Are you considering taking the plunge and learning BIM Modeling? It can seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this powerful architecture software.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the 5 key steps to learning BIM Modeling! 😃
1) How To Learn BIM Modeling In 5 Steps
BIM implementation is likely to be on your mind because you are a designer, lead a design team, or are trying to convince your boss.
You may believe that BIM is the wave of the future, or you may want to begin using BIM but are unsure of where to begin.
It is no secret that today’s stakeholders in the AEC industry want more efficient buildings and processes and better-quality deliverables, and they want it now. That’s quite a task.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is being used by AEC leaders to meet the demand for better work in a shorter period (BIM).
BIM is more than just a tool for visualizing three-dimensional data; it encompasses the entire lifecycle of a construction project, from conception to completion.
BIM makes it possible to solve three-dimensional problems with three-dimensional tools rather than two-dimensional ones—it’s the digital equivalent of “measure twice, cut once.”
BIM makes the design-build collaboration easier between architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners by leveraging powerful CAD and BIM programs, massive amounts of data, and seamless communication tactics.
According to a study by McGraw-Hill Construction, nearly 70% of architects, engineers, contractors, and owners use BIM.
And the BIM market is expected to grow from USD $9.5bn in 2022 to USD $18.6bn by 2027 at a CAGR of 14.4%, according to a global forecast.
A successful BIM implementation can save you time, reduce errors, and expand your design options, whether you’re moving to BIM to meet client, investor, or government-funded project requirements or simply because you want to run your workflow more efficiently.
Good Read: My Top 10 Uses for BIM in Construction Management – Plus Three Bonus BIM Resources!
1️⃣ Step One: Begin With The Basics
To start your BIM modeling, it is important to consider the scope of your project. You must evaluate the project size and determine what activities, systems, and elements will be included in the model.
It is also critical to create a detailed BIM scope and plan your project timeline.
Once you have established this foundation, you can begin confidently modeling all required tasks.
Because implementing new software or processes necessitates adapting to new ways of working, some employees may be hesitant to do so.
Your team, however, will be more enthusiastic about the benefits of BIM if your executive team actively promotes it.
Hardware and software should also be up-to-date and capable of supporting your BIM workflows.
Your computer systems must be able to handle the amount of data needed to run BIM software effectively, so if most of your systems are over two or three years old, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade! 👩🏾💻
Another important consideration is where you’ll store your project data – your data must be secure and accessible.
Consider cloud-based solutions to break down silos, allow teams to work on the same model, and speed up design cycles and iterations.
2️⃣ Step Two: Gather Your Group Of Collaborators
Once you’ve got your BIM foundation with software, hardware, and starting BIM scope, select the right individuals to participate in a pilot project.
Make sure they’re up to the challenge of trying something new and teaching their coworkers how to use BIM because they’ll be the ones training and supporting the rest of the team.
These candidates should have the following qualities:
- Extensive knowledge of 3D design and BIM
- Traditional architectural design and construction management processes are well understood by this individual
- Appreciates the use of data and modeling
- Quickly picks up new software and systems
- Possess the ability to coach and mentor members of the team
Good Read: 10 Example BIM Goals + My Guidelines for Successful BIM Projects
3️⃣ Step Three: Pilot BIM Project
Pilot projects allow you to learn and document how you use BIM in a controlled environment and to see how you can improve.
Before taking on a BIM pilot project, there are a few things to consider:
- Is everyone (architects, landscape architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners) on board with BIM and ready to jump on board when it becomes available?
- Are there any low-risk or small-scale projects that you can begin with? It never hurts to start small and grow your project over time.
- Do you have the necessary resources (time and money) to invest?
- Which goals should you set for the project?
- What type of hardware and software needs to be acquired?
- How will data in both 2D and 3D be managed?
- What regulations or standards need to be taken into account?
- Who will be responsible for training users on the new system?
- Will support and maintenance be provided once the project is complete?
It’s important to make sure that the project is well-managed, so consider using a goal-setting tool such as Plannerly to help you keep track of tasks, progress updates, and deadlines.
4️⃣ Step Four: Make A Log Of Your Progress
As you begin your pilot project, make a commitment to documenting every step of the process.
This will give you the information you need to develop best practices for your team and also show the benefits/Return On Investment (ROI).
Keep in mind that there will be some missteps along the way 😬 but that is how we learn and make improvements!
Get feedback from team members and business partners after you’ve completed the pilot project.
A long-term strategy for BIM should now be drafted.
After that, you’ll have everything you need to start training your team!
Good Read: My Top 5 Uses of Digital Twins with BIM for AECO
5️⃣ Step 5: Educate And Train Your Team
The next step is to get your entire team on board with BIM.
As a result of your updated workflow and best practices, you now have a solid foundation from which to build.
The pilot project’s employees are an invaluable resource.
These BIM champions have a wealth of knowledge and can be effective voices for BIM adoption within your company.
As the rest of your team joins, rely on them for answers and support.
On-the-job training is essential for employees to get up to speed and ease the transition from paper-based to BIM.
By scheduling training sessions into the workweek, you’ll see an increase in productivity and engagement from your team as they adjust to the change.
When you hire new employees, BIM is a part of your company, so make sure they know about it!
2) Maximize The Benefits Of BIM
Sixty-two percent of BIM users say they have seen a positive return on their investment, and this ROI is closely tied to the level of involvement they have with the software.
As a result, businesses that invest significantly in BIM training and implementation see a positive return on their investment.
Your BIM implementation can:
- Prevent costly mistakes in construction and design by spotting issues early
- Reduce waste by modeling and optimizing construction schedules
- On-time and within-budget completion of projects
- Reduce redlines and change orders
- Control and streamline communication between all parties
- Optimize facility management and building upkeep
In and of itself, BIM software is not a panacea.
The adoption of BIM is closely linked to its benefits; therefore, the more you encourage your team to use it, the greater the chance of seeing a return on your investment.
A full pipeline of work, a streamlined process that keeps customers coming back, and a BIM-ready company will reap the benefits as the technology advances.
3) My Final Thoughts
The benefits of BIM are clear, but its adoption has historically been slow.
Businesses that have made the switch to BIM have seen an ROI, but the process is not without its challenges.
A successful BIM implementation requires a commitment from everyone in the company, from the C-suite down to the newest hire.
Change can be difficult, but by following these five steps, you can switch to BIM and reap the benefits for your business!
Plannerly (The BIM Management Platform) can make this easier 🥳
The next time you have a project in mind, think about using Plannerly to help manage it efficiently.
So why wait? Get started today 😍
Did you know that Plannerly (The BIM Management Platform) is FREE TO JOIN?
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Three Bonus Resources 🥳
1. Other Interesting Reads ⤵
- CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE: MY 10 BEST TIPS TO STREAMLINE YOUR PROCESS
- MY TOP 10 USES FOR BIM IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT – PLUS THREE BONUS BIM RESOURCES!
- MY TOP 5 USES OF DIGITAL TWINS WITH BIM FOR AECO
2. The Complete BIM Management Workflow [VIDEO] 🎥
Here’s a video I think you might find valuable 😃 – it covers the complete BIM management workflow:
3. Answers to some related BIM questions that I often get asked 🤔
I’ve also tried to summarize below some answers to the most common questions that I get asked about this subject – I hope you can use them too:
What is BIM Modeling?
Building Information Modelling is a 3D digital representation of a building or infrastructure project. BIM allows architects, engineers, and other design and construction professionals to collaboratively plan, design, construct, and manage projects using an intuitive 3D interface and modern processes.
Who can use BIM Modeling?
BIM Modeling is used by many types of professionals in the architecture industry, including Architects, Engineers and Construction Managers. It can be used by anyone who needs to design complex structures or collaborate with others on projects.
How long does it take to learn BIM Modeling?
The amount of time it will take to learn BIM Modeling depends on the complexity of the software chosen, the amount of experience you have in design, and how much time you can dedicate to learning it 😃 Setting realistic goals for yourself is important, so you don’t become overwhelmed with too much. There are many BIM tools you can choose from! Don’t be afraid to ask for help from experienced BIM professionals or join online communities where other users can offer advice. With dedication and patience, you should be able to master BIM Modeling in no time! Good luck with your learning journey!
I blog for the Five BIM Bloggers series.
Every week we share different perspectives on important BIM topics!
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