades, if the rest of your company, if your field teams are not on-board with you and cannot leverage the tool [BIM] that you are putting in front of them, then none of it matters." A company will fail to see success if it implements BIM in a bubble as a construction project is not a single-entity operation. BIM is most effective when leveraged across the different teams involved so valuable data is efficiently shared and addressed, allowing project personnel to make data driven decisions earlier and more effectively. 

 

Don't Overlook the "I" in BIM

 

             BIM is a tool, not a solution. Like a hammer or a screwdriver, BIM can be "wielded" correctly or incorrectly. When appropriately used, operational data is produced – this is the "information" part of Building Information Modeling. As previously mentioned, it is valuable when this data is communicated across the different levels of a construction project. In our sit down with Dr. Nathan Blinn, he explains that "when you have informed members of your team at all levels, you can understand what everyone is working on, as well as identify opportunities for improvement." The information component of BIM makes the tool powerful, so it must not be overlooked. It is the piece that can make or break a project's success. 

 

The utilization of BIM can occur by anyone in the industry, including Owners, insurance carriers, builders, architects, contractors, etc. With the right attitude and execution, companies can find great success through utilizing this technology. To learn more about driving company success through Building Information Modeling, listen to our podcast with Dr. Nathan Blinn, Driving Company Success through the Utilization of BIM. 

Links:

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn
Follow Eagle Construction of VA on LinkedIn
Visit Eagle Construction of VA on the web here 
Email Nathan at nblinn@tecofva.com
Connect with Chris Epps
Connect with Mike Diercksen