There are many BIM software options available today, each with different features. However, due to conceptual misunderstandings, many people are still unclear about what BIM truly entails. We must be cautious not to be misled by marketing tactics. Some tools claim to be BIM, while others never label themselves as BIM software. There are even software packages that are fully BIM but don’t clearly define what BIM is. Despite this confusion, some companies are the largest BIM service providers. When it comes to BIM training, most people remain uncertain about the concept, and those who have undergone training often remain confused. This has led to many being misled in various groups. Here, I will briefly explain the different types of BIM software.
Based on their functions, BIM software can be categorized into three main types:
1. Drawing-Based BIM
This category includes software like Autodesk Revit, which offers powerful inference capabilities. In fact, Autodesk acquired much of this technology. Today, when people say they understand BIM, most only know how to create drawings using Revit. This type of BIM application is essentially CAD with added 3D vector capabilities.
2. Specialty-Based BIM
There is a wide variety of software tailored to specific disciplines. For architecture, ArchiCAD—one of the first BIM software programs launched in the 1980s—is widely used. In China, Tianzheng Architecture and PKPM from the Chinese Academy of Building Research are popular for structural design. Although PKPM focuses on structure, it may be one of the most comprehensive BIM software systems globally. Despite some usability issues with its built-in graphics engine, it qualifies as a full-fledged BIM system.
Other specialties, such as acoustics, lighting, energy analysis, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and weak current systems, also have their own dedicated BIM tools. Budgeting and cost estimation software have gained prominence, with quantity calculation becoming a key feature. PKPM leads in this area, while Guanglian Da and Luban software are also active players. In terms of service providers, Crystal Stone Company, known for producing renderings in China, is among the largest suppliers. They use 3D modeling tools—mostly 3ds Max or other rendering-focused software—to create models for clients.
Autodesk offers several specialized software solutions for architectural, structural, and HVAC design, mostly built on the Revit drawing platform. In specialty BIM, if a vendor does not have its own drawing platform or graphics engine, it typically relies on third-party platforms like Autodesk’s CAD and Revit. While some manufacturers have developed their own graphics engines, this is a highly specialized field. To maintain core competitiveness, many vendors opt to use third-party engines instead of developing their own. This is similar to Autodesk’s approach: they excel in graphics engines but rely on acquisitions to enhance their professional software capabilities.
3. Management-Based BIM
This category focuses on facility management and full lifecycle management, an area in which I have extensive expertise. Unfortunately, this field has seen limited development in China, though it is well-established internationally. Currently, there is no domestic software in this category, but many foreign solutions exist. For example, Archibus from the United States is an industry leader. We have also discussed 2D BIM cases represented by Archibus.
Although management-based BIM can incorporate 3D models, it often questions the need for costly 3D visualization when it is unnecessary for certain management tasks.
The slow progress in facility management has contributed to widespread misunderstandings about BIM across the industry. During the CAD era, design institutes struggled with document and drawing management, and construction project management was often chaotic. Typically, after completion, property management companies (which only handle a small part of facility management) were hired for operations and maintenance. During renovations, decoration companies would recreate CAD drawings from scratch. This lack of continuity in CAD file management made full lifecycle BIM implementation nearly impossible.
Additionally, China hosts many providers of so-called construction project management portal systems. Buzzsaw, an Autodesk product, is a notable example of foreign software in this space.
That concludes today’s overview of the different types of BIM software. As project complexity continues to rise in China, I expect a surge of new BIM software solutions to emerge, much like mushrooms after rain.
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