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In the 21st century where subletting and outsourcing has become common, the winds of change have hit the AEC industry too. In a recent study on BIM subletting, it was seen that 45% of the general contractors in the US reported outsourcing BIM to some degree to companies located in the US (74.7%), India (22.1%) and the Philippines (2.6%), signifying that outsourcing has become an important aspect of modern-day BIM usage.
Though the traditional rationale for outsourcing, which is based on economies of scale and scope for the immediate financial benefit to the company having its tasks outsourced, is applicable in BIM subletting, there is more to it.
The reasons for subletting varies with each GC and it cannot solely be attributed to their BIM capability. Scalability of resources, time constraints and availability of the most advanced technology also become decisive factors.
Subletting – A Hot Topic and a Controversy
Though in the majority of the cases subletting has been found fruitful there have also been instances where subletting has become futile causing heavy monetary losses to the stakeholders involved in a project. Which really is a paradox and something that requires immediate attention to. BIM subletting being a relatively new kid on the block, there hasn’t been much research as to why BIM subletting is turning out to be futile for some. Taking a closer look brings about some interesting inferences which undoubtedly speak about BIM subletting being an art the vendor and the client have to master. Before we go deep into the art of subletting and the best practices in BIM subletting, let’s have a look at the reasons why companies hold themselves back from subletting BIM.
The Disinclination Towards BIM Subletting – 5 Reasons
- Concern about the quality of work
- Communication gap
- Lack of ability to manage project
- Poor contract management
- Difficulty in finding the right BIM partner
The Bigger Picture of BIM Subletting
“It is quite surprising for me to see that cost savings still remain the decisive factor in BIM subletting. What unnerves me, is the way cost savings from BIM subletting is perceived to be. You need to see the benefits of BIM subletting in a larger picture, only then shall you understand that the benefit of subletting is not just the immediate cost saving rather subletting is something that can benefit the overall profitability of a project by providing better scalability & expertise of resources.”
— Harikrishnan K, Director, Advenser Engineering Services
Case of Budget Overruns
“You need to understand that BIM as such is not going to reduce the project cost by any extent rather BIM can help you limit your expenditure to the pre-approved budget, avoid budget overruns and in the timely completion of the project.”
— Ashwin S. Nair, General Manager, Advenser Engineering Services
In order to leverage the most out of BIM implementation, the vital prerequisite is to have a team of highly skilled BIM engineers work on your project. Not every firm can have an expert team with scalable resources, which can greatly affect the profitability of a project.
The Advantages of Subletting Your BIM Requirements
Less expensive than maintaining a dedicated in-house team
It’s a very common misconception in the AEC industry that subletting CAD & BIM requirements is overpriced. In reality, when you take a closer look it clearly shows that the cost of subletting is very much lower when compared to maintaining a dedicated in-house team. While subletting you pay only for the services you need rather than a full-time salary even when there are no projects to complete.
Experience the benefits of having scalable resources
When turnaround time becomes decisive in winning a project, subletting is often the best option. Scalable resources allow faster completion, saving time and money.
Reduce overhead costs
For startups and medium-sized firms, hiring a full-time team of BIM modelers and managers may not be viable. Salaries, IT and infrastructure can be heavy overheads. Subletting helps greatly reduce these costs.
Hire skilled and experienced modelers to work for you
When you sublet, you indirectly engage a highly skilled and experienced workforce. Vendors with a decade+ of BIM experience may have worked on a diverse range of projects, ensuring:
- Better quality
- Faster turnaround
- Scalability
- Better coordination
Diving deeper into BIM shows the benefits are interconnected—on the larger picture it will aid you in innumerable ways. BIM subletting can be fraught with unexpected challenges—but knowing best practices and a few tips can help you avoid many pitfalls.
Tips to the Art of BIM Subletting
The Golden Rule – Have a clear idea of BIM and its processes
BIM is an intelligent flow of processes. Companies subletting must have a clear idea about BIM and its processes. This helps you:
- Analyze the milestones and deadlines set by the vendor company.
- Have a broad idea of BIM expenses.
Unlike the 2D world, many design details are worked out earlier in BIM. Make sure you clearly understand what you need.
Don’t limit the possibilities – Leverage the most out of BIM
BIM is an integrated process where the vendor works as an extension of the client’s team. Clients should work in cohesion with their subletting partner to understand the full extent of services possible, rather than being blinded by a narrow requirement.
Choose well – Choose the right BIM partner
Be very careful when choosing a BIM company. With rising demand, many providers sprout each day. Some boast about milestones, popularity and low pricing—don’t fall for the bait! Before choosing a partner make sure that:
- You thoroughly check the company’s experience and expertise.
- You obtain detailed references from previous clients.
- You remain skeptical of unusually low prices.
- Your partner can provide access to high-level industry experts.
- You confirm their overall BIM experience.
Be prompt in responding to RFIs – For shorter turnaround
Remember the vendor is working on the input you provided and will need clarifications and additional technical information. Prompt responses to RFIs ensure both the quality and speed of delivery. The more projects you execute with a vendor, the fewer questions they will have next time.
See the larger picture – Never bypass the BIM workflow
“On average, implementing BIM on your projects can save anywhere between 15–25% of the total project cost. But one needs to see it from a broader perspective—bypassing the process for any reason will not do any good for your project.”
— Jenson J., Project Manager, Advenser Engineering Services
The fundamental rule – Avoid communication gaps with your vendor
“The most commonly seen pitfall in BIM subletting is the lack of focus on communications and relationship management. The key for a successful subletting is to ensure that you and your vendor are always on the same page. Improved communication in business always means higher profits.”
— Anusha U., Business Unit Manager, Advenser Engineering Services
BIM is an integrated process; be certain that you and your vendor are on the same page by:
- Giving a proper schedule of requirements to the vendor at the right time
- Sticking to the plan and acting responsibly
- Providing timely responses to RFIs
- Not skipping coordination meetings
Conclusion
To sum up, BIM subletting is truly an art that both client and vendor have to master. It’s not just about cutting project costs—it’s about leveraging the skilled expertise of your vendor, reducing overheads and turnaround time, and ultimately generating more profit.
About the Author
K. Shakti Prasad is a content writer with 3+ years of experience currently working at Advenser Engineering Services. He is a graduate in Electrical Engineering with a vehement passion for writing. Apart from being a BIM enthusiast, he has a great interest in music and literature. He is someone who is addicted to the stillness in traveling, making him a discontent vagrant who is in his quest for finding peace!
