A Practical Approach to BIM Adoption

A complete overhaul on Day 1 is not a solution for a successful BIM implementation. Small and midsized firms benefit most from incremental adoption.

Start With Business Objectives

Before choosing software, it is important for firms to set their business goals clearly. For example:

• Reduce requests for information (RFIs) by 20%
• Improve estimation accuracy
• Minimize coordination conflicts
• Win larger projects
• Improve schedule predictability

Technology should have the ability to support scalable operational outcomes instead of being a standalone initiative.

Begin With Pilot Projects

Instead of rushing BIM implementation in your firm immediately, it is important to start with one manageable pilot project.

Ideal pilot projects typically include:

• Moderate complexity
• Collaborative stakeholders
• Schedule flexibility
• Supportive project teams

Pilot projects enable firms to test their workflows, identify skill gaps and set realistic BIM standards. This does not appear to be forcefully implemented and keeps running smoothly.

Focus on Core BIM Uses First

Most firms fail when they attempt advanced BIM applications way too soon. A logical rollout should emphasize low-complexity applications, including:

• 3D coordination — Basic model coordination offers immediate value. It helps to reduce clashes and enhance communication.
• Quantity takeoffs — Automated material extraction enhances the estimation of accuracy and efficiency.
• Construction documentation — Construction designs that are well-coordinated and centralized in nature. This works against uncertainties or inaccuracies in revision.

Improved functions such as online twins, 4D programming and integration of the facility management are later advancements in the BIM.

Choose Scalable BIM Tools

The adoption of an enterprise-level BIM ecosystem is not what is typically demanded by small or midsized companies. Subscription-based or cloud-based solutions can reduce initial costs, besides being scalable with the growth of companies. Key considerations include:

• Ease of use
• Training availability
• Fit with the client’s needs
• Interoperability with other software
• Scalability
• Technical support

The most developed BIM platform does not imply the best. The one that your team can adhere to and maintain in a realistic way is the best.

Invest in Training Strategically

Technology is not the only key to BIM success. The most important factors are people and processes. Businesses should be keen on implementing the positions in training instead of trying to train everyone at the same level.

Examples include:

• Estimators trained in quantity extraction workflows
• Site teams trained to review and work with coordinated models
• Cloud-based project managers
• Designers who are creating BIM authoring skills

Models of training based on project development would deliver better results than those developed in a classroom using theories.

Establish BIM Standards Early

Even the most basic workflows of BIM require consistency. Thus, companies ought to develop simple criteria on:

• File-naming conventions
• Model organization
• Version control
• Collaboration procedures
• Data-sharing protocols

Standardization will remove the element of guesswork and improve the scalability of a project as BIM will continue to be used more often.

Collaborate With External BIM Experts

The vast majority of small and midsized companies can collaborate with:

• BIM consultants
• Outsourced modeling providers
• Technology implementation specialists
• Training organizations

BIM outsourcing increases adoption rates and minimizes costly errors during the early implementation phases.