Integrating BIM Into The Enterprise

 

Business Information Modeling (BIM) has been the hot topic of the construction industry for the last few years. Sophisticated, high-tech and aesthetically pleasing, BIM promises much, but so far, has failed to deliver on all of its promises. BIM does deliver as a design tool; when it comes to providing a clear picture of what projects will look like before they are built, BIM is unsurpassed.

 

As a tool to bridge the communication gap between architect, engineer, contractor, facility manager and owner, BIM also delivers, acting as a communication hub of reliable information to both the design and construction teams. BIM however, has failed to deliver value to all departments because it is typically confined to the design and pre-construction stages. To realize its true value, BIM should be integrated into the entire construction project lifecycle, which would allow the 3-D model to respond to changes during the construction phases of the project.

 

In order to integrate BIM into the entire project lifecycle, a full-featured project management solution needs to already be in place. The project management solution should be designed specifically for construction projects, and include a collaboration module that allows all project stakeholders to communicate in real-time. The project management solution acts as the hub between the BIM solution and the rest of the system, allowing information to flow from the model into the enterprise.

 

With a fully integrated project management solution that is linked to the financials and project control system on a single database, information from BIM can be used for procurement, contract management, accounts payable, accounts receivable and even CRM. Project procurement is streamlined by having the model calculate the amount of material needed - the number of doors or tons of concrete for example - and then send estimates to the purchasing department before the project begins. The ability to use project information from BIM before the project begins creates incredible efficiencies across the entire organization, and avoids delays further down the line.

Integrating BIM throughout the project lifecycle also reduces the number of RFIs on a project. RFIs are often a major source of delays and cost-overruns, and their frequency can be reduced using an accurate 3-D model that displays the information that contractors might need during the construction phase. Similarly, BIM can be used to track each subcontractor’s actions on the project. Recording all subcontractor activities and work orders helps contractors and owners manage costs. 

 

Project handover also benefits from an integrated BIM solution. In a typical scenario, contractors hand owners the maintenance manuals, warranty information and other documents when a project is completed. In stark contrast, BIM allows users to track information as the project is being built, and store it in a comprehensive electronic content management (ECM) system that is integrated with the project management system. In this case, the manuals and documents can be burned to CD or another portable media format and then handed over to the Owner, smoothing the handover process and making the manuals more accessible in the future.

 

Having information flow from the 3-D model to the enterprise is just one piece of the puzzle in getting the most value out of BIM. To unlock the full potential of BIM, information needs to flow from the enterprise back into the model.  Construction projects are constantly changing and developing during the construction phase, and one reason why the BIM model is stuck in the design and pre-construction stage is that it doesn’t keep up with what’s happening on the ground. By having information flow bi-directionally however – from BIM to the enterprise and back again – the 3-D model could reflect changes to a project, such as a heating vent being re-directed to accommodate a support pillar or a change in the design of an interior room.

 

The bi-directional exchange of information between the BIM system and the project management system can be achieved using a computer language called Extensible Markup Language (XML). XML is a system neutral language that allows information transfer between systems without the need for data re-entry. Using XML, project information can flow in both directions without having to re-key data, meaning that both the BIM model and the project management databases are updated automatically.

 

CMiC Open Enterprise v10 is the only software advanced and technologically flexible enough to be able to integrate BIM into the enterprise. Using an open infrastructure, CMiC Open Enterprise is able to accommodate the bi-directional flow of information between a BIM application and the CMiC system. CMiC Real Time Integration (RTI) uses XML adaptors to create connections between CMiC and BIM applications, delivering on the promise of integrating BIM into the enterprise.

 

For a step by step guide on how to integrate BIM into your enterprise BIM aware, download our 'BIM Aware Enterprise' white paper.