BIM; everyone across the construction industry is aware that it is all about developing and operating buildings using digital data, which everyone involved in the building construction process can access conveniently for collaboration. It needs to be mentioned that BIM is also about the processes of all those with credible roles and responsibilities in the construction and lifecycle management of built assets working with enhanced collaboration.
BIM has proved that it makes construction projects more cost-effective and efficient, and also can change the way MEP contractors operate. But are we all aware of the commercials involved with BIM adoption and implementation, which are a concerning cost to contractors. They consider this cost to be one of the biggest hurdles in the rat race to win bigger & better contracts.
Contractors know that building construction industry has entered an era where clients ask for their projects to conform to particular BIM levels, and here contractors know that in order to secure the work they will have to meet client requirements. They also are aware that their investments made in the technology, can only succeed if it is adequately and appropriately used by skilled manpower.
Whether it’s training existing staff or bringing in experts from the outside, putting BIM management in the right hands is essentially not cheap. This is an effort to highlight the challenges MEP contractors face and how, instead of investing hefty dollars, alternatively can use BIM services to make profitable growth.
Why is BIM adoption an uphill battle for MEP contractors?
Contractors, general or sub, adopting BIM can be a challenge as they are required to acquire tools and technology, need to bring about a change in their business process. The most important aspect of it is to educate their existing talent or hire skilled manpower. And this is not the end. Upon attaining BIM adoption, they may come across construction projects with increased BIM resources as client demand. Maybe these, and uncertain economies; increased number of MEP contractors are resorting to BIM solution providers to deliver projects efficiently even while controlling costs.
3D modeling tools and equipment
Contractors, in order to adhere to client’s BIM requirements, are required to learn 3D modeling and the tools and equipment that come along. Modeling in 3D needs specialized tools, and several 3D BIM software hitting the market every day, different client may come up with a varied requirement of tools for their projects. Also, collaboration tools like Tekla BIMsight are available for free; most of other tools come in with a hefty price tag. This is then followed by ancillary costs including subscription fees of software to stay updated with latest versions, and CAD computers with high processing speeds, also are a contributor to the overall investments that contractors are required to make.
This means the contractors and their professionals on board should be well versed with using mostly all available tools and stay updated with the latest version; which is a tricky proposition, isn’t it?
Modifying business practices becomes a necessity
This is the next step that contractors need to take, after making those humongous financial investments. They are required to transform their business practices and process to a great extent. BIM is all about managing the data which results in a 3D model, and then communicating that data to all involved in the construction project, accurately. To facilitate this timely and accurate execution, contractor’s shop floor will need drastic changes to be made to the processes in order to enhance the interoperability between designs and manufacturing tools.
Understanding BIM Workflow
BIM adoption for MEP contractors has to be teamwork, in order to succeed cost effectively. They will now need professionals who understand BIM workflow. Detailers on board should be trained adequately to move from 2D to 3D detailing. Along with advanced authoring tool training, they should be apt at operating additional tools and workflows, becoming common across the industry, i.e., collaboration software, field layout equipment, and point cloud integration. The domain expertise required to efficiently operate in a BIM world can add up quickly.
How do BIM services help?
Looking at the hefty investment, in both tools and training, and that too without assurance of being successful; having all the required BIM tools and resources in-house does not seem to be a good idea for any MEP contractor. This is where BIM service organizations come in as saviors. Tying knots with a BIM Service Company will ease up a lot of the cost hurdles for contractors, as the service company in such agreements is responsible for acquiring updated hardware and latest software licenses.
BIM modelers on board with service providers manage the versions of data in the model and accurately communicate it to the BIM team or the contractor, as and when required. Hiring, training and managing BIM resources are also their headache, relieving contractors from the hassle of upscaling or shrinking the size of the jobs they are awarded.
Using a BIM Service Company enables contractors with 2D drafts and 3D CAD modeling of MEP systems for retail, mixed type buildings, skyscrapers, malls, hospitals, airports, metros stations, industrial plants etc. Their certified drafters and engineers use Revit to develop MEP coordination drawings and MEP 3D Modeling services to contractors. They even help contractors with 2D drafting and 3D modeling services for MEP and HVAC components including compressors, turbines, HVAC ducts, blades, casing, etc. and facilitate uninterrupted fabrication and installation.
Learn more about how BIM Consulting can help MEP contractors to better manage costs and improve the bottom line.