Why More MEP Contractors Are Relying on BIM-Enabled Workflows

The prevalence of building information modeling (BIM) in the construction industry has continued to grow over the past 40-plus years. According to a Construction Executive article, large contractors with complex projects are the most sizable group using BIM. But the process will benefit any size company.

 

A 2020 Dodge Data & Analytics SmartMarket report cited on BusinessWire.com described that companies are using BIM for more efficient scheduling and project logistics. The Construction Executive article reported 25 percent improvement in labor productivity, because tasks could be accomplished faster. In addition, BIM made offsite construction possible, decreasing the labor required, and thus the cost of labor, by 25%. Another benefit is found in fabrication, where the BIM process can reduce materials waste. The software many use to accomplish BIM includes Revit, Navisworks, and tools on the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) platform.

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Learn more about Autodesk Construction Cloud in the free Applied Software eBook: “The Importance of a Common Data Environment.

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As with the rest of the industry, more and more mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) contractors are relying on BIM-enabled workflows to complete their portion of construction projects. The DD&A SmartMarket Report relayed that one of the biggest challenges MEP contractors have is getting other project stakeholders equally engaged in BIM processes.

 

MEP teams working on layout need exact placement for hangers, anchors, sleeves, boxes, pipework, cable trays, and other components. And they need to know that the components aren’t interfering with each other. With BIM, clash issues can be addressed before construction begins. Standardized workflows, like prefabricated assemblies, also demand exacting measurements that 3D modeling can ensure. With BIM, the resulting workflows can be faster and more efficient.

Efficiency is particularly important during these times of skilled labor shortages in the trades. As contractors strive to streamline processes and resources, a platform like ACC offers a competitive edge to the savvy mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors in construction’s MEP sector who make the commitment to use BIM on their projects.

ACC handles the full range of MEP contractor needs: drawings, communications, plans, and even billing. Centralized progress updates keep all stakeholders on the same page and working from the same information. ACC facilitates:

• Proper document management
• Planning and estimating
• Collaboration on constructability issues
• Clash detection and tracking

ACC connects MEP workflows, teams and data at every stage of construction. When project teams are connected through a single source of truth, an MEP business can collaborate securely, reduce risk and maximize efficiency. 

Those productivity gains translate to profits. Through data and visualization collaboration among all trades, BIM technology offers construction project stakeholders more precision and a better understanding of the project they are all striving to produce. 

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If you use BIM now or are considering it in the near future, check out the free new eBook by world-renowned Revit specialist Lance Kirby: “Avoiding the 7 Deadly Wastes in Your BIM Process.”

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