The Present Scenario of Building Information Modeling in India

Building information modeling (BIM) is the construction technology that is overhauling the process of work in the construction industry worldwide. Well, to India it is yet to pick up a rapid popularity to people engaged in construction (architects to contractors). BIM is for increasing work efficiency, saving time and resources. BIM is for improving coordination through design and virtual building capabilities (3D representation is one things to name only). BIM is to create atmosphere where clients, designers, material producers and construction companies can work together with a supreme target of producing exact desired output.

In India BIM experts like to name it as virtual design and construction (VDC). India is having a booming market for large scale residential and commercial development. It is having its qualified, trained and experienced BIM professionals who are implementing this technology but the percentage of acceptance is not that wide compared to global scenario.

However some of the BIM platforms are gaining huge popularity for their benefits to the construction industry. Let’s see why its BIM solutions are highly suitable for Indian construction industry.

We can start with a quick look at some research reports showing what the scenario of India is in acceptance of BIM.

The cost factor: Construction sector is second largest industry contributing to the Indian economy but very high cost to use BIM prevents Indian industries to adopt this technology fast. A survey done by RICS and KPMG found that

• 22% of respondent currently use BIM
• 27% respondent reported that they are aware and actively considering BIM usage
• 43% respondents claimed to be aware of BIM but are not sure about implementing
• Additionally 8% respondents are not aware of BIM

Slowly some BIM service firms are providing its clients the most affordable BIM services. So costing is no issue for the clients in India. The lack of technical expertise: It is a fact that construction industry is trying to spend the money but mushrooming BIM service providers who lack technical expertise doing the most harm. The professionals who don’t know how to use BIM cheating the industry with cheap costing offers. Once the construction companies are trapped, they produce low graded output. This creates the bad impression about the Indian firms who are providing BIM services.

Lack of Holistic service – It is a fact that lower demand from the industry, or lack of government initiatives to encourage use of BIM has made a large part of construction industry (43%) unwilling to take it seriously. However, there is another situation that should not be neglected. When any construction company wants total BIM services, they do not find it from most of the firms. While one firm is expert at Architectural BIM part, other is on Mechanical BIM. This annoys the firms as they feel it time consuming and budget wise not fitting.

To conclude, it can be said that a few genuine firms are trying to change the scenario of BIM acceptance in India but still there is long way to go. These are just three major constrains discussed. There are others to be resolved. Skills of employees can be improved, myths about BIM can be changed and the overall lethargic attitude of professionals towards validating the facts can be changed if Indian government tries its share in encouraging BIM usage in construction industry by some mandate. The government can take initiative to introduce BIM in education institution to make Indian Real Estate industry compatible with current global trends. Many things can be done when everyone is willing.

Now tell me are you ready to accept BIM? Can you ask the construction company if they have used BIM to develop structurally most perfect residential or commercial buildings that you are trying to buy?

 

 

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