Benefits of BIM (Building Information Modeling) for Concrete Producers

Building information modeling, or BIM, is an intelligent 3D-model-based process and digital data workflow that provides professionals in the construction industry the tools and insights to be more efficient and collaborate on projects on a larger scale. In essence, BIM is a methodology that helps minimize delays and increase profits by leveraging digital forms of data to reduce re-work and save costs.

“The tools and technologies that support this process include cloud-based databases and mobile platforms to enable better communication and collaboration between project stakeholders.”

BIM touches every aspect of the construction lifecycle from the design to maintenance of buildings and infrastructure. Digital information can be shared among project stakeholders using cloud-based online portals to ensure timelines are met and budgets are respected. This intelligent process leverages the latest in technology and in some cases, reduces the human resources needed to operate smoothly. Location tracking using a concrete delivery management platform like iStrada allows BIM users to connect directly to the most recent concrete delivery data and make real-time decisions based on the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. Online KPI dashboards allow producers, contractors, and DOT inspectors to keep track of the delivery process and adjust their workforces accordingly. The electronic documentation created throughout the process including tickets, test results, and delivery performance metrics are stored in the cloud for easy access.

“The BIM process relies on reliable electronic data to work. Technologies such as Sysdyne’s Cloud Batch system supports this process by capturing both batch and dispatch production data to generate important business insights using reports and dashboards.”

The data itself is easily accessed using any mobile device with an internet connection. Strategic KPI or key performance indicators, measure production and delivery performance and feed into the same database that is easily queried in the cloud. The BIM digital loop is achieved using a single source of truth approach to storing electronic data on the cloud and accessing it either natively or using API technology.
Construction projects tend to deviate from the proposed budget, resources, and schedule. The value of BIM grows when project stakeholders collaborate using easily accessible online portals to not only track concrete delivery progress, but documentation as well. E-ticketing or Paperless ticketing helps create a digital workflow that increases efficiency, transparency, and accuracy. Delivery data on the ticket can include important information such as water added at the plant or job site, batch weights, and delivery cycle times.

“The transparency of the BIM process allows the producer and contractor to track the work, identify issues and adjust quickly to changes in resources and scheduling.”

Beyond the contractor, BIM provides a direct connection between the decision-makers and those who execute those decisions on the construction site. Onsite staff can track concrete arrivals using iStrada’s digital map and monitor the progress to stay on schedule and reduce delays. Paperless Ticketing is a key component in creating and tracing digital documentation. Inherently a paper-based process, digital tickets offer many benefits to both producer and contractor. Concrete producers can more easily retrieve ticket information to invoice clients quicker and reduce their DSO (Days Sales Outstanding), while contractors can enjoy the ease of use of downloading digital tickets themselves online. The amount of valuable information that can be captured and stored on a Paperless or digital ticket is exponential.

“The future of BIM, Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing is quickly converging on the construction industry allowing project stakeholders to imagine a more connected future where technology really can make their lives a little easier.”

In this new world of doing business remotely, strong communication and collaboration will remain key. The construction industry has only just begun to scratch the surface when it comes to leveraging the power of BIM to its full potential, but when project stakeholders adopt BIM processes throughout every stage of the building process, from design to construction to permitting, they can stay on track, hit budget goals and keep the entire team safe.