BIM and Technologies

The foundations of a BIM Implementation

When dealing with a BIM implementation, there are several actions that must be put into operation. The most obvious is training: it is clear that the team must learn the new methodology and its tools. Another may be the support; you can’t just give a few classes and leave; the start-up of the first projects must be accompanied. However, in this post, I want to talk about an action that, in my opinion, goes unnoticed and that is actually a fundamental pillar for the success of the implementation: I am talking about the Technology Plan.

Why is the Technology Plan so important? When the time comes to start a project and the teams do not have licenses or their computers are not capable of “moving” the models, the rest of the effort will have been in vain.

We know that BIM is a methodology based on a technology, well, you must take care of that second part.

Technologies Plan

The Technology Plan can be broken down into 3 parts: hardware, software and networks. The ecosystem that is created between them will be the habitat of our work.

As regards the hardware, computers must be able to support the processes to be executed in a reliable way. The technical requirements to be considered can be found on the support web pages of each program. If the company already has some equipment, it must be  evaluated in order to determine whether it is valid or not. In the case of staff performing very different functions, it is useful to define some generic features and classify each piece of equipment, albeit existing or to be acquired, according to its function, for example: “office equipment”, “BIM equipment”, “render equipment”.

By now, I imagine that everyone is clear about the versatility that a laptop offers over a desktop computer. In general, today’s laptops can be powerful enough to carry out any project process in our sector.  In addition, they are becoming lighter and lighter, so it is not too cumbersome to carry them around. This allows us to attend face-to-face meetings and facilitates teleworking.

It is important to have two screens. Adding a desktop monitor to the laptop screen is essential insofar as it allows you to cope with multitasking or the needs of large workspaces, as in the case of modelling.

The rise of video conferencing makes it essential to use a headset with an integrated microphone. The aim is to be able to hear others without disturbing the rest of the room (headset) and to be able to hear each other clearly (microphone). The videoconference kit must include a camera. It is advisable to provide cameras if they are not an integral part of the computer or monitor. At this point, I make an appeal: it is very important to use it; whoever has given a 2-hour class talking to 15 little circles with initials on a black background will understand me!

Talking about software in a BIM implementation means talking about a multitude of applications based on the functions carried out in the organization. As a minimum we will refer to:

• Creating and editing BIM models.
• Having a Common Data Environment (CDE) to share information.
• Work collaboratively on BIM models both internally but also with external collaborators.
• Manage project issues in a smart environment.
• Coordinate the project with digital tools.

If we go a little further, we may be interested in adding some of these functionalities:

• • Linking models to budgeting software.
  • Link models to rendering applications.
  • Check compliance with internal and external regulations.
  • Use the models to plan and track the construction works on site.
  • Efficient management of the content library
  • Control the internal planning and the associated costs involved in the project development

And depending on the business, we may include

• • Integration with CMMS programs
  • Integration with asset management and asset appraisal programs

Not all of the above will be covered during BIM implementation, however, it is possible that we are looking for interoperability between the programs, i.e. to make the most of the data received and produced. For this reason, software selection must be made from a broad perspective that meets the organization’s business. 

It is normal to roll out these solutions in a phased way, giving priority to those that are necessary for the start-up of the implementation. However, it is advisable to consider all of them from the offset, so that the first choices do not condition future ones.

BIM itself implies that there is a special relationship between software and networks, given that modelling programs are collaborative, insofar as, they allow several users to work simultaneously on the same file. This is achieved by connecting files and users to the same network. Currently, some platforms allow access for consulting and editing purposes directly in the cloud. Initially, it is a more expensive solution, but in the long run it pays off, given that you save the cost of internal maintenance in material and human resources managing internal networks. In addition, there is the enormous benefit of being able to access and edit your project’s information wherever you are, as long as there is a connection.

In any case, and this particular case, there is no doubt that a good connection is essential. 

So far, I have talked about the process of selecting equipment and programs. However, in order to keep up the necessary pace of implementation, we should start the purchasing process almost in parallel. It is at this point a new player comes in: the Procurement department. This means that those who buy and those who have previously approved the purchase. This department does not necessarily have previous, technical knowledge of BIM. It is advisable, therefore, to be forewarned of the additional effort required in terms of educating and informing this department of just how vital these equipment acquisitions are.

Normally, acquisitions are made gradually; you must define which users need to have licenses and equipment fit for purpose and who can wait for other phases. Be careful, we should not limit ourselves to planning according to projects; licenses are also necessary for training and trial licenses will run out of time before we know it!

Miscellaneous conclusions and advice

I would like to stress the importance of implementing the Technology Plan from day one, as it will be appreciated when training and pilot projects start.

By now you will have noticed how important it is to go hand in hand with the Systems department or similar, the help must be reciprocal. 

For the team who receives the implementation, a certain IT culture and maturity will be very positive in order to achieve autonomy in the software installation and start-up of the equipment, although this will also depend on the internal Systems approach.

A BIM implementation is all about digitalization. At the end of the process, the number of users fully appraised of the changes, will be the best KPI for the success of the implementation, the rest of the KPIs will be derived from this.

The implementation must always be accompanied by a Mandate sent from top management. It is necessary that all users understand the need, the obligatory nature and the urgency for change.

To conclude I would like to return to the introduction of this post, you won’t be able to use BIM if you don’t have the necessary knowledge, but neither will you be able if you lack the technology to support it. This two-pronged approach is indispensable.