Myths About BIM
Before you embark on your BIM journey, we want to remove any myths you might have heard about BIM. Adopting BIM is a digital transformation for your organization. At times it will challenge your existing processes and traditional methods that will make you want to bring back “the way we did it before.” Instead, embrace the change to make improvements to how you, the team, and company deliver great projects.
Myth #1:
BIM is Complicated and Expensive
BIM may cost more at first, but BIM proves it is less expensive over time.
BIM will increase coordination to reduce the quantity of conflicts in the design and construction.
BIM will reduce complexity by organizing design and construction data, this saves time and money to access data.
BIM will use standards and processes to develop the model and data to reduce complexity and variation.
BIM will reduce risks and increase certainty in the project and solutions.
Myth #2:
BIM is Only a 3D Model
BIM is a concept for the collaborative effort on a multi-disciplinary project, graphically projected as a 3D model.
BIM is the center of project truth. All stakeholders interact with the models, consume their data via insights or read the drawings.
BIM is the gateway to produce designs and build more efficiently using automation and enhanced connectivity.
BIM is becoming an experience that can be shared and interacted with by everyone in Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Realities.
Without BIM, many project’s today would struggle to be delivered efficiently and built safely.
Myth #3:
BIM Will Slow Us Down
BIM takes additional time in the beginning, but provides a much greater yield over time.
BIM will increase productivity by automating tasks, updates, and data.
BIM will continue to replace less efficient, and likely traditional, methods of working.
BIM will allow you to implement more efficient solutions and new technologies.
BIM will grant the ability to have multi-user editing in the cloud to save time and work remotely.
When we give BIM a sufficient amount of time and resource, BIM will pay dividends.
Myth #4:
We Only Use BIM on Large Projects
BIM helps you solve problems.
You still get the benefits of efficient methods to produce outputs such as drawings, quantities and renders.
BIM improves communication between the client, consultants and contractors.
BIM can make use of newer technology such as laser scanning and virtual reality.
You may have several smaller projects that are similar to eachother. BIM’s parametric ability may help similar projects.
The small project is a part of a much larger phase or project which uses BIM.
Myth #5
We Need a New Team to Start BIM
No, make the best use of the current team.
Upskilling an existing team shows them the business cares about their professional development.
The existing team knows the existing limitations and can help develop the new BIM system to work better for themselves.
The existing team knows what problems should be fixed in the new BIM system.
Experienced Professionals make the best BIM Coordinators! They are able to resolve clashes and coordination issues effectively.
Myth #6:
BIM Will Solve the Clashes for Us!
Practice clash avoidance and not clash detection.
BIM will only show your clashes, it will not solve them automatically. You can only solve it with people.
You may require a team to resolve the clashes.
You will likely need to negotiate and compromise to resolve the clashes.
You will need to attend in-person and online meetings to resolve clashes.
Myth #7
BIM Is Only for Project Delivery
BIM should be used throughout the entire project lifecycle.
In future renovations the building will require fewer surveys if the BIM is kept up-to-date and within tolerance.
The BIM can be used to train new Facility Management personnel quickly.
The building data is stored in the model and CDE such as drawings, specs, O&M manuals, warranties, schedules and schematics.
The model provides a great baseline for teams to quickly assemble and design for future building improvements.
The client will be able to tie payments to the BIM model deliverables in the contracts to help ensure the model is built correctly and true to the site conditions.
Myth #8
BIM Will be Obsolete One Day
Are you still using AutoCAD?
BIM as a concept will not disappear, it is the future.
BIM is still growing and many projects, countries and companies are embracing it.
International Standards will ensure the integrity of BIM is upheld and evolves with the markets.
BIM Authoring softwares will change over time, but the fundamental purpose of BIM is the core.
Every year, more and more students learn how to BIM.
At Integrated Design, we specialize in delivering practical BIM solutions for the design and construction industry.
We provide BIM Management, Modelling, and Coordination services to construct world-class assets.
