Construction planning has
been a part of the building process for as long as we can remember. It is
necessary to plan projects in order to ensure that there are no delays, cost
overruns or even worse – accidents caused by lack of planning. However, construction
planning has evolved over time with advancements in technology and practices
becoming more efficient and effective than before. The use of Building
Information Modeling (BIM) software during this planning process is one such
advancement and it has been found to have many benefits for both contractors
and clients alike. While BIM continues on its upward trajectory, there are
still many questions being asked about how it works within construction
planning specifically. In this article we will discuss how BIM can be
integrated into your project management processes along with some tips on how
you can prepare yourself beforehand if you want your team to take full
advantage of all these new technologies that are becoming available today!
What is construction planning and BIM?
Construction planning is the
process of coordinating all efforts from inception to completion. It involves
scheduling, budgeting, and managing tasks so that they are completed in a
timely manner.
BIM stands for Building
Information Modeling. BIM allows the coordination of all parties involved in
construction projects, including architects, engineers (structural and
mechanical), contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers. A building
information model can be described as a virtual representation of a physical
structure that includes all relevant data required to construct it. This
includes architectural plans such as elevations or floor plans, structural
steel blueprints, electrical schematics, plumbing layouts, HVAC equipment
specifications etc..
It is important to internalize
that BIM is a collaborative process. The result is better communication between
these parties to ensure that they are working towards one goal: maximising
value for money while delivering quality results on time and within budget.
Applications in Construction planning
BIM is a tool that supports
the entire construction planning process. It is used for:
- Task and issue management (for example 3D
BIM model check)
- Reportings and evaluation of the current
status
- A more efficient collaboration of the
planners (architects, engineers, etc.)
- Construction scheduling and coordination
of resources
- Cost estimation, including cost
breakdowns for each phase of a project and subcontractors' labor costs
- Procurement, including requests for
information (RFIs) and requests for proposals (RFPs) from contractors or
consultants
- Construction management, which includes
project schedules and budgets, change orders and cost overruns
- Inspection tracking
What do I need to optimize the use of BIM in
construction planning?
- Change the culture of your company.
- Change your processes, not just for BIM
but for all projects.
- Change the technology that can be applied
to your project portfolio and use it to get more benefits out of it.
- Change people on site and in the office,
as well as managers and stakeholders who are involved with decision making
throughout a project's life cycle.
A Common Data Environment
(CDE) helps you throughout the construction project to ensure that all project
stakeholders collaborate centrally through one software/web application, making
the collaboration more efficient and having all data in one place. This means you
can always check the current project status via the CDE and check if your project
is on schedule.
You can now test the
Visoplan CDE free of charge and without obligation for 14 days: https://web.visoplan.de/register
Keep in mind that BIM is not a magic wand
In order to focus on
realistic expectations, it is important not only to look at what the BIM
standard is and offers in terms of added value, but also to realize that BIM is
not a substitute for good planning, communication and project management. BIM
is not a magic wand that turns bad work into good work. BIM makes good work
even better, leaves less room for gross errors and ensures greater efficiency
throughout the construction project thanks to optimized processes and
collaboration.
Conclusion
Expectations for BIM are
high, but it won't work without a change in mindset. BIM is an exciting new
technology that has the potential to revolutionize construction planning.
However, it is important not to get caught up in hype and unrealistic
expectations. You need to be realistic about what BIM can do for you as well as
its limitations. So make sure your company is already prepared to implement BIM
effectively.
If you still have questions
on the subject or want to know whether Visoplan CDE is the right software
solution for your application, feel free to contact us:
Mail: support@visoplan.de | Phone: +49 30 555 71 779
