Embracing BIM for construction is easier than you think

Yet, BIM adoption is moving slowly, particularly in Belgium. By comparison, countries like the Netherlands, Germany and the UK are miles ahead, partly because construction companies must use BIM to participate in public tenders. Similar legislation in Belgium is still in progress, but companies can get ahead of the game and switch voluntarily. As adoption grows worldwide, BIM has proven key to the success of leading construction companies and SMEs working on large-scale projects by cutting costs and preventing construction errors.

The benefits of BIM

More than technology, BIM is a method for collaborative working. It provides a virtual representation of a model and allows parties involved in a construction project to communicate efficiently and share information. What often scares SMEs is the fact that BIM uses 3D models. Yet, working in 3D offers many benefits and significantly reduces the number of errors on the construction site. Imagine you want to move a beam one meter to the right, and then the columns underneath must follow. A 3D model makes it possible to see a modification's impact on many other elements in real time. In contrast, 2D offers a snapshot that provides limited insights into design changes and their consequent impact.

Does this mean that 2D is unimportant in the era of BIM? Actually, drawing in 2D remains a valuable skill. While 3D requires more preparation, 2D drawings are often the best way to represent something quickly and directly. Additionally, knowledge of interpreting 3D models on-site is still somewhat limited, making it useful if you can easily translate a 3D model into a 2D variant. Even if your focus is still on 2D, putting a 3D model alongside and seeing how everything comes together can be worthwhile. The result? Fewer errors, less time wasted, and lower costs.

Combine 2D and 3D

Imagine a seamless flow between 2D drafting and 3D modeling. Is it possible? With the right software, you control the degree of integrating 3D modeling into your 2D workflow. The right software also allows you to build your path to full-on 3D BIM projects at your own pace. A platform like BricsCAD^® gives you exactly that: a safe base to start exploring BIM with minimum effort and training. Enjoy the flexibility to quickly switch back to 2D or translate 3D models into a 2D variant. And even if you want to model certain aspects of a project in 3D, this can be done easily with the right software solutions, like BricsCAD^® BIM.

Simply put, BIM is becoming a must-have for every construction company, and it doesn’t take a big change to adopt. Get the best of both worlds with 2D and 3D and save time and money for your next big idea: Discover BricsCAD^® BIM.

About Bricsys^®

Bricsys^®, part of Hexagon, is the global technology company that creates the BricsCAD^® family of computer-aided design (CAD) products and the Bricsys^® 24/7 project collaboration platform. We are committed to the success of our customers by offering cost-effective, mission-critical CAD software with industry-leading product support. Learn more at bricsys.com.

Hexagon is a global leader in digital reality solutions. Learn more about Hexagon (Nasdaq Stockholm: HEXA B) at hexagon.com and follow us @HexagonAB.