Cost engineers leverage BIM in various ways to calculate project quantities, but no single BIM tool offers a comprehensive set of cost calculation features. As a result, cost engineers must choose the most suitable approach based on the specific project requirements. Generally, there are three primary methods:
1. Connecting BIM Software with Cost Budgeting Software via APIs: This approach uses application programming interfaces (APIs) to establish a link between BIM software and cost budgeting systems. APIs serve as agreements that enable communication between different components of both systems. Through a direct API interface, quantity data is imported from the BIM software into the cost budgeting software. The cost engineer then integrates this data with other relevant information to perform cost calculations. Examples of cost accounting software using this method include products from manufacturers like S.COST and Innovaya.
2. Accessing BIM Databases Directly via ODBC: Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) provides a proven, data-centric way to integrate applications. This method involves using ODBC to directly access the BIM software’s database. Required calculation data is extracted from the building model and reorganized according to the cost budgeting system’s calculation methods to generate quantity information. Unlike the API-based approach, ODBC requires a clear understanding of the BIM database’s structure. Therefore, cost budgeting software that relies on ODBC—such as CostX or ITALSOFT—typically integrates with widely used BIM platforms like Revit.
3. Exporting Data to Excel: Most BIM software today includes automatic quantity calculation functions and can export these quantities in standardized formats. The most common method among cost engineers is to export extracted quantities into Excel spreadsheets for summary and further calculations. Compared to the previous two methods, this approach is more practical and user-friendly. However, it requires a highly standardized BIM modeling process, with clearly defined components to ensure the accuracy of quantity calculations.
It is important to note that none of these methods is inherently superior or inferior. The choice depends on the cost calculation software, workflows, and pricing databases used by the company. Selecting the right BIM cost calculation strategy based on the organization’s business characteristics and habits is essential to maximize BIM’s potential and improve project efficiency.
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