Construction: combining BIM and lean to improve performance

After the advent of BIM, professionals in the construction sector must familiarize themselves with the concept of lean management. Originating in industry, this production management approach is gradually gaining ground in the construction field. The key: reducing waste of time and materials. So to what extent are BIM and lean complementary? How does lean make it possible to concretely respond to the problems encountered in BIM projects? Explanations from Haïssem Ben Achour, engineer specializing in BIM.

BIM (building information modeling) is a technology that allows you to create a 3D digital model of a building, integrating all the information necessary for its design, construction and management.

Lean, on the other hand, is a project management method that aims to eliminate waste and optimize processes. It emphasizes collaboration, communication and the amelioration keeps going.

The contributions of BIM for construction

In 2022, the results of the 2nd edition of the barometer on the use of digital technology and BIM by construction professionals were clear. For 48 % players in the sector, BIM is a strategic issue for their activity. This is 11 points more compared to the previous edition. Still according to this same study, 66 % of those who work in BIM are convinced of its usefulness and importance and 17 % have deployed actions in favor of BIM in their company.

BIM has revolutionized working practices and methods in the construction field.

Here are the main benefits of BIM for professionals in the sector.

Improved collaboration

BIM enables the various parties involved in a construction project (architects, engineers, contractors, etc.) to work on a common platform. This helps to resolve problems and reduce errors and delays.

3D visualization

Thanks to BIM, professionals can better visualize and understand the project, which facilitates decision-making and communication with clients.

Data managment

BIM centralizes project information in a single database, thereby reducing construction risks. These risks mainly concern the loss of data. Shared by users, this data is stored everywhere and nowhere on the cloud or on physical servers.

Simulation and analysis

BIM makes it possible to carry out advanced simulations and analyses, such as energy analysis, daylighting simulation and traffic flow simulation, optimising design and decision-making.

Building life cycle management

BIM makes it possible to manage the stages from design to construction, including operation and maintenance. Result: optimization of costs, improvement of energy efficiency and extension of the lifespan of the building.

BIM, a lean solution?

The combination of lean and BIM makes it possible to respond to the problems encountered in BIM projects. Thanks to this “winning duo”, it is possible to:

• Reduce waste
• Improve collaboration
• Optimize processes
• Reduce errors and risks

Lean identifies non-productive activities and eliminates them. By using BIM, it is possible to visualize the project before it is built, detect potential errors and problems, and correct them before they become waste.

Likewise, lean encourages collaboration among project stakeholders. By using BIM, it is possible to easily share information and models, promoting collaboration and coordination.

Furthermore, lean analyzes existing processes and improves them to make them more efficient. BIM models and simulates the different stages of construction, in order to identify the stages to optimize and anticipate potential problems.

Finally, lean emphasizes quality and error prevention. By using BIM, it is possible to detect errors and inconsistencies in the digital model, allowing them to be corrected before construction.

BIM can be qualified as a lean solution as it contributes to the elimination of waste and the optimization of processes in construction.

Best practices during a BIM project

Accuracy and consistency

To achieve a greater degree of precision and consistency in the use of BIM, here are some best practices to follow:

• Standardization: use standards and protocols to ensure consistency of models and data.

• Training and awareness: a good understanding of BIM allows you to work more precisely and coherently.

• Quality control : standards compliance checks and crash tests to detect conflicts.

Examples of model checking and collision detection software:

MagiCAD Add-in, Trimble Connect, BIM Vision, Solibri Model Checker…

• Close collaboration : share information in real time.
• Using advanced tools: these tools make it possible to automate tasks, optimize design and guarantee data consistency.

There are several examples of BIM automation functions available in the industry. The best-known example is the combination of Revit and its integrated Dynamo programming interface.

In New Aquitaine, the glass cladding of the Cité du Vin de Bordeaux constituted a real challenge, overcome thanks to BIM and Dynamo.

Facilitate communication

The objective is to streamline communication and exchanges between the different professions in a construction project. How to achieve this?

• Use a BIM collaboration platform
• Organize regular meetings
• Define responsibilities and roles clear
• Use a common language and understandable
• Promote transparency in order to understand the constraints and needs of other professions
• Encourage active participation, the commitment and accountability of everyone
• Use appropriate communication tools: 3D modeling software, task management tools, instant messaging platforms, etc.

Control costs and deadlines

In a construction project, controlling costs and deadlines can be complicated. Following these steps may help you.

• Detailed planning
• Accurate cost estimation 
• Regular monitoring of costs
• Rigorous resource management
• Risk management
• Communication and coordination
• Quality control
• Use of BIM

What lean tools and methods for BIM projects?

How to rethink and control the change process using lean methodologies? Here are some steps to follow.

• Identify the objectives of the change

Objective: improving efficiency, reducing costs, improving quality, etc.

• Involve stakeholders

The active participation of employees, customers and suppliers is essential for successful change.

• Analyze existing processes

Identify value-added activities and non-necessary activities.

Use lean tools such as value-stream mapping to visualize and understand current workflows.

• Eliminate waste

Waste can include waiting times, unnecessary movements, excess inventory, defects, etc.

Use lean tools such as 5S, Kaizen and “Just-in-Time” to reduce waste.

• Implement continuous improvements

Establish a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employees to suggest ideas for improvement.

Use lean tools such as Kaizen to facilitate this continuous improvement process.

• Measure and track results

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and track change results.

• Communicate and train

Ensure that all employees understand the objectives of the change and are trained in new ways of working.

• Adapt and iterate

Be prepared to adapt and iterate the change process based on the results obtained and feedback.

Example of BIM deployment in an E+C project

APSARA is a residence labeled E+C- “Positive energy (E+), carbon reduction (C-)” located in the heart of the ZAC Ovalie, a new eco-district in Montpellier. The objective: high energy performance and maximum reduction of carbon emissions.

The E+C- approach using BIM is based on a thermal calculation carried out by a design office, using the digital model. Normally, the fluid and thermal engineer has to retrace the architectural model in the dedicated software to carry out the calculation. For this project, the BIM approach we have put in place has streamlined exchanges between the design office and the architect. The architect was able to produce a model that met the needs of the design office, and the E+C- calculation was carried out directly from the architectural model.

The combination of lean and BIM represents a significant opportunity to improve productivity and efficiency in the construction sector. In the coming years, lean and BIM will evolve even further thanks to artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.

This development promises even more efficient, sustainable and personalized construction processes, meeting the specific needs of each project and client.

However, despite the obvious benefits, full adoption of these methodologies requires: adapting to regulatory changes, training the workforce in the new technologies and promoting a culture of innovation and collaboration within the industry.