This article provides a detailed narrative of the overall purpose and design use of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Furthermore it describe BIM’s speed of adaptation by members of the building team and the way it will change how the Door and Hardware Industry interacts with architects, contractors and distributors.

1. Building Information
Modeling (bim) and the
Door and Hardware Industry
B y D o u g B e v I l l & P e t e r J . A r s e n A u lt, A I A , n C A r B , l e e D - A P
T
He ProCess of DesIgnIng, DoCuMentIng, ConstruCt- into account. Eliminating this
ing, and maintaining a building is changing. Instead of treating waste has been a key motivator on
these as separate steps, a truly more integrated way of thinking the part of owners and others who
is emerging and, in many cases, being demanded by building seek a superior building outcome
owners. Building Information Modeling or BIM is one big part by incorporating a more coordi-
of that change and has been regarded as a central tool that has been bring- nated non-redundant methodology.
ing together architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, specialty NIBS has also launched a
consultants, product manufacturers, fabricators and others to look and specific initiative known as the
think differently about the information that they use and the role that they buildingSMARTalliance™ which
each play in the design, construction and operation of buildings. has compared the rise in the use of
electronic modeling for buildings to
BIM Definition and Characteristics
demolition or deconstruction. similar changes that have preceded
In order to better understand the Further, NIBS goes on to point out, it in the aircraft, microprocessor and
nature of this important tool, let’s “Some have identified BIM as dealing automotive industries. Based on
take a closer look at how BIM is with only 3D modeling and visualiza- those other industry successes, BIM
defined. According to the National tion. While important and true, this is usually characterized as having
Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), description is limiting. A more useful several key features:
“A Building Information Model concept is that a Model should access Digital or electronic format—the
(Model) is a digital representation of all pertinent graphic and non-graphic Model is created entirely on
physical and functional characteristics information about a facility as an inte- computers
of a facility. As such, it serves as a grated resource. A primary goal is to ■■ Object-based—the infor-
shared knowledge resource for informa- eliminate re-gathering or reformatting of mation in the Model is not a
tion about a facility forming a reliable facility information; which is wasteful.” series of lines and shapes as in
basis for decisions during its life cycle The integration of both graphic many Computer Aided Design
from inception onward.” and non-graphic information in (CAD) applications, rather it is
The key here is that the BIM one place gives the Model much a collection of 3 dimensional
model becomes a long-term shared more value as a resource that “objects” that are inserted or
resource for a building or facility can be accessed by many people virtually “built” into the Model.
from the earliest design conception, instead of wasting time and money The objects are often selected or
through construction, during the to duplicate. The current wasteful- created generically in BIM soft-
years it is operated and main- ness and redundancy in building ware programs or custom cre-
tained, through any alterations, design and construction work is ated by design professionals.
additions or adaptive re-use, all estimated at nearly $400 billion ■■ embedded■InfOrmatIOn■
the way through to the end of its dollars annually plus notably more lInkage—beyond the phys-
useful operating life and eventual when operating processes are taken ical representation of an object,
Graphs Courtesy of McGraw – Hill Construction
18 DOORS & HARDWARE £ February 2010

2. Growth in Expertise
Figure 1—Growth in the use of BIM
Figure 2—Expertise in BIM Advanced/Experts Users
43% 45%
Growth in BIM Use 37%
26%
All Respondents 21%
16%
2007 5%
8%
2007
48% Architect Engineer Contractor Owner
28%
Source: McGraw-Hill Construction, 2007, 2009
2007 2009
Source: McGraw-Hill Construction, 2007, 2009
the functional data (e.g., specifica- practice. In order to understand the advanced or experts—42% in
tions, warranty, manufacturing current and projected usage trends 2009 compared to only 14% in
information, etc.) associated with and perceived value of BIM in 2007. [Figure 2] In light of these
that object is embedded or linked practice, McGraw-Hill Construction findings, Steve Jones, one of the
to the BIM object and readily has undertaken a series of objective co-authors of this report from
accessible and readable. studies in partnership with NIBS, McGraw-Hill Construction
■■ InterOperable—with the American Institute of Architects has said, “With about half the
information coming from mul- (AIA), and others and published the North American AEC industry
tiple sources, the ability to findings as a “Smart Market Report— already up off their beach
openly and easily share that The Business Value of BIM.” The chairs and at least wading
information in generic formats 2009 printing of this report updates ankle-deep in the BIM surf,
without the restrictions of pro- the findings of the prior 2007 edition we can stop hyperventilating
prietary software becomes and reveals some insights into who about ‘BIM’ and just do BIM as
critical. This point is common is using BIM and why. This study a regular course of business.”
among a number of computer- is based on input from information ■■ all■bIm■users■plan■signifi-
based activities and has strong gathering surveys from literally cant■increases■in■utilizing■
precedent elsewhere. In fact, thousands of participants that came bIm. Fully one third of all
the Institute of Electrical and from all parts of the Architecture, current BIM users surveyed
Electronics Engineers (I-triple E) Engineering and Construction (AEC) report employing BIM on 60%
has spent a considerable amount spectrum across North America. or more of their projects today,
of effort looking at this topic Some of the highlights of this study but twice as many users expect
and offers this definition of are summarized below: to be at that level in the next
interoperability: “The ability of two years. Of those not yet
two or more systems or compo- ■■ almost■half■(49%)■of■the■total■ using BIM, half have yet to try
nents to exchange information aec■industry■is■now■using■ it, although they are open to it,
and to use the information that bIm.■This usage level is up and at least 42% of non-users
has been exchanged.” considerably since 2007 when believe that BIM will be either
the same study revealed that highly or very highly important
A Model that incorporates all of only 28% of the total industry in the next five years. The trend
these features lives up to the true was using BIM or BIM related of increased usage observed
definition of BIM and its ability to tools at that time. [Figure 1] during the past two years
deliver desired results. This represents some dramatic appears that it will continue
recent growth—a 75% increase based on these survey results.
in two years. Further, profi- ■ Different groups of users have
The Growing Use of BIM
ciency is up dramatically, too, differing usage levels, but the
Of course, any tool is only of value with three times as many users majority of users overall are
if it is actually used and put into characterizing themselves as seeing real business benefits
February 2010 £ DOORS & HARDWARE 19

3. BIM Adoption and Usage
BIM Benefits Contributing the Most Value
Architect Engineer
Very High/High
29% 42% 27% 58%
Reduced conflicts during construction 68%
Improved collective understanding
2% 65%
1% of design intent
13%
28%
Improved overall project quality 54%
Contractor Owner Reduced changes during construction 54%
12%
33% 51% 63%
Reduced number of RFIs 47%
17% (Requests for Information)
Better cost control/predictability 37%
Source: McGraw-Hill Construction, 2009
8%
12%  Figure 3—Breakdown of team members using BIM
4%  Figure 4—Benefits and value of BIM
We are using BIM tools
We are not using BIM two years. This growth
to analyze models but players above. Some are devel-
not creating our
is likely fueled by the
own models oping their own libraries of their
We are creating
(authoring) models
We are creating and
analyzing models
finding that nearly 70% of products as complete BIM objects.
Source: McGraw-Hill Construction, 2009
contractors that are using Commercial services are also
BIM are finding high value working with a steadily growing
directly attributable to BIM. with greater chances of avoiding number of manufacturers to
The report breaks down some errors and omission problems make BIM objects of their prod-
interesting observations about during construction, enhancing ucts available to those creating
the different groups using BIM: productivity, avoiding conflicts, and using BIM models.
[Figure 3] and improving performance on Overall, then, the report points
•■architects:■BIM is credited to both budget and time schedule. out that, “The ability of teams to create
have gotten its start within the •■Owners: As a group, approxi- richer models and share more data with
architectural community and this mately 37% of building and BIM has helped foster more collaborative
early adoption has architects still facility owners report using decision making on projects. BIM has
reigning as the highest users of BIM, even though many have yet proven an effective tool for this delivery
BIM. As many as 60% of architects to realize the long-term opera- method, breaking from the tradition of
report creating some form of BIM tions and maintenance benefits. handing off completed work from one
Model in their practice and two Nonetheless, 70% of those team member to the next with little or no
thirds of those report that they utilizing BIM for design and input from others.” It also summarizes
find high value in the core design construction projects see positive the resulting overall benefits related
development and construction value through such benefits as to saving time and money through
document phases of a project. lower overall project costs, clash 1) conflict avoidance/resolution, 2)
This value is based on higher detection, avoiding rework, and a increased productivity/efficiency and 3)
productivity and a reduction in generally overall better construc- the avoidance of rework/changes. [Figure
the need to re-work designs. tion outcome. 4] Beyond saving time and money,
•■contractors: This group is •■building■product■manufacturers: however, there are other overall benefits
growing faster in usage than This group is just beginning to for all parties including 1) a better under-
any other with 50% currently realize the potential benefits standing of the project throughout the
reporting using BIM or related of incorporating BIM into the phases or stages, 2) better collaboration,
tools compared to only 13% in way that they communicate and and 3) better visualization. Some future
2007—a four fold increase in only interact with all of the other trends also noted include the potential to
20 DOORS & HARDWARE £ February 2010

4. reduce the need for submittals and shop Understandably, some project ing very rudimentary unfinished
drawings while allowing more time for owners do not allow the pre-selection BIM product models, followed
design and less time for documenting/ of a single manufacturer, favoring by forming a customer council to
processing. instead the open bidding approach review the models and tell us how
of providing the design criteria in to finish the design in a format that
drawings and specifications for they would find useful in a BIM
Manufactured Building Products
multiple manufacturers to demon- model. Our customer councils are
and BIM Modeling
strate compliance with. In other cases, made up of architects and general
As noted above, building product owners have prior experience or even contractors since they have adapted
manufacturers are beginning to standing accounts for particular prod- to using BIM and provide very
become increasingly involved in ucts and manufacturers and want to solid feedback. Manufactures are
providing their product informa- ensure that those products get used not the only segment of the build-
tion as fully developed BIM objects. again. In either case, a discussion ing product industry starting to
This is coming about for a variety of with the owner at the outset of a proj- build BIM content; we are working
reasons including: ect is important to ascertain what the with a few large distributors on
•■recognizing■change:■ basis of design will be in the project creating complete systems from
Manufacturers are beginning to regarding manufactured building the various manufacturers they
see that BIM is quickly replacing products. With more product infor- represent. There are complete BIM
CAD as the preferred design tool mation becoming readily available in multi-component systems being
by the architectural, engineering, BIM format and more collaboration created for distributors for the use
and construction community. of designers, constructors, suppliers, of general contractors using generic
•■filling■a■need: The creation of and manufacturers earlier in the industry product numbers. This has
libraries of specific objects is design and construction process, been effective because the contractor
time consuming and often not the trend is clearly heading toward can drop this system into the BIM
cost effective for design firms, making specific product selections rendition of the building envelope
particularly for objects of multiple sooner rather than later. Hence, select- and have a complete ceiling package
manufacturers. Having ready ing and using specific products in the for instance, with tiles, lighting, and
made objects that are accurate, overall building model would appear other products, without having to
up-to-date, and customizable to be consistent with that trend. deal with each individual manufac-
to suit a particular project helps turer. The system will include the
architects realize the full potential Commercial Doors, Frames, three-part specification, pricing and
of BIM through greater efficiencies all of the warranty information for
Hardware and BIM
of time and integration of data. every product in the system. Best of
•■staying■current: Products change Over the years it has been all, the system carries the distribu-
and so does BIM software. customary for the architects to have tor’s brand name, empowering
Manufacturers who are in for the independent specification writers them to use any manufacturer they
long term recognize the reality or even the door and hardware wish once they are awarded the
of needing to keep their informa- manufacturers prepare the door project. This type of BIM packaging
tion and data updated with new frame and hardware specifications. is being considered by door, frame
product offerings and changes What we have noticed is that most and hardware manufacturers and
as well as maintaining full of the BIM content available from distributors. Some manufacturers
compatibility with changing soft- the manufacturers is not interoper- are creating BIM models of complete
ware programs. Adopting and able with the architect’s BIM model, door systems with their products.
maintaining a BIM approach to therefore the content is not being This way the architect or contractor
conveying their product informa- used. As BIM consultants, our firm can simply insert the appropriate
tion provides manufacturers with begins by working with building door system into the BIM model
the best way to integrate with the product manufacturers and taking and all of the related hardware is
AEC community. CAD files of their top SKUs, design- included in the door system. This
22 DOORS & HARDWARE £ February 2010

5. removes the need to specify each designs that put the correct product parts of the model. For example,
product on every door configuration in the right place on time. inserting a door system into a
and is compliant with BIM interop- bIm■Objects■provided■by■door■ wall means that the wall has to
erability standards. This method, Hardware■manufacturers■and■ change to accommodate it. If the
like in the ceiling systems space is distributors: When architects and door system is one of several, and
being considered by commercial contractors are selecting BIM objects a schedule or chart is part of the
door and hardware distributors. prepared by building product Model summarizing the details
The main difference is distributors manufacturers to incorporate into of all of the door openings, then
will use ANSI product numbers in an overall Model, they should look the schedule has to be updated.
their BIM model to create a series for the following characteristics in And if a particular door system
of door systems and brand them as those objects: has several options built into it,
their own, then send the content to •■complete■and■up-to-date■ the selection of those options
various contactors. Once they are embedded■information: This should automatically be reflected
awarded the job the distributors is where the value of BIM for in all aspects of the Model.
will supply various manufactur- products really shines. All of the In simple terms, parametric
ers’ products at their discretion. relevant information associated modeling is the means to make
The integrated door concept for with a selected product should this all happen.
distributors is nothing new; it be readily accessed and readable •■complete■and■open■
was originally the brain child of from the BIM object. That means Interoperability:
the distributor, Door Hardware that manufacturers’ make and Anyone who has ever tried
Management. They branded it model numbers, full product to open a computer file that
as Door Opening Systems or specifications, cost/pricing produced either an error message
DOS, which included roughly 90 information, production and related to non-compatibility or
percent of the door configurations delivery requirements should a display of unintelligible char-
as complete units, again using all be readily available. For the acters will readily understand
ANSI numbers which allowed the long term benefit of the owner, the need for seamless integration
distributor to “do their own shop- it should also include a link to of information from multiple
ping” once awarded the job. The the warranty, maintenance, and sources. That is what is meant
brand was subsequently acquired replacement information related by interoperability—the ability
by The Hager Companies and has to the product. to have a Model function and
not been promoted. However it was •■parametric■modeling■capability: operate properly regardless of
the first system to appropriately Most BIM software programs the source of the different parts
integrate doors frames and the allow for automated interaction of the information. The data
correct hardware into a series of between different objects. This from door and hardware manu-
complete openings. The idea was interaction is governed by a facturers and distributors, then,
ahead of its time and certainly more set of computer programming needs to be provided in a format
effectively meets the BIM interoper- rules that an object must follow that is compatible with total
ability requirements. Individual anytime a modification or inser- building Model in all respects.
lock, hinge, exit device BIM objects tion of an object is made. This
will not be used because they process is referred to as para-
fail to meet the interoperability metric modeling and is one of
requirements of the BIM model. the key advantages of using BIM.
Overall, then, creating complete It means that an object not only About the Author: Doug Bevill is the Founder
door systems as BIM objects from provides data about itself, it also and President of Bevill & Associates: 28 Years
of consulting and enterprise business strategist
door, frame and hardware manu- has the ability to interact with for the commercial building products industry
facturers and distributors has the the rest of the model, such that and former Hager Companies COO & Chairman
of Asian Operations. He can be reached at 314-
potential to contribute to more a change in the object triggers a
422-3177, by email: dbevill@bevillassociates.com
complete and accurate building corresponding change to other or on the Web at: www.bevillassociates.com.
reprinted from the February 2010 issue of Doors & Hardware magazine. Copyright© 2010 by The Door and Hardware Institute.
all rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by an information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Publisher. The Door February 2010 £ DOORS & HARDWARE 23
and Hardware Institute, 14150 Newbrook Drive, Suite 200, Chantilly, Va 20151-2232; 703/222.2010; Fax: 703/222.2410; www.dhi.org.