Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a powerful tool that has transformed the construction industry to not only enable more efficient and collaborative project management, but also dramatically save on rework cost and improve sustainability. With highly skilled professionals showcasing extensive knowledge and expertise in BIM technologies, outsourcing work to a Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) consulting partner can bring immense value and benefits to construction companies, owners, architects, subcontractors, and more.
Why Outsource VDC Work to Consulting Companies?
If you’re a construction company or architecture firm, you may wonder why you should outsource your BIM projects to a consulting company instead of creating your own dedicated VDC department. There are a few primary reasons for this.
Firstly, establishing a proficient in-house VDC department can be a time-consuming endeavor. The level of collaboration and expertise required to handle projects of varying sizes in this field is not something that can be achieved overnight or even within a year or two. Developing a team for in-house use requires time for recruitment, training for various levels of detail, and establishing effective workflows which can take years. An inexperienced team may result in costly mistakes in the accuracy of models translating to inaccuracy on site, inadequate representation of details, and failure to effectively communicate critical information.
Another reason pertains to the fact that not every project necessitates the use of digital twins. Consequently, having an internal VDC team may lead to underutilization and long-term financial implications for a company. Consider this analogy: In an office building with multiple bathrooms and stalls that see daily use by many people, a plumber is not always present on-site at all times. The plumber is only called in when there is a need to fix a broken toilet. VDC and BIM can be viewed in a similar light – they are not always required for every project. It is advisable to outsource to a trusted VDC consulting partner as needed.
The advantage of scalability should also be considered. The consulting partner can readily adjust its resources and team size based on project requirements which ensures optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness. In contrast, an in-house department may face challenges in scaling up or down as project demands fluctuate.
Focus on Core Competencies and Avoid Pitfalls
Outsourcing VDC work to a consulting partner enables members of the AEC industry to leverage the expertise of their specialists in the field and focus on their strategic priorities such as design, project management, and construction. Resources and energy can be allocated to areas where they excel leaving the specialized VDC tasks to the consulting company which can enhance overall productivity and reduce the burden on management so they can focus their efforts on overseeing the project as a whole.
Relying on these specialists also helps to avoid the classic pitfalls of risk associated with quality control and data security. VDC companies have rigorous quality control processes and procedures in place to ensure that BIM models, project deliverables, and documentation adhere to industry standards and best practices. By drawing upon their experience, companies can mitigate the risks of inaccuracies, incomplete information, and subpar deliverables.
This quality control often extends to the security of data as BIM is largely cloud driven. VDC consulting companies understand the importance of data security and confidentiality in the construction industry. Robust security measures are implemented to protect sensitive project information from unauthorized access, breaches, and data loss. With these strict protocols in place, partnered companies can mitigate the risks of data leaks, intellectual property theft, and reputational damage.
Mitigating Concerns
When selecting a reliable VDC partner, it is crucial to consider several factors to ensure optimal compatibility and alignment thus alleviating concerns related to outsourcing work. Valid concerns such as loss of direct control, cost consideration, dependency on external providers, intellectual property issues, and communication challenges should be considered when choosing a consulting partner for BIM.
Fortunately, these potential concerns can be addressed by carefully choosing a reputable company. Conducting thorough research, seeking recommendations, and evaluating the consulting company’s track record can significantly reduce any associated risks. Additionally, developing strong communication protocols, defining clear contractual agreements, and implementing ongoing monitoring throughout the project’s lifecycle will establish transparent expectations for all involved parties.
Outsourcing VDC work to a trusted consulting company brings numerous benefits and value to construction companies, owners, architects, and other stakeholders in the AEC industry so that they can tap into specialized expertise, achieve scalability, and focus on what’s important to them. With the right consulting partner, companies can harness the power of BIM, discover new possibilities, and achieve successful project outcomes in today’s dynamic construction landscape.