Building Information Management in Construction: Insights and Predictions from a Digital Construction Agency

Building Information Management in Construction: Insights and Predictions from a Digital Construction Agency

Misconceptions about BIM among construction professionals often stem from misunderstanding BIM’s true meaning. While the acronym “BIM” stands for “Building Information Modelling”, our team at Shft views it through a different lens. 

We define BIM as “Building Information Management”. 

Though these definitions may appear similar, they represent distinct concepts. Building Information Modelling focuses on structuring information as a single output, while Building Information Management looks at the bigger picture and considers the strategic management of information throughout a building’s lifecycle. 

Recently, Shft co-founder Michelle du Plessis delved into this concept (and more) on the Bricks and Bytes podcast with hosts Owen and Martin. Michelle shared fact-filled insights into Shft’s perspective on BIM and our efforts to bridge the digital gap.

Keep reading to uncover highlights from the episode, including answers to:

• How can a digital construction agency help SMEs bridge their digital gap? 
• Why is Building Information Management still relevant for smaller-scale projects, and how can we enhance the adoption of BIM on these projects?
• What does the future of construction look like with the ever-increasing prominence of AI automation? 

Bridging the Digital Gap for Construction Companies

As a specialised digital construction agency, we take pride in assisting construction companies, especially SMEs, in embracing and driving the digital future of construction. 

Our customers often excel in traditional construction methods, timely material deliveries, and on-site work execution, but they may lack the expertise to navigate today’s digital landscape. Our mission is to bridge the gap by offering layered services that range from strategic consulting to hands-on implementation. 

Generally, our customers fall into two categories:

1. Subcontractors with in-house design teams:

These customers often rely on 2D design formats, such as AutoCAD-produced DWGs and PDFs, and are being asked to transition to a 3D environment, for which they often need enhanced capability or capacity.

Shft assists by translating their 2D designs into 3D ones, identifying coordination problems and collaborating with their in-house teams to resolve detailing issues.

2. SMEs and trades without design expertise:

These customers often lack both capacity and expertise in digital construction. Focusing primarily on execution and installation, they are unaccustomed to being involved in projects months before on-site installation and, therefore, often lack the tools needed to participate in these early conversations effectively.

Shft partners with them to translate their installation plans accurately, communicate with the project team, and bridge the digital gap.

We work alongside our customers’ existing teams to ensure they meet all their digital construction deliverables. Our services encompass technical design, information management, and the generation of 3D BIM models and construction drawing packages. 

By partnering with a diverse range of professionals, we ensure that every aspect of the construction process benefits from our digital expertise, empowering our clients to leverage BIM to drive their business forward. We enable them to focus on what they do best while we take care of the digital complexities.

Building Information Management and Smaller-Scale Projects

While BIM has gained traction in larger projects, its presence in smaller developments remains limited. 

One significant gap in smaller projects is the need for more information transfer at handover. For example, homeowners often lack insight into the intricacies of their new property, leading to potential maintenance challenges. In fact, 70% of a building’s vital information lies hidden behind its walls and beneath its floors. 

Recognising this, Building Information Management adds value by structuring information in an easily usable and shareable format, clarifying what individuals are buying or investing in. BIM provides the process needed to shine a light on a building’s crucial information.

As optimism grows regarding the future adoption of BIM in small and medium-sized projects, integrating BIM into processes is becoming more necessary, especially with increasing government policies promoting information transfer and transparency. 

While BIM may not be the universal solution for all construction challenges, it can inspire processes that cater to varying project scales. The key lies in making Building Information Management more approachable for non-experts, bridging the gap between technical jargon and practical insights for homeowners.

Embracing AI-Driven BIM in Construction to Transform the Future 

Looking ahead to the construction industry’s future, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to transform Building Information Management. 

Text-to-BIM is one such futuristic technology, which translates textual descriptions into detailed Building Information Models, potentially revolutionising the way construction projects come to life. By leveraging AI-driven algorithms, text-to-BIM enables designers to generate complex building models based on simple textual inputs. While the technology’s adoption is still in its early stages, the potential benefits are undeniable.

Nevertheless, creativity, intuition, and unique perspectives are human characteristics that AI can’t always replicate in construction projects. Even though AI can enhance the design process, the human touch remains irreplaceable, and a balance must be struck between technology and human innovation. 

Moving forward, we expect a more collaborative and innovative approach to design and construction. AI-driven tools will become more sophisticated and user-friendly, and access to advanced design capabilities will increase. Stakeholders across the industry will be able to engage more effectively and contribute meaningfully to the conversation. 

That said, challenges remain, including ensuring compliance with building regulations and maintaining a human-centric approach to design. Still, the future of construction promises to be more efficient, inclusive, and forward-thinking than ever before. Thanks to the transformative power of evolving Building Information Management technologies, we’re getting closer to bridging the digital gap in construction.

If you want to learn more about BIM or are a contractor looking to ‘Shft’ your BIM concerns, schedule a call with us today. We look forward to hearing from you: maketheshft.digital/contact#contact