Often the way to implement BIM that architectural firms and offices find is by outsourcing BIM production.
In this article we outline a process for outsourcing BIM production, reducing quality and communication risks.
This is a generic approach, depending on the type of project more inputs and/or activities could be added, in Axet we consider that it works as a base from which to start.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. In the selection/evaluation matrix do not incorporate irrelevant fields to evaluate and weigh each field appropriately.
2. When developing the outsourcing request, be thorough in incorporating details and strive to specify a scope. Ambiguous or confusing scopes generate proposals with the same characteristics that affect the project.
3. Suppliers should have 70-80% of the proposal format defined and updated. In this way, they will have more time to think about the particularities of the project at the time of bidding. The format and content of the PEB, TIDP, responsibilities matrix, background list, resume, among others, should be defined and updated so as not to invest time when preparing a bid.
4. When facing the meeting (Activity 3) with the supplier, it is recommended to consider the following questions:
a. How do you guarantee the quality of your services?
b. In what type of projects/services do they have the most experience?
c. Do they have experience in .... (type of service sought)?
d. Would you feel comfortable working on a project of...(type of service sought)?
e. Can you review a project they have done?
5. At the start of the project, give the vendor a packet with the following assets:
a. Preliminary schedule.
b. Communication protocol.
c. Naming standard.
d. Checklist to be completed when making deliveries.
e. Reference project in native format and 2D deliverables (if applicable).
f. List of project risks.
CONCLUSIONS:
- It is critical that the requester clearly communicates its needs when outsourcing BIM.
- The more assets the requester hands over to the vendor, the more the project and stakeholders will benefit.
- The requester must understand that the moment they engage a supplier they become an extension of their organization.
- Communication between the parties is key to success.
- Outsourcing with an unknown supplier, implies a learning curve that must be managed as project data.
- It must be understood that variations in scope throughout the project, may imply variations in cost and/or deadlines.
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Are you thinking of outsourcing the BIM production of your company? Contact us at hello@axetbim.com and together we can develop a plan tailored to the needs of the project and team.
