How BIM Teams are Conducting Remote Work

Megan Huber,Director, - Quality Processes, Methods, & Tools,CNH Industrial

BIM teams in the construction sector can use new technologies to conduct remote working efficiently.

Inherently, the construction sector is hands-on, with workers traditionally operating from a trailer, office, or job site. Around this practice, several construction companies have designed their internal infrastructure. Businesses have been driven to look for a new process to keep operations going forward in the face of unprecedented threats like the COVID-19 virus that is expanding across the world and disrupting each industry. Most organizations have found their solution in remote work.

 With the infrastructure, technology, and confidence necessary for this type of work, the construction industry is largely unprepared.

However, there is good news, as pre-construction teams are looking to quickly introduce a remote working program. Remote work can be done effectively, rapidly, and at a low cost with the latest technologies available. Remote working could change the way they do business, forever, after a successful roll-out. With higher workplace efficiencies, better work-life balance, increasingly flexible workplace policy, and an abundance of creative software and hardware solutions to help remote workplace management and communication, companies could learn to build from home during an emergency.

Choose a Secure, Cloud-Based File Sharing Tool

The basis of an exemplary remote working program starts with the storing of all documents in a cloud-based program. The employees must access records with speed and agility, like bids, contracts, requirements, correspondence, 3D models, CAD reports, and plans. Many software programs for cloud storage enable several team members to work on a document at once or delegate notes for later review by co-workers. There is a wealth of tools and services available unique to each service provider that may help the organization.

Adopt Work Management Software

To keep the team's workload coordinated and on budget, keep a pulse on the construction projects by implementing a team and project management application. Team management software systems offer important status alerts and visibility with many beneficial features that play an essential role in managing the company during a time of remote operation and when the workers are in the workplace.

Internal Communication is Key

Providing the workers with the opportunity to connect rapidly and efficiently is another aspect that the organization's leadership would need to consider when designing a remote work program. Many pre-construction teams assume that it is already in place with email, but in most cases, it is not the most streamlined type of informal or instant messaging process. Slack is one solution that construction companies can use. This messaging tool enables workers to communicate through an instant messaging interface, where it is possible to employ GIFs and emojis to communicate in fashionable, lively ways.