BIM Model Quality Check
Half of the BIM professionals expressed interest in an easier way to carry out model quality checks, yet several barriers were uncovered which hold back the adoption of cloud-based model checking solutions.
The BIM models are being checked with high frequency, however many of the professionals still carry these out completely or partially by hand leading to a poor quality of the models, instead of using an IFC Model Checker for example.
A very high percentage of companies do use IFC, and only 3 participants stated that they don’t work with Industry Foundation Classes at all.
Most companies use a mix of several software when it comes to carrying out BIM workflow and controlling the quality of their BIM models via quality management systems.
According to LinkedIn currently there are approximately 400.000 professionals working who hold titles such as: BIM expert, BIM specialist, BIM modeller, BIM consultant, BIM coordinator and BIM manager.
This number is naturally limited by the spread of LinkedIn’s network and is much higher globally including those professionals who do not have LinkedIn accounts.
Barriers against simplified BIM model quality check methods
From the more than 1,200 participants, 49.21% expressed interest in a cloud-based model quality check solution.
This result shows the global need for an easier way for BIM professionals to check their model quality. If the method were simpler, it would allow them to do it more often which could lead to higher model quality and even further cost reduction.
However, there are certain confidentiality issues which hold back the mainstream adoption of cloud-based model checking solutions in numerous companies. The reasons for not using or not being able to use such solutions can be divided into three main dimensions visible on the next page.
BIM Model quality check
A significant percentage of participants (39.5%) still do model quality checks manually which is time consuming. The fact that model quality is being examined very often and that many still do it manually is absurd.
Automated procedures include the use of at least one or more software. It happens via the definition of BIM quality control checklist to be upload on the software in use.
The migration of models and information between software is often done by the use of plugins, however no software can do it all in one.
The topics discussed above pose a number of questions, which are left unanswered.
Why isn’t there a software / platform solution which cuts the working time by providing all the tools for BIM workflow in one? Why aren’t the automated ways of model quality check more widespread?
Frequency of model quality checks
The numbers on the right summarise how often model quality is being examined
among the participants of this research.
- Weekly
- 31%
- Daily
- 24%
- Several times/week
- 22%
Daily to weekly checks are the most dominant options. Checking BIM model quality, therefore, is an important task that is done at least once before the models get handed over.
The data used for this research comes from almost fifty countries where BIM is used regularly.
Only a few participants, less than five, mentioned that they do not check their model quality at all during their workflow.
Our take on BIM Model Quality Check
Executing BIM quality management is one of the most important processes to enable the potential of BIM.
When you start implementing BIM or just want to take the next step forward, it is necessary to point out in which way you as a company want to take value from the method.
Defining use cases within your company or your project according to your common workflows is an important step you should take.
In order to make the quality of your work transparent and trackable, it is necessary to translate defined use cases into clear requirements of what you are expecting from your models so as to ultimately ensure a clean process.
Be aware that your requirements are on point and get rid of things that do not support any of your use cases. Setting up proper requirements with sophisticated BIM management still requires high expertise.
Nevertheless, the key to enabling the participation of all stakeholders independent of their BIM expertise is to find a way to run automated model checks and share the results with all your team members.
Visualise your current progress daily and keep your team on track to reach defined goals. This ensures that you deliver high-quality work, save money, time and strengthen your team spirit.
You might also be interested in…
BIM Basics and Implementation
How does IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) work?
The IFC standard has been developed by BuildingSmart to make a global standardised tool that could support and monitor construction progress and life cycle of buildings
Bálint Bende