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So where’s the evidence for BIM’s benefits?

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  1. I can remember when the same discussions were held about CAD and they never came to fruition. When will people realise all BIM is the next stepping stone in the improvement in how we design, co-ordinate and build. We also forget in the end IT doesn’t actually build the building, it is human beings who by their nature make mistakes and are far from perfect. We need to ensure the workforce are trained and paid fairly and have realistic build programmes. Then we might see the improvements in construction. Until then BIM is the next CAD.

  2. BIM may be the next CAD, but like CAD, it won’t make much of a difference unless it is used correctly.

    I have to wonder myself, given some of the design professions inability (and lack of willingness and skill) to manage things like risk properly, whether BIM is just a hoped for panacea to a systemic problem, that itself won’t change if the fundamentals of lack of training, skills, interest etc are also addressed.

    Ultimately only time will tell.

  3. BIM encompasses information workflow practices including validation processes, be it human and/or automated in origin. When applied correctly, this is one of the ‘Better Information Management’ components that really sets it apart from traditional CAD and drives right through the design, construction and operation phases. A well-considered BIM environment will have addressed a structure for identifying and minimising mistakes.

    Whilst there are definite (albeit challenging to quantify) benefits during design and construction, we should not lose sight that greatest efficiencies are realised through operation of the asset. After all, this was the primary driver for government’s mandate as it accounts for approximately 80% of lifecycle cost. This is where clients will really reap the rewards but by its nature, it could be some time before the data confirms it.

  4. Very interesting comments which confirm many peoples thoughts. Until people are trained fully on how to use this, the main benefit from using BIM is the client can use the 3D walk through to see better what their building will be like. I have worked on projects using BIM and up to now it hasn’t delivered what the experts claim. It is just the same as all new technology unproven and the benefits over stated as it hasn’t been tested long term for the claims to be proven. I’m all for improvements to design and efficiency during construction but please remember humans build IT doesn’t.

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