We asked several of our members to share their thoughts on BIM, the work of BIM CoDE•SA and what would be needed to get their sectors to adopt BIM.
Rudd van Deventer, Managing Director, Spaceworx
Why is BIM important to your sector/industry?
BIM or rather Digital Construction Documentation is a critical technology for all present and future building designers, contractors, and facility managers. Knowing how a building is constructed is an important aspect of understanding how best to construct and manage a facility. The software is in its relative infancy and focussed on the construction phase of a building’s life span. Much work is necessary to increase the adoption and make the information captured easily available to more parties. The question is not about IF BIM needs to be adopted, but HOW to adopt it. This is critical for a broad acceptance of the technology, as is the need for more capable user interfaces. The adoption of SANS 19650 provides a methodology so that it can be adopted across the industry.
Why are you supporting the work of BIM CoDE•SA?
BIM CoDE•SA and the BIMcommUNITY.Africa are an across-the-industry grouping of people who believe that there is a future in Digital Construction. The community attraction to me personally is that there are many various stakeholders in the team who share a broad objective and not a discipline focused one. Again, the need for broad acceptance is critical.
What are the most important 2 things you think will get your sector to adopt BIM and what 2 things are holding your sector back?
For adoption:
Pressure from the market will force the adoption by practices to be able to support their clients – this is market pressure and not legislation, legislation will force how the data is managed and stored. There are also projects that need to be BIM because of their complexity.
It is an exciting technology and there are designers that will be driven to adopt Digital Construction, simply for its own sake – these early adopters are now making headway in their practices.
Restraints, mostly for practices who need to adopt and roll out Digital Construction:
The software, hardware, and training demand to be able to efficiently work in digital construction are very high and create a barrier for new entrants and youngsters who simply wish to investigate the technology.
Once the decision to adopt the processes and technology is made the costs of creating libraries and other tools that support South African conditions and legislation need to be create or adapted. This is a heavy cost for smaller practices to take on.
Amanda Filtane, Lecturer of Construction Management, UCT
Why is BIM important to your sector/industry?
For the survival of local firms: if they don’t BIM, international competitors may very soon service our local clients. So, there is a need for a paradigm shift, to move from non-computable data, towards integrated, collaborative and computable processes, to increase productivity, efficiency, infrastructure value, quality and sustainability; reduce lifecycle costs, lead times and duplications. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the innovative digital project delivery method that helps reduce fragmentation and provides opportunities for enhanced collaboration and distributed project development.
Why are you supporting the work of BIM CoDE•SA?
To capture the full benefit of BIM tools, firms in project networks must coordinate and develop interoperable business practices. Technological paradigms have been shown to exist and vary among firms in a population. For effective BIM implementation, BIM performance measurement, guides and best practices needs to be known: All these have been the foundation of the BIM CoDE•SA?
What are the most important 2 things you think will get your sector to adopt BIM and what 2 things are holding your sector back?
Collaborative solutions towards – contracting; upskilling; co-investments (shared resources, shared returns).
Holding backs: “paralysis by analysis”, risk aversion: The same people or firms who need certainty that the “method” works – need to start implementing the method so that the concept can be proved with sufficient data and multiple cases – mass adoption for mass savings… Economies of scale…
Richard Matchett, Digital Practice Lead, Zutari
Why is BIM important to your sector/industry?
Adopting BIM will enable a level of collaboration that has been long awaited in the AECO industry. The process of aligning information production and exchange with the relevant information requirements throughout the value chain of project delivery will ensure closer collaboration between roleplayers and will deliver better results from project inception, through design and construction, into operation and end of life. The project delivery approach offered by BIM is the single greatest catalyst for improving value delivery to end users and investors. As a South African, I want the assurance that my tax money is being used effectively to build our country, and I believe that BIM will enable this.
Why are you supporting the work of BIM CoDE•SA?
The forum created by the BIM CoDE.SA is one of a kind in South Africa. The open dialogue, the avoidance of personal agendas and the inclusivity of the discussions across industry participants is providing insights that are leading to meaningful actions towards implementing BIM in South Africa. The adoption of BIM will involve a change process. The BIM CoDE•SA is doing the hard yards of creating awareness and providing a common vision for this change.
What are the most important 2 things you think will get your sector to adopt BIM and what 2 things are holding your sector back?
There is a shortage of qualified, skilled individuals to fulfil the roles required for BIM implementation. To deliver projects effectively, we need BIM Coordinators and Information managers to oversee the information production, and we need modellers who are able to create data-rich models that are more than just 3D pictures. This skills shortage is being exacerbated by a general exodus of skilled people to the Middle East and elsewhere.
The uptake of BIM will be significantly boosted by including BIM requirements in procurement. Until then, BIM is “voluntary”, and ineffective. Secondly, the originators of projects (i.e. the Clients) must adopt a BIM-centric approach to project delivery, and specify BIM as the delivery mode for projects, along with Asset Information as a deliverable at completion.
Nick Tenner, VDC Manager, WBHO
Why is BIM important to your sector/industry?
Having the correct information at the right time enables us as contractors to deliver quality projects safely to our clients, within time and budget.
Standardised BIM processes could:
Improve communication, collaboration, and coordination between all contractual parties. (Clarify scope, resolve issues, etc.)
Reduced construction time and cost. (Reduce changes, rework, delays, etc.)
Improved quality and safety. (Assist resources planning [people, materials, equipment, etc.)
Why are you supporting the work of BIM CoDE•SA?
BIMCommUnity SA promotes BIM awareness and the BIM CoDE•SA workshops enable industry stakeholders, professional bodies, etc. to actively engage towards developing and adopting local BIM standards, based on international best practices and guidelines.
What are the most important 2 things you think will get your sector to adopt BIM and what 2 things are holding your sector back?
Local BIM adoption could be improved by adopting an Integrated Project Delivery approach, with adequate BIM Project Tender (procurement) routes, which incorporates realistic Contractual Conditions and achievable BIM Standards and requirements, which would facilitate early involvement of Contractors into the BIM process on projects.
Not developing adequate BIM Tender routes, with inconsistent BIM standards. Mandating or imposing unrealistic Tender requirements and Contractual Conditions onto Contractors, would restrict BIM adoption.
Our local industry requires a notable change management plan, a short-term upskilling and a long- term skills development plan, to develop effective BIM competencies with a phased approached to BIM adoption.
BIM competencies are required at all AECO stakeholder levels, ie. Clients, designers, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, etc.
BIM is an information management process it is not software. BIM however makes use of digital technologies. International solution providers offer a variety of BIM process solutions. These solutions are often expensive, with exclusive licensing and collaboration features and limited or no interoperability. Local BIM adoption would require cost effective, interoperable, OpenBIM and opensource, digital solutions and technologies, which could facilitate more inclusive industry collaboration for all stakeholders and across various platforms.
Marius Bierman, VDC Manager, Murray and Dickson
Why is BIM important to your sector/industry?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a transformative development for contractors, especially in an industry fraught with complexities and challenges. The construction sector, known for its low margins and minimal digitisation, stands to benefit immensely from the adoption of BIM. One of the most significant advantages of BIM is its ability to help contractors understand the full scope of a project. By providing a detailed digital representation, BIM allows contractors to visualize every aspect of the construction process. This comprehensive view helps in identifying potential clashes before they occur on-site, saving time and resources that would otherwise be spent on rework. The ability to foresee and address issues in the planning stage is invaluable in an industry where unexpected problems can lead to significant delays and cost overruns. BIM also enables digital construction rehearsals, which are essentially virtual simulations of the construction process. These rehearsals allow contractors to plan and optimise their workflows, ensuring that each phase of the project is executed smoothly. The use of 4D simulations, which integrate time-related information with the 3D model, further enhances planning by allowing contractors to visualise the construction sequence over time. This planning level helps coordinate activities, avoid conflicts, and ensure that the project stays on schedule. Communication is another area where BIM shines. The complexity and sequence of a construction project can be challenging to convey, especially to non-technical stakeholders. BIM provides a visual and interactive platform that makes it easier to communicate these complexities. Contractors can use BIM to explain the project details to their own personnel as well as to other role players, including clients, design consultants, and facility managers. This improved communication fosters a better understanding of the project, leading to more informed decision-making and smoother collaboration. Moreover, BIM acts as a catalyst for closer collaboration among industry role players. By providing a shared digital environment, BIM encourages earlier involvement of the entire project team. This includes clients, design consultants, contractors, and facility managers, all working together from the project's inception. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone's input is considered, leading to a more cohesive and well-coordinated project. Early involvement also helps in aligning the project's goals and expectations, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts down the line. In essence, BIM is not just a technological advancement; it is a holistic approach that addresses the inherent challenges of the construction industry. By enhancing understanding, improving planning, facilitating communication, and fostering collaboration, BIM empowers contractors to manage the complexities of their projects more effectively. This, in turn, leads to better project outcomes, higher efficiency, and a more sustainable construction process.
Why are you supporting the work of BIM CoDE•SA?
As a contractor, I wholeheartedly support BIMCommUnity.Africa and the BIM CoDE•SA initiative because it aligns with my commitment to advancing the construction industry through innovation and collaboration. This initiative brings together all stakeholders (project roleplayers) in the construction industry to collaboratively craft a way forward for the digital transformation of the built environment. The BIM CoDE•SA aims to foster a collaborative environment where various industry role players, including local and national government, asset owners, contractors, surveyors, architects, engineers, and facilities managers, can come together to discuss and implement BIM strategies. The initiative seeks to address the traditional siloed nature of the industry by promoting holistic and collaborative information management at all stages of a project. This approach aims to deliver efficient projects on time, within budget, and with all the necessary information to manage assets optimally throughout their lifecycle. Furthermore, this initiative provides a platform for contractors (and other roleplayers) to contribute to the discourse and allows for different opinions to be shared. This allows the contractor to voice its concerns, requirements and vision for the construction industry.
What are the most important 2 things you think will get your sector to adopt BIM and what 2 things are holding your sector back?
Two key factors that will drive the construction sector to adopt Building Information Modeling (BIM) are finding common ground among stakeholders and implementing pilot projects:
Finding common ground: Firstly, finding common ground among stakeholders is crucial. The construction industry is traditionally fragmented, with various parties such as contractors, architects, engineers, and clients often working in silos. BIM encourages collaboration by providing a shared digital environment where all stakeholders can contribute and access information. This collaborative approach helps in aligning goals, improving communication, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page from the project's inception. By fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual understanding, the industry can overcome traditional barriers and work more efficiently.
Pilot projects: Secondly, implementing pilot projects is essential for demonstrating the tangible benefits of BIM. Pilot projects serve as practical examples of how BIM can improve project outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency. By showcasing successful BIM implementations, contractors and other stakeholders can see firsthand the advantages of adopting this technology. These pilot projects can also provide valuable insights and lessons learned, which can be used to refine BIM strategies and encourage wider adoption across the industry.
What 2 things are holding your sector back?
Silos and Traditional mindsets: the industry operates in silos, which hampers collaboration and communication among stakeholders. This fragmented approach leads to inefficiencies, misunderstandings, and delays. The lack of a unified platform for sharing information and coordinating efforts means that each party often works in isolation, resulting in an increased probability of errors and rework.
Capital required to implement: the construction sector has been slow to adopt new technologies and innovate. Despite the potential benefits of digital tools like BIM, many companies still rely on traditional methods and are hesitant to invest in new technologies. This resistance to change is partly due to the industry's conservative and adversarial mindset and the perceived high costs and risks associated with implementing new systems.
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