BIM: SHARING IS CARING

ARE IRISH CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES EXPLOITING THE BENEFITS OF BIM AND IF THEY’RE NOT, WHAT’S STOPPING THEM? ICIM TALKS TO BIM EXPERT EMMA HAYES ABOUT WHAT THE TECHNOLOGY CAN DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS

A couple of months ago, the results of a CIF survey were released, revealing that 56% of Irish construction companies believe robotics and artificial intelligence could reduce the number of construction workers on building sites. Almost three out of four building firms said that technology was improving productivity while another 54% said they had invested in new technologies in the past 12 months. A further 62% of companies said they were planning to invest in new tech soon and that building information modelling (BIM) technology would be important to their business in the future.

It’s clear that the future of construction is digital. Emma Hayes, Managing Director at Digital Built Consultants Ltd, has believed this to be the case for over 10 years. A chartered architectural technologist with over 20 years’ experience in design and project management, she recognised the impact that digital technology was going to have on the industry long before most. After completing a BIM module as part of a post-graduate degree, she decided to do an MA in BIM management. “I was working in PM Group at the time and they were just starting on their own BIM journey. I ended up working with the task team to understand the impact modelling would have on projects. In 2015, I was appointed group BIM Manager for PM Group which involved rolling out standards and procedures for BIM across the entire group. It was quite challenging but a great opportunity.” Last year, Emma left PM Group to launch her own BIM and digital information management consultancy. “Initially, it was up and down but I’ve seen a massive difference in 2019. We have been run off our feet with business from consultants and contractors who see that they’re being left behind and want to implement BIM processes. The industry is starting to sit up and realise that they’re going to have to start implementing these processes into their business.”

Read more in the July/August issue email catherine@mcdmedia.ie

Denise Maguire        
Editor of Irish Construction Industry Magazine

Email: denise@mcdmedia.ie