BIM

Technology is quickly advancing in the construction industry. From using your smartphone at work to aerial drones mapping and surveying the job site, the construction industry is exploding into new realms with the technology of today. Technology advancements are like water rising at the shore. There rarely is a sudden shift you can point to, but every time you look, the tide keeps changing as should you. Adapt or die as I like to say. Take BIM (Building Information Management) for example. Since gaining traction in our market over the last few years, BIM modeling was primarily used by mechanical and structural trades. In the design build concept of construction management, BIM plays a larger role with carpentry contractors than it has in the past by providing integrated engineered shop drawings for exterior and interior wall and ceiling design concepts. BIM provides tangible business benefits, no matter the level of implementation. Contractors at all levels are becoming more aware of the benefits of model-based construction, which include minimizing errors, reducing costs and the ability to collaborate faster and easier. Project owners, engineers and contractors need to be on the same page when building a model so it maintains its accuracy and includes pertinent information for all parties. Improved collaboration can bring added benefits to an integrated model strategy. New technology also will help to change requirements around design methodologies that then will help to facilitate this integrated model approach. Whether you’re looking to comply with government and commercial BIM mandates, or you simply want to improve your firm’s productivity and quality of work, BIM is worth a closer look. I would like to thank Doug O’Connor for his many years on the board of directors as well as a trustee for the Northeast Regional Council of Carpenters. Doug has been a trusted friend and a pleasure to work with on the board. His presence in the industry will surely be missed. All the best and keep in touch. I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming AWCI Convention and Intex Expo at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.awci.org/convention or by phone at (703) 449-6418. I hope you enjoy what is left of the winter. — Mike