BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a way of working in which everyone involved collaborates on one digital information model of the building. Besides geometry, that model holds information about materials, quantities, planning and costs.
Fewer surprises on site
Because disciplines merge their models, clashes — for example a duct running through a beam — come to light in the design phase rather than during execution. That saves failure costs and delay.
From model to information
The real value lies in the data: quantity take-offs for estimating, links to planning (4D) and cost (5D), and information handed over at completion for operation and maintenance. Clear agreements on an information delivery specification are indispensable here.