We capture and distribute a large amount of data in construction daily, including emails, drawings, specs, RAMS or health and safety information. This data lives in various locations, in various formats such as PDFs, Word and Excel. BIM 360 enables capture of this data in a digital format or database which can then be updated, reused, reported on and shared with the project team instantly.
For example, a site manager does their site walk, taking photos and notes of any issues they come across. They then go back to the site office and spend time transferring the photos from their phone onto their PC to begin the resolution process via email. If the data was captured live on site via a mobile device, the system could automatically notify the subcontractor who needs to resolve the issue and manage the resolution process instantly. Removing the manual need to transfer data captured on site into emails saves hours per day and avoids the potential of missing correspondence, which could lead to issues not being dealt with.
This time saving allows for more time to be spent on site making sure that works are being carried out correctly and in a safe manner.
This type of thinking is nothing new, we use social media on a day-to-day basis in our personal lives to manage our communication (group chats), photos and videos. We upload a photo, tag people and they have instant access. We can then communicate with our friends and family around that particular photo. Managing data on site should work in the same way.
Moving to the cloud, capturing and reusing data in new ways is the future of our industry. The next generation BIM 360 platform has evolved from a set of separate solutions to a construction management platform that offers a more integrated, workflow focused, ‘one product’ experience. BIM 360 puts the project in the centre and facilitates the exchange of information between phases.
The result of using a single, unified platform for AEC projects is the ability to remove the causes of uncertainty such as data loss, information siloes and disconnected teams that lead to cost overruns, delays and frustrations for project stakeholders. BIM 360 allows for frictionless data flow and offers the ability to pass information to and from Third Party applications and tools. This helps project stakeholders at all stages of the building lifecycle – from design to construction to operations, from field to the office and back - build one source of truth.
Key features of the BIM 360 platform are:
- A common data platform
- Integration and automation of quality and control workflows
- Project and cross-project dashboards
- Automated clash detection
- The Connect and Construct exchange
- Available across iOS and Android mobile devices
Visit this site to find out more about the key features and how to maximise your efficiency on the BIM 360 platform.
Author
Symetri