BIM Outsourcing Services – Process and Significance

Read BIM Outsourcing Services process and significance in detail. This blog will be useful for Architects, Engineers, Contractors.

bim-outsourcing-in-usa

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has gained great significance in the construction industry since the past 1 decade. 

Many Architectural, engineering and construction companies are investing heavily in the resources and software required for BIM implementation on construction projects. 

However, often, the AEC professionals and companies do not have the budget or the right resources to implement BIM on projects and they adopt BIM Outsourcing Services by partnering with consulting companies around the globe. 

This article discusses the significance of adopting BIM outsourcing services and how to partner with the right outsourcing partner.

BIM definition

3d-revit-modeling-services-in-usa-uk-uae-australia-germany

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling. The BIM is process of integrating critical project information in a six-dimensional digital environment. 

The six dimensions are basically the degree of information integrated to a BIM model. 

Mentioned below is the process of implementing BIM on projects

1) Level 0 - Definition phase

At this stage of the project, the BIM professionals develop conceptual plans as per the architectural conceptual design information. 

This phase includes only Conceptual CAD drawings and basic textural information.

2) Level 1 - Models, object and collaboration

Since the original colors used in the drawings are retained and subsequently transferred back, high-fidelity PDF files ensure greater accuracy.

At this level, the basic BIM models developed using software such as Revit. As the design developed, architects and engineers develop Revit models used to visualize the conceptual design ideas. 

This is the best stage for adopting BIM Outsourcing services to develop BIM models per the architectural and engineering designs. The three-dimensional Revit models and 2D drawings information are produced at this stage.

3) Level 2 - BIM services

The 3D BIM models are developed at this stage and the project data is shared in a common data environment. 4D time and 5D cost related information are integrated into the 3d models at this stage of the project.

4) Level 3 - Lifecycle management

BIM level 3 is the highest level of BIM maturity. At this level, the information model stuffed with up-to-the-minute information that can be applied throughout the lifecycle of a built asset, not just during the design and building stages but also at a more operational stage.

In BIM level 3, project stakeholders use full tool integration while exchanging information with each other. The BIM Outsourcing Company assists you with collecting the right information for the lifecycle management of a built asset.

The Process of BIM Outsourcing

BIM level 3 is the highest level of BIM maturity. At this level, the information model stuffed with up-to-the-minute information that can be applied throughout the lifecycle of a built asset, not just during the design and building stages but also at a more operational stage.

In BIM level 3, project stakeholders use full tool integration while exchanging information with each other. The BIM outsourcing company assists you with collecting the right information for the lifecycle management of a built asset.

outsourcing-bim-services-in-usa

Step 1: Setting Expectations from BIM as per the Design Stage

It is important to know what you expect from BIM. If you decide to implement building information modeling in the middle of the design development process then the collaboration and deliverables will vary accordingly. 

You must set project expectations from BIM such as precise cost estimates, effective project management, facilities management etc. and deliver your requirements to your BIM outsourcing partner.

autocad-for-electrical-engineers

Step 2: Partnering with a BIM Outsourcing Company

Although there are many emerging BIM consulting companies around the world. 

Many IT and BPO companies have also started offering BIM outsourcing services. It is important to partner with the right company, offering BIM outsourcing services and possessing the right knowledge and experience in the construction industry. 

Some organizations refer to ‘3d Revit modeling’ as ‘BIM’. BIM is not just 3d modeling, it is a transformative process for making informed decisions throughout the design development and construction process. 

The best way to choose the BIM Company is by checking their directors, upper management, Founder/CEO etc. profiles. 

If they have experience & qualifications in BIM and construction management industry then under their right leadership the company’s services are augmented to maximize potential of building information modeling on construction projects.

bim-outsourcing-companies-in-usa

Step 3: Providing Construction Design Information for BIM Outsourcing Services

Once you have partnered with a BIM Consultant then depending on the level of BIM you wish to achieve, you must provide the relevant design information to your BIM consultant. 

For instance, if you require 3d BIM modeling, 4D Simulation and 5D Cost Estimation Services then you must provide detailed 2d detailed drawings, construction timelines, and material rates.

Step 4: Agreeing the Cost and Timeline with BIM Outsourcing Company
Many BIM outsourcing companies operate in developing countries such as India, which is the pool of talented engineers. These companies offer competitive pricing as compared with the USA or European pricing. You can negotiate the hourly or monthly rates before starting the project.

Step 5: Assisting the BIM Outsourcing Company with Quality Check
Once the BIM output generated then the BIM Consultant might ask for your input to review the model and share your feedback.

Why should you adopt BIM outsourcing services?

  • Reducing BIM production costs to up to 45% as compared to the prices in the countries like the USA and the UK
  • Lowering the cost of hiring and BIM training of the new employees
  • Eliminating the cost of purchasing expensive software for effective BIM implementation
  • Allowing a company to analyze the effectiveness of a BIM by partnering with BIM outsourcing company on a single project basis
  • Accessing a pool of talented architects & engineers from different countries and leveraging relatively lower production rates in the developing countries
  • Focusing on the core business by outsourcing BIM Services if you are in architectural, engineering, real estate or construction business

Which software to use for effective BIM implementation?

There is multiple software required for effective BIM implementation. The BIM outsourcing companies purchase these licenses so you do not have to worry about purchasing it by yourself. 

The most common software used in the BIM process includes:

autodesk-revit

1 – Revit
Revit is used for 3D modeling in Architectural, Structural, and MEP disciplines. 

The software helps the users to create interactive BIM models that are used for clash detection, cost estimation, construction sequencing and facilities management.

autodesk-navisworks

2 – Navisworks
Navisworks provides a superior user interface and allows users to import 3d models in NWS format. 

Many BIM outsourcing companies use Navisworks for clash detection, construction scheduling & simulation.

3 – BIM 360
BIM 360 provides a collaborative digital workspace, in which all the project stakeholders including Architects, Engineers, Project Management, BIM Consultants come together for better coordination and collaboration. 

The project stakeholders can virtually interact with the model by rotating and simulating it. BIM 360 is a powerful tool for making critical design and investment decisions.

autocad

4 – AutoCAD
Often AutoCAD used for creating the conceptual 2d plans, although most of the 2D detailing can be done in Revit. 

However, many construction professionals use AutoCAD for generating 2D drawings that they share with their BIM outsourcing services partner to develop Revit models.

Benefits of Adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) on Construction Projects

5d-bim

Managing a construction project is a tedious process and requires strong management, technical and communication skills. 

Developing 3D models in different disciplines isn’t necessarily helpful for superior management and collaboration. 

For that reason, it is advisable to adopt a comprehensive BIM process to leverage extraordinary management and decision-making. 

Mentioned below are some benefits of BIM

  • Reducing the risk of construction cost and time overruns by eliminating potential design errors through clash detection
  • Effective design decision-making process right from the conceptual till detailed design phase
    Improved collaboration and coordination between project stakeholders through advanced digital BIM software
  • Accurate cost estimation of built asset through superior estimation techniques and BIM software
    Effective management of project lifecycle data and information in digital workspace

Conclusion

BIM outsourcing has been gaining significant attention since the past decade. It is evident that many Architectural, engineering and construction companies in USA and European countries are outsourcing BIM services to leverage major cost, time and quality benefits. 

BIM is not just 3D modeling. Many IT and BPM outsourcing companies have also started providing 3D modeling services in the name of ‘BIM’ to be competitive on google ranking. 

However, in reality, the significance of BIM is to transform the construction management process for better project delivery. 

Therefore, it is critical to analyze the background of the upper management i.e, directors, founders and CEOs of a BIM Outsourcing Company in the construction industry before developing a long term relationship.

Share Via :

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Reddit
WhatsApp
Tumblr
Email

Get in Touch with us for BIM Outsourcing Services

Stay up to date with latest BIM trends, benefits of BIM and thought leadership articles

Scroll to Top