Building Information Modeling
Building Information Modeling is an integrated process that keeps and accelerates the information exchange of project, of construction and of exploration between all stakeholders, …
… creating tridimensional models that represent all the physical and functional characteristics of a building …
… and which have a high potential on supporting decisions in the different phases of an enterprise.
Integrating BIM in the company’s processes implies a definition of strategic goals and a rigorous planning and controlling actions. It’s necessary to define, project by project:
- What are the goals to implement BIM in a particular project? (OBJECTIVES?)
- The Level of Detail of the model, in order to fulfill the objectives? (HOW?)
- The level of detail per project phase? (WHEN?)
3D Dimension
The use of BIM models as the base of the coordination of multi-disciplinary teams allows a substantial increase of the process efficiency compared to the conventional one. The BIM model, apart from allowing the effective coordination of specialties, assists in the production of shop drawings, as well as in interpretation and definition of a macro strategy for site “attack”.
BIM is not just for buildings. The automation, visualization and analysis of benefits that BIM provides for construction projects can also be applied on landscape architecture and urbanism. 
Nowadays, sustainability is an imperative factor to consider in every architectural project. The major decisions influencing a building's sustainability characteristics are made by architects during the design process. ndBIM continues to innovate in the "green" field by offering the best workflow for sustainable design integrated in the BIM authoring tool. The model of ndBIM allows architects to perform a better assessment of building’s energetic efficiency.
More and more new developments emphasize the effective collaboration between architects and structural engineers. This collaboration requires reliable methods for sharing and storing information of the model, solutions and proposals of building design. It is also a way to manage all the changes made to the building model by any of the participants at the same time, minimizing the possibility of human error. 
Thanks to recent technological advances, the construction industry professionals are increasingly dependent on integrated architecture and engineering workflows. Using the IFC standard as a common language, architects and engineers can share and coordinate their projects, using the work of other disciplines as a reference. 
Are you involved in a complex expansion project and you feel some pressure to make it as simple as possible? Consider scanning the existing conditions, create a BIM model from a cloud of points and coordinate your current project with the existing one. 
This service allows the effective identification of interferences (collisions) between different specialties in a 3D BIM Model. Using this type of service will improve project coordination by reducing the risk of human error. 
Through the models, ndBIM extracts all the images and necessary documentation of the project, which are automatically created. The advanced modeling tool selected by ndBIM ensure the correct graphical representation of elements and materials in plan, section and elevation. 
Software such BIMx are innovative and interactive tools for communication between architects, engineers and builders that set new standards for communication and presentation in the AEC industry. Use the BIM model to share all kind of information and measurements within a 3D interactive environment.
4D Dimension
ndBIM offers an innovative solution for physical planning of construction. Combining quantities by location with Line of Balance methodology we guarantee a dynamic and powerful communication in the construction. The several tasks are connected to components and enriched with resources, productivities and costs. Line of Balance is a more visual method of planning that facilitates the optimization, study of scenarios and risk analysis.
The development of an ideal work schedule is one thing, but it is its control in place that will ensure if the work is a success or not. 
A comparison of the percentage of completion planned with the actual values for each task allows manufacturers to predict possible conflicts with considerable advance, defining action plans on time.
Use this simulation to:
- Convince the owner that your company completely understands his project;
- Communicate the project to subcontractors before requesting proposals;
- Analyze the planning, the project progress and solve problems with your partners.
5D Dimension
Quantity takeoff by location is a guarantee of ndBIM services. A precise extraction of quantities ensures the safety of the estimated budget and the schedule of the works. Automatically achieve different measurements (un, m, m2, m3, etc.) for each element and by location.
Control the costs of your project at an early stage. Still at the stage of design, predict the cost of your project through historical data of your company, producing estimates by m2 according to the final building use.
Estimators are the backbone of any construction company. If they forgot something in the budget, the whole project could be at risk. Get the quantities from the model, ensuring a budget automatically updated in case of changes to the project. Visually identify in the model which elements contribute to a particular item.
Achieve planned and accumulated costs based on the physical planning of the construction. 
How important it is for you to have better estimates of your cash requirements? Through this development we may also predict costs based on the forecast of the effective execution of the construction works. 
Achieve leading indicators (ex.: EVA, curves S) reflecting a correlation between physical and economic situation of your construction. Have the best information that supports a more conscious decision making. 
6D Dimension
Space management is the basis of all the management activities of an enterprise. Through the BIM model you can store and manage a large amount of alphanumeric data and graphics. The operational tasks will be ensured effectively.
We propose you the management of your property portfolio in an integrated and visual form. You can register the leases details and define the location of furniture and equipment with real time updates on your BIM model.
Introduction of all contract data (values, starting dates, etc.) to prepare reports and automatic expiration notices. Maintenance and operating costs are integrated into data leases and predefined metric.
We propose a web interface where users can report faults and malfunctions, allowing repair scheduling and manage bookmarks and work orders. 
Preserve the assets of your property portfolio and ensure the maintenance provided by law. The management of contracts and associated costs allows the creation of an updated maintenance plan, which can then be compared with reality.
The system main function is to help the users in the decision making process with accurate data, updated and easily understood. BIM supports the analysis in two ways: with metrics for immediate intervention and reports.
Return on Investment
Repeatedly proven to be a direct benefit from using models with:
- Other departments of the company;
- Sub-contractors;
- New personnel on-site;
- Clients.
Our experience shows that with a BIM Process we can have smaller teams in charge of the site. This can represent a saving of 1 to 2% of the costs on the site.
Usually projects have many problems in their design that become serious issues during the construction phase. The ability to detect and predict problems has proven to be invaluable. The aim is to reach an 80% rework economy.
Construction companies have a long standing tradition of GC presenting project alternatives to the client. The model clarifies the intentions. Our goal is to increase your margin at least in 1%.
The existing of a model will make possible to achieve a centralized and updated base for an immediate production of updated shop drawings for the site.
Quantity takeoff acquires an enormous importance for the preparation of a budget, and we can refer several advantages of using a BIM model for this purpose:
- Possibility to measure more in less time;
- The model based process is more reliable and error proof than the traditional method;
- Easy adaptation to the company's rules for quantities takeoff;
- Better Cost Estimates and Risk Mitigation.
The use of methodologies that allow a connection between a BIM model and the scheduling demonstrated that:
- May occur a 20% gain in the total duration of the construction with a proportional saving of costs on the site;
- Line of Balance based discussion clarifies problems and options, promoting trust between all the involved stakeholders.
