{"id":318,"date":"2018-10-08T06:08:25","date_gmt":"2018-10-08T06:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/technostruct.com\/blog\/?p=318"},"modified":"2023-06-02T10:01:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-02T10:01:58","slug":"perfecting-bim-implementation-with-supplier-side-data-technostruct","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.technostruct.com\/blog\/2018\/10\/08\/perfecting-bim-implementation-with-supplier-side-data-technostruct\/","title":{"rendered":"How Supplier Side Data Can Create Stronger BIM Implementations"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s very easy to get confused between <\/span>Building Information Modeling <\/span>(BIM) and <\/span>3D building design<\/span>, as to an untrained eye they both use the same type of software, have the same focus on 3D design and even share some of the same construction designing tools. What separates <\/span>BIM implementations <\/span>from traditional <\/span>3D design software <\/span>is their focus on the environmental information and data collection.<\/span><\/p>\n

BIM implementations <\/span>take into account information collected from suppliers, engineers, architects and construction experts, to name just a few of the parties involved. This information is collated and integrated into a point cloud data, which is then used to create a 3D schematic that is collaborated on simultaneously by all parties involved. Since BIM first came into existence, data collection has been solely focused on the design and building phases. But what if data could be collected even earlier still? What if data collection started at the supplier side itself?<\/span><\/p>\n

Cataloguing<\/b><\/p>\n

Imagine the unparalleled strength of a <\/span>BIM design<\/strong><\/a>, <\/span>which contained information on every single nut and bolt in use across its schematic. Supplier side <\/span>BIM implementations <\/span>would begin with detailed specifications on raw materials, building supplies and metal\/non-metal parts. This could include exact dimensions, weight, and even recommended counterparts!<\/span><\/p>\n

Inventory<\/b><\/p>\n

These benefits do not need to be limited to BIM experts only. A detailed catalogue of materials can easily couple with an inventory management system as well. This can help suppliers keep a real-time account of stock and allow <\/span>BIM<\/strong><\/a> service providers <\/span>to identify suppliers that have all the required raw materials for the job. <\/span>BIM implementations<\/span> don\u2019t come cheap and most companies prefer to get supplies from one single supplier, to offset costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Accurate Estimates<\/b><\/p>\n

For large scale BIM undertakings, billing can be a statistical nightmare! Can you even picture the number of screws, washers, beams, etc that go into constructing a single room, let alone an entire building? It\u2019s not a small number, and when it comes to estimating costs, suppliers are not going to put in the effort to count every single part! However with a supplier side <\/span>BIM implementation<\/span>, this assessment can become an exact science.<\/span><\/p>\n

Semi-Finished Parts<\/b><\/p>\n

Now let\u2019s take this discourse on supplier side BIM a step further. There are many standard semi-finished parts that <\/span>construction designers <\/span>make frequent use of. If these were available as pre-assembled products in a supplier\u2019s catalogue, accompanied with a full set of data points, it could mean huge savings for <\/span>BIM implementation <\/span>in terms of time it would have taken to assemble such parts, and in terms of money saved on bulk deals!<\/span><\/p>\n

The Drawbacks<\/b><\/p>\n

Unfortunately supplier side BIM has two clearly foreseeable disadvantages.<\/span><\/p>\n