To secure the full benefits of BIM implementation, a ‘major business programme’ approach is needed. Proceeding with the ‘bare minimum’ when introducing BIM to the business is a common mistake and can be costly.

Many businesses believe that introducing BIM capability is as simple as buying the most visible ‘marketed’ product and providing three days of basic training for their best draftsmen.

Unlike adopting a new technology in isolation, BIM implementation has to be undertaken in stages. This requires proper planning, patience and full commitment from all levels of the business.

The first step is to understand the current status of the business, both in terms of existing systems and available skills. An effective way of achieving this is to undertake an audit that can best be described as a ‘Health Check’. This will determine the level of change required, how best to achieve that change, how long it will take and how much it will cost. All essential steps in ascertaining the critical ‘return on investment’ on which sound business decisions are based.

This Health Check has two major component parts - ‘business’ and ‘skills’.

Business Health Check

The first step is to identify and analyse existing business systems and processes (both internal and external) and ‘map’ those within a BIM framework. This is possible because BIM is still in a relatively new phase of development and can often be manipulated and customised to suit your particular needs. The software itself is not the solution to all problems. It is better to think of the BIM application as a tool with which it is possible to increase productivity gradually.

There are many aspects that need to be understood as part of this analysis including:

• Primary business process
• Self performed versus sub-contracted work
• Types of contract worked with
• How data is transferred and with which platforms
• Current system standards and operational manuals
• Existing technology tools and platforms
• Current document and data management
• Collaboration platforms
• Office and financial systems
• Size and type of existing networks
• Current skill levels (covered in more detail under ‘Skills Health Check’ below)
• Expectations of cost and willingness to invest
• Level of management commitment

This can be a daunting prospect, however help is available from the newly established buildingSMART ME who for a limited period is offering Middle East based businesses a free on line health check and analysis.

Skills Health Check

Central to any business implementation is training of staff. However, selecting the correct type and level of training is not always apparent It is also important to understand that training is not just about ‘how to use software tools’ – understanding of the BIM process and how it affects current work practice is essential for all.

Assessment and benchmarking the capabilities of staff at an early stage of the implementation process is crucial. This identifies the best people for high-level involvement with training and deployment of BIM within the business. This ensures that time is not wasted training unmotivated or unskilled staff members and singles out those who will together form the best team to undertake a first ‘pilot’ project. These initial ‘champions’ will be pivotal in the successful ongoing deployment of the BIM process.

BIM Journal or buildingSMART ME can provide further information on ‘Skills Health Check’.

General Notes and Advice to Avoid Mistakes

The following may be useful when considering strategy:

• Key to success is to deploy the implementation process in real business terms to produce tangible, bottom line results. Use real business context to develop the strategies and behaviours necessary for success.
• Seek out a reputable BIM consulting firm who can advise and work with you to adopt the best method of BIM implementation (BIM Journal can provide guidance if requested).
• A good consultant will consider existing business process, software selection, benchmarking, targeted user training, content development, translation of existing standards, customisation of systems, on-the-job mentoring, implementation tracking and reviews. All of this should be captured in a stakeholder agreed, structured implementation plan or roadmap.
• Identify BIM methods and implementation strategies by project phases (planning, design, construction, and operations) and define potential benefits, costs, and strategies at each phase.
• A structured implementation plan should include detailed guidelines and best practices to achieve optimum workflow and returns on investment.
• Create a BIM manual. Just as CAD required new drawing standards in the office, the BIM system will necessitate standardised modelling procedures and methodologies.

BIM Journal would like to thank Daniel Frawley, BIM Consultant, for providing materials to support this article