Perspective
BIM is mandatory. Value is not.
Since April 2016, BIM Level 2 has been the minimum requirement on UK Government projects — a framework carried forward today by ISO 19650. Yet mandated tools don't guarantee returns: without strategy, BIM investment can yield little and 'backfire' on future investment.
The context
A mandate, ambitious targets — and a confidence gap.
The 2016 mandate arrived alongside wider Government targets: cutting capital and operational expenditure by 2025 and reducing carbon emissions. Meeting them demands a significant improvement in current practice, enabled by advances such as BIM.
But BIM is an enabling tool: it brings about change only when underpinned by a clear strategy and effective business processes. At the time of the mandate, an industry survey covering all construction disciplines found just 5% of respondents "confident to use BIM" (BIM+, April 2016) — a striking gap between what BIM can do and how it is actually used in support of business objectives.
What needs to be done
Five questions clients ask us — answered.
Why do clients need BIM?
BIM is a proven enabling technology that helps clients cut waste by introducing efficiency throughout the project life cycle — leading to higher-quality projects, delivered on time, at lower capital and operational cost.
What can BIM do for clients?
With a comprehensive BIM strategy, waste can be eliminated while improving supply-chain efficiency. The Investors Report (2012) put the prize at 10–20% savings in design and 20–40% in construction — plus revolutionary FM practices.
Why independent BIM consultants?
Until client organisations develop the skills and competency to lead BIM projects themselves, independent consultants can act on the client’s behalf to develop, implement and quality-assure the BIM strategy.
What makes implementation work?
“Supply-chain providers only provide what they are asked for.” Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined so stakeholders deliver reliable, relevant information that meets the client’s requirements.
What does Unisearch offer?
A unique blend of academic and industrial experience: pioneering BIM management and advanced project management services for clients, from early design through to facilities management.
The critical step
Before any BIM project: the strategy.
Whatever level is targeted, a clear BIM strategy must focus on competitive advantage, business value and return on investment. It should answer:
Depending on the nature, size and BIM maturity of your organisation or project, achievable benefits can be identified and met with clear KPIs and QA/QC procedures — under strong BIM leadership, with a clear plan of work every stakeholder complies with.
Find your starting point- 01 Why is BIM required — what targets must it meet?
- 02 What can be achieved from BIM deployment?
- 03 How is it best embraced into current work practices?
- 04 Can the targets be met — what is our current BIM maturity?
- 05 What benefits can be achieved, and at what stage of the life cycle?
- 06 What competencies are required to achieve those benefits?
- 07 What are the BIM-enabled processes and required collaboration level?
- 08 What QA/QC practices are necessary?
- 09 How should BIM be developed to meet the client’s requirements?
Let’s talk about your next project.
Tell us where you are on your BIM journey — we’ll show you the shortest route to measurable value.