The future of construction is driven by information but what do we mean by ‘information’ when it comes to BIM? We explore the realities of digital construction and the information powering the revolution.
Collaboration and interoperability is key
Just think; if every object was created to with different property standards then this would be an impossible task. So, just like a BIM project requires us to step out of silos and work collaboratively in a common data environment, the software used on that BIM project must be based in the same digital language.
There is not one software provider that delivers tools for briefing, design, specification, construction and maintenance, and nor should there be. Just as construction professionals must collaborate, so must software providers. One way that this can be achieved is through software extensions that link data flows together and through sharing data to open international standard formats.
The glue that holds it all together
At the heart of the BIM process are the standards, which includes the PAS 1192 series, COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange), and product data templates. The right software has these elements baked into by default and provides updates at logical stages in the production process.
So, the I in BIM
So we’ve determined that a successful BIM project is one that is rich with information. To achieve that level of information requires collaboration at every stage from design through to operation. It requires manufacturers providing information in a structured digital format so that their objects can be easily added to the model. And, it requires software interoperability.
The end result of all of this is better design, better construction coordination, more accurate and complete information at handover, and the financial rewards that goes with all of those things.
BIM requires a lot more of work upfront; however, in the long run, it’s worth it.
Source: The information in BIM | NBS
