BIM (building information modelling) construction software is a valuable tool used by construction industry professionals from around the world. BIM construction software allows users to generate a digital representation of both the functional and physical characteristics of a building.
How do you choose the right software for your business and what are some of the benefits that BIM construction software can bring to your business? This article should highlight what to look for in your software and how it can benefit your business.
Why would you use BIM construction Software?
This modelling software allows you to map out construction projects from start to finish. Using the correct software will allow you to plan earthworks, develop materials estimates and virtually see each phase of the construction project.
Such insights will allow you to plan each phase of a build and have a much clearer view of requirements and timescales.
When used in conjunction with takeoff software and other construction tools you can more accurately predict the workflow of your project.
This is perfect for contractors, site evaluators and quantity surveyors who need to have a detailed plan of each project throughout its life cycle.
How to Choose the Best BIM Construction Software
Cost
One of the first things that should be considered about BIM software is the cost. All available software retails at a different price. It’s important to consider the cost of any potential software before committing to a purchase. This will help you avoid running into any financial issues that could stem from using software that is too expensive to maintain.
While it’s easy to think that the most expensive software is going to be the best, this isn’t the case. The cost of a given software should be considered in tandem with the other factors on this list as well as the budget of your company.
As a rule of thumb, you want to get the best BIM software that you can comfortably afford and those ticks most of the boxes of the things you need.
Ease of use
Good BIM software should be easy to use. It should have a smooth UI that is free of kinks and that makes the project in question easier.
Learning how to navigate the software shouldn’t be hard. There should be a slight learning curve but nothing that is too hard to manage or that takes up too much valuable time. A beginner-level user or non-IT professional should be able to perform data-driven tasks and create complex geometries.
Software integration
It’s no secret that construction projects require a wide array of software and complex systems. Often, they require two or more systems to collaborate seamlessly. That’s what makes it incredibly important that the BIM software you choose to use has integration capabilities.
The extent of the integration that is necessary all depends on your needs. For one company, a BIM software that integrates on a basic, surface-level basis might be enough, while for others, a software that weaves itself through the very fabric of other software’s might be necessary.
Required Training
As with all new operations and procedures, implementing a new BIM software is going to have a bit of a learning curve. It might be necessary to dedicate time to training your team on how to use the new system.
Since all BIM software is different, the time that it’ll take to train your team can vary greatly. This is something that should be considered before agreeing to use any given software.
If you have the time and resources, software that takes a bit longer to master won’t be a problem. However, if you’re short on either of those, you’ll want software that is easy to get the hang of and takes a minimal amount of time to get used to.
Reputation and Reviews
Reputations can play a big part in which BIM construction software you decide to purchase. Most BIM software is well known and widely used; it may also be something that you happen across on the job.
If that is the case be sure to ask for recommendations from colleagues and listen to what they have to say about the BIM software that they use, is it the right fit for your business?
When you’re deciphering the existing reviews of software, it’s a good idea to remember that no software is perfect. All products on the market – BIM software included – have at least a few negative reviews and unhappy customers.
Features
No BIM software is the same. Each has its own set of features and methods of operation. This can mean the difference in how you use it for your projects.
First, decide which features you need. Figure out which are crucial, which are just wants, and which are unnecessary for your business and could be skipped over completely. Then, do your research to find software that aligns with the decisions you made.
Do you require 3D modelling or earthwork calculations? Do you want a product that is good to go out of the box or will you need a system that has continuous updates for more successful estimates? These are all things that you must consider when choosing the best BIM construction software for 2022.
You might not find a software that ticks all the boxes in your “wants” category and that’s okay; just find one that ticks as many as possible while also meeting your base requirements, the “crucial” category
Conclusion:
Choosing the best BIM construction software can be a challenging task – but it doesn’t have to be. Considering the factors we’re mentioned above, the process can be made easier and much quicker.
Remember to keep in mind the training, integration, cost, ease of use, and features. Also, don’t forget to check and double-check the software’s reviews and reputations!
