Many cost professionals have asked BIM Architecture Training Network the same question: how can BIM technology be applied to cost management? Today, with insights from industry experts, I will explain this to you. Generally, there are three technical approaches to implementing cost management using BIM information:
1. API (Application Programming Interface): BIM software vendors provide a set of APIs alongside their software. Cost professionals or third-party developers can use these APIs to extract project information from the BIM model that is essential for cost estimation. This approach allows integration with existing cost management software and enables feedback on project changes or adjustments made within the cost management system to be reflected back into the BIM model. However, BIM software APIs are evolving rapidly, and updates to the API often require corresponding upgrades to applications that rely on them, which is an important consideration.
2. ODBC (Open Database Connectivity): ODBC is a database access method developed by Microsoft that operates independently of specific database management systems. Its programming flexibility allows exported data to be integrated with a wide range of applications, including cost management tools. Additionally, it supports reducing the complexity of BIM models. The main drawback is that changes in the database and BIM model are not synchronized automatically, requiring manual updates.
3. Data Files: Information sharing between BIM models and cost management software can also be achieved through various standard or proprietary data files, such as IFC. Publicly available data standards offer universality and broad compatibility, but they tend to be less efficient. Conversely, proprietary data standards often provide higher efficiency but at the cost of limited compatibility.
We hope this overview of how BIM technology can support cost management provides valuable insights and inspiration for cost engineers.
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