Interscale Content Hub – It’s no secret that BIM project coordination challenges can create substantial roadblocks in achieving the efficiency and collaboration that this technology promises.
Issues like incompatible software, unclear job roles, and communication problems can mess up project schedules and drive up costs.
Taking these issues head-on not only cuts delays and extra spending but also makes the most of BIM project coordination to get better results.
So, let’s take a look at the common challenges and how to avoid them.
Why do AEC Projects Face BIM Coordination Challenges?
Even if you do a BIM best practice, the transition to BIM sets off a chain reaction within the design and construction process.
While its benefits are undeniable, the complexities introduced can make the project feel like it’s one misstep away from a disruptive slide.
Kindly check our review, “BIM Performance Optimization Strategies: Faster Projects, Better Buildings,” to see how complex the strategies are.
The core issue lies in the very nature of BIM: it replaces disconnected project drawings with a single, intricately linked digital model.
Each change, each addition by architects, engineers, or contractors impacts the work of everyone involved.
This interconnectedness creates several specific hurdles. For example, let’s consider how technology becomes a two-edged sword.
BIM software is powerful but prone to frequent updates and version changes. Imagine an architect using Revit 2023, while their structural engineer is on an older release.
Data exchange becomes risky, potentially forcing costly rework if clashes due to compatibility issues aren’t caught early.
On top of that, we need to think about different people with their unique disciplines and comfort zones.
As you know, sometimes people who are used to working in their own areas now have to interact with each other.
A seemingly minor architectural revision might necessitate major rerouting of MEP systems.
Consistent standards and meticulous tracking of model changes are essential to prevent such scenarios.
That’s why true BIM success hinges on bridging the gaps between architects, engineers, contractors, and more.
Breaking down traditional silos of information and expertise is vital. It’s a shift in mindset and communication styles: architects need basic MEP knowledge, engineers need to respect design constraints, and everyone needs open channels to prevent issues from snowballing.
What are the Challenges of BIM Coordination?
Okay, we know why BIM coordination gets tricky, but what does that look like in practice? Let’s break it down into the key areas where building information modeling management often struggles.
Technological Challenges
The core problem lies in the very nature of BIM software – even dominant players like Revit, ArchiCAD, or Tekla have format quirks and version-specific differences.
Imagine trying to translate complex designs between slightly different languages perfectly – you’re bound to lose some nuance.
This leads to either frustrating, manual fixes or the need for workarounds that slow things down.
As well as the detailed information within a BIM model isn’t always as ‘smart’ as it seems.
A wall, for example, might look visually accurate but lack the specific material or structural data needed by another team for analysis.
This often forces the creation of multiple models for different purposes, such as design and cost analysis, undercutting the core benefits of BIM.
Making things worse, BIM projects evolve rapidly. Without a robust system for tracking who changed what and why, outdated models can wreak havoc on-site.
A centralized change log and clear versioning aren’t a luxury, they’re essential to prevent teams from building on a faulty foundation.
Tackling the BIM software issues isn’t just about the tech itself. It’s a two-pronged approach.
First, we need industry-wide agreement on data exchange – think of IFC as a common language for BIM tools.
But on the project level, the human factor matters just as much! Rigorous training so everyone’s on the same page, and clear, agreed-upon rules for how the model is used and updated – those are the difference between BIM chaos and success.
Process and Workflow Issues
BIM shakes the foundations of traditional design and construction workflows.
Suddenly, teams that used to operate independently are intricately linked through a single model.
These teams have to work within an effective BIM communication framework. And this transition leads to very real process hurdles.
Think of it this way: unclear roles and responsibilities within the BIM workflow create delays and bottlenecks – who gets to make the final call on a design change that impacts structural integrity? If there’s no agreed-upon answer, your project stalls.
Furthermore, inconsistent standards across teams are a recipe for digital chaos.
Imagine one team working with metric units and the other in imperial – your BIM software will likely throw a tantrum trying to reconcile those.
Details like how elements are named or files are structured also matter immensely.
And let’s not forget the sheer size of BIM models. Transferring these between teams using slow, outdated methods impacts project timelines.
Cloud-based solutions and well-defined exchange procedures become essential for a smooth workflow.
Lastly, BIM ups the ante in terms of technical skill. Varying levels of expertise between team members can cause delays if, for instance, a change needs to be made on-site, but the contractor isn’t sufficiently familiar with the BIM software.
Communication and Collaboration Barriers
At the heart of these issues, you often find differences in how team members approach and understand the BIM process.
Here’s an example: incomplete model updates or changes that get lost in translation cause costly misunderstandings and rework. Imagine engineers designing systems based on an outdated architectural model!
Another thing is a lack of a central location for BIM data results in versioning confusion and wasted time searching for suitable files.
This highlights the need for an explicit single source of truth – where the most up-to-date and accurate information lives.
The human element is just as critical. If some team members are reluctant to adopt the collaborative processes that BIM demands, friction can slow everyone down.
And even with the greatest willingness, inadequate communication channels become a bottleneck.
For example, relying on sprawling email chains or PDFs isn’t efficient for handling the sheer volume and complexity of BIM-related discussions.
Tools designed for issue tracking and integrated feedback within the BIM environment become essential.
The takeaway? Strong coordination requires an investment in BIM technological solutions and people – the right tools for clear communication and a deliberate effort toward fostering a collaborative team mindset across all project participants.
Legal and Contractual Issues
Traditional notions of ownership of design elements get blurry when architects, engineers, and even contractors contribute to a single structure within the BIM environment.
Who is ultimately responsible if the model contains errors that lead to costly on-site issues? Existing contracts often lack clear answers, leaving everyone involved exposed to risk.
Furthermore, the lack of widespread legal standards for BIM projects makes it even harder to navigate these murky waters.
For instance, a contract clause about providing BIM deliverables leaves room for misinterpretation about the specific level of detail or accuracy required. This ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings and potential disputes down the line.
The interconnected nature of BIM also raises concerns with insurance coverage.
A design flaw originating within the model might cause damages during construction – whose professional liability insurance will cover this?
Existing policies don’t always provide a clear answer for these BIM-specific scenarios.
To avoid confusion and protect everyone involved, two things are crucial in these BIM legal issues.
First, ditch generic contracts and use ones tailor-made for BIM, like the CIC BIM Protocol, or at least heavily adapt existing ones to get specific about who owns what in the model and what quality standards are expected.
Secondly, a BIM manager becomes a vital role – think of them as the model’s guardian, ensuring everyone follows the rules and keeps things accurate, which reduces the risk of nasty legal surprises later.
Cultural and Organizational Challenges
As we know, BIM isn’t merely a software swap – it often forces companies to rethink how they work. It means that resistance to change is a very real hurdle.
Teams entrenched in familiar ways of doing things may hold back progress, impacting the entire project.
This underscores the importance of fostering a company culture that actively welcomes innovation and prioritizes learning the new technologies that BIM brings.
What’s more is about how the success of BIM hinges on everyone involved having the necessary skills.
Gaps in knowledge cause friction. Imagine a scenario where sudden changes to the model are needed on-site, but the staff available lacks the BIM proficiency to make those adjustments efficiently.
Ongoing BIM training strategies and technical support aren’t a luxury, but a basic necessity for smooth workflows.
Another obstacle is an unwillingness to invest in the future. BIM implementation means budgeting for updated hardware, software licenses, and the time dedicated to training staff.
Companies that hesitate to make that investment may find themselves unable to keep up with the technical demands of complex BIM projects.
It’s a simple, if unfortunate, truth: skimping on the infrastructure will inevitably undermine the benefits BIM promises.
For another reference, you can check “BIM Model Quality Control Issues: Common Errors and How to Avoid Them.”
Simplify BIM Coordination with Interscale
As we see, BIM coordination is complex, with many challenges and issues, but it doesn’t have to derail your projects.
Interscale’s expertise can help your company reap the full benefits of your BIM investment.
Our work with Ewert Leaf, a respected architectural firm, showcases how a partnership with a BIM specialist makes a tangible difference.
We support them in streamlining workflows, enhancing model management, and overcoming collaboration hurdles.
This involved tailoring BIM standards for their team, using cloud solutions for seamless data access, and providing training to boost overall BIM proficiency.
With years of experience under our belt, Interscale understands the importance of compatibility.
Our solutions are designed to integrate smoothly with your existing design and engineering software, making adoption painless.
Ultimately, our goal is to empower collaboration across your entire project team – architects, engineers, and everyone involved. We also equip you with data-driven insights.
Our tools for clash detection, performance analysis, and benchmarking ensure critical decisions are backed by accurate project data.
Ready to see how Interscale can help your BIM project? Kindly visit our website’s BIM management page to see how we can be your supporting system.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help make your BIM workflows smoother and more effective, don’t hesitate to schedule a discussion session.
Conclusion
Grasping the various challenges involved in BIM coordination is the first step to making it a transformative force in your projects.
The process won’t always be smooth, but with the right strategies and tools, the benefits far outweigh the initial effort.
Solutions providers like Interscale help bridge those gaps, enabling a future where you can overcome those BIM project coordination challenges more efficiently and better coordinated than ever.
