Why BIM?

In more advanced usage of BIM we talk about the concept of Product Models that even further improve data management and quality of the information and increases control of all processes. BIM is short for Building Information Model and as such a lot of emphasis should be put on the word information. From this central Building Information Model or product model, architects and consultants can work together, share data, check for inconsistencies, clashes and better work together. All drawings are basically an automatic output from the information model; all plans, sections & elevations are generated automatically and are kept updated all the time.

BIM models can also be used for estimations and a bill of materials can be generated. Automatic door and window schedules, as with room lists are generated. It all allows for more focus on the actual design part for the architect.

More and more tools allow for more advanced calculations and simulations, like sunlight and shadows, energy and carbon dioxide, airflow and sound simulations. This creates a higher demand on the OBJECTS in the model that Architects and Engineers use to populate their BIM model with. Very quickly you come to a point where manufacturers actual product specific data, is crucial to be able to generate the correct visualisation, functional analysis and accurate calculations of energy.