Learn More About Building Design and Building

Information Modeling (BIM) Software

What is Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software?

Before building information modeling (BIM) software became common, designing buildings
and other structures was dependent on 2D drawings. Various departments would have to
pass these drawings back and forth between each other. A BIM tool allows users to
generate and manage digital representations of the characteristics and functions of building
structures. In addition, BIM software provides information such as spatial relationships, light
analysis, and geographic information. This process can also break down the actual building
parts to piece together how they fit into one structure. These elements can include walls,
columns, windows, doors, stairs, and more.

This data can be extracted, networked to, or exchanged to facilitate decision making
regarding the specific building or structure the user is designing. For example, a user can
manipulate this information to understand these elements’ behavior before building
construction begins.

The attributes within these elements can perform actions as specific as automatically
selecting and ordering new materials, along with providing cost estimates. The data within
BIM tools helps extract various views from a model of a building, and these images are
always consistent.

With BIM software, users can increase productivity and efficiency in creating 2D and 3D
drawings and models, easily alter designs, improve accuracy, precision, and control in
drafting and design, and detect and avoid conflicts to reduce rework. The software also
helps to enable communication and collaboration between designers and with clients.

What Does BIM Stand For?

BIM stands for building information modeling,the process of creating and managing
information and data for a built environment. Since it can take years to build a structure, it
takes lots of data and information to make it become a reality. BIM helps users manage all
of the design and construction information and collaborate with stakeholders in order to
finish the project more efficiently. 

What are the Common Features of Building Information Modeling

(BIM) Software?

BIM technology offers several features to support the design and building of large
structures. Most tools support a multidiscipline design process for a number of different
types of structures. Not all products will contain the same feature sets, but the following are
common examples across many BIM solutions:
Collaboration: Projects that require BIM solutions have many different moving parts with
multiple stakeholders, so frequent communication is a must. Every BIM tool should have a
feature that enables collaborative workflows among teams.. Collaboration features may
include functionality such as real-time notifications and cross-platform communications.

Visualize: Since BIM tools give users the ability to design their structure in 3D, a BIM
platform will likely have the ability to visualize outside elements such as how sunlight will hit
a building or how energy efficient the building is, and detect any potential clashes in the
system or structure. This knowledge ensures the structure created runs at peak
performance.

Sequence steps: Each phase of the construction project is planned out with models and
even submodels. BIM software enables users to sequence out these steps with the specific
materials and crews needed for every individual phase of the process. Some BIM tools
even allow users to animate the steps of the building process.

Document storage or data management: When it comes to the design and construction
of a building or large structure, different teams will contribute various documents to the
project. This might include drawings, customer requirements, phasing plans, and more. BIM
solutions should be able to store all this information within the platform and allow multiple
users to access it.

Cloud rendering: Cloud rendering helps produce realistic 3D visualizations of a building

without integrating any special rendering hardware.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) fabrication detailing: A number of BIM

products offer MEP fabrication detailing—the ability to create an intricate model of
whichever MEP system needs to be integrated into the building. Users can specify the
fabrication configuration and load services needed, and should be able to create the model.

Import or export 2D sheets: As 3D designing is becoming the standard, it may become

increasingly difficult to design in 2D. However, some BIM solutions offer the option to import
or export 2D sheets into the platform, so that users can design as needed and potentially
update these 2D designs to 3D.

What are the Benefits of Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Software?

BIM solutions have completely changed the way buildings are designed. The introduction of
software into this process gives users a number of benefits that manual design cannot offer.

Design quickly: Before BIM software, the building design process involved a lot of manual
drawings. These solutions enable designers to draft up a BIM model far quicker than by
hand. Digital models also include more information than what is in a drawing set. Ultimately,
by facilitating a quicker design process, BIM software saves firms money and labor.
Design anywhere: The majority of BIM solutions are cloud based, which means that users
have access to a project's details from any device. Multiple project members can sign on
from any location as well.

Avoid clashes: BIM software can detect clashing elements, such as electrical conduits or
ductwork that run into a beam. Repairing the damage from clashes can be very costly. BIM
tools have the ability to identify potential issues before they happen.

Capture reality: One of the foremost advantages of this software is BIM’s ability to
accurately capture reality. BIM solutions can integrate with tools that offer mapping and
provide precise images of the earth. Users then have the option to include aerial imagery
and digital elevation with the models of their buildings. They can even include laser scans of
existing site infrastructure.

Reduce building design errors: As BIM software takes away manual design, it also takes
away a significant amount of human error. These tools help identify problems early on in the
design and building processes.

Improve collaboration across the organization: Sharing digital information modeling for
buildings is far easier than passing drawing sets back and forth between colleagues. The
cloud-based model of many BIM solutions also means that colleagues working on different
parts of the design and building process can access BIM models anywhere, at any time. As
many colleagues as needed can review and mark up the model before the building is
erected.

Simulate and visualize elements of a building: BIM software has visualization

capabilities to assess how certain elements can impact a building, such as sunlight during
different seasons or the structure’s energy performance. These solutions apply rules based
on physics to provide guidance for engineers and other team members involved in building
the structure.

Sequence the steps of the building process: Constructing a building is an incredibly

detailed process. Each part of this progression is a sequence of steps, materials, and
building crews. BIM technology can animate this entire process, facilitate all of these steps,
and deliver a path to the end result.

Give a perfect presentation of a building: It’s important clients get a preview of the

building being designed. BIM software enables communication of the project scope, steps,
and outcome. And as BIM can render images in 3D, businesses can give clients the most
realistic view of the building possible.

Who Uses Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software?

BIM is geared toward those designing buildings. However, many distinct roles contribute to
the design and construction of these buildings, from planning internal systems to the outside
structure of the building. BIM software can benefit those in a variety of career fields.
Infrastructure: BIM isn’t just for constructing buildings. It can be used to create large
structures, such as bridges and ports. BIM can be used in these instances the same way it
is for constructing buildings, namely integrating the plan, design, build, and phases of a
project. BIM in infrastructure projects can ensure that any large structure is resilient to
external circumstances, such as weather, before being constructed.

BIM construction: BIM software is commonly used in the construction industry. These
solutions facilitate collaboration within any team involved in the process and the ability to
gather aerial views of the building structure. Laying the groundwork digitally, BIM in the
construction industry ultimately gives a more productive worksite.

MEP: BIM software offers a suite of tools to help those in the MEP industry design and
estimate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems quickly and accurately. These
platforms reduce risk and waste, driving better MEP fabrication. BIM solutions also assist in
the installation process to ensure these systems fit seamlessly with the rest of the structure
they are a part of.

Plant design: BIM solutions allow users to design intelligent structures and create piping
and instrumentation diagrams that will support factory operations. Whether the plant being
designed specializes in water treatment, food and beverage, or oil and gas, a BIM tool
should have the functionality to create designs in any of these disciplines.

Structural engineering: Another common use for BIM software is by structural engineers.
Users in this field utilize BIM tools to improve the structure of buildings to ensure they are as
strong and resilient as possible. Structural engineers can streamline workflows to connect
design to detailing, minimize errors, and improve the quality of the building structure before
it is constructed.

Architecture: BIM solutions allow architects to bring their most creative ideas to life by
providing support throughout their whole design process. BIM solutions provide tools that
maintain model fidelity at every stage of the architectural design process. This means that
insight can be gained early on in this process to meet clients’ requirements to deliver the
project they need.

Software Related to Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

A few vertical industry software solutions revolving around functions such as building,
design, and installation should work in conjunction with BIM technology. While some
individual products may not integrate with one another, the end goal of these software
categories is very similar.

Construction management software: This software allows users to oversee offsite

construction crews and follow along with their progress. Along with managing the project,
other features may include punch lists, time tracking, expense management, and more.
Some construction management tools may already offer BIM capabilities. But for those
solutions that don’t offer those functionalities, BIM should be able to fill in the gaps.
Architecture software: These tools assist architects in visualizing, creating, and viewing
building design documents. Architecture software can also help schedule, plan, and execute
construction drawings for a project, with the collection of 2D design tools this type of
software typically offers. BIM solutions can enhance the offerings of this software due to its
3D modeling capabilities and integrations. Some architecture software solutions may offer
these 3D functionalities, but for those that don’t, BIM visualization provides the ability to
generate more complex designs.

Challenges with Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

BIM software solutions can come with their own set of challenges. Some of the most
common issues and challenges buyers may run into are:

Incompatibility with construction partners: BIM is not the universal standard in the

construction industry yet, and a number of other tools can be used to create building
models. There is a possibility that contractors may not utilize BIM software to create
buildings and therefore won’t be able to use the models.

Lack of expertise: BIM is a relatively new technology that is developing quickly. So, there
are a limited number of BIM software experts. Implementing a BIM solution on a project
might require investment in additional training and support.

Legal ramifications: It is currently unclear where the ownership of BIM data falls. Whether
it needs to be protected through copyright laws is also yet to be determined. When
someone other than the original creator of a model contributes to the work, licensing issues
may come up. As there are many people involved in the design and construction of a
building or large structure, this can potentially cause issues.

Cost: Moving to BIM software is not a cheap task. Not only do buyers have to pay for the
tool itself, but they will likely need to invest in training or consulting. It will likely pay off in the
long run, but the upfront cost may be a hit to the firm initially, especially if the business is
small.

Which Companies Should Buy Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Software?

Building information modeling software mainly serves the industries of architecture,

engineering and construction. These are the industries that most commonly work on
building the physical environment and as such, must collaborate with lots of data to go from
conception to construction. While these are the most common fields that utilize BIM, below
we will explore the types of companies within these fields that should pursue BIM software:

Large and mid-market architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) businesses: 

The most common adopters of BIM software are large and mid-market AEC businesses.
These are generally businesses with 1000+ employees that have multiple teams involved in
the planning, design and execution of constructing buildings. These companies generally
have the budget to purchase plenty of licenses for their workers, and this allows them to
have multiple collaborators involved in one project.

How to Buy Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

Requirements gathering for BIM software is critical to ensure that the business is
implementing a product that meets all of their needs. To do so, businesses must evaluate
their critical needs. For example, some businesses may view strong rendering features as a
necessity, while other businesses may be more focused on collaboration features. 

Compare Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software Products

Create a long list

Long lists are created by eliminating software options that do not provide critical
functionality. To make a long list for BIM software, a buyer should look at the following
functionalities and price and deem which products provide the necessary functionality:

 Collaboration and work sharing capabilities

 File interoperability 
 Rendering features
 Document storage
 Strong general computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities
 Drawing tools
 Project and task management
 Collision detection
 Sequence steps 
 MEP fabrication detailing

Create a short list

Once a buyer has narrowed down their list from the following functionality above, it’s then
important to get even more specific requirements. Below are some of the even more critical
features to take into consideration:

File interoperability: Having files that support a wide range of exchange formats might be
something that is critical to project collaboration and sharing. File interoperability gives
customers the freedom to switch from one product to another while keeping the data intact
after the transfer. An example might be if a team regularly exchanges data with plant design
solutions or transfers data to production. If a company is working with multiple file types
then this will be important to consider.

Specific CAD capabilities: If a company works in the fields of MEP, then it’s important to
choose a BIM product that allows for MEP fabrication detailing, HVAC design, electrical
design, etc. Likewise, for companies in the construction or structural engineering sector, it
will be important to find a BIM product that offers specific features that cater to a particular
industry.

Conduct demos

Demos are one of the most important stages in the buying journey. This allows a buyer to
sit through an actual product demo and see if the product matches all of the requirements.
To make sure the demo runs smoothly, users must ensure that the vendor has all of the
requirements beforehand so they can showcase their features properly. Some of the use
cases that a business should ask the vendor to showcase are:

Workflows: The most critical feature to showcase is workflow functionality. How does the
solution offer better workflow management for BIM projects? Can users share projects
easily? Are there simple functions for content management? This is critical as this is the
core requirement for purchasing BIM software.

Ease of file sharing: During a demo, it’s important to get the seller to showcase file sharing
capabilities. Vendors may claim they have simple file sharing that can translate files over
from one software to another, but having them showcase these abilities and the overall
ease of file transfer will ensure that these are strong capabilities.

Selection of Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software

Choose a selection team

BIM software is going to most often be used by project designers as well as managers who
oversee these teams of project designers. Job roles that should be included in the selection
process are project designer, BIM manager, model manager, content creation specialist,
discipline BIM coordinators, and other project specific roles.

Negotiation

When negotiating during the purchasing stage, it is advisable to always start small in terms
of licenses and functionality. Licenses will always be the biggest cost within any purchase,
and oftentimes, companies purchase additional licenses or features in a product that they
don’t necessarily need. During this negotiation, vendors will try to convince buyers that they
can offer discounts on more functionality or licenses if they buy in bulk, but most businesses
don’t need this. If businesses end up needing a few more licenses down the road, they can
always add as need be. 

In addition to this, the selection team should always strive to have implementation and
ongoing support fees included in the cost. BIM software is not easy to learn. Before
purchasing, buyers must ensure that the vendor offers regular training or even online
training options to help new users onboard quickly. This way, if any ongoing support is
needed, businesses can always contact their customer success or support representative.

Final decision
After the negotiation stage is conducted, the final decision requires buy-in from everyone on
the selection team. It’s important to ensure that all requirements are met and the final
decision is supported by all stakeholders.

What Does Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software Cost?

There are a variety of factors that will play into both the upfront and ongoing cost of BIM
software. For upfront costs, a business needs to pay for setup, any custom integrations, and
training. Additionally, there is the consideration of what level of functionality or which tier the
buyer would like to purchase. Some BIM software will charge more based on the number of
features purchased.

The ongoing cost is the subscription cost to actually use the software. Many BIM software
options are usually run on a subscription model which means users need to pay a monthly
or yearly rate to use the software. The subscription model is generally set up as a per-user
model and will ultimately be the biggest cost. As stated previously, to limit the upfront cost,
it’s important to pay for a limited number of licenses right away as buyers still need to figure
out if the software will ultimately be the best choice for their company. In terms of hard
numbers, there is BIM software for as little as $80 per user on a monthly basis, whereas
some go up to $350 per user per month.

Return on Investment (ROI) 

Below is the breakdown of the estimated time to ROI according to the BIM product review
data on G2 as of May 4, 2021:

 32% of buyers see an ROI in 6 months or less

 30% of buyers see an ROI in 7-12 months
 9 % of buyers see an ROI in 13-24 months
 8% of buyers see an ROI from 24-36 months
 4% of buyers see an ROI in 48+ months 
 12% of buyers haven’t realized a full payback yet

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software Trends

AR, VR, and BIM: AR and VR has already begun to seep into the installation field, and for
good reason. VR gives users the ability to study extensive 3D models in a whole new way.
As AR merges the real world with a virtual environment, users can test to see how a piece
fits into the whole of a building, and anticipate clashes early. These capabilities are already
huge advantages to BIM users, as they allow users to see their designs from a fresh
perspective. They will become more of an asset as AR and VR continues to develop rapidly.

Internet of things (IoT) and BIM: Intelligent objects are becoming increasingly more
common in homes—so much so that it is expected that IoT will completely change the way
that installers and modelers work. BIM tools can house data on IoT applications within the
structure being built and make sure it is entirely up to date. This means that designing the
building can be done with ready-to-deliver products that come straight to the building site.
4D, 5D, and 6D BIM: While many BIM users have been transitioning to 3D platforms, 4D,
5D, and 6D are already on their way. 4D BIM models provide a visualization of the
construction schedule. 5D and 6D BIM add costs and materials to existing 3D BIM models.
These new versions of BIM will also add details such as aesthetics, thermal properties, and
acoustics to maximize a user’s ROI.

3D printing and BIM: 3D printing has been making big moves in the construction industry,
showing great potential for creating incredibly accurate building elements quickly with
minimal waste. BIM and 3D printing are a perfect match as prototypes can be made with
BIM software and then passed along to a construction crew.

https://www.g2.com/categories/building-design-and-building-information-modeling-bim

Revit 2021

Minimum: Entry-Level Configuration

Operating System: *64-bit Microsoft® Windows® 10. 
CPU Type: Single- or Multi-Core Intel®, Xeon®, or i-Series processor or AMD®
equivalent with SSE2 technology. Highest affordable CPU speed rating recommended.
 
Autodesk® Revit® software products use multiple cores for many tasks.
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Usually sufficient for a typical editing session for a single model up to approximately 100
MB on disk. This estimate is based on internal testing and customer reports. Individual
models will vary in their use of computer resources and performance characteristics.
Models created in previous versions of Revit software products may require more
available memory for the one-time upgrade process.
Video Display Resolutions:
Minimum: 1280 x 1024 with true color

Maximum: UltraHigh (4k) Definition Monitor

Video Adapter:
Basic Graphics: Display adapter capable of 24-bit color

Advanced Graphics: DirectX® 11 capable graphics card with Shader Model 5 and a

minimum of 4GB of video memory
Disk Space: 30 GB free disk space
Media: Download or installation from DVD9 or USB key
Pointing Device: MS-Mouse or 3Dconnexion® compliant device
.NET Framework.NET Framework Version 4.8 or later.
Browser: Microsoft® Internet Explorer® 10 (or higher)
Connectivity: Internet connection for license registration and prerequisite component
download

System requirements for AutoCAD 2021 including

Specialized Toolsets (Windows)
Operating System: 64-bit OS that follows Autodesk's Product Support Lifecycle policy.
Processor:
Basic: 2.5–2.9 GHz processor
Recommended: 3+ GHz processor
Multiple processors: Supported by the application
Memory:
Basic: 8 GB
Recommended: 16 GB
Display Resolution: 
Conventional Displays: 1920 x 1080 with True Color

High Resolution & 4K Displays: Resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 supported on Windows

10, 64-bit systems (with capable display card)
Display Card:
Basic: 1 GB GPU with 29 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
Recommended: 4 GB GPU with 106 GB/s Bandwidth and DirectX 11 compliant
Disk Space: 7.0 GB
Network: Deployment via Deployment Wizard.

The license server and all workstations that will run applications dependent on network
licensing must run TCP/IP protocol.

Either Microsoft® or Novell TCP/IP protocol stacks are acceptable. Primary login on
workstations may be Netware or Windows.

In addition to operating systems supported for the application, the license server will run
on Windows® Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2016, and Windows Server 2019
editions.
Pointing Device: MS-Mouse compliant
.NET Framework.NET Framework version 4.8 or later

This article provides the system requirements for the following Autodesk® Navisworks® 2020
software:
 Navisworks Manage
 Navisworks Simulate
 Navisworks Freedom
 Navisworks File Exporters
Single Installation Requirements
Operating
Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit) on the Semi Annual Channel servicing option.
System
CPU Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon™ 3.0 GHz (or higher) with SSE2 technology
RAM 2 GB RAM (minimum)
Disk Space 15 GB free disk space for installation
Graphics Direct3D 9® and OpenGL® capable graphics card with Shader Model 2 (minimum)
1280 x 800 VGA display with true color (1920 x 1080 monitor and 32-bit video display
Display
adapter recommended)
Pointing Device Microsoft Mouse-compliant pointing device
Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer® 8.0 or later
Deployment Requirements
Hardware and software requirements for the location of the administrative image
Disk Space 10 GB hard disk
Hardware and software requirements for the client machine
Operating
Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit) on the Semi Annual Channel servicing option.
System
CPU Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 3.0 GHz (or higher) with SSE2 technology
RAM 2 GB RAM (minimum)
Disk Space 15 GB free disk space for installation
Graphics Direct3D 9 and OpenGL capable graphics card with Shader Model 2 (minimum)
1280 x 800 VGA display with true color (1920 x 1080 monitor and 32-bit video display
Display
adapter recommended)
Pointing Device Microsoft Mouse-compliant pointing device
Browser Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 or later
Hardware and software requirements for the network license server (Windows)
Operating
Microsoft® Windows® 10 (64-bit) on the Semi Annual Channel servicing option.
System
CPU Intel Pentium 3 or higher, 450 Mhz (minimum)
Network interface card compatible with existing Ethernet network infrastructure
Note: The Network License Manager supports Ethernet network configurations only.

Network TCP/IP communication protocol

Note: The Network License Manager uses TCP packet types.

FLEXnet 11.12.0.0 or later

Notes