Interscale Content Hub – Remote collaboration through BIM during COVID-19 became a real critical tech for helping teams work together seamlessly across locations and time zones.
As we all know, the pandemic really threw a spanner in the works for the construction sector. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing measures threw a wrench in workflows, delayed projects, and put a strain on budgets.
So, the industry went through a pretty quick changeover to remote work and digital collaboration tools.
Now, It might be helpful to consider the positive and negative aspects of these changes in order to ensure the success of BIM projects in the future.
The Importance of Remote Collaboration in Construction
It is widely acknowledged that the construction industry has historically benefited from close, on-site collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and clients.
However, the advent of the global pandemic necessitated a rapid shift towards remote work.
This shift highlighted the need for effective digital collaboration tools to help maintain project timelines, ensure continuous communication, and minimize disruptions.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report in “Telework during the COVID-19 pandemic: estimates using the 2021 Business Response Survey,” more than 50% of establishments in sectors like finance and insurance adapted to remote work models during the pandemic, a trend that construction had to emulate to sustain operations and productivity.
Remote collaboration in construction became crucial as it allowed teams to continue working on projects without the need for physical presence on-site.
This not only allowed the projects to continue moving forward, but also ensured the safety of all involved by adhering to social distancing guidelines.
The ability to work remotely also allowed for flexibility in adapting to sudden changes in the pandemic situation, which in turn helped to reduce delays and avoid costly project stoppages.
Furthermore, remote collaboration streamlines communication and decision-making. Digital platforms facilitate real-time updates, feedback, and approvals, reducing delays and misinterpretations.
Role of BIM in Facilitating Remote Collaboration
BIM offers cloud-based platforms which create a shared data environment, enabling teams to access and update project information from anywhere.
This centralized approach has the potential to reduce errors, enhance coordination, and ensure that all team members are on the same page.
In the study “BIM-Enabled Design Collaboration Processes in Remote Architectural Practice and Education in Australia” by Ju Hyun Lee, Michael J. Ostwald, Samaneh Arasteh, and Philip Oldfield, the authors describe how BIM processes evolved to support remote collaboration effectively.
The authors conducted semi-structured interviews during the pandemic, and through this process, they identified six thematic categories of BIM-enabled design collaboration: representation, communication, coordination, collaboration, technical operation, and nontechnical operation.
These themes demonstrate the multifaceted approach BIM takes to facilitate seamless remote collaboration.
BIM’s ability to centralize data management is certainly a valuable asset. BIM has the potential to eliminate the silos that often plague construction projects by integrating all project information into a single platform.
This integration helps to ensure that all team members have access to the latest data, which may help to reduce the risk of errors and rework.
For instance, Autodesk BIM 360’s cloud-based solution facilitates real-time connectivity between project teams and data, from design through construction.
Moreover, BIM tools such as Revit and Navisworks facilitate the ability of multiple users to work on the same model simultaneously, which may potentially contribute to a more collaborative and efficient workflow.
The integration of communication tools like Zoom with BIM platforms also has the potential to support remote collaboration by facilitating virtual meetings and discussions.
How Does BIM Promote Collaboration?
BIM has the potential to promote collaboration by providing a centralized platform that integrates project data, which could enable seamless communication and coordination among all stakeholders.
According to Ju Hyun Lee and colleagues, BIM’s structure is designed to enhance various aspects of project management, including representation, communication, and coordination.
One of the ways in which BIM facilitates collaboration is through the centralized management of data.
Tools like the Autodesk BIM 360 platform help centralize project data, making it accessible to all team members in real time.
Furthermore, centralized data management can also facilitate easier access to documents and files, which can enhance transparency and accountability within the team.
BIM platforms also integrate a variety of communication tools, which can be used to facilitate seamless virtual meetings and discussions.
For instance, integrating BIM with platforms like Microsoft Teams or Zoom has the potential to enhance collaborative efforts by enabling teams to discuss and resolve issues efficiently. This is because it allows for real-time collaboration, screen sharing, and co-annotation.
Furthermore, BIM offers the potential for real-time updates, which could help to maintain project continuity and ensure timely decision-making.
As Lee et al. have observed, this capability offers the potential for dynamic and interactive design processes, even in remote environments.
Here, you can see how BIM has become helpful in environmental analysis; “How to Leverage BIM for Environmental Analysis & a Greener Tomorrow.”
BIM Tools for Remote Collaboration
Here are a few common BIM tools that have really helped us out when it comes to remote collaboration.
Each one has its own special features that make it easier to manage and coordinate projects.
Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro
Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro is a cloud-based platform that connects project teams and data from design through construction.
This platform makes it easy for teams to work together on designs, with everyone able to edit and share information in real-time.
Navisworks
Navisworks is another great tool for reviewing integrated models and data. It helps teams find and fix problems before construction starts.
Clash detection is a great feature that helps ensure all design elements work together harmoniously.
Revit
Revit is used a lot for architectural design, structural engineering, and MEP engineering.
Revit lets you work on the same model with different people at the same time, which makes it easier to get things done and more efficient.
This tool is especially useful in remote settings, where team members can collaborate in real time even if they’re in different locations.
Benefits of Remote Collaboration through BIM
BIM helps us save time by keeping project data in one place and making it easy to update in real time.
Also, think about how BIM’s integrated approach means that everyone on the team works with the most accurate and up-to-date information, which reduces the risk of errors and costly rework.
Another great thing about BIM is that it makes it easier to coordinate. Sharing and updating information in real time helps team members stay on the same page and stay informed.
BIM also lets teams work remotely, which is great for keeping everyone on the same page, no matter where they are.
This flexibility is really useful when things get tough, like during the current pandemic, when traditional on-site collaboration isn’t possible.
BIM makes sure projects keep on track even when people are working remotely, so you can keep up productivity and meet deadlines.
For another long-term benefit of BIM, you can read “BIM and the Future of Green Building: Make Money with Sustainability.”
How Interscale Can Be Your BIM Supporting System
At Interscale, we offer custom BIM solutions that make remote collaboration easier.
These solutions make it easier for your construction teams to manage projects effectively, even when things get tough, like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our BIM management services are available from the initial project setup to ongoing management.
We ensure all stakeholders can access the tools and information they need to collaborate successfully.
Our work with K2LD Architects shows how the Interscale team can deliver tailored BIM solutions that meet the specific needs of different projects.
Using Interscale’s expertise, your construction teams can improve your BIM processes, get better results from your projects, and keep working at the same pace even when everyone is working remotely.
We know our capabilities can sound a little over the top. That’s why but we’d love for you to dig deeper into our offerings.
So, we suggest you start by reading our Interscale Management Support page, then check out a few of our case studies, search for data online, and so on.
And yes, we’re also open to one-on-one discussion sessions if you want. Feel free to set up a time to chat. We’re here 24/7.
Conclusion
BIM’s strengths in data management, real-time updates, and integrated communication have been key to helping teams work together effectively despite being physically apart.
BIM and the know-how of companies like Interscale help construction pros tackle remote work challenges and make sure projects get done right, no matter what.
Remote collaboration through BIM During COVID-19 has thus become a vital strategy for the industry.
