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BUSINESS AND TRAINING
How does this support the plumbing contractor ? By utilising BIM or partnering with a BIM provider , a contractor can increase workflow efficiencies to help identify issues early on in a project to maximise productivity and minimise waste .
For example , your company can leverage 3D models to validate designs from the onset of design to improve overall project execution and collaboration . This leads to reduced design errors , which result in higher design accuracy that saves you money and time by reducing rework and change orders .
Accurate and well-coordinated designs also lead to improved job costing through more accurate quantities and estimates , resulting in reduced job site waste .
Site logistics can be more precise by leveraging accurate models to create model-based schedules or sequences .
Look-ahead plans , work-in-progress models , materials planning , equipment and rigging locations , site traffic patterns and controls , and even location-based schedules can be derived from wellcoordinated 3D models to optimise daily job site activities .
What should you consider when choosing a BIM provider ? One of the most important points to consider when choosing a BIM provider is their location . Some BIM companies are located overseas , so the opportunity to have live interaction or even in-person collaboration is very challenging or impossible . Be sure to go with a BIM provider located in your region , or at least in your country , so collaboration can happen in real time .
Make sure they have experience with the codes and standards in your jurisdiction , as well as the construction practices in your area .
It ’ s important to note that certain commercial projects , like hospitals , may have specific construction methods that must be adhered to for code . Make sure the BIM team you ’ re partnering with knows these important details . In addition , it ’ s good to work with a team that has affiliations with industry organisations , such as SABS and Agrement SA , to ensure they ’ re up to date on the most current trends and information in the industry .
Finally , it ’ s important to consider cost when it comes to choosing a BIM provider . It ’ s true what they say , you do get what you pay for . When researching providers , consider the experience of the team and the support they can provide when weighing how much you want to pay for these services .
Because BIM is a relatively new concept to the construction industry , experience is in short supply . That said , look to these providers for training your staff . It ’ s a great way to add value to your company and provide future projects with greater efficiencies and productivity .
About the Author Kim Bliss is the technical and marketing content manager at Uponor . She can be reached at kim . bliss @ uponor . com .
Plumbing Africa edited the section referring to SABS and Agrement SA and vice president for Lead Engineer . PA
“ By utilising BIM or partnering with a BIM provider , a contractor can increase workflow efficiencies …”
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline November 2021 Volume 27 I Number 9