BIM has evolved in the past years, but is still evolving by time. In respect to construction management, it surely offers the potential to improve project efficiency and accuracy. In the same time, no one knows yet the full capabilities of BIM and therefore remains a question how widely BI can be adopted. Having said that, what construction managers can gain with the current knowledge of BIM application is already an advancement compared to the traditional methods of managing projects.
BIM can have a positive impact on project management in various ways. These include:
- Integrated Project Delivery
Construction projects consist in different disciplines and it can be difficult to manage all the work. It may become even more difficult if one relies on reports, calls or emails only. Communication between contractors and subcontractors of different disciplines is even harder.
When BIM is implemented in construction projects, all of the above mentioned difficulties reduced drastically. In BIM all disciplines and stakeholders involved in the project collaborate together and work closely since the initial phases. Usually software is used to help in such collaboration and make it more efficient such as the use of scheduling software. Work errors are reduced, costs and redundancy too because all the information is integrated and therefore increase the team’s efficiency.
- Improved Collaboration and Communication
As explained in point 1 above communication and collaboration is improved between all disciplines. This is achieved because of the sharing of information by all team members. The information can be accessible by everyone to review and discuss accordingly. Usually online platforms are used, hence data can be accessed even on site and updated in real time. This is more efficient compared to the traditional methods because team members can be updated or notified with any scenarios imminently.
- Full project Visualisation
This is another important aspect that the construction managers can benefit from, but even other professionals. Full project visualisation is given to the team at earlier stages, prior to construction. This includes both graphical and non-graphical information. Having such information at an early stage, the managers can analyse the information and understand what can be improved.
- Reduced Construction Cost
According to a study by McKinsey, 75% of construction firms using BIM saw higher returns. This confirms the advantages of visualisation of information at earlier stages which include risk mitigation, reduced variation from errors or accidents. In addition to this, the real time updates aid in reducing risks because information is live and not outdated until it reaches the right individuals.
- Improved Project Scheduling and Task Sequencing
In BIM, 3D models are widely used and include various information which is not limited only to geometrical information. This gives the possibility to construction managers to use such model and information created for advanced planning and management of a construction project.
Scheduling and task sequencing can be carried out more efficiently also because information is shared at early stages. Information is developed by the whole team and is therefore more accurate. Work and task dependencies are known earlier and the tasks can be organised better.