Reader Response (Edited) 25/11/2017
In the article “3D building models help bring sustainability into construction”, Jenkins (2015) discusses the effectiveness of building information modelling (BIM) as well as the challenges of implementing it. The introduction of BIM has revolutionized the building and construction industry. According to Monswhite (as quoted in Jenkins, 2015), the change of use from two to three-dimensional design with BIM enables the industry to reduce construction cost and optimise space management. While BIM boast advantages, Jenkins asserts that BIM is yet to be widely accepted in the building and construction industry. Jenkins cited Charlton, chief of consultancy Space Group, who argues that the majority of the key players in the project lack collaboration and refuse to accept changes due to their preference towards traditional methods. Jenkins also mentions that key players are unwilling to explore the functions of BIM. As a result, Coventry University’s sustainability director, Smithson and her team operate the immersive simulation centre to educate industry professionals on the uses of BIM and its benefits.
Although BIM has many benefits for the building and construction industry, several issues have become obstacles to successful implementation.
Jenkins has surfaced the benefits by of BIM which has shownby showing that with the advancing technology, companies can maximise the efficiency of new end products being constructed and thus, minimiseing the costs of it. However, insufficient information is provided by the article to highlight difficulties that companies are facing.
Although BIM has many benefits for the building and construction industry, several issues have become obstacles to successful implementation.
One of the reasons is due to the underwhelming responses from industrial companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is supported by Revit Modeling India (2015), which explains that users feel that the BIM technologies are dispensable and inessential for them because most standardised projects do not require the use of the software.
In addition, the implementation of BIM requires a substantial amount of capital to be invested. This is supported by Madam Gwee Sung, director of Chong Tong construction, who is cited by Wong & Ng (2017). She states that with the current declining housing market, it is not a suitable period to invest in any new technologies as this will increase her company’s operating cost. Wong and& Ng also mention Mr Than King Huat, director of Singapore-listed Lian Beng Group construction, who further adds that the problem is never about BIM. It is due to the difficulty in convincing companies to accept the implementation of BIM because it is too expensive for small firms to do it. BIM software also requires someone who has the capability of using it, and thus to employ someone who is competent will further increase the cost of implementation.
Furthermore, the use of BIM will slow down the process of completing jobs. This is stated by Beck (2016), who interviews Hudson, vice president of Douglas Engineering Pacific Inc. He claims that even though his company upgrades their computers every two years, the software will still slow down the computers as it requires a significant amount of memory to store files. BIM also requires precise and true data from the different parties that are involved in the project. This becomes very tedious as it is never easy to gather the team and put together the essential information.
In conclusion, despite the right direction BIM is heading to, the software organisation has to realise that it is not why firms are staying away from the benefits of the software. The true problem lies in the difficulty of implementation. Even if users are to use the software, it will be difficult to get used to it without affecting their operations. Therefore, it is vital that BIM should look into ways to entice SMEs in using their product.
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References:
Beck, I. (2010). Growing Pains. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from http://www.ecmweb.com/design/growing-pains
Jenkins, M. (2015). 3D building models help bring sustainability into construction. The Guardian. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/13/bim-technology-design-business-sustainability-construction
Revit Modeling India. (2015). 5 worst problems faced during BIM implementation. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from http://www.revitmodelingindia.com/the-5-worst-problems-faced-during-bim-implementation
Wong, S., & Ng, J. (2017). Construction industry faces tough times. The Straits Times. Retrieved September 26, 2017, from http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/construction-industry-faces-tough-times