In recent years, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology has rapidly advanced within the construction industry, thanks to its unique advantages. Its influence is profound, particularly in the cost management sector, where BIM has significantly accelerated industry development.
First, internationalization refers to the growing global competition within the cost management industry. As the sector expands into developed countries, it also opens China’s cost consulting market to international players, while foreign cost management firms enter China’s construction market. Despite China’s large-scale construction activities, many domestic projects involve government funding. The entry of foreign cost enterprises could significantly challenge China’s medium and large construction firms. This dynamic highlights competitiveness issues among Chinese construction companies and impacts government regulation, potentially transforming commercial and operational models within China’s construction industry. For instance, China’s current qualification management system across various construction sectors may face major changes after joining the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), potentially leading to the cancellation of some qualifications, since foreign firms often operate without such credentials.
Second, digitization is reshaping management methods. Although BIM has been introduced in China for over a decade, its application throughout the entire project lifecycle remains limited, mostly confined to specific stages. As digital technologies continue to evolve in the construction sector, engineering cost management will increasingly rely on digital tools and data-driven management approaches.
Third, industrialization of the construction process is gaining momentum. BIM enables the transformation of construction product manufacturing into a modern, industrialized production method. This transition depends on leveraging big data and establishing software platforms to create digital production lines, shifting building construction towards assembly line-style production. A key example of this industrialization trend is the growing adoption of prefabricated buildings.
Fourth, integration of implementation models is essential. Engineering cost consulting firms must grow stronger and expand their scale, attracting more specialized talent. Enhancing business capabilities to handle full-process engineering cost management and international services is critical. By cultivating consulting enterprises that meet international standards and excel in comprehensive engineering management, China can improve its current construction organization model and accelerate the adoption of general contracting through the intermediary role of consulting firms.
Fifth, aligning project objectives is crucial. The construction industry’s primary goal is to ensure the successful completion of every project. Success means speeding up progress, reducing costs, and maintaining quality and safety. Cost management must consider the impact of various factors on the construction process, including schedule, quality, safety, and environmental concerns, all of which influence overall costs. Current pricing methods, particularly quota-based pricing (which relies on static data), fall short in addressing these multidimensional factors.
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