Commentary: Why We Need Key Performance Indicators to Judge BIM Success
Almost daily we read articles from suppliers, consultants, influencers and digital pioneers who say they are leading development of building information modeling. They claim to bring exciting news and visions about breakthrough technologies capable of transforming engineering and construction firms built on a 1960s-based business model into lean, smart and efficient enterprises. Too often purported breakthroughs are proposed in seminars where BIM is sold as the key to success and to real efficiency. Yet there is no evidence of such progress.
The industry’s problems remain the same. According to studies by construction management consultant FMI Corp., 30% of projects do not meet schedule or budget, 11% of construction costs are spent on rework, and 92% of project owners say architectural drawings are insufficient for construction. Why has BIM not changed everything—and improved productivity—and why does such a powerful innovation not change the way we build? One reason is that the promotional presentations fail to mention that real know-how is needed to gain all that can be gained with BIM.