When discussing the application value of BIM in cost management, many people focus on its ability to enhance cost accuracy, improve efficiency, and realize comprehensive cost control. However, from my perspective, the following aspects are particularly significant for achieving full information integration throughout the entire engineering lifecycle.
1. Real-time BIM Database
The core technology of BIM is a database generated from computer-based 3D models. The information within this database continuously evolves throughout the building’s lifecycle. As construction progresses and market conditions fluctuate, relevant personnel update the BIM data, allowing all stakeholders to access the latest information. This data includes quantities of any component, market prices of materials, design modifications, and changes caused by project adjustments.
Throughout the project lifecycle—from investment planning and design to construction and completion—all relevant cost data can be stored on a BIM-based backend server. Whether during construction or post-completion, stakeholders can parameterize this data to extract the specific engineering information they require.
BIM serves as a timely and shared data platform, enhancing communication by enabling project managers and cost specialists to promptly and accurately retrieve essential engineering data. This real-time capability significantly improves the accuracy of cost data, elevating cost management quality and preventing issues commonly seen in traditional cost models, such as market disconnects and repeated price revisions.
2. BIM for Resource Planning
Leveraging the BIM database helps project managers create reasonable resource plans, including funding and scheduling. By quickly building a 3D project model with BIM software and assigning time-related information to each component, automated quantity calculations can be performed to measure physical work volumes.
This allows workloads to be broken down by any time period, subproject, or specific task duration. Combining this with labor, material, and machinery cost data stored in the BIM system enables detailed cost analysis for any segment or timeframe.
As a result, project schedules, funding plans, and resource allocations can be developed swiftly and accurately. This process improves cost control, facilitates efficient cost and schedule analysis, and ultimately elevates the overall management level of the project.
That concludes today’s discussion on the application value of BIM in cost management. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s continuation.
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