How much does it cost to implement DE and BIM?
The upfront costs associated with implementation centre on software licences and training, new hardware, new staff, etc. As expected, the initial upfront technology and training investments are generally believed to be significantly less than the long-term cost saving benefits.
What is the return on investment (ROI) impact?
Multiple case studies have indicated that a positive return on investment from the adoption of DE/BIM has been yielded. Some of its benefits that have translated to a positive ROI include the following:
- More effective marketing from creating 3D models for visualisation
- Closing more deals through effective creation of digital models
- Building client understanding by accurately visualising the finished product
- Workflow efficiency improvements from more effective communication and greater project visibility
Are there any case studies or evidence to substantiate a VDAS ROI?
The Virtual Building Information System (VBIS) provides a standard syntax to permit and create reliable links between applications and data repositories. It has developed a standard data tagging and labelling convention and a logical parent/child relationship for data.
The implementation of the VBIS only accounts for 1% of total construction cost and it could achieve an annual saving of around 40% per annum. It is predicted that the net benefit could be around $68M over a 25-year period for a $1B development. In addition, the VBIS has the potential to reduce operating, maintenance and asset lifecycle facility management cost.
What are some key risks to consider when implementing DE/BIM?
- Lack of skilled personnel/BIM expertise
- Initial investment costs
- Security and management of information
- Unclear DE/BIM roles responsibility
- Intellectual property
- Consideration of ownership or licensing of data models
How many team members will I need?
Implementing BIM can enable the creation and structuring of new roles or responsibilities. A suggested structuring to enable this organisational change can be viewed in Appendix X of the VDAS Guidance document. It illustrates how a basic project team structure is positioned with and integrated into a modern VDAS facilitated project development.
How can we collaborate with clients or business partners who are yet to implement DE and BIM in their organisation?
Early discussions scoping DE and BIM requirements and ultimate data/information needs should be identified. This will determine the level at which BIM and DE must be implemented and identify the gap in capabilities between your two workflows. The current project at hand could then offer an opportunity to develop and accelerate the current implementation of DE and BIM.