Maximizing Construction Success Virtually

By Donnie Bogle-Boesiger - Senior Virtual Construction Specialist, J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc.
findorff.com

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In an age where digital dominates, how are the top construction companies utilizing new technology to enhance their communication and refine the construction process?

While many others in the construction industry lag when it comes to adopting new technology, Findorff has been investing in embedding construction technology into our workflows for over a decade. At the core of this innovation is Building Information Modeling (BIM).

BIM is a tool that allows project teams to input critical data throughout the project’s lifecycle into a 3D model. For many companies, BIM solves potential issues that could turn costly if they reach the field undetected.

Improving the Flow of Information
A construction project’s web of communication is a complex array of stakeholders, and can include Owners, Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, and Subcontractors. Each creates and documents information throughout the project’s life cycle, which is communicated to other stakeholders for input, clarifications, and implementation. Although this communication process may sound straightforward, there are many challenges, which can include:

• Lack of transparency between stakeholders
• Missing and inconsistent information
• Out of date information
• Disconnected data

To alleviate these challenges, utilizing BIM in the communication process can build the structure virtually before physically, providing a singular source of truth.

BIM-led planning process results in greater team trust
Technology in the construction sphere continues to evolve and is a vital part of the project cycle to mitigate risk, improve cost savings, and enhance communication.

Through the creation of this BIM-led communication process and issue resolution, the Virtual Design Construction (VDC) team is creating an opportunity to proactively solve issues compared to a conventional approach where issues may not be realized until after construction is underway. In addition, tradespeople are informed of pertinent information quicker than conventional communication method.

The future is now, and technology barriers in construction are being broken down, allowing for minimized risk and maximized success. Our VDC team at Findorff is eager to be a part of the evolution and continued impacts it will make in the industry, providing greater success and reward to our partners, clients, and customers.