The thought of it is quite simple, but maybe an utopia. Imagine for a second that you’re working on a project and each company involved is dedicated to the tasks it knows best, at the right time and with the right software…

After completing a few BIM projects where collaboration and open-mindedness was present at all time, I’m now a firm believer in the multiple advantages of BIM and dedicated to spreading the word.

Cadmax’s experience with BIM over the past years and feedback from collaborators has proven that opening up to this new kind of collaboration and to the benefits of BIM, EVERY participant in the project gained from this collaboration, and by gain, I mean money, and not just personal satisfaction!

As far as we’re concerned, our structural steel detailing projects completed with BIM were by far the most profitable and according to our clients, the same goes for them. I’m convinced that working our way up the project all the way to the owner, we’de get similar feedback and positive comments on BIM.

So knowing that it’s more profitable to use 3D modeling for multidisciplinary collaboration and project coordination, why, then, is it taking so long for the construction industry to adopt this business model?

My guess is that some companies have a difficult time accepting the fact that their role in the industry is bound to change a lot over the next few years, that some responsibilities will shift to other players and they’ll be in charge of new dimensions of the project. For innovative companies, it’s merely another change from which they can take advantage to boost their sales. For the others, BIM appears as a menace they have to fight and delay as much as possible.

In the meantime, those opposed to BIM hold their ground and its progression in Quebec is almost inexistent. It is only once a majority of industry members will have adopted it that we will see permanent changes in the structure of projects. And let’s hope that the new tasks and responsibilities that this acceptance will bring, will be taken care of by the right people, at the right time and with the right software.