tion process, but many also note improved cost per- formance, reduced errors and improved collaboration as top project benefits. These findings make it clear that for the most mechanical contractors, BIM use is necessary to stay competitive. Challenges to Expanding the Use of BIM Despite the wide use and strong benefits reported, the study also made clear that there are opportunities in this industry for increased BIM implementation, and mechanical and HVAC contractors were asked about the challenges they face in doing so. The top two deal with manpower issues: they cannot always meet training needs and have a lack of available man- power to create BIM models. There is also a notable percentage who struggle with the lack of sufficient engagement with BIM across the project team, citing lack of support for BIM from other important trades, other stakeholders in the project not using BIM and poor quality BIM use by other stakeholders as These findings demonstrate the benefits reaped from BIM use by very engaged BIM users, and the potential for further growth. They show the degree to which BIM can impact fundamental key project indicators, like cost and schedule, and key business impacts like profitability. They also reveal that the in- dustry still needs to find a way to fully maximize the model through greater commitment across the project team and more collaborative approaches to projects. top obstacles. Conclusions
efits, from material waste to worker safety. Perhaps the most striking are the ones that are also important measures of project success, with 88 percent reporting improved labor costs, 86 percent reporting better quality of installed work and 84 percent reporting improved schedule performance because of using BIM for fabrication. Overall Benefits of BIM Use When asked about the top three business benefits they experience from using BIM, the highest percentage of mechanical and HVAC contrac- tors consider increased labor productivity and increased profitability to be the top benefits. Clearly, these factors are critical to stay competi- tive. The top project benefit they report by far is an improved fabrica-
DONNA LAQUIDARA-CARR, PH.D., LEED AP, is Industry Insights research director, Dodge Data & Analytics (www.construction.com). Dodge Data & Analytics is North America’s leading provider of analytics and software-based workflow integration solutions for the construction industry. Building product manufactur- ers, architects, engineers, contractors, and service providers leverage Dodge to identify and pursue unseen growth opportunities and execute on those opportunities for enhanced business performance. SEAN MCGUIRE is director of Innovative Technologies at MCAA (www.mcaa.org).
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csengineermag.com
may 2020
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