1. BIM really is a process, not a technology
And more people describe their approach to BIM as following the BS/PAS 1192 series (37%) or ISO 19650 series (26%), than say it’s creating 3D models. In the UK, 41% describe it as following the process in BS/PAS 1192. The UK BIM Framework helps people negotiate and understand the standards.
I think a major benefit is the accuracy and reliability of our information. The evolution of the construction industry has been accelerated by BIM processes and technologies
2. Many people (67% of BIM adopters) are creating or involved with BIM Execution Plans
This and the fact that many people are involved with other items outlined in ISO 19650, also demonstrates that people are increasingly working in a consistent manner, following a standard. The use of Uniclass 2015 by a significant number of professionals as the classification to manage their information is also in line with ISO 19650: 38% say their organisation classifies information using Uniclass 2015.
3. BIM reduces risk
Good information management does reduce the likelihood of problems on projects. 72% of BIM adopters and 64% of those yet to adopt BIM say that BIM reduces this risk. This, in turn, means there should be fewer time delays, cost overruns or disputes.
4. BIM can help us be more productive
71% of BIM adopters agree and 57% of those not adopting BIM. Productivity has been an issue in the UK in recent years. An increase in productivity is good for individuals, construction consultants and contractors and their profitability, and clients: helping to ensure they get value for money. 81% of all survey respondents believe digitization will improve the productivity of the construction sector.
5. More people are using BIM on private sector projects than public
77% compared to 62%. Private sector organisations are recognising the benefits of BIM and adopting it rather than being driven to use it by government.
BIM methodologies are incredibly useful in terms of co-ordination between different disciplines. It speeds up the process and aids in communication as well as production of information.
6. The biggest challenges to adopting BIM continue to be faced by small organisations, but those that overcome them are just as likely to benefit
62% of organisations with 15 staff or fewer have adopted BIM, compared with 80% of those with over 50 employees. But this has increased from 56% in 2019. Small organizations that have adopted BIM are just as likely as large practices to recognise its benefits.
7. A large proportion of the workforce are now digital natives
They are embracing BIM and digital technologies. 80% of under 35s have adopted BIM and 80% believe digitization will transform the whole construction industry – more than their more experienced colleagues. These digital natives will become the next wave of construction leaders and managers, likely to continue promoting BIM and digital transformation.
8. Microsoft Office 365 overtakes the desktop version
Microsoft’s online version of its office software was the most used tool (69%) for using documents and spreadsheets, well ahead of its desktop counterpart (55%). It shows how much technology and information management has changed over the last decade, as we move increasingly to working in the ‘cloud’.
BIM will form the basis of all large construction projects in the next few years, and most construction projects within 5 years
9. Specifications are an essential part of the information management jigsaw and need to be coordinated with drawings and models
Creating specifications based on up to date standards and guidance and structured in a way that follows a recognised classification, can help to improve information management and reduce the risk of project disputes and delays. NBS is such a tool and the industry sees its benefits: it is used by a majority (59%) of UK survey respondents, which includes some engineers, surveyors, contractors and project managers and most UK architects (73%) and UK architectural technologists (71%).
I believe the biggest barrier to adopting these technologies are attitudes and a lack of sharing the benefits to the client. If these are overcome, we already know the other benefits in terms of time, cost and quality and I think it will significantly improve the way we work and the assets we produce
10. The vast majority, 81%, say they need manufacturers to provide digital objects
This continues to increase and most people now say they need digital objects. NBS is playing its role in helping to provide these with our NBS BIM Library. In the UK, 71% of survey respondents say they use the NBS BIM library, more than any other provider. This rises to 75% among UK architects and 79% among UK architectural technologists.
