BIM news and trends

This category offers you the latest news and trends regarding BIM technology

BIM outsourcing service providers
BIM news and trends

Researching BIM outsourcing service providers: 7 questions you should ask

Outsourcing BIM services has been an effective solution for many companies. However, the expertise and competency of the BIM provider could be a decisive factor for your project’s success. Choosing the right BIM company assists you to avoid project hassles at a later stage. So make sure that your expectations align with what the BIM partner offers.

To help you, we’ve sorted out a list of 7 questions to ask BIM outsourcing service providers about their BIM capability. Absolutely, these questions will assist you to decide if a BIM outsourcing provider fits your needs.

1. Question 1: How do you protect client data and NDA?

You should put your data security first and verify that your project data is safe with your BIM provider. Also, you can ask them to explain how they protect your project data. Commitment is an important factor so a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) should be signed. This ensures that all data and information you provided will be confidential. No one will disclose any information about the project to any third party without your prior consent.

What’s more, it’s essential to check its IT infrastructure system to guarantee your project data from destruction. Let’s take a look at some specifications relating to the server system, computer performance, or data client delivery.

2. Question 2: What type of projects do you execute?

A great way to evaluate BIM providers’ capabilities is to take a look at the real-life projects they implemented for their clients. You might get to know the different types of projects they are doing well. Some often focus on infrastructural projects whereas others specialize in building industries such as Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Healthcare, Educational, etc.

BIM outsourcing service providers

In this way, you can check if they are able to meet the industry requirements and current trends. As normal, most BIM companies often show off several executed projects on the website. Taking a look at their successful projects is also a great way so that you can explore their BIM services.

3. Question 3: Can you provide me a price range for your services?

Normally, BIM providers will not publish their pricing plans on their website. Thus, you will need to find out more about the price when reaching out to them. A note that low costs are not always the best deal. A trustworthy company will always quote an affordable price with the efforts.

In reality, some of our clients share that they are offered low prices by some BIM companies. Then when having already deployed several real-life projects, they are charged at a higher cost with the poor quality of the deliverables. This can tell you that low cost does not always guarantee the quality of the final models. Companies offering lower costs may lack the expertise or professional skill to create BIM models.

The price of a BIM project often varies depending on the scope of work, level of detail (LOD), tolerance, parameter, building technical components, etc. So if you want to define the exact cost, the best way is to send them a data file with a very clear BIM scope of work. You can do the same way to all BIM providers you’re considering. A comparison in cost and quality will assist you to make informed decisions.

Want to know about our quotations?

Please send us your project data, our BIM consultant will work with you and give you a budgetary quotation.



Question 4: How is your Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) process?

Quality is a vital part of any outsourced BIM projects. It is derived from all the steps of creating the BIM model to the deliverables of the project. This can affect the result of the final deliverables. So checking quality assurance and quality control should be considered in mind. You should ask BIM providers about how they have been conducting their Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) process. If the process is good, you can rest assured that you could get a high-quality BIM model. To help you get an understanding of the QA/QC process, we crafted the article Quality Assurance / Quality Control for Scan to BIM projects. Hope this will help you to know better.

Bonus: Quality Assurance/Quality Control process for Scan to BIM projects

Question 5: How will you communicate with the client?

Communication is another vital factor in any outsourced BIM projects. Let’s say, you’re working with a BIM provider. You send them the project requirements but there is always a delay to respond to your requests. What’s going to happen? It’s more likely that the project progress will not be on track. Thus, it’s necessary to clarify how the BIM provider communicates with you and how long they respond to your request.

Keeping a connection during the project is essential to ensure that you stay updated with your project. A BIM provider with prompt communication can be a good choice for you.

BIM outsourcing service providers

Question 6: What software do you specialize in?

There is much software that supports BIM modeling, so you can check what software the BIM provider often uses to create BIM models. Some are working with Autodesk platforms such as Revit, Naviswork, 360 BIM, Recap, or AutoCAD.

Besides, there is also some other BIM software including ArchiCAD, Vectorworks Architect, AllPlan, BIM Track, and more.

Question 7: Do you provide a pilot project so that we can check your capabilities?

A real-life experience is worth a thousand words. This also holds true when you are evaluating the capability of a BIM company. Most BIM providers commit to high-quality BIM services. But whether you should take their word for it. The best way is that you should have a first-hand experience of their capability. This allows you to assess their professionals’ skills, knowledge, strengths, a record of accomplishment, and technical expertise.

Let’s ask them for a small pilot project in order to check how they communicate with, commitment, and most importantly, the quality of BIM models.

Wrapping up

Before you make a final decision, make sure what the BIM provider offers is suitable for your expectations. We hope the 7 questions above will assist you to find the best-fit BIM provider for your needs.

If you want to ask these questions, feel free to let us know. We will send you the official introductions that help you get an understanding of ViBIM services.

ViBIM is a global provider of Building Information Modeling (BIM) services. We’ve had more than 5 years of experience and expertise in Scan to BIM services, 3D BIM coordination, BIM design, and Dynamo BIM services for clients in the UK, US.

Contact us today to get a quotation for your Scan to BIM projects

BIM outsourcing service providers
BIM news and trends

Best BIM outsourcing service providers 2021 that you can’t ignore

Using BIM has been shown to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of each phase. It’s the reason that BIM is becoming more popular in the construction industry. A number of professionals use BIM technology to design and build to create spaces that are smarter and more adaptable. But the correct implementation of this technology is not easy, so there are several companies out there that help everyone close the gap when implementing it.

#1: ViBIM

Overview

ViBIM is the global provider of high-quality BIM services with more than 6 years of BIM experience. They have executed lots of BIM-related projects for large clients in the UK, US, Australia, Japan. Their strengths are on-time delivery, high-quality products, and expert consultancy. ViBIM helps its client enhance the competitive edge by adding values to 3D BIM models. ViBIM serves perfectly for the building industries such as Commercial, Healthcare, Residential, Industrial Real State, Education, Institutional and Government.

BIM outsourcing service provider

Main services

ViBIM areas of expertise include:

  • Scan to BIM service;
  • BIM for Design Development service;
  • 3D BIM Coordination service;
  • Dynamo BIM service

The cost of these services will vary depending on the scope of work, LOD, and LOI requirements, and workload hour. A notable thing is that ViBIM offers a free trial of projects so that you can evaluate their capability. Just send them a small Pilot project. Their BIM experts will analyze your project demands and offer you a FREE trial so you can understand more about their expertise.

 

#2: Trimble MEP Division

Overview

Trimble MEP Division is a global firm that delivers complex solutions to transform workflow from digital to the physical world. They offer hardware and software solutions for MEP contractors and engineers. Several main industries they cater to are Agriculture, Building Construction, Transportation, Government, Rail, etc. Trimble MEP Division is located in more than 40 countries, along with a wide range of dealers and partners. With access to the largest library of manufacturers’ content, Trimble helps improve the whole design, build, and operation process.

BIM outsourcing service provider

Main services

Besides hardware and software solution, Trimble MEP Division provides you with two main services including:

  • 3D Laser Scan and Scan Modeling Services;
  • 3D Modeling Services.

Visit and contact Trimble MEP Division to get to know more about their pricing plan.

Bonus: How to evaluate BIM capability of a BIM outsourcing partner

#3: Karno Energy

Overview

Karno Energy provides the client with a comprehensive approach in the engineering systems, using renewable energy and advanced BIM technology. Their staffs comprise professional engineers and scientists who are passionate about “green energy”. They help the client solve complex problems related to a series of HVAC and plumbing systems. They use modern methods of 3D analysis (Revit, Naviswork, etc), and high-performance solutions.

Main services

They offer a number of BIM services from the initial stage of the project to its delivery. Their expertise includes:

  • Building Information Modeling (BIM) services
  • Architecture services;
  • Structural Engineering services;
  • Building Services Engineering services;

They offer competitively priced and affordable BIM services with much attention to every specification of their clients. Please visit their website and contact them to know more about the pricing plan.

 

#4: Sanveo

Overview

Sanveo specializes in BIM (Building Information Modeling) and VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) and advanced technology consulting services. They cater perfectly to industries such as Hospitals, Offices, Industrial Buildings, Data Centers, Specialized Buildings, and more. Sanveo strives to produce high-quality products, provide the clients with excellent services, and on-time delivery.

BIM outsourcing service provider

Main services

Sanveo offers the following main services:

  • BIM & VDC Solutions
  • Reality Capture & Laser Scanning
  • Electrical Engineering Services
  • Training & Staff Development
  • Advanced Technology Solutions

Access to Sanveo’s website to get to know more about their pricing plan.

Bonus: 7 points to look out for when selecting a BIM outsourcing partner

#5: Outsourcing BIM

Overview

BIM Outsourcing is a professional engineering company that focuses on bringing top BIM Level 2 services to the client in the UK and beyond. Their purpose is to use the most cutting-edge technological solutions to drive innovation. Help the clients gain the benefits of more efficient projects that save time and money. Their staff includes qualified professionals with experience in government, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

Main services

Their expertise includes some key services as below:

  • 3D BIM services
  • 3D Modeling from Point Cloud Data
  • Construction Drawings
  • BIM Clash Detection Services
  • BIM Virtual Reality Walkthrough

 

#6: TrueCADD

Overview

TrueCADD is a multi-disciplinary engineering organization that provides outsourcing CAD and BIM services for AEC. Their aim is to provide real-world practical solutions to aerospace, automotive, heavy engineering, building industries, and more. Their strengths are clear communication, project execution, and quality deliverables. They focus on serving the clients mainly coming from the USA, Canada, UK, the EU, the Middle East, and Australia.

Main services

TrueCADD provides the client with services such as:

  • BIM Modeling services;
  • Architectural design services;
  • Structural design services;
  • MEP BIM services;
  • 3D Visualization services;
  • Mechanical design services;
  • CPQ solutions;
  • CAD Drafting services;

 

#7: Global CAD

Overview

Global CAD is one of the UK BIM and CAD service providers with over 20 years of experience.
They specialize in delivering expert BIM services to BIM Level 2 and beyond. Global CAD owns skilled BIM and CAD technicians with extensive experience. They use Revit, Fabrication CADmep, and AutoCAD to model & coordinate MEP services, architecture, and structure. Global CAD can help the client meet all BIM and CA requirements, delivering to tight deadlines at an affordable price.

BIM outsourcing service provider

Main services

Global CAD offers the client with several key services as below:

  • BIM: BIM services, MEP Coordination, Architecture & Structure, Point Cloud Modeling, BIM Revit Families;
  • CAD: 2D CAD Drafting, 3D CAD Modelling, Record Drawings, Scan To CAD;
  • Render and Animations: Visualisations & Renders, Animations & Walkthroughs
    Survey: Measured Building Surveys, Topographic Surveys.

 

What are your options?

Those companies above are just some references that we have collected from our clients, and from BIM experts all around the world. We hope this article will help you get the best and smart decision to choose a BIM outsourcing service provider for your BIM projects.

Scan to BIM - best practices
BIM news and trends, Scan to BIM

Best Practices for effective Scan to BIM process

We all know that the Scan to BIM process can provide a good starting point for the next stages. When done right, the design team can use Scan to BIM models to process their design; building owners might utilize them to effectively manage future changes or renovations. It might be said that they are beneficial to all stakeholders throughout the lifecycle of a project. So this post will walk you through a number of best practices we’ve learned to make efficient Scan to BIM.

1. Identify the purpose of the Scan to BIM model

It’s necessary to identify what the intention of making a Scan to BIM model is. Reflect existing structures of a building? Provide the model for the design process? Or coordinate the MEP trades? What stage of the project the model will be used.

  • For the design process: Quite a few design teams are using Scan to BIM model to kick off and manage the process early. So if you want to assist the design stage, later sufficient information and functional 3D BIM models should be created;
  • For the construction stage: If this is the case, ask whether you need to create a 3D model for trade coordination. The model can be shared between stakeholders to know the exact intricate they can encounter;
  • For retrofit projects: Create an as-built model that reflects the exact existing conditions of a building with a very high level of detail.

Knowing the exact who the end-user of the Scan to BIM is will help optimize the model for usability.

2. Define the project scope

It’s extremely vital to be aware of the project’s scope before getting started implementing the project. You can create a checklist to help the client easily identify the scope of work. In this way, they will appreciate your consultancy and give you a chance to show your expertise. Also, the following questions help you dig deeper into their project:

  • What exactly is to be modeled?
  • What’s the Level of Detail (LOD) and Level of Information (LOI) required for the model?
  • How will the model be used for the project?
  • What’s the project schedule?

BIM outsourcing services

Identifying the exact project scope will help to create an accurate 3D model that meets your client’s specifications. Besides, providing a clear definition of the scope can bring opportunities and value at all stages of the project.

3. Determine the required deliverables

As mentioned above, the result of the Scan to BIM process can be used for various different purposes. So you have to identify the deliverables you want to meet your customer’s expectations. It might be the Architectural, Structural, and MEP Revit file of a specific Level of Detail (LOD) and Level of Information (LOI). In some cases, the client may require some of the different formats of the file. The deliverable can even provide added value to the end-user.

Point cloud to BIM services

4. Collect more data than you need

Once you understand the project scope, the deliverables required; it’s important to collect all the needed information. It’s much easier to collect that additional information while you’re there the first time. You can delete data if it’s redundant than go back to collect the missing information. Remember the motto “more is more”.

Scan to BIM - point cloud

5. Find an experienced Scan to BIM team

Partner with a team that understands BIM technology, the industry standards, and methods of the construction process can assure successful results. They should be able to give you a suitable solution for your goals. The team should have extensive knowledge and experience in executing the Scan to BIM projects for various countries such as the US, UK. This enables you to maximize value and minimize costs.

In conclusion

Scan to BIM is a key component of the BIM process so it’s essential to create high-quality BIM models that are of value to the next project stages. Stakeholders of a project – surveyors, project managers, building teams, engineers, and designers, and architects – can confidently collaborate and benefit from Scan to BIM.

If you’re interested in this topic and want to discover more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are ready to help you bring more value to your Scan to BIM projects.

BIM capability assessment
BIM news and trends

How to evaluate BIM capability of a BIM outsourcing partner

The demand for BIM outsourcing services is more and more increasing. This has led to the new entry of various BIM service providers. So it’s necessary to evaluate BIM partners in the pre-qualification and selection phase. Several criteria have been proposed for the BIM capability assessment of an organization. In the last article, we shared with you 7 points to consider when selecting a BIM outsourcing partner.

As mentioned in that article, understanding the BIM partner’s experience is extremely important. Thus, the purpose of this article is to help you know how you should evaluate the capability of the BIM provider you plan to select. What can BIM capability assessment you use? Let’s discover it in detail.

1. General content of BIM capability assessment

In general, the pre-qualification questionnaire can include a series of topics such as company details, policies, accreditations, quality, BIM, etc. However, this post will focus on helping you understand more the BIM capability assessment. Regarding BIM assessments, the reference is from CPIc – the Construction Project Information Committee. They provide the best practice in the construction industry throughout the UK.

To evaluate the BIM capability of an outsourcing partner, you might use CPIx BIM Assessment Form.

BIM capability assessment

2. Key BIM assessment questions

The CPIx BIM Assessment Form includes 4 main sections as below:

  • Gateway Questions: Including several questions related to BIM compliance;
  • Areas of BIM: This section helps you get to know their BIM partner’s main expertise;
  • BIM Project Experience: You will have an opportunity to dig deeper into BIM projects what they’ve executed for the client;
  • BIM Capability Questionnaire: This section will help you identify training, coaching, and support required to BIM partners you plan to select.

The content of the BIM Competency Questionnaire depends on the requirements of each project. However, it usually includes some key content such as:

  • Do they have a BIM standard? How many projects have they executed? What was the scope of the project? What types of BIM services have they provided?
  • What is the technology solution they’re using for each discipline?
  • How many people are there in their company? How skilled are they?

In addition to BIM Execution Plan, the Construction Project Information Committee (CPIc) also provides you with three templates to evaluate BIM capability.

BIM capability assessment
Later, you can use a chart of National Institute Building Sciences. Fill in the criteria, and will have a complete BIM capability assessment.

BIM capability assessment

3. In conclusion

BIM capability assessment can help you understand more about the experience of your prospect BIM partner. Also, you should feel free to ask any question you’re wondering about their experience and capability. You may also feel confident that you will find out a trusted and reliable partner such as ViBIM. Then, you can leverage the partner’s expertise to deliver BIM for you. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

Bonus: Best BIM outsourcing service providers 2020

BIM outsourcing parners
BIM news and trends

7 points to look out for when selecting a BIM outsourcing partner

Outsourcing BIM services reveal a dramatically increasing trend because of the high demand for BIM services. It has proven to be an efficient and feasible solution that enables companies to save time and effort. However, selecting the right BIM partner is extremely important to the success of your project.

So, how should you choose the BIM outsourcing partner?

Someone prioritizes low costs over everything. However, we think accessing every aspect of a BIM outsourcing partner like their experiences, staff, pricing models, quality standards, commitment, IT infrastructure system is essential. Choosing a trusted and reliable partner helps avoid construction hassles and project risk at the next project stage. We have come up with 7 points to look out for when selecting a BIM provider to help you make the right decision.
If you are looking for outsourcing BIM services, you should follow these points below to avoid serious problems.

Here are 7 points to look out for when selecting a BIM partner

1. Be aware of BIM partner’s ability

The first thing you should do is to check and clearly understand the BIM outsourcing partner’s experience. You might list a series of questions to collect the necessary information. For example, how many projects have they executed? What was the scope of the project? What types of BIM services have they provided?
These questions will help you know how expertise the potential partner is. There are several ways to check the BIM partner’s experience:

  • Request their company portfolio and go into details on what types of services they have provided, the scope of projects executed, staffs, industries they served, IT infrastructure system, etc;
  • Visit the company’s website, read reviews, and customer success stories. Dig deep into the kind of projects successfully delivered by the BIM partner you plan to select;
  • Look at their social media profiles such as Linkedin, or Twitter;
  • Contact and request a trial to understand more their capability. Check the quality checklists such as BIM protocol, families, templates and standards;

For example, if you are a 3D laser scanning company and looking for someone to help you with Scan to BIM requirements, a BIM outsourcing service provider with the fine “Point cloud to BIM” experience is appropriate.

ViBIM owns a team of over 20 talents that include BIM consultants, architects, MEP engineers, and modelers. We focus on high-quality BIM products, on-time delivery, and long-term relationships. We specialize in Scan to BIM, 3D BIM Coordination, BIM Design Development, and Dynamo services for building industries.

2. Do they keep a high commitment?

The BIM partner you select should deliver your project on time because it can impact your later project stages. To check their commitment, you might refer to reviews of the company, client testimonials, or case studies to determine if they deliver on time. Work together with a company that keeps promises you will get a successful project.
BIM outsourcing services

3. Do they have quality standards?

Checking the quality assurance and quality control processes of your BIM outsourcing partner is necessary. Having quality standards will help them create accurate and high-quality 3D BIM models. Thus, you ask your BIM outsourcing partner about adequate quality standards and quality check processes. At ViBIM, we always provide a comprehensive quality checklist that will clarify the scope of work, the detailed requirement of projects, the Level of Details (LOD), and the Level of Information (LOI) before commencement. It helps customers and us have the same understanding of the scope of projects and requirements in detail.

BIM outsourcing services
BIM outsourcing services

4. Be efficient and quick in communication

Communication is crucial to the success of BIM projects. So, your BIM outsourcing partner should be able to listen to and fully understand all your requirements. Their team also needs to respond quickly to you on every channel, even in a different timezone. Besides, it shall be better if having a project manager who can follow and keep your project on track.

5. Find out their pricing plans

In reality, lots of BIM providers offer a low hourly rate to gain clients. However, cheap BIM outsourcing services do not always assure the efficiency and the quality of the final deliverable. BIM requires lots of time and effort. A reliable BIM provider will always offer a worth price with their ability.

Be careful with companies that offer a low price. They can lack experience or the necessary skills to create BIM models. These things can lead to the poor quality of BIM deliverables. Selecting a BIM partner that is not skilled and experienced can risk your project.

Please clarify their pricing models before making a decision. The pricing plans can vary on the type of BIM services and scope of work. For example, a BIM outsourcing partner can apply an hourly rate for Scan to BIM or BIM design services. But a lump-sum price can be appropriate to 3D BIM coordination.

6. Request a pilot project to understand more

A trial project is an opportunity for you to assess the capabilities of a BIM outsourcing service provider. You can request a pilot project to know more about their skills, knowledge, strengths, and weaknesses. With first-hand experience, you have a chance to verify the credibility of BIM providers you find out before.

To help everyone to evaluate our expertise, we offer a free trial of BIM services. Just send us a small pilot project. Our BIM experts will analyze your project demands and offer you a FREE trial so you can understand more about our capability.

7. How do they handle confidential information?

Confidentiality is one of the crucial factors when outsourcing BIM services. So signing a non-disclosure and intellectual property agreement are vital. It makes sure that nobody discloses any data and information about the project.

Besides, you should also check the IT infrastructure system of BIM outsourcing BIM providers. A well-developed IT system will help to protect your project data from destruction and other losses.

In conclusion

Selecting a BIM outsourcing partner is not an easy task. It does not just stop enough qualifications since BIM projects require extensive collaboration and communication. No matter what BIM outsourcing services you look for are, choosing the right outsourcing partners is vital. It will benefit your companies now and in the future.

If you’re looking for someone to handle all the 7 points above, then we can help you. Drop us an inquiry, and we will gladly assist you.