Build Digital - BIM Is Coming for You, But Not How You Think

BIM Is Coming for You, But Not How You Think BIM (Building Information Modelling)  is a term that is being used more and more in construction. For many subcontractors, tradespeople and small contractors, it can sound complicated, expensive and a bit removed from day-to-day work. When people hear BIM, they often think of 3D models, specialist software, powerful computers and large design teams. That can be part of BIM on some projects, but it is not the main issue for most tradespeople. For many subcontractors, BIM does not mean that you will be expected to create a 3D model. It does not mean that you need to buy expensive BIM software or invest in high-powered computers. The bigger change is how you receive, manage and provide project information. On many projects, you may currently receive drawings, specifications or instructions by email, WhatsApp, printed drawings or verbal updates on site. This can lead to confusion. You may have several emails with different attachments. You may have an old drawing printed in the van. Someone may have issued a newer version, but not everyone has seen it or has been told about it. BIM is trying to reduce that confusion. In BIM terminology, the shared online system used to manage project information is often called a Common Data Environment. This is usually shortened to CDE. A Common Data Environment is simply a central online place where project information is stored and shared. Instead of being emailed a drawing, you may be asked to log into the system and download it. Instead of being handed a printed copy, you may need to print the latest drawing yourself or view it on a phone, tablet or laptop. This may sound like extra work at first, but it has one major advantage. You should be able to see the latest approved version of the information in one place. That means less time trying to work out which drawing is the correct one. It also means less risk of building from an old drawing or following an out-of-date instruction. You may also be asked to upload information when your work is finished. This is usually information you already provide, such as certificates, warranties, product data sheets, installation dates, photographs or maintenance information. The difference is that instead of emailing this information to someone, you can upload it directly to the project system. Some contractors may also use simple mobile apps. For example, after installing a product or piece of equipment, you may be able to record the installation date, upload a photograph or confirm the work is complete using a handheld device. For most subcontractors and tradespeople, this is what BIM will mean in practice. It is less about creating 3D models and more about managing information properly. You may not be creating the model. You may not be working in specialist software. But you may still need to use the project information system. You may need to log in, find the correct drawing, check the latest revision, upload your certificates and provide your handover information in the right place. BIM is coming for subcontractors and tradespeople, but not necessarily in the way many people imagine. It is not about turning every tradesperson into a 3D modeller. It is about making sure that the right people have the right information at the right time.