BIM technology is set to become the universal platform for future buildings, playing a role throughout the entire engineering lifecycle. However, when designers create BIM models, they often overlook the specific requirements for cost management. They typically include only the information needed for design and the owner’s requirements, without considering the data essential for cost management.
Cost professionals typically approach BIM-based cost management in two ways:
First, by adding specialized cost management information directly into the BIM model provided by the designer;
Second, by extracting existing project data from the BIM model or linking it with existing cost management information.
The first approach is highly integrated, offering the advantage that design changes can automatically update costs, and vice versa. Cost adjustments can also be reflected back into the design model. However, this method can lead to increasingly large BIM models that may exceed hardware capabilities and demands strong collaboration among designers, constructors, cost managers, and other stakeholders, making implementation challenging.
The second approach is more loosely connected and easier to implement from a software perspective. Its downside is the lack of synchronization: design changes do not automatically update costs, and cost changes do not affect designs, often requiring repeated manual work.
Integration between BIM and cost software can be achieved through the following methods:
1. API (Application Programming Interface): BIM software provides APIs that allow third-party applications to access BIM model data, integrate with cost software, and even facilitate data transfer back from cost software to BIM.
2. ODBC (Open Database Connectivity): This database access technology enables exported data to be integrated with various applications. However, synchronization between the BIM model and database changes is not automatic and requires manual updates.
3. IFC Standard Data Format: Public data standards like IFC offer universality but typically have lower efficiency compared to proprietary formats.
In summary, these are the main ways BIM technology and cost software intersect. Opinions vary, but I hope this overview proves helpful to everyone!
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