It has been discovered that BIM (Building Information Modeling) is hands-down one of the technologies loved by the AEC companies. While it helps them enhance their productivity, it also streamlines the workflow, improves overall collaboration, and even brings more structure to project management overall.
Clearly, with all these benefits, AEC company would not encourage the use of BIM technology. This is why more and more architecture, engineering, and construction companies are relying on BIM companies across the globe. Cosmere Technologies is one of the trusted and renowned names among the BIM companies in the USA with its headquarters located in Bangalore.
Well, getting back to the topic at hand – Let’s understand what we mean by BIM project repository.
What is a BIM project repository?
The BIM project repository is a centralized and organized storage system for BIM models, project-related data, information about the project lifecycle, and even documents involved in the project.
Certainly, it is a very important part of BIM Modeling. This is why it is a secure and accessible location where all the project stakeholders can reliably store their data and retrieve it anytime from anywhere.
Now what is that location or to be accurate where is it? Well! The repository typically is a digital platform or software that is specifically designed for BIM project management.
After explaining what is BIM repository, let’s explore the key elements involved in it.
Key BIM Project Repository Elements
- Data Storage
- Version Control
- Collaboration & Access Control
- File organization
- Integration with the BIM Software
These are the 5 key elements of every efficient BIM repository. Let’s elaborate more on each one of these.
Data Storage
The primary purpose of a BIM repository is to bring a secure and structured storage place for all the stakeholders to store everything related to their BIM projects including – 3D models, 2D drawings, model specifications, schedules, cost estimations, and project documentation.
A well-managed and structured BIM repository will bring better collaboration among the teams working on the project.
Version Control in BIM Repository
Another key element of the BIM repository is its efficiency to handle multiple revisions and iterations involved in BIM modelling projects. We all know that there are multiple versions, revisions, and iterations in every BIM modelling project.
This is why for a BIM repository to be efficient having a strong version control mechanism is a necessity. This feature also prevents issues like – data loss, confusion, and inconsistency.
Collaboration & Access Control
Another essential feature that every BIM project repository must facilitate is easier collaboration among all the involved stakeholders. With a perfect BIM repository, all the team members can efficiently and effectively share, review, and comment on project files within a defined and controlled environment. Most of these repositories come with access control mechanisms which makes them even more convenient to use.
File Organization & Meta Data Structure
An efficient BIM repository will have a structured file organizer for all the project-related documents and files. Along with that, it is important that it has a standardized naming convention & file structures. In addition to this, a BIM repository also has metadata including project information, file description, timestamps, author details, and more… With metadata, stakeholders can easily search and retrieve the files stored in the repository.
Integration with the BIM Software & Tools
The whole idea of having a BIM repository is to help with project management while working on BIM modelling. BIM project repositories are often integrated with BIM software and other project management tools like clash detection software, scheduling applications, etc. With the help of this integration, data can easily flow between the BIM modelling software & repository.
What are the benefits of BIM Project Repository?
Now that we have discussed the key features of an efficient BIM repository, let’s understand the benefits of the same.
Centralized and Structured Data Management
Thanks to the BIM repository, earlier when the whole project management system was scattered is now organized. It offers you a centralized place to manage the project’s data. The centralization enhances collaboration & reduces the risk of miscommunication or even data dependencies.
Improved Collaboration & Communication
BIM repository facilitates seamless sharing and collaboration by fostering effective communication among project team members. It also allows stakeholders to have real-time collaboration, enabling simultaneous work on project files, reviewing changes and providing feedback.
Enhanced Efficiency
The organized structure & version control feature improves the overall project efficiency. Stakeholders can quickly & easily locate and retrieve the files they need.
Improved Data Security
3. Enhanced Project Efficiency & Security: The organized structure and version control mechanisms of a BIM project repository improve project efficiency. Stakeholders can quickly locate the files they need, reducing time spent searching for information. Version control ensures that everyone is working with the latest information, minimizing errors and rework. Thanks to the data redundancy mechanism and regular backups can ensure the safety of the project information against threats like potential hardware failure, unforeseen circumstances, and software glitches.
All these benefits mentioned above clearly define the advantage of the BIM project repository. Efficient collaboration, secure database, and streamlined workflows – everything is ensured by the use of an efficient BIM repository.
If you are considering switching to BIM modelling or begin using the new technology, it is better you let the experts handle it. There are many BIM companies like Cosmere Technologies that can help you set up a perfect BIM modelling environment including the integration of a BIM repository. All you have to do is contact us and we will take care of it all.
