To benefit from new building design and construction technologies as well as novel project management approaches, leading AEC organizations of all sizes and scales are deploying building information modeling (BIM). While the benefits and methods of BIM systems are well accepted, there are important questions about the most suitable hardware and network environments for BIM. Effective transition approaches to upgrade workstations for BIM have been implemented by a growing number of AEC companies.
Leading experts in BIM technology and application have demonstrated how high performance graphics workstations (HPGWs) can be used to enhance productivity, IT life cycle, and full project integration. Experience from AEC firm managers and IT leaders – BIM managers – from small- and medium-sized organizations have shown how successful BIM hardware adoption can be achieved. Their conclusions are relevant to AEC firms of all sizes.
The White Paper presents the comparative benefits of various kinds of hardware specification, with some guidance on the proper selection and specification of BIM workstations. Compatibility with existing standards, such as software types and project workflow, are outlined. Advice on adoption strategy is reviewed, such as the phased introduction of BIM workstations and expectations for cost control and ROI on preferred, higher-end systems.
Related Stories
| May 29, 2014
Turn your pen-and-paper sketches into digital drawings in seconds with this nifty gadget [video]
Funded through Kickstarter, iSketchnote uses a smart pen to instantly digitize hand-written notes and drawings.
| May 28, 2014
Video Blog: How today’s construction firms are bridging the BIM gap
Turner Construction and Parsons Brinckerhoff talk about how BIM has revolutionized the way that they conduct projects, and how technology has allowed them to leverage collaboration in such a way that they can work with decentralized teams.
| May 22, 2014
BIM-driven prototype turns data centers into a kit of parts
Data center design specialist SPARCH creates a modular scheme for solutions provider Digital Realty.
| May 22, 2014
Facebook, Telus push the limits of energy efficiency with new data centers
Building Teams are employing a range of creative solutions—from evaporative cooling to novel hot/cold-aisle configurations to heat recovery schemes—in an effort to slash energy and water demand.
| May 22, 2014
7 ways it pays to use BIM for data centers
Here’s where AEC firms and owners are getting the most bang for the buck when using BIM/VDC to coordinate data center projects.
| May 22, 2014
Big Data meets data centers – What the coming DCIM boom means to owners and Building Teams
The demand for sophisticated facility monitoring solutions has spurred a new market segment—data center infrastructure management (DCIM)—that is likely to impact the way data center projects are planned, designed, built, and operated.
| May 14, 2014
Prefab payback: Mortenson quantifies cost and schedule savings from prefabrication techniques
Value-based cost-benefit analysis of prefab approaches on the firm's 360-bed Exempla Saint Joseph Heritage Project shows significant savings for the Building Team.
| May 12, 2014
Defining BIM – What do owners really want?
Given the complexities of the building process, it can be difficult for building owners to effectively communicate what they want and need with BIM. The response to the question usually is, “Give me everything.”
| May 8, 2014
Perfecting prefab: 8 tips for healthcare construction projects
Leading AEC firms offer helpful advice for using BIM to pull off prefab for everything from MEP infrastructure to whole bathrooms.
| May 6, 2014
BIM Forum Boston recap: Gilbane inspires with collaboration challenge
Key question from BIM Forum: How do you leverage technology by finding trade partners that are up to speed?
