BIM: Why It Matters So Much

  You might have heard the term BIM, either in our articles, in passing, in a conversation, or maybe you use BIM on your construction projects. In the last decade, a lot of changes have been on the horizon in the construction sector. The digitalization of the industry, and constant update on new ways to get and use data on the market. The most popular has to be Building Information Modelling (BIM). Some of our readers are not yet BIM enabled, and not considering implementing BIM in their operations in the near future. I don’t think this article will change the way you do business, let’s be realistic, but I hope that it will make you consider planning to implement the technology. Building Smarter Building Information Modelling  is , in essence, a methodology. It is a method of communication present throughout the building process, from the pre-construction phase, to the post-construction services. In its ideal form, it seeks to eliminate the need for Requests for Information (RFIs).  It

3 Trends That Will Change the Way We Build

 

The future of the construction industry looks bright when looking at all the latest developments in digital technology.

According to a McKinsey report, there are 3 trends that will help shape construction in the coming years. This article seeks to explore these 3 trends as well as gives you something to look forward to.

1st Trend: Surveillance

This trend essentially refers to the evolution of technologies such as drones, GPS and other handheld radar/surveillance systems that can significantly increase speed and efficiency on many construction projects. An example of a tool being used right now is the method of Lidar. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a way for measuring distances by emitting infrared light pulses.

2nd Trend: 5-D Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Many companies are reluctant to adopt a variety of new technologies because they are used to their current operations. However, there are new digital applications and technologies that can significantly improve the construction process of a building. One of them is BIM. Building Information Modeling is a 3D model-based process that helps construction professionals with vision tools to build more efficiently. This working method facilitates communication between trades, the monitoring of projects while accelerating deliveries.

3rd Trend: Internet of Things and Advanced Analytics

The Internet of Thing or IoT is a system of internet-connected objects that collects and transfers data through the web. Many industries have a lot to learn from it and this includes construction. In reality, the possibilities of IoT are extremely large and most of it is to be discovered. Although, here are some ways it can help

  • Promote remote operations using machines connected to the internet. This could be very beneficial for areas the might be hazardous for humans
  • Replenishment of supplies that can be automated with an inventory management system that is connected to the job site to make sure we don’t run out of anything.
  • Tracking of tools and equipment; this can help with mislaid equipment, tools and vehicle that mostly translate into unexpected costs.
  • And much more

In conclusion, the goal of this article was meant to explore and highlight these 3 trends of technology in construction. Hopefully, this gives companies, contractors and workers something to look forward to and shows that the future is bright in this field.