Efficiency in the AEC Industry – Going Beyond BIM

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry need to realize efficiency in delivery and production, the current in-efficiencies result in poor project performance, loss of profits and increased risk. There are three distinctly separate entities that must come together to perform the function of delivering our built environment projects; A: the Client, B: the Designers, and C: the Constructors. All of which are operating as separate entities, yet entangled at the demand of the project. Some project delivery contract types try to “facilitate” collaboration, but essentially the same can be achieved with the right guidance, thorough simple willingness to collaborate from all stakeholders. The industry is demanding innovation, this has been proven time and time again by the adoption and integration of technology over the past decade. The rate of change required to maintain not only market participation, continued profitability and even competitive advantage is increasing rapidly. The industry is due for a change, not only are our clients demanding changes in time and cost but also social responsibility and market demands for sustainable, cost-effective buildings are ever increasing. Today's customers are more in tune with their needs and wants, which has a significant impact on today’s built environment market. BIM has certainly facilitated this evolution in the AEC industry, improving the design, collaboration, project management, and construction processes, however, the next revolution is upon us. It is time for us to meet the needs.. no, the demands… of our customers. Much like how the smartphone has evolved since 1992 from a personal communicator to today’s intelligent devises, our built-environment needs have evolved from “dumb” building to one that now interacts and meets the technological expectations of today's generation. This is evident in the growing interest and popularity of Smart Cities. Silos are crumbling, disciplines are relying on the exchange of information and data from all aspects (some yet to be defined) of the project delivery process. Cross collaboration and engagement starts earlier than ever before in an effort to meet the clients demands of time, budget and intelligent deliverables. Now is the time to dive deeper into Building Information Modeling, and “mainstream” the already capable functionality and utilization of the Building Information Mode beyond the simple model and data used for construction. This wealth of information is traditionally left on the table after construction, and subsequently underutilized by the client. Today there exists a wealth of programs, utilities, technology and applications that can utilize the BIM during and beyond design, construction, procurement, operation and maintenance, utilizing data that is readily accessible as a result of the design and construction process. The demand is there, expectations of clients are growing as they understand the benefits of utilizing this wealth of readily available information. Our job, as industry participants and representatives, is to embrace this revolution and not let the fear of change prevent us from continued participating in this exciting, evolving industry.