First steps to unlocking digital potential

We recently completed the first phase of a project supporting an architectural consultancy dealing in multiple sectors in Australia. BIM Academy was tasked with assessing the capability and capacity of their digital technologies and processes in order to transform their working practices, reduce risk and ultimately drive value for the business and their clients.

After our initial research and working in tandem with the client to evaluate their needs, we provided a series of bespoke recommendations with a specific focus on addressing some of the key issues we identified, based around communication methods and how to realise their full BIM potential.

We recommended setting a clear vision for the future and in doing so, reviewing all current resources and identity areas in which to invest. We then suggested a new training and learning programme should be set in place, to ensure the team could upskill in the required digital areas.

There were several key learning outcomes from this initial stage of the project. Firstly, when discussing BIM protocols, we discovered there was a lack of familiarity with the international ISO 19650 standards – 40% of people in the organisation had not heard of this standard and only 21.8% were aware of the ISO 19650 series.

However, encouragingly there was overall support in implementing the use of BIM within the organisation and all employees deemed it to be an important next step, with 47.3% stating it is essential for the future.

Secondly, the current quality of documentation and its digital information management internally was poor and needed to be addressed. There was real enthusiasm from the consultancy to change their processes, with over 95% of employees believing BIM adoption would improve the way they work and deliver projects.

Other perceived benefits included improved coordination of information which reduces time needed to complete projects and ultimately increases profitability. The team also recognised smarter ways of working would lead to better productivity, less risk and quality of design.

In this early stage, were able to demonstrate the positive impact of BIM by showing the teams new digital ways of working, to build on their digital literacy and work out what was achievable in terms of constraints and opportunities for the here and now.

BIM Academy is supporting the start of our client’s digital transformation, which will irreversibly bring positive changes to how their people and technology work together.

It is projects such as this, that are a catalyst for the further advancement of the digitalisation of the construction industry globally and the value that comes with it. These first steps are the beginning of a new way of working that will allow for better project coordination and collaboration, efficient workflows and 3D visualisations, ultimately improving construction and infrastructure project outcomes.