Ask Architects, Engineers, CGs, and Owners about one of the most vexing elements of construction management, and they’ll likely mention the painstaking process of sifting through disparate project data. The crux of the challenge: stakeholders bring their own processes, tools, and workflows. When information is spread across various sources—like emails, texts, meeting notes, and apps—project management can become chaotic.
Yet, every stakeholder’s expertise is vital for the fruition of any large-scale construction endeavor. Effective communication and collaboration among all parties are non-negotiable.
For project managers, creating a collaborative environment amongst diverse stakeholders can be daunting; imposing a top-down approach usually falls short.
Joining the forces of PIM + BIM is the best modern approach: melding the precision of Building Information Modeling (BIM) — including issues management and 2D/3D model viewing — with the comprehensive data integration of Project Information Management (PIM) — including contract administration (RFIs and submittals), action item tracking, file management, and email management allows for a complete approach to large-scale construction project delivery. Finding a single tool that seamlessly merges these approaches has not been possible until now.
The industry’s need is clear: a cloud-based digital platform that integrates project management, document oversight, and BIM coordination. Such a platform would centralize action items, emails, 2D/3D models, and elements of contract management, while also syncing with existing software tools. This would produce a holistic project record accessible anytime and anywhere, categorized and easily searchable. The payoff? Increased efficiency, reduced errors, and slashed project costs.
Herein lies the strength of fusing PIM and BIM: every aspect—people, process, and technology—interlinks, clarifying information exchange. The goal is a unified communication flow spanning conversations, files, and actions, creating a complete project history from inception to conclusion. The ideal platform integrates without overriding current tools, whether it’s email platforms like Outlook, design software like Revit, or clash detection tools like Navisworks, to name a few. A singular digital interface would streamline daily operations – from directly filing submittals and RFIs from emails, to viewing model-based action items, to saving time by aggregating searches for any project data regardless of where it’s located – and provide clarity on the plans or on the construction site.
While both PIM and BIM individually address certain project lifecycle challenges, their integration revolutionizes stakeholder collaboration—a formerly elusive ideal. Today’s industry stands at a pivotal juncture. Collaborative, accessible, and contextual data access spearheads this evolution, translating to time and cost savings.
With rapid advancements in technology, having elite tools and processes — like the PIM + BIM synergy — is paramount for a project’s successful journey from conception to handover. Tools like Newforma Konekt illuminate the path, fostering transparent communication channels, empowering stakeholders to harmonize their efforts, share insights, and make collective, informed decisions. By eradicating communication gridlocks, isolated data, and tedious document tasks, firms gain valuable time that they can spend on delivering quality projects.
In today’s age, when information reigns supreme, PIM and BIM stand out as dual pillars of success. Trust in Newforma Konekt to be the one to bring the two together like never before.
For a deeper dive into Newforma Konekt or to arrange a demo, please visit https://www.newforma.com
Author: Marge Hart, Senior VP Product Management
