As the adaptation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software in the construction sector continues to accelerate, it’s increasingly apparent that BIM is not just a design tool; it’s a new way of working.
Designers and architects who excel in BIM not only create better buildings but also reap many professional benefits due to their efficiency in this software. They might enjoy higher salaries, a smoother workflow, and avoid the risk of burnout as BIM is also an excellent tool for communication and project management.
However, as the variety of BIM software in the market keeps getting more sophisticated, professionals in many lines of work outside design can also find that training in BIM makes their jobs easier and more rewarding.
While non-design professionals might not need to invest the same energy into mastering all aspects of BIM like architects, knowing some basics can add tremendous value. Hereafter is an overview of non-design jobs that can benefit from BIM knowledge and training.
Facility Management
Once a construction project is complete, the role of BIM in the building is far from moot. Throughout a building’s entire lifespan, BIM can step in to make its management more efficient.
It can assist facility managers to enhance a building’s performance and help them keep making better decisions concerning the facility, whether it’s upkeep, repair, or improvement.
Security Consultant
Parallel to the ways it assists facility managers, BIM is a reliable tool for security consultants or specialists to mitigate risks and have more control over their facilities.
Security consultants who can tap into BIM don’t have to second-guess any evolving risks. Thanks to their ongoing awareness of any potential physical security vulnerabilities, they can take a proactive approach to maintain a secure environment.
Finance and Procurement
BIM improves project communications, reduces material waste and construction costs, and decreases the risk for workplace hazards. All these are important considerations and calculations for finance and procurement professionals in the construction industry — where most projects still exceed their budgets.
BIM empowers these executives to have a better overview of each project, make more effective decisions with resource allocation, and solve any bottlenecks before they can plague a project.
Heritage and Conservation
Conversation and management of heritage buildings and cultural landscapes, which can be in vulnerable or decaying conditions, are complex and multi-layered processes.
Even though it’s still under-utilized in this sphere, BIM is an invaluable tool for historians and heritage conservation specialists to protect, restore, or provide documentation for future generations.
Marketing and Sales
Marketing and sales teams with a basic grasp of BIM can use this powerful tool to create beautiful and accurate presentations and impress their target audiences.
Since BIM minimizes changes and makes the building process more transparent, it protects the reputation of companies. This way, BIM can be an effective strategy for the marketing and sales executives to win the loyalty of their clients and keep businesses solid and sustainable in the long run.
