What does your BIM look like just before 2019 starts

What does your BIM look like, just before 2019 starts. . .?

I recently studied this extremely insightful annual report by Matthew Duder (Managing Director of EBOSS): 
​NZ BIM Benchmark Survey 2018 Results Report 
www.eboss.co.nz/detailed/building-industry-insight/nz-bim-benchmark-survey-2018-results-released

The publication part 5 of 5 annual report on 22 Nov. 2018 could not be more timely for most that has a keen interest in the results such a study produces and particularly what it would mean for their own planning and business strategies. In business and personal life, the end of one and the start of a new year is a particular time for reflecting back to the challenges and successes of the year past and for re-focusing and planning for achieving more in the year to come.

Although it's specific to New Zeeland, it actually addresses universal trends. As a BIM consultant and advocate (from South Africa) I've been reading, listening and watching (also talking and doing) for very long and AEC industries across the globe share aspirations and are facing the same challenges, more or less in the same areas. The patterns repeat themselves. 

​The benefits of full lifecycle BIM are very real (to all stakeholders involved), achievable (at project relevant levels) and proven (although in isolated pockets of "bravehearts" - valid none the less). 

​For us on the BIM side of the "fence" it makes no sense why so many are still on the "other side". Why is everybody not joining the "wave" and change over to operate the "BIM-way"? 

In short, my take on this question is this:
- Technology is "scary", 
- fear drives resistance to change, 
- contentment with status quo, 
- financial constraints.

This is actually a very positive, inspirational document for us all at the edge of 2019...
​especially for the Design and Construction industry in Africa

Read more

To those of us that have seen the "BIM-Light" this sounds like excuses. To "the others" those are extremely true and relevant factors for ensuring "safety". 

This "story" is typical of humanity. In the end we will eternally have both these "poles" essential to navigating our future. 

It still is a pity how we have managed to neglect our planet to a level where our sheer existence is threatened by our own efforts (abusing our resources, ignorant to the greater good) or lack of our efforts (in case of doing what we know to be best).

I believe that BIM has the potential to turn negative economies (and therefor all our livelihoods) and even have a huge positive ecological impact (if we choose) on massive scale. 

We tend to complicate things too much and then get lost in our own chaos.

Yes we have to keep asking questions, but they need to be the correct questions. Questions that would lead us to forever doing better today than we did yesterday. ​

The simplicity of what Clive Jordan (from #SmartLeanBIM - lodplanner.com)  
​says, really captures the essence for me here when he says: we should be doing "the right bim, at the right time, by the right people, for the right reasons".
​

​Following this philosophy and applying it to much more than just a BIM Execution Plan, I expect we could possibly "break open" BIM for a wider community, currently "on the other side" or "riding the fence".

Reading this report, I gather that this 5th of 5 survey reports now mark the end of "the question" journey for the Asset Management & Facilities Management Industries in New Zeeland. I am on edge here, itching to know what their take-away from this is as an industry and what the core of their "answer" will be and mean for the future of their industry. That is the reason they embarked on this epic "question"-journey in the first place, right?

Reflecting on this report leaves me positive, empowered and inspired. What about you?

There is so much valuable information and insights to the benefit of all AECO stakeholders (Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Operators Industry). Download and read the full report. 

Even the The annual NBS National BIM Report published 10 May 2018 by The NBS is extremely helpful as it gives us insight into achievements and challenges of the AEC industry after BIM Mandate in UK.

If we take careful note of these lessons learned, the future of BIM for the AEC Industry in South Africa and Africa as a whole looks rather bright and we can proceed in our BIM Adoption with confidence. That is, if we as an industry are willing to do what it takes to get to that "better place" for us all...

I still remember this 2016 report on the South African BIM Survey of our local industry by Vaughan Harris (Executive Director to the BIM Institute) and are curious to see how the 2018 data would change the outlook of BIM adoption in South Africa for 2019.

Now it's time for us to decide, learn and start doing...
Participate (and benefit) in creating a better Design and Construction industry in Africa

​I am particularly excited and eagerly awaiting the eBook "BIM, It's your move" 
​by Vaughan Harris of the BIM Institute www.biminstitute.org.za In his 2018 closing letter to members, he said: This eBook takes a look at the introduction of common global standards and operating methods using BIM and how Africa can benefit. What are the barriers to operation and trade across the African construction industry and beyond?

​Please join us?! Here is how you can either start to or continue to make a difference for your own future and that of the Design and Construction industry in this region we call "home":

• Join us at the BIM Institute as a Member.
• Attend the next BIM4Pro's course and accelerate your transition into effective BIM Implementation.
• Become part of the local BIM community events
• Contribute to the development of local BIM standards by using these standards in your live projects
• Be an active BIM Professional and promote and deliver best quality BIM services to your clients and projects.