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By Lauren Browne, ConnectPress Editor
Collaboration in the office and interoperability between different software programs is one of those known challenges in the CAD industry that seems practically unsolvable. However, there are continuous improvements particular to the AEC industry as practices like building information modeling (BIM) and integrated project delivery (IPD) are adopted and more software becomes compatible with each other. Ultimately, it’s about improving communication, which is something that can always be improved.
Collaboration
Practices like BIM and IPD are bringing collaboration to a whole new level. BIM is the design process in which a building’s data is generated, managed, and then hopefully coordinated and communicated with everyone so that those involved with the project are on the same page about the building throughout its life cycle. In its definition, BIM is directly related to improving collaboration. IPD is where the architect, the contractor and the owner sign one agreed contract with everyone, sharing the same risk and reward. This contract serves as a catalyst to collaboration because everyone is more inclined to stick to the same schedule and work together if everyone shares the same reward.
 Autodesk Building Information Modeling is an integrated process built on coordinated, reliable information about a project from design through construction and operation.
Regarding BIM, “it has been around for a while but it’s becoming more in vogue now,” said Deke Smith, executive director of the buildingSMART Alliance, which is responsible for the National BIM Standard. Although it is becoming more popular, Smith also said that he’s unsure if people are using it for the right reasons. “There are all levels of adoption seen, but some people are doing it for marketing purposes. Owners (of projects) are starting to ask for it, but do they really know what it means?” said Smith. Regardless of the reason, BIM is undoubtedly increasing collaboration throughout the design and construction process and its popularity is growing.
A newer phrase, IPD, is not as common as BIM yet. While projects may have been arranged similarly between the owner, the architect and the contractor, the official term of IPD has not been around for very long. Because of this, owners of projects are just starting to adopt this type of agreement. “It’s popular as a topic of conversation because professionals want to know if that’s the way the industry is headed. Also, people are looking at it, especially in a time when the quantity of projects is shrinking, and are thinking ‘maybe if I take this approach I could be more competitive.’ If you look at projects done formally with an IPD agreement it’s not a big number,” said Erin Rae Hoffer, industry programs manager at Autodesk.
While IPD is not as popular as BIM, it is an extremely important advance in collaboration. “The Integrated part of IPD is the most important. There is integrating of all parts of the project--in terms of the business, risk and reward, the process, the teams and the people involved,” said Joe Croser, Bentley’s global marketing director, Platform. He continued, “There’s no question in my mind and from what I’m seeing in the market collaboration, interoperability, BIM, and IPD all go together. The best examples of ways to deliver a project are projects that use IPD structure, a BIM methodology and technologies for their design, and the collaboration environment for management and exchange of that information.”
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