The Criticality of Project Delivery to Sustainability

Change on the AEC Horizon?

 The ability to meet sustainability and carbon footprint goals in the non-residential buildings sector will require the implementation of robust business processes, the integration of core industry knowledge domains, and the deployment of supporting technologies.

Major productivity gains within the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector can be achieved by the complementary processes and technologies of 4D/5D Building Information Modeling (BIM), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Job Order Contracting (JOC), which provide the requisite framework for building trust, collaboration, and increased productivity – from project conceptualization thru construction and subsequent operations/maintenance.

 While the success of these process and technology tools is dependent upon fundamental changes in the AEC sector, the critical  issues of global warming, diminishing natural resources, and the dynamics of an altered world economy will help to speed adoption.

via www.4clicks.com, leading cost estimating and construction delivery management software provider for JOC, SABER, IPD, SATOC, MATOC, MACC, POC, IDIQ, BOA ….

Why BIM should be renamed BIMM – The Value of BIM

BIM should should have been can BIMM – Building Information Modeling and Management. The emphasis upon 3D is silly, and the focus upon 3D replacing 2D is equally misdirected.

Products like Revit and Archicad are only relatively small components of a BIM solution.  BIM is a process embedded within and support by digital technology that enables more efficient cradle-to-grave management of the built environment.

Owners, contractors, A/E’s, oversight groups, and communities will all benefit from BIM relative to the management and usage of the built environment.

As many say, the “I” in BIM is the critical aspect.  Defensible, accessible, transparent, accurate and re-usable information is the true value of BIM.

Integration of BIM and Business Strategy

Integration of BIM and Business Strategy

MPM-Harris-Capstone1

(2010, Joe Harris, Masters of Project Management Program, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,  McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science,  Northwestern University Evanston )

Abstract

BIM is the newest technological innovation in the construction industry, and companies are trying to adopt the best practices of this new technology. The industry is moving towards better implementation of BIM technologies. Best Practice for the implementation of Building Information Modeling include: the integration of the project team, leveraging the current capabilities of BIM, and moving forward with an open mind.

Executive Summary

Building Information Modeling, BIM, and Integrated Project Delivery, IPD, are two of the fastest growing trends in the construction market. They are quickly replacing the older systems of computer aided design, or CAD, and other delivery methods such as lump sum.

Building Information Modeling is the future of the industry and staying ahead of the curve takes time, effort, and innovation. However, because the technologies are still in the early development stages they are not being utilized to their full potential. That being said, BIM technologies need to broaden the horizons of the current applications and be simplified for the everyday user.

Current BIM examples tend to be virtual models of buildings for the purpose of supporting the design, and construction phases of the built environment.

The future of BIM modeling is to expand the information model to include more of the life cycle phases (property valuation, operations and maintenance, sustainability), to integrate the program controls, and to standardize information management so that meanings are clear and consistent.

While all answers regarding Building Information Modeling are still up for debate, there is no argument that the BIM process is gaining momentum, and to stay ahead of the curve research and development are necessary.

Investments need to be thoroughly researched on a case by case basis, but the return on quality, time, cost, and marketability are becoming evident.

One answer is clear; BIM is becoming the new standard and will result in tremendous change for everyone involved in the construction industry.

Introduction

My objective in this capstone report is to examine the current uses of Building Information Modeling technologies, and then showcase the industry’s shortsightedness in applying BIM. I will show how communication is the most effective tool within BIM, and propose strategies to better implement the current technologies.

Building Information Modeling is defined as:

. . .the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction. The process produces the Building Information Model (also abbreviated BIM), which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components. 1

BIM is a new communication tool, process, and technology in project delivery and is also known as computer-integrated project delivery because computers have helped drive the integrated project delivery methods.

However, I feel that using integrated project delivery is shortsighted because the construction industry as a whole should take a more comprehensive look at how BIM can contribute through the “whole life-cycle” of the program to communicate the design, construction, operations and maintenance of the facilities, as well as financial information during the life cycle of the facility.

Some types of buildings, such as hospitals are considered to make good case studies in showing how BIM strategies can be implemented due to their complexity of systems. In a recent case study of Sutter Medical Center in Castro Valley, California the project team used an Integrated Project Delivery method, which it defined as:

. . a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to reduce waste and optimize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication and construction. IPD principles can be applied to a variety of contractual arrangements and IPD teams will usually include members well beyond the basic triad of owner, designer and contractor. At a minimum, though, an integrated project includes tight collaboration between the owner, architect/engineers, and builders ultimately responsible for construction of the project, from early design through project handover.2

BIM and IPD are currently being used in a shortsighted way because they could support a better method of controls and communication that is Integrated Program Controls (IPC). Integrated Project Delivery stops once the building is turned over to the owner, but Integrated Program Controls would last throughout the life cycle. Currently, most owners and project teams use a number of different applications to communicate data, financial information, project information and all internal communication that needs to occur during typical business functions. BIM should be the central application.

Current BIM examples tend to be virtual models of buildings for the purpose of supporting the design, and construction phases of the built environment. Used within this scope, BIM speaks primarily to architects, engineers, estimators, constructors, and owners as they participate in the new-building development process. The future of BIM modeling is to expand the information model to include more of the life cycle phases (property valuation, maintenance and operations, sustainability), to integrate the program controls, and to standardize information management so that meanings are clear and consistent. This expanded scope definition will make BIM useful to a wider community and prove that the construction industry can make progress in regards to its’ shortsighted implementation of BIM.

To show how BIM can be used in this expanded scope, this paper first will look at the history of BIM and then explain the planning, construction and operation phases of Building  Information Modeling. Next, the paper will demonstrate how businesses can communicate more efficiently through the use of BIM. After that, the paper will focus on how and where to move forward with Building Information Modeling. Finally, the paper will conclude by explaining how all of these elements can come together with BIM to help develop and manage a company’s strategic plan. The final objective of this research is to show the need for a platform that combines all business sectors into one source including all business function and levels (business, functional, and corporate). By integrating marketing, engineering, operations, finance and information technology, companies can operate more efficiently, reduce rework and improve interoperability, or ability of one system to work with another.

Research shows that interoperability at this time is in great need of improvement. In August 2004, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology published a report entitled Cost Analysis of Inadequate Interoperability in the U.S. Capital Facilities Industry, which concluded that, in a conservative estimate, the U.S. capital facilities industry loses $15.8 billion annually as a result of inadequate interoperability due to “the highly fragmented nature of the industry, the industry’s continued paper based business practices, a lack of standardization, and inconsistent technology adoption among stakeholders.”

The report also said this about BIM: “Recent exponential growth in computer, network, and wireless capabilities, coupled with more powerful software applications, has made it possible to apply information technologies in all phases of the building/facility life cycle, creating the potential for streamlining historically fragmented operations.”3 By creating a central platform and Integrating Program Controls problems with interoperability should be reduced and the industry will become more efficient.

4d 5d BIM and COBIE – What you should know?

Some government agencies, such as the Veterans Administration (VA) now require the use of COBIE.

VA has adopted COBIE as the methodology to electronically transfer building information after construction is complete for facilities management. The COBIE spreadsheet (see COBIE2 Template) is part of the U.S. National Building Information Model Standard (NBIMS).

Third-party utilities facilitate the automatic creation and transfer of some data between BIM and a COBIE spreadsheet via IFC files as an intermediate stage, and some BIM software may include creation of and data transfer to the spreadsheet directly without making use of intermediate IFC files.

Where possible, automatic means should be used to create and fill in the COBIE spreadsheet.

The Design/Construction Team shall consult their BIM software vendor(s) for the most current COBIE utilities. However, the completed COBIE worksheets will also contain some information that is entered manually into the electric file, either because the information currently cannot be conveniently extracted from the BIM or because it does not reside in the BIM.

The Design/Construction Team is encouraged to provide as much information in COBIE as is known at the time of the deliverable. The required worksheets in COBIE will be filled out in step with the LoD and Design Phases (see Object Element Matrix).

The Design/Construction Team(s) shall submit the most current version of the COBIE spreadsheet with other required deliverables at each Project Phase.

With CD deliverables, the COBIE-4- Type and Component worksheets are required. These fields provide component Name, Description, and Creation Date. The medical equipment listed in the VA-SEPS-PFD export shall be noted on the COBIE spreadsheet.

VA also requires sustainability related testing.

Virtual Testing and Balancing

The VA requires virtual testing and balancing of the architectural model to support sustainable building systems design and analysis. Room data can be read from the linked architectural model to create mechanical spaces (each space is the same as the room in the architectural model). Multiple spaces are joined to create zones. This data can used to calculate native heating and cooling analysis that is built into the MEP software or exported using gbXML to an external analysis application such as eQuest, Trane/Trace, or DOE based analysis programs. AEs can then bring this data back within the model to check their work. One of the methods is to create a Space/Room schedule that will show calculated air flow vs actual air flow. See figure below. All air flows can be checked for load balance to the terminal box and all the way back to the air handling units. Check with MEP modeling software companies for additional information.

-1- Additional space engineering criteria will be added over time.

-2- With the exception of “Army_Cat,” “Navy_Cat,” and “USAF_Cat,” which can be removed.

-3- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire protection (MEPF)

-4- www.wbdg.org/pdfs/cobie_spreadsheet.pdf

-5- Generally this is weekly

-6- Fixtures, Furniture, & Equipment (FFE)

BIM Applications

At a minimum, BIM shall be used for the following applications:

7.1 Space and Medical Equipment Validation

VA-SEPS Data Required in BIM: VA uses the Space and Equipment Planning System (VA-SEPS), which is a data based planning tool shared by the VA, U.S. Navy, Army, and Air Force to create a Program for Design (PFD). Information regarding medical need requirements is entered to generate the space requirements and medical equipment associated with that space for a particular project. The output of VA-SEPS is a PFD containing a list of rooms (spaces) and medical equipment, with their identifying computer codes used to associate and track this information through design and construction.-1- Some of these codes will ultimately be imported into the facility management software to provide VA with the ability to manage, track, and report on VA’s spatial inventory, medical equipment, and building equipment. In addition, the BIM software will automatically assign a unique GUID to spaces which will identify each individual space.

The BIM is required to capture this space and equipment data in the BIM model. All BIM modeling must preserve the field name designations and text values found in the VA-SEPS BIM export files.-2- To do this, the final PFD for each project must be electronically exported from the VA-SEPS database for import and reuse in BIM. A spreadsheet export can be obtained in VA-SEPS by going to the Selection Tree and clicking on Select a Project, then choosing the proper project. Then on the sub-menu, select Export Project Data to BIM. This will create a MS Excel file with the associated data codes, which can then be imported into the BIM software’s “space” tool and equipment data into “elements” or “objects” tools appropriate to the particular BIM software, or the data can be linked in a database external to the BIM software. Medical spaces and medical equipment shall be derived from the model and validated against the PFD electronically at each submittal stage.

Note that if the original PFD was not developed using VA-SEPS or if new spaces are added during the design process, then a new VA-SEPS-PFD export must be created to obtain the proper codes.

7.2 Architecture—Spatial and Material Design Models

The timing of the Level of Development (LoD) required for elements(s) or systems(s) will be dependent entirely upon the project execution strategy used for the project, as the deliverables and their timing will be different for DBB than for DB or IDP.

The Object Element Matrix shows the evolution of the architectural spatial model as it is refined during the design process as the project progresses toward construction. As materials and components are selected, generic assemblies shall be assigned material properties, sizes, sustainability credits tracked, and other specific component information defined to clearly identify building features such as walls, floors, roofs, doors, and windows. The program space requirements shall be modeled in the spatial model and validated electronically against the PFD at each stage of the project and submitted with the required deliverables.

7.3 Energy Analysis

Energy simulation and life-cycle cost calculations shall be based on information extracted directly from BIM and validated by energy modeling. The models shall be created to a Level of Development (LoD) and quality as required to perform an energy analysis appropriate for the phase and decision requirements of the project. When internal spaces are defined, they shall be modeled with internal environment parameters for early MEP design.

Design Teams shall utilize energy modeling and sustainable design software that extracts BIM data to the appropriate file format for the analysis tool.

7.4 Design Visualization for Communication, Functional Analysis, and Constructability

BIM provides the opportunity to build a virtual building and to virtually test that building for functionality during design. This allows project stakeholders to see and understand design solutions that represents reality so they can work towards improving the building design before construction starts. VA is open to innovation and encourages the Design Team to find efficiencies and uses for BIM to enhance communication for the project. At a minimum, the model shall be integrated into design reviews, review submittals, and 3D construction documentation views. Areas that would benefit from the use of 3D imagery and fly-throughs during the design process and during construction shall be identifed and noted in the BMP(s).

Visualization tools refer to animations, fly-throughs, static 3D renderings, 4D process sequencing, and other techniques to assist decisionmaking and comprehension. It should be noted that even though the BIMs contain most of the source information needed for visualization, they may require further refinement in specific animation and visualization software to accomplish the intended results.

During design, special consideration must be given to medical staff and maintenance issues. At a minimum, BIM shall be used to validate:

• Nurses’ walking distances
• Nurse-station sightlines
• Process areas where timing and volume may be problemmatic (such as patient queuing for waiting rooms and pharmacy, pharmacy delivery routes/timing
• Supply, Processing, & Distribution (SPD)
• Animations/graphics showing major building equipment and medical equipment space clearance reservations for operations, repair, maintenance, replacement
• Color coding of floorplates for determining medical room/department locations and square footages, and circulation
• Constructability

The Design and ConstructionTeams are encouraged to explore options to use the BIM and other electronic tools to enhance the project quality and delivery times, including quantity take-offs, cost estimating, overall project scheduling, subcontractor coordination and manpower loading, off-site fabrication, and other widely discussed BIM benefits.

7.5 Building System Models—Structural, MEPF,-3- and Interiors

Structural, MEPF, and interior design information is required to be developed in BIM.

7.6 Masterplan Space Scheduling and Sequencing—4D

For design work that includes sequencing of renovation swing space or masterplanning for long-term build-out, BIM 4D shall be used to illustrate the phasing plan to interact, communicate, and get approval of the final design and spatial sequencing with the medical staff.

7.7 Communication of Construction Scheduling and Sequencing—4D

The Contractor shall link BIM to the project schedule as a communication method to coordinate with the Medical Center and the VA Resident Engineer logistics that affect medical center operations or require shutdown of any affected facilities and utilities. The animated phasing plan shall address such issues as swing space during construction, parking interruptions, and re-routing of pedestrian/vehicular traffic, or any other construction work that could affect Medical Center operations.

It is recommended that the Contractor also use BIM – 4D in schedule planning and communication with the subcontractors and to understand the impact to the construction schedule of other changes during the duration of the project.

7.8 COBIE/Commissioning

VA has adopted COBIE as the methodology to electronically transfer building information after construction is complete for facilities management. The COBIE spreadsheet (see COBIE2 Template) is part of the U.S. National Building Information Model Standard (NBIMS). Third-party utilities facilitate the automatic creation and transfer of some data between BIM and a COBIE spreadsheet via IFC files as an intermediate stage, and some BIM software may include creation of and data transfer to the spreadsheet directly without making use of intermediate IFC files. Where possible, automatic means should be used to create and fill in the COBIE spreadsheet.

The Design/Construction Team shall consult their BIM software vendor(s) for the most current COBIE utilities. However, the completed COBIE worksheets will also contain some information that is entered manually into the electric file, either because the information currently cannot be conveniently extracted from the BIM or because it does not reside in the BIM.

The Design/Construction Team is encouraged to provide as much information in COBIE as is known at the time of the deliverable. The required worksheets in COBIE will be filled out in step with the LoD and Design Phases (see Object Element Matrix).

• The Design/Construction Team(s) shall submit the most current version of the COBIE spreadsheet with other required deliverables at each Project Phase.
• With CD deliverables, the COBIE-4- Type and Component worksheets are required. These fields provide component Name, Description, and Creation Date. The medical equipment listed in the VA-SEPS-PFD export shall be noted on the COBIE spreadsheet.

7.9 Clash Detection/Coordination

General

• It is the Design/Construction Team’s responsibility to conduct and manage an adequate and thorough Clash Detection process so that all major interferences between building components will have been detected and resolved before construction. It shall the goal of the Design/Construction Teams to reduce the number of changes during construction due to major building interferences to zero.
• The BIM Manager shall assemble a composite model from all of the model parts of each design discipline for the purpose of performing a visual check of the building design for spatial and system coordination. Vertical shafts should also be reviewed to ensure that adequate space has been allocated for all of the vertical mechanical systems and that all of the shafts line up floor to floor. Prior to each scheduled coordination meeting, an updated clash report will be issued by the BIM Manager to the technical discipline consultants.
• On a multistory project, the models may need to be split on a level-by-level basis for MEPF coordination. If a floor is particularly large, it may also need to be split by zones to reduce file size. Typically, 3D clash detection/coordination continues on a single floor until building systems are fully coordinated, and then continues on the next floor up.
• Coordination software shall be used for assembling the various design models to electronically identify, collectively coordinate resolutions, and track and publish interference reports between all disciplines. The technical disciplines shall be responsible for updating their models to reflect the coordinated resolution.
• The team shall review the model and the Clash Reports in coordination meetings on a regular as-needed-5- basis throughout the design phases until all spatial and system coordination issues have been resolved.
• During the construction phase, the accuracy of fabrication models shall be verified. Prior to each fabrication submittal for approval, fabrication contractors shall submit their models to the Contractor’s BIM Manager for integration and clash detection/coordination and resolution.
• Internal Clash Resolution – Design Consultants and Subcontractors who are responsible for multiple scopes of work are expected to coordinate the clashes between those scopes prior to providing those models to the BIM Manager for spatial and system coordination.
• Spatial Coordination Verification: Verification and tracking of resolved conflicts of all trade coordination issues which could result in change orders or field conflicts shall be provided to VA during project milestone dates, and should be fully resolved before bidding.
• For ease of identification during the 3D Clash Detection/Coordination process, it is recommended that the following trades be represented in these assigned colors:

Trade colors for Clash Detection

Architecture: White
Structural Steel: Maroon
Concrete: Gray
HVAC Equipment: Gold
HVAC Supply Duct/Diffuser: Blue
HVAC Return Duct/Diffuser: Magenta
HVAC Pipe: Gold
Electrical Equipment: Dark Yellow
Electrical Conduits: Light Yellow
Communication Conduit: Light Blue
Electrical Cable Tray: Dark Orange
Electrical Lighting: Yellow
Plumbing Water: Cyan
Plumbing Sewer: Magenta
Plumbing Storm Drain: Green
Fire Protection: Red
Pneumatic Tube: Dark Green
Equipment (Medical): Light Green
Medical Gas: Light Green
Security Systems: Orange
Fire Alarm: Fuchsia.

Minimum Requirements for Spatial Coordination and Clash Detection

1. Architecture + Structural: Below-grade spaces, proposed floor plates with major penetrations, floor-to-floor heights, beam clearances, heavy utilities locations, floor loads, core, and vertical shafts, beam depths and required clearances, patient lift mechanisms, slab thickness, columns, column caps, and seismic bracing. Provide adequate space for construction and maintenance access to structural elements, building equipment, and distribution systems.
2. Architecture + MEPF: Structural and space elements, flow and isolation requirements, proposed functional area configurations, floor-to-floor heights, fire containment, vertical and horizontal transportation. Possible future expansions shall be considered and shall be clash-free.
3. MEPF/HVAC + Architecture, Structure, and Telecommunications: Main distribution and collection systems, configurations and sizes for piping, duct, conduit, power wiring, blowers; diffusers; intakes, large compressors. Clearance reservations for equipment maintenance filter removal, and equipment removal and replacement shall be modeled with the equipment, and sign-off on the adequacy of the space reservations shall be obtained from the facility Chief Engineer.
4. Architecture + Life Safety Fire Protection: Safe zone and fire suppression pipe location, egress paths and exit distance requirements, equipment, and pipe penetrations.
5. Medical Equipment + Architecture, MEPF, HVAC, Structural: Medical major equipment positioning and location requirements, medical gases distribution and waste collection, cryogen supply piping for MRI and labs, and cryogen cooling compressors, nurse call systems, public communications, and building controls. This includes major medical equipment adjacencies and shielding barriers, pipes, and venting and air intake locations and other limitations.
6. Architecture/HVAC + Interiors: Merges shall include ductwork and piping + ceilings and FF&E-6- + HVAC.
7. Space Validation: There shall be no space gaps. Bounding boxes used to represent room and zone spaces shall match with architectural requirements and data values, and all shall be coordinated with values given in the PFD.
8. General Model Quality Checking: All walls shall be properly joined to prevent “space leaks” in areas defined by enclosing walls. Bounding boxes shall not conflict.
9. Security: Security setbacks + structure + site.
10. Accessibility Compliance: Wheelchair pathways and clearances + structure. (If using Solibri Model Checker or other rules-based model checking software, accessibility compliance can be checked automatically.)

7.10 Virtual Testing and Balancing

The VA requires virtual testing and balancing of the architectural model to support sustainable building systems design and analysis. Room data can be read from the linked architectural model to create mechanical spaces (each space is the same as the room in the architectural model). Multiple spaces are joined to create zones. This data can used to calculate native heating and cooling analysis that is built into the MEP software or exported using gbXML to an external analysis application such as eQuest, Trane/Trace, or DOE based analysis programs. AEs can then bring this data back within the model to check their work. One of the methods is to create a Space/Room schedule that will show calculated air flow vs actual air flow. See figure below. All air flows can be checked for load balance to the terminal box and all the way back to the air handling units. Check with MEP modeling software companies for additional information.

-1- Additional space engineering criteria will be added over time.

-2- With the exception of “Army_Cat,” “Navy_Cat,” and “USAF_Cat,” which can be removed.

-3- Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire protection (MEPF)

-4- www.wbdg.org/pdfs/cobie_spreadsheet.pdf

-5- Generally this is weekly

-6- Fixtures, Furniture, & Equipment (FFE)

in this section:

Construction Cost Estimating Checklist

How many times have you heard an estimator say …

“ Does anyone have a list or checklist of some sort that you use to make sure you do not miss anything on the drawings? “

Or

“What estimating procedures do you use to help you?”

While 4Clickers’ know the answer is, “ Use e4Clicks Project Estimator! ” , here are my thoughts on a few important items associated with making an accurate construction cost estimate.

1. Everything starts with process and the cost database.

Lack of standardization is the root cause of waste, miscommunication, and errors in construction cost estimating.  In this regard, the value of standardized reference cost databases using Uniformat II and Masterformat95, especially for example the e4Clicks expanded 400,000 RSMeans line item database,  can’t be under-stated. Using a software tool that takes full advantage of, and adds value to the cost databases in concert with you own personal expertise is equally important.  Get away from ad-hoc processes and spreadsheets whenever possible.

CSI Master Format, Uniformat II and RSMeans cost data are extremely valuable as ” checklist” , provide a level of standardization, and help to avoid “missing” items.

2. Scope of Work “Checklist”
Review the Scope and/or Bid Form.  Are there any specific requirements such as price/quantity breakdowns, Unit Prices, Alternates, Bid options, etc.

Review site – existing structures, grading, layout of the project, laydown area, entry & exit to the site and any construction phasing requirements.

What information do you have and do not have to develop the estimate.

3. On Screen Takeoff “Procedures & Checklist”

If you are using electronic drawings, confirming backups, setting & confirming scales ( double check the scale by measuring the longest dimension on the drawings to make sure it’s correct and to know the accuracy) , printing record of document PDFs, etc- Drawing: Drawing Number/Name, Scale, Scale Checked with Dimension.

4D , 5D , 6D BIM

BIM, 3-dimensional, can incorporate  4D (time) and 5D (cost) virtual modeling of buildings, and all aspects of life-cycle facility management (6D?)

For  BIM  to be virtual a model of a buildings life-cycle, input is required from multiple sources: architects, architectural engineers, specifiers, estimators, scientists interested in performance modeling, constructors and construction vendors, computer software vendors,  owners, facility managers, funding sources, management / leadership, and users.

Life cycle BIM includes real property commerce, maintenance and operations, sustainabilty / green / high performance, physical and functional conditions and needs, etc.

Standardized life cycle processes, taxonomy/definitions and associated communications are required.

Why BIM is important:

Owners—High level summary information about their facilities, planning, budgeting, decision support.

Planners—Existing information about physical site(s) and program needs

Realtors—Information about a site or facility to support purchase or sale

Appraisers—Information about the facility to support valuation

Mortgage Bankers—Information about demographics, corporations, and viability

Designers—Planning and site information

Engineers—Electronic model from which to import into design and analysis software

Cost & Quantity Estimators—Electronic model to obtain accurate quantities and share comparables

Specifiers—Intelligent objects from which to specify and link to later phases

Contracts & Lawyers—More accurate legal descriptions as well as more accurate to defend or on which to base litigation

Construction Contractors—Intelligent objects for bidding and ordering and a place to store gained information

Sub-Contractors—Clearer communication and same support for contractors

Fabricators—Can use intelligent model for numerical controls for fabrication

Code Officials—Code checking software can process model faster and more accurately

Facility Managers—Provides product, warranty and maintenance information

Maintenance & Sustainment—More easily identify, track, budget, and schedule; repair, replacement, maintenance needs

Renovation & Restoration—More easily identify, track, budget, and schedule capital reinvestment requirements.

Disposal & Recycling—Better knowledge potential reuse / adaptation.

Scoping, Testing, Simulation—Electronically build facility and eliminate conflicts, simulate growth needs.

Safety & Occupational Health—Knowledge of what materials are in use and MSDS

Environmental & NEPA—Improved information for environmental impact analysis

Plant Operations—3D visualization of processes

Sustainability, Energy, LEED—Optimized energy analysis including energy and condition analyses concurrently.

Space & Security—Intelligent objects in 3D provide better understanding of usage, flow, security issues.

Risk Management—Better understanding of potential risks and how to avoid on minimize

Occupant Support— Better wayfinding and visibility into availability.

First Responders—Timely and more accurate information