Showing posts with label VDC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VDC. Show all posts

Saturday, October 20, 2012

On the BIM Soapbox Again!

It happened again.  Two days ago I was rambling on about BIM and VDC software and now it's back in the news.  Contractors using BIM are actually outnumbering the architects that are using it!  Usage of BIM software has increased from 49% in 2009 to 71% in 2012.

It's no wonder that the software is getting so much attention.  The advantages include improved collaboration, predictability, and faster delivery.  Using BIM software also increases safety and reduces waste.  You have to love these win-win scenarios.

GRAPHISOFT is offering free sessions at the Ecobuild America conference in Washington DC on December 5 and 6, 2012.  Visit http://www.aececobuild.com/registration and enter Priority Code SPK12 to receive a free tech user session and other benefits.  (Ref. to GRAPHISOFT offer http://www.marketwatch.com/story/graphisoft-educational-user-sessions-at-ecobuild-america-highlight-open-bim-and-green-building-2012-10-16 )

If you're involved in construction in the slightest way, please take a moment to check out our October 2012 page for a brief overview.  At the very least you can nod and smile when BIM comes up in conversation!  

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

BIM and VDC Software

I read an article tonight about BIM (Building Information Modeling) and VDC (Virtual Design Construction) that left me wondering why the construction industry has been slow to incorporate the construction modeling software into their business as a standard. I have to agree that the cost and the learning curve, which I see as nothing other than cost, are the root of the problem.

There are many corporations that talk about progress and being open minded to new ideas and since I didn't know much about BIM I started to research it. Come to find out we have already used some of the free software from Google, SketchUp, in our business!  We also made reference to Google Sketchup in September when we highlighted the capabilities of 3D printers. I'll admit, we used Sketchup for 2D graphics and I am still learning to use the software after more than a year but that should not deter anyone.

When I went on the search to find construction companies that use the BIM and VDC software I was able to find a few companies that show very impressive results by using the software that has been around for at least three years. It all makes sense. Improved communication of the design, build, and cost would surely streamline any operation. It's a matter of discipline and commitment to implementing the change of routine.

I appeal to two sectors of business, construction and technology. First, construction companies need to be more accepting of technology and recognize that it might actually make the job easier. Second, software companies need to be recognize that their products need to be user friendly and they do have a place in the construction industry.  I realize that these changes will mean companies will incur a cost, but increased revenue appears to be the final result.

Visit Georgianna Hardware Corporation to learn more about the BIM and VDC software that we found.