BIM guide for members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Autodesk® has prepared this guide to explain what Building Information Modelling (BIM) is and how it is used by your customers.

What is BIM?

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is used in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries to build better buildings, on time and on budget. BIM promotes the use of digital tools and data to collaboratively design, construct and delivery of an entire facility. This approach reduces the risks associated with traditional methods by ensuring the right people have access to the right information throughout the process. As a BIM project progresses an information model of the entire building is created and updated in real time, with all assets linked to the key data required to operate and maintain it effectively, including the products designed and manufactured by typical manufacturing businesses. Working in this way improves their ability to deliver to clients the building they want.

What are the benefits for design and manufacturing companies?

Providing customers with simplified objects and product data in a format that makes their job easier aligns you directly to their objective of driving efficiency, and improving the lifetime performance and management of their buildings. It makes products easier to specify and design in to projects much earlier, increasing your competitive advantage while helping you win more business, by making your company easier to do business with.

The value of BIM for building operators, housebuilders, contractors, retailers and designers is significant, and these organisations want to support their supply chains in delivering this capability. Making BIM a part of your process is now simple, low cost, and can provide a foundation for developing new revenue streams linked to lifetime use and operation.

Autodesk is working with numerous retail, housebuilding, public sector, and contractor clients to make it easier for manufacturers to engage with them. Increasingly, BIM will be a requirement for market access, and adopting best practice now will ensure you benefit.