The ABC’s Of BIM Outsourcing

Despite all the great things outsourcing can accomplish, the word still carries many negative connotations. The greatest fear associated with outsourcing is lack of quality. Vary of these low effort approaches, BIM service providers often find themselves second-guessing the need for BIM outsourcing. However, it is important not to let personal bias and industry stereotypes keep you from taking on new challenges and building a diverse brand image!

Over the years BIM implementations have become increasingly sophisticated. BIM outsourcing agencies have upped their game, developing proficiency in various types of BIM design, making outsourcing a very real and viable option.

But what seems to elude most BIM service providers is that BIM outsourcing has become more than an optional process. In many cases, it has become an absolute necessity! Not convinced? Keep reading.

Why is BIM outsourcing needed?

In the Building Information and Modeling (BIM) industry, reputation plays an enormous role in vendor selection. BIM solution providers are judged first on the basis of their portfolio, followed by close inspection of BIM design quality. Reputation and branding can make or break a BIM service provider!

Now, consider the classic case of biting off more than one can chew. As a BIM solution provider that has promised their client a project delivery, it is of utmost importance to do so on time, without any compromise to quality. This would build a positive reputation for the provider.

But sometimes BIM solution providers find themselves promising more than they can deliver. It’s a huge client with great branding potential, why would anyone let such an opportunity slip them by? Faced with a lack of manpower or overburdened schedules, deadlines start getting delayed and at worst, the project falls through. As the worst possible situation to find oneself in, the BIM service provider is now left with a declining image and very soon, with declining clientele.

Identifying when to outsource

These are the questions every BIM solution provider need to ask themselves before deciding to opt for BIM outsourcing.

Will you be able to project on time without the extra manpower?
Is your team equipped with the latest software, standards, and tools for the job?
Can your organization efficiently manage a BIM implementation of this size?
Have you successfully delivered any similar project earlier?
Does your team have the appropriate talents for this undertaking?

If you find yourself answering ‘no’ to two or more of the above questions, consider BIM outsourcing.

How to pick your BIM outsourcing vendor

Now comes the trickiest part of BIM outsourcing – identifying the perfect vendor for the job!

Talent
Does the BIM outsourcing vendor have the talents for the project? There are many types of BIM design, some of which are constricted to specific software. Be sure the vendor you’ve picked is capable of working in the appropriate software and creating the desired type of design.
Experience
The number of years in the industry is a good indicator of how well versed the vendor is with different BIM implementations. But don’t base your judgment solely on the number of years!
Portfolio
The portfolio of a BIM solution provider can fall into two categories:
- Extremely Diverse: Numerous different types of BIM design, with successful implementation in each. This shows the range of the vendor and their ability to adapt to changing demands.
- Detailed: Only a few types of BIM implementations, but all of which are extremely detailed and sophisticated in design.
Clientele
Due diligence of previous clientele is a perfect way to determine whether the BIM outsourcing vendor can deliver a project on time and to the quality of standard required.
Budget
Money plays a huge role in BIM implementation, which can run into even millions of dollars! High quality should be your first priority but avoid overcharged services.
Communications & Access
The BIM outsourcing team should be easily accessible, both physically and remotely. A strong communications process will ensure you can monitor progress and maintain a tight schedule.
As a few final tips for BIM outsourcing vendor selection,

Audit one of the vendor’s previous BIM designs. Go on-site and observe the quality of the work.
For large scale projects, in particular, avoid freelancers. Freelancers often function without management and as such could display poor scheduling etiquette, missing deadlines and neglecting post completion checks.

We hope you have a better idea of how to proceed now! For any additional BIM outsourcing needs and queries regarding BIM implementation, be sure to head over to the Technostruct website