Counterpoint: Slow BIM Adoption

On Thursday, I posted about McGraw-Hill's report at BIMForum about the increasing use of BIM.  And I stated that we would tend to agree, based on interaction with our clients and observation of the industry in our area.

Ironically, I came across the article "Industry slow to adopt new construction modeling software", posted on MiBiz on Saturday, which argues the benefits of BIM and laments the slow rate of BIM adoption in western Michigan.

Without reversing my previous stance—that we see an acceleration towards BIM—I agree with this author as well.  Unlike the supertall, hospital, aviation, and stadium projects that are obvious beneficiaries of a BIM workflow, it's a simple fact that there are places and situations where the business case just isn't very strong.  For example, in a small town, where budgets are low and timeframes are long, it may not be necessary or even realistic to shake up the time-worn design and construction processes.  The benefits of the BIM process will trickle down to those areas eventually, but there is less of an immediate need to change.

Image courtesy www.structuremag.org

I believe it remains a matter of small firms keeping their eyes open, doing their homework, and preparing to make the move when the time is right.  An interviewee states in the article, "At some point (BIM) is going to be the norm on every project...", but he adds "...you can get away with not having or using it right now."  Well said.