A risk manager's guide to making the most of BIM
The complex nature of large-scale construction projects can make securing time and cost certainty a particular challenge. Building information modelling (BIM) has the potential to drastically improve outcomes by increasing data visibility across the lifecycle of a project. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Boosting standards of risk management
BIM makes it possible to generate a digital description of every part of a building or project, within a virtual construction environment. Project managers can then use this information to work through the entire building lifecycle, considering risk management at every stage. BIM-enabled modelling can also be used to forecast issues in construction sequencing, which could lead to delays, allowing project managers to plan ahead and put mitigation strategies in place.
Improving data accessibility
BIM helps to make data about buildings or projects more accessible and minimises the risk that key considerations are overlooked. The ability to feed data for time and cost into 3D models allows risk factors to be identified early, so mitigation strategies can be applied. Increasing data visibility in this way can help with even the smallest operations, for example, performing maintenance on a single light switch, by providing the project manager with instant access to all relevant information about the installation.
Getting to grips with new standards
BIM is sometimes underutilised due to a lack of understanding. To encourage it wider use, the British Standards Institution has published two new international standards related to BIM, BS EN ISO 19650-1 and BS EN ISO 19650-2, which are intended to serve as a universal guide.
Taking a strategic approach
In order to realise BIM’s risk management potential, project managers should consider their strategic objectives. Are they hoping to optimise construction sequencing, improve health and safety management, or identify potential cost risks?
Communicating and collaborating
The success of BIM relies on high-quality data from a variety of specialist teams, therefore cross-project collaboration and communication is vital. Ensuring that all project data is and accurate and categorised at an early stage is key to ensuring reliability and driving intelligent decision-making.
First Published at Construction Manager