Building Information Modeling (BIM) is now an indispensable tool for more and more building projects in today’s quickly evolving architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. However, what does the future hold for this field? What trends should you watch out for?
BIM modeling services are changing the AEC industry in ways you may not know. From enhanced efficiency to improved collaboration, there’s no denying how beneficial BIM is. This article explores the emerging BIM modeling trends for companies.
Table of contents
BIM modeling adoption
What’s the effect of BIM modeling adoption on manufacturers? BIM is critical as more and more companies, governmental entities, and private clients recognize its value. Architects, engineers, and interior designers have started to adapt their practices to integrate BIM technology into their work.
The professionals turn to BIM objects that manufacturers, EPDs, and LCAs provide for accurately assessing their designs and environmental impact. BIM adoption is vital for manufacturers to stay competitive and adhere to the increasing demand for BIM objects in construction projects.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Integrating AI with all its promising benefits is starting to change the construction industry. Manufacturers are among the main stakeholders that this trend will affect sooner or later. With the help of AI algorithms, it will be easier for manufacturers to analyze all project data, acquire insights into their products’ performance, and reach data-driven decisions for their improvement.
When used in the construction industry, AI can help monitor performance and detect problems before they occur. This also improves quality control and can come in handy for analyzing vast quantities of data and determining patterns that will further optimize the design and construction process.
For example, artificial intelligence can be used to examine data that can help predict possible delays in the schedules of construction projects. Tools powered by AI, like chatbots, can also be a great help for customers as well as other stakeholders. These tools can answer questions that can improve the overall satisfaction of customers and reduce the workload on the part of the customer support teams. If you still find these lacking, AI is also great at analyzing data on building components and materials to pinpoint areas with room for sustainability, efficiency, and cost improvement.
Automation
Automation is also an emerging trend expected to transform the BIM world. Construction automation uses applications, robots, and digital processes to achieve and complete tasks with the least human input. Automation has numerous perks, including being more cost-effective and reducing safety hazards.
Automating the BIM model production process allows manufacturers to collaborate more effectively with engineers, architects, and other stakeholders involved in the construction process. The use of automation in BIM helps the manufacturing process as well. Automation technologies like sensors, AI, and robotics enable manufacturers to improve the quality of their products and streamline the production process. These can lead to better adaptability and flexibility in changing the requirements for production. It allows manufacturers to better cater to the demands of the construction professionals who use BIM.
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BIM mandates
It’s a big no-no for manufacturers to fail to adhere to BIM mandates now more than ever. BIM mandates are a requirement instead of a mere option in the construction industry because of their numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and better project outcomes. Technological advancements aren’t the only ones that drive the trend; even politicians strive to improve a country’s competitiveness, productivity, and environmental and social welfare.
Manufacturers can enjoy a strategic edge by adhering to BIM mandates and coming up with BIM content to enhance their product offers and better meet the needs of their customers. Manufacturers must keep up with the newest BIM requirements to stay competitive.
Cloud-based technology
Numerous benefits are associated with cloud-based BIM, such as real-time updates, accessibility, and improved collaboration. Information management is a vital benefit where BIM objects play a significant role. Thanks to this technology, building project stakeholders can update and access BIM models worldwide to collaborate on projects.
Manufacturers can make the most of this trend by ensuring their products are accessible on cloud-based BIM platforms. As a result, it will be easier for stakeholders to have their products integrated into BIM models. Real-time updates are also available on cloud-based BIM to help teams keep up with progress and project changes.
On the other hand, using onsite premises may require stakeholders to work with obsolete information or wait for updates, leading to errors and delays. With cloud-based BIM, stakeholders can access the most updated information about the project and engage in real-time collaboration. This trend will likely continue as cloud-based technology infiltrates other industries. As an increasing number of stakeholders welcome the idea of using cloud-based BIM, it’s expected that accessibility and collaboration will further improve, thus transforming the construction industry as a whole.
Prefabrication
Prefabrication is an up-and-coming trend that might already be familiar among manufacturers. Prefabrication and BIM are similar to two peas in a single pod. The prefabrication process involves the offsite creation of building components and assembling them on the site.
During prefabrication, BIM has a critical role to play as it lets manufacturers develop digital models of the components that allow easy integration into the building model. Manufacturers can enjoy numerous benefits from using BIM during prefabrication. These include accuracy, increased efficiency, and better collaboration with the rest of the stakeholders.
All of these allow quicker and more efficient onsite assembly of the components. Combining BIM with prefabrication will enable manufacturers to seamlessly develop components fitting into the building model.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Greener, faster, and better building processes are what BIM is all about. Stakeholders can take advantage of sensors and IoT to gain insight into the operation of their building projects. The construction industry can use IoT to control and monitor building systems and automate repair and maintenance tasks for improved safety at work.
Integrating IoT data with BIM software can give construction professionals more detailed and accurate information on the building systems’ performance, including lighting, product design, and other equipment. Manufacturing services can also use IoT to understand the needs of end-users and construction professionals to develop improved products that cater to their customers’ competitive needs.
Digital twins
As digital twins continue rising in popularity, the construction industry is also set to enter a new dimension of simulation and design. Digital twins can be likened to replicas of physical assets like machinery or buildings, which help stakeholders view and assess the performance of their structures in various scenarios. Digital twins can provide real-time data that optimize performance, improve decision-making, and anticipate maintenance needs before they happen.
Digital twins can accurately predict and simulate the behavior and operation of a product according to conditions in the real world. It allows manufacturers to come up with educated decisions regarding support and maintenance needs that optimize the performance of a product. This reduces rework and waste, hastens the design process, and enhances the product’s overall quality. The identification of possible bottlenecks before they happen is among its significant benefits.
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Virtual Augmented Reality
The rise of augmented reality technologies significantly impacts BIM processes. These are starting to be further integrated into the construction industry to provide various means of interacting and visualizing BIM data. The technologies allow picturing and simulating construction projects so stakeholders can understand them before construction.
Virtual augmented reality is a technology that will enable easier and faster inspection of large-scale 3D models to offer stakeholders a clear and comprehensive image of the development and design process. The technology is also expected to improve the BIM modeling process in the future by providing a comprehensive look at the different stages of the design process.
It’s an impressive way of presenting designs and products to customers to give them a chance to understand better what they will get before deciding to buy. Virtual augmented reality also allows visualization of product designs and improved collaboration among project teams. This cuts down errors and enhances the overall quality of the project through the identification and resolution of problems before the start of construction.
How Cad Crowd can help
Possibilities are almost infinite as far as the future of BIM modeling for AEC companies is concerned. Cad Crowd operates as a platform where you can find BIM modeling & design services and architectural BIM modeling experts who can help your company keep up with the changes taking place in the industry.
