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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/725835
20 October 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN CONSTRUCTION BIM provides a single source of the truth, edit an object in the plan view and it will automatically update all other views. the information is required. Only then can you make informed decisions regarding where and how you can deliver. There are two key aspects to BIM that need to be considered together: 1. Your BIM Implementation Plan (BIP). Rather than assuming you need to be BIM compliant, work out if and why you want to be, and what benefit it will bring to you as a business. Like any other business decision, it is recommended that you develop your own BIM Implementation Plan (BIP). This is your company's blueprint for introducing BIM over a period of time. It should align to your firm's business plan, the clients you wish to work with, and the nature of projects you wish to undertake. With each project, try to look for new "BIM wins," i.e. a new process, system, procedure, software purchase, training, etc., that can be introduced to move you along your BIM timeline. 2. The BIM Execution Plan (BEP). For each project there should be a BIM Execution Plan (BEP). This should be agreed to at the outset and define what BIM means for the project. This will define the standards being adopted, outputs required, when these should be supplied, and in what format — plus any supporting documentation. It may stipulate the software to be used, but in most cases this can be accommodated by imports and exports from existing software. Once you understand the outputs, you can review what changes are required to deliver them. Software It is true to say that many of the benefits described are only just starting to become available, and, I'm sure, many currently unknown benefits will emerge over time. As you will appreciate, BIM can't be achieved with paper, pen and cardboard, and you won't get there overnight. If you are serious about improving the way you work, wish to offer a better service to your clients, and want to produce better-performing landscapes, you will need to invest. As with BIM, start by looking at the outputs and services you want to deliver first. Second, step back and review your systems and processes to see where there are gaps. Third, consider what you need to bridge these gaps. Finally, consider what investment is required, not only in terms of software, hardware, systems, and training but also processes and over what timeframe. There are many BIM authoring tools available, but no single software will provide the complete solution, despite what software vendors would have you think. BIM is about understanding what you have to deliver, not how you deliver it, and so will require you to use a range of software and workflows to achieve the desired outcome. They say BIM a game changer. I believe it is. But, like all games, you need to start at the beginning, know where you need to end up, have a path to follow, and enjoy the journey. Mike Shilton is chartered member of the Landscape Institute, chair of the Landscape Institute BIM Working Group and product director at Keysoft Solutions, software developers of BIM enabling landscape design software.