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July 17, 2025
Building Information Modeling (BIM) continues to drive innovation in the modern built environment.
As the technology evolves, it digitizes construction processes and automates repetitive tasks.
The community already knows how the technology has redefined traditional construction workflows. Resource optimization, seamless collaboration, and reduced rework are traits of BIM-driven construction workflows.
A 2024 research article from the Toronto Metropolitan University reported a 20% reduction in construction material costs. But what made this possible? A BIM-driven construction workflow with optimized procurement and reduced material wastage.
In the quantitative analysis, it further revealed 15% cost savings in design reworks from identifying and resolving issues early in the design and modeling stages.
However, to reap the benefits of a BIM workflow, professionals should know the ins and outs. Challenges during implementation, tools required to master, and major changes in existing workflows are some critical factors that define how successful the implementation will be.
So, let’s explore how a BIM-driven workflow elevates the standards of modern construction. But it’s always better to start with the basics.
Here’s where most people go wrong! Considering the BIM workflow as just using BIM software applications.
But if you are a modern construction professional, you know what’s really under the hood!
If we revisit the traditional workflows, there is more paperwork, human errors, ambiguity in designs, etc. All these gave rise to delays, reworks, and even incomplete projects.
As the BIM gets involved in the process, there is a seismic platform shift in the traditional workflows.
A BIM workflow reflects a common data environment where all stakeholders can work on a single model, find and resolve issues, and collaborate in real-time. This workflow caters to the complete lifecycle of a project, optimizing every stage.
Even before the planning starts, architects and designers begin to prepare simple models on software like Revit or AutoCAD. These models help communicate the initial design essence to the stakeholders. BIM-driven workflows stretch to the facility management, with the new superpower of the industry - Digital Twins.
Want to know about digital twins? Also, know how they integrate with AI to fine-tune facility management, here.
Now that we have a brief of BIM workflows, let’s lay out the key phases involved.
The first step is to create a concept of the structure based on the idea of the project owner.
Here’s where professionals earlier used sketches to convey the design intent. However, this is now done in AutoCAD or Revit, where the basic model is presented for feedback from the client.
Using digital platforms helps architects work freely and collaborate even if the team is overseas. And this is where stakeholders also decide the level of development and the level of detail the project will require. These two are fundamental to every construction project, despite its scale. Learn why.
Once stakeholders approve the concept and the LODs are finalized, it’s time for the design stage. This stage involves the development of architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) models.
Various disciplines work on their respective models, but in a collaborative environment. This is the stage where the real thing starts happening. The disciplines involved in the project align with the design intent and develop trade-specific models.
They further refine those by including material and specifications data of different building components.
You might be wondering when the coordination happens. So, there is a dedicated stage for that; however, the initial coordination happens organically as different disciplines work together for a single design intent.
Now comes the stage where BIM-based workflows show the power of collaboration and coordination. As each trade completes their models, those are brought together, shaping a single coordinated model.
The fun fact is that this was not possible in the traditional workflows. Only with BIM, model coordination and clash detection become a cakewalk. So, while combining models from different trades, the BIM software automatically detects the clashes.
Such automation fast-forwards the process, reducing errors if they had to find those manually. Professionals also integrate other clash detection software, like Navisworks, for specialized resolution of the issue.
The successful coordination of all the models into the federated model takes us to the next step, which is cost estimation and quantity take-off.
Another important factor that drives success in every construction project. Accurate cost estimation had been an issue for a long time. But thanks to BIM-based workflows, it increased accuracy and automated the process.
In a BIM workflow, the software updates the estimation document as the model gets updated. With every new element added, it records the type, quantity, and price of the materials. Bills of Materials (BOM) and Bills of Quantities (BOQ) do not need manual actions.
Here, professionals use data-rich 5D BIM models to conduct cost estimations in real-time. Since the BIM software does the heavy lifting, stakeholders can further optimize resources and materials for cost savings and sustainability.
Once cost estimation is complete, the workflow moves forward to scheduling and simulations.
This is the stage where the complete project lifecycle is simulated through high-quality renderings.
Scheduling is equally important in any construction project, where various construction actions are sequenced.
Project managers collaborate with stakeholders to evaluate project timelines and create a schedule. This schedule specifies the time for each phase and sub-phases, ensuring that project execution adheres to the schedule.
Once the phases are scheduled, 3D visualizers at Pinnacle Infotech use software like 3Ds Max, Lumion, Twinmotion, and others to animate the complete schedule.
If you are someone looking to create visually captivating construction simulations, ensure the firm you hire has proficiency in these tools.
Now comes the step of generating the essentials required by the on-site teams. These include coordinated drawings, shop drawings, and fabrication models that are fundamental in the construction process.
The process brings together all the documents, such as the complete set of drawings, specifications, schedules, and relevant details. These details guide the construction teams at every step, ensuring architectural, structural, and MEP integrity.
With a BIM-driven workflow, construction documents are automatically generated from the 3D model. This maintains accuracy, eliminates information loss, which leads to a seamless project execution.
Once the documentation phase is complete, the actual construction process begins. This is where the 3D model starts to take shape in reality.
Traditional construction without BIM was a messy process, full of miscommunications, reworks, and delays. Further, because of old cost estimation and quantity take-off methods, there was material wastage, improper resource allocation which also hindered a smooth construction.
But with the integration of a BIM workflow, the scenario shifts from chaos to order.
On-site teams can access the BIM model via tablets or AR/VR sets to collate the actual construction process.
Each part of the structure can be monitored independently, as the 3D model gets updated in real-time. This works through the use of drones, 360-degree cameras, and laser scanners.
The cameras capture the as-built conditions of the structure, and then professionals overlay that with model data. Professionals prefer this method as it improves the efficiency of the construction by flagging errors and alignment issues with the actual design.
As the construction progresses, the as-built data captured with scanners or cameras is updated in the design model.
This stage aims to update the design model with the construction progress, ensuring that on-site changes are reflected with accuracy. The as-built model provides accurate geometrical data of specific elements of the actual structure, useful for documentation. Finally, this model is handed over to the client for the facility management.
We are finally in that stage which marks the completion of a construction project with a BIM-driven workflow.
But it does not end here, as BIM goes beyond the construction process. We finally move on to the facility management phase.
After construction is over and the building is ready for operation, digital twins come into play. Digital twins are comparatively new in the field, but have entered with exceptional capabilities.
Digital twins redefine facility and operations management of a structure. The as-built model is converted into a digital twin which relfects real-time conditions of various building elements and facilities.
These systems can even track certain MEP elements that are unreachable. Here, IoT sensors are used to monitor assets and components to obtain real-time data and perform proactive maintenance.
Renovations and replacements are done before components are down. Digital twins combined with artificial intelligence facilitate predictive maintenance. Learn more about their coupled power in this blog.
So, here we are at the end of a typical BIM workflow. The above-mentioned steps are the services that BIM companies offer. However, not all companies possess the capability to offer all, except for some of the renowned companies.
Implementing a BIM workflow is a process that unfolds in stages. Here are the challenges that most firms face.
Though there are several organization-specific challenges, if you have an eye toward implementing BIM, these common challenges will come up.
Implementing a BIM workflow means acquiring specialized tools, capable hardware, and a skilled workforce. These are the fundamentals that organizations should have to ensure the efficient running of BIM operations.
BIM software applications like Autodesk, Revit, and Navisworks are the basic ones. These come with a premium range license, along with company hardware upgradation to support these resource-intensive applications.
The accumulated cost is a huge barrier for small to mid-size companies. They can overcome this in a couple of ways, such as:
An organization planning to implement a BIM workflow for the first time lacks professionally trained individuals. This is a common problem, and to overcome this they need to focus on hiring iskilled individuals. Or they need to invest in certified training courses from Autodesk learning partners.
The primary issue is that many educational institutions do not include BIM as a core part of their curriculum. Hence, employees need additional training that ensures they cope with the evolving nature of BIM.
With skilled team members, organizations can deliver quality outputs, strengthening their portfolio, and do not need to depend on external consultants for project execution.
While implementing BIM, if your organization already has a client base, this problem can occur. Existing clients who probably like your work may show resistance to working with a BIM workflow.
Further, stakeholders overseas who are working by collaborating virtually might face hurdles in coping with the new workflow.
However, to tackle this situation, organizations need to focus on awareness programs. Programs that enlighten stakeholders about the benefits of BIM and how embracing it would enhance productivity and project efficiency.
Another great way is to start small with pilot works that show the value proposition of BIM to stakeholders. Make it evident to your stakeholders how implementing a small BIM solution solves certain setbacks of traditional workflows.
A BIM workflow significantly raises the quality of interoperability and multidisciplinary collaboration.
However, a company in its initial stages of implementation will find this a challenge. When multiple teams use tools and file formats incompatible with the newly established workflow.
This further leads to data loss during file transfers and model collaboration. Organizations need to ensure standard file formats for sharing across disciplines. Software versions should be the latest ones, so they support federated models without any information loss.
Using standard file formats like Industry Foundation Class (IFC) and embracing cloud solutions can eventually solve interoperability issues.
As you embrace technology, security threats come as a bonus. In a BIM workflow, the complete project data is there digitally.
Security breaches will compromise confidential client or project data, which may incur huge losses. Hence, organizations need to implement robust security measures for working in a BIM-driven environment.
Any unauthorized data access needs to be eliminated and monitored, along with ensuring there are no ransomware attacks if you are using cloud platforms.
Strong firewalls and rolling out cybersecurity awareness programs are key to instill caution deep within your organizational culture.
Another critical measure is establishing a role-based access system for sensitive information.
These common challenges will arise at different steps of BIM implementation. But strategic actions and thoughtful planning can eventually help mitigate the issues.
For an agile, productive, and efficient BIM workflow, these are the tools you need to get comfortable with.
These software applications are the lifeblood of a BIM workflow, and without them, it is like a river running dry. Though each organization requires its own unique set of software based on its workflow and services offered, these are the common ones.
Revit’s incredible power makes it the most preferred software of BIM service providers.
The tool comes with a comprehensive range of features that caters to the design and modeling phase of a project. Its extensive capabilities stretch from Architectural to MEP and structural, and form the backbone of a BIM workflow. Revit’s licenses are also among the most expensive ones; however, Autodesk offers the pay-as-you-go option.
It supports real-time collaboration, integration with BIM 360 for cloud-based collaboration, and provides features to maintain a 3D model across the project lifecycle.
Revit also provides add-ons for automated cost estimation and quantity take-off, making it a perfect choice for 4D BIM.
Clash detection and coordination matter the most in the construction industry. Architectural, structural, and MEP teams work together to find and resolve clashes before the construction begins.
Navisworks is the most prevalent tool in the market for clash detection and coordination. It comes with automated clash detection features that detect clashes as the model builds up.
Hence, engineers can detect and resolve clashes on the go, making the coordination process more streamlined. Navisworks is among the industry favorites and is considered to be the most reliable solution for model coordination.
Another Autodesk product, BIM 360, is a specialized tool for collaboration loved by any BIM manager.
Multiple disciplines working on a single project should be properly aligned. This ensures that there is no miscommunication among the stakeholders. The cloud-based management tool connects the project team and workflows so that teams do not work in silos.
Alongside that, it provides centralized access to project documents and drawings, with features for version control, markup tools, and audit trails.
Its unmatched capabilities stretch to helping on-site teams as well. With accessibility through mobile devices, on-site teams have access to the models, drawings in a digital format.
A specialized software from Tekla, focused on benefiting structural engineers.
The solution is a valued one among structural engineers and powers the design of buildings, bridges, conveyors, harbors, statues, and more. Its versatile features allow engineers to create conceptual designs and full model structures with multiple materials, like steel, concrete, timber, aluminium, and glass.
Structural engineers love it for the efficiency, detail, and precision that it offers. It is great at information management as well.
With a capability up to LOD 500, it supports information-rich models with elements ready for fabrication.
Another benefit of the tool that fascinates engineers is its accuracy and consistency during model updates. When changes are made to a certain element in the model, all the linked parts automatically get adjusted to the change.
What’s more exciting is that shop drawings and plans update themselves as per the changes. And this happens with precision and accuracy.
If your organization offers heavy structural services, then this solution is a must-have.
Moving on to the next one,
Launched in 2022, this offering from Bentley is equipped with features for intelligent digital twin creations and facility management.
If your organization provides facility management or digital twins for building project, this one would be a worthy choice. Bentley Systems has packed some exciting features for data integration from various sources, including IoT sensors, providing a detailed view of the complete facility.
iTwin covers the creation, visualization, and collaboration over digital twins, enabling proactive asset performance optimization and lifecycle management.
Packed with AI-powered data analysis, the solution provides advanced data analysis and reporting capabilities.
So, these are the common software solutions you need to have to implement a seamless BIM workflow.
Scan-to-BIM is a revolutionary approach that focuses on retrofitting an existing building and as-built model creation.
The process involves using laser scanners to scan an entire structure, creating a point cloud. The point cloud is then converted into a BIM model, which reflects the structural geometry.
Scan-to-BIM is a part of the BIM workflow and is a continuous process in the case of as-built models. Laser scanners, 360-degree cameras, and drones are used to scan the current progress of a structure and compare it with the design model.
This will help your project stakeholders track the construction progress and create an as-built model for digital twin creation.The process adds value to site space utilization as well. With point cloud data generated from a complete construction site scan, the space utilization can be optimized.
With that, we are at the end of this article, and we hope that you have a clear idea of what a BIM workflow is and what challenges you will face, and the solutions to tackle them with a BIM execution plan.
Implementing a BIM workflow is becoming a mandate across the globe. Government measures necessitate the use of BIM in both public and private projects. The use of BIM brings more safety and integrity to skylines and even redefines facility management. For organizations that are new to BIM, it is time to start working on pilot projects. This gives you the opportunity to explore what works best for your organization. Time and again, it has been proven that every organization has its unique set of requirements for BIM implementation. Hence, conduct audits, create a strategy, and thoughtfully plan your unique BIM workflow, making it a success driver for your projects.
BIM workflow refers to the integration of information modeling to construct virtual models that reflect the actual structure to be constructed. Better to call it digital construction, the approach improves coordination, increases productivity, and provides a lot of other benefits.
Revit, undoubtedly, is a complete solution for modeling through real-time collaboration. It provides an array of advanced features for faster and more accurate modeling.
To get started with implementing BIM, the first step is to audit your current organizational workflow, create a plan, start educating staff, and then gradually invest in purchasing high-end systems and software tools mentioned above.
Yes, small firms can definitely benefit from the BIM process by minimizing human resource requirements and saving time and money.
Read More:
The Integral Role of MEP Engineering in Modern Construction
How BIM-Enabled BOQs Save 15% on Complex Construction Projects
Navigating the Depths: Understanding LOD Conventions in BIM
Vorteile der Partnerschaft eines BIM-Unternehmens in Deutschland
Pinnacle Infotech Set to Revolutionize HVACR at AHR Expo 2024
What is LiDAR? LiDAR Systems For Building Information Modelling Services
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