As a construction industry, we are not really steeped in 'innovation' because we do not sufficiently adopt, propagate or apply the 'innovation methodology' in a structured way.
In addition, the construction industry is by nature very much an 'each-for-all' industry, which we believe is outdated. Knowledge sharing, in the right way and in balance with intellectual property, is crucial to take our industry to the next level. Simon Scharlaeken, Responsible Study Service, Data & Technology - Furnibo
In the construction industry, the traditional approach tends to be to separate teams. Unfortunately, this has often already led to data discrepancies, project delays, cost overruns and a host of other challenges.
Fortunately, a revolution is underway. The construction world is digitizing at lightning speed and is substantially changing the construction process. More and more construction companies are embracing [the new way of working together in construction teams](http://Bouwen to a digital future: Furnibo and Open BIM) and are getting together at an early stage.
Furnibo has already accomplished several large-scale projects this way, working with all parties from one truth, a set of thoughtfully coordinated models, according to an open Bim vision.
Furnibo and Open BIM
Furnibo is based in Veurne and is active as a general contractor on both the public and private markets. As a contracting company, Furnibo has the vision to be a high-quality and leading player in the realization of larger and complex construction projects with attention to optimal cooperation and a passion for concrete. Their slogan is therefore: "Furnibo, your construction partner from brainstorm to completion".
Simon Scharlaeken has been part of the team since 2020, spending the first few years as R&D - Business Intelligence Process Analyst responsible for the innovation, optimization and transformation of digital business processes. Since one year Simon has made the internal transition to Responsible Study Service, Data & Technology.
For us, Bim is not an end in itself, it is a method, a mindset that ensures that we can work together with our construction partners smartly and efficiently, and maximize and monitor the permanent search for joint wins.
Furnibo recognizes the importance of working with specialists in integrated solutions to effectively manage critical priorities related to budgets, time and risks. One solution that serves as the foundation for this management approach is BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D modeling. This innovative tool ensures the seamless storage, use and management of all relevant information during the construction process in a digital (3D) building model.
A dedicated BIM coordinator is appointed for the successful implementation of BIM. Furnibo uses a personalized ERP system to centrally manage all business and project functions, optimize information flow and improve monitoring and management of time, budgets, costs and risks.
Embracing the BIM approach for improved data accuracy
In team-based construction modeling, BIM is a crucial tool. Unlike conventional construction drawings, BIM provides stakeholders with detailed 3D visualizations that give a complete picture of the project. This reduces data discrepancies and improves decision-making processes.
What does BIM mean for Furnibo's processes:
All project stakeholders - from architects and engineers to construction teams - work together within a single model.
That they can work in a much more coordinated way internally, reducing the chances of misunderstandings and errors.
That an idea, even if it's just on a sketch or a piece of paper or a marker plan, is centrally available much faster.
Effortless integration of new data so that everyone with an interest in it can access current, accurate information and know how the plan ultimately is.
An excellent tool for overcoming data accuracy challenges in construction. It also ensures that they have that truth in one place or, more importantly, are trying to guard it in that one place.
Ensures, above all, that they can consciously begin to raise their shell construction projects much more efficiently, much more easily and much more simply.
Staying within budget with early collaboration
Despite the challenges of rising costs, the construction industry can find relief through proactive and collaborative planning. This involves involving all stakeholders from the beginning to anticipate potential obstacles and address them before they grow into costly challenges.
Transparency and budget management can also be improved by embracing an Open BIM approach that keeps everyone informed of financial adjustments and progress against budget goals.
BIM provides comfort. It makes sure that people know what it's about, how it's done, and it creates simplicity. And the longer you wait with that, the more you miss the opportunity to start taking advantage of that.
Furnibo prioritizes successful BIM implementation through effective communication and collaboration with subcontractors, architects and engineering firms, who are involved early in the process to optimize coordination and mutual agreements for streamlined results.
Robbe Verfaille, BIM Responsible at Furnibo explains to us ahv project Sportsite Houthulst what this new way of working brings to all parties in the construction process and how they themselves have embraced this learning process.
Our first project we did in BIM was the leisure campus and hotels. ... Not everything went well right away. There were also some areas for improvement and we actually applied those immediately on this next project.
Addressing labor shortage through efficient planning
Despite a shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry, there is hope. Team-based construction modeling, when combined with Building Information Modeling (BIM), offers a viable solution:
By leveraging the capabilities of BIM, construction teams can forecast and plan labor needs and maximize the efficiency of existing manpower.
By providing a detailed 3D visualization of the project, BIM serves as an effective training tool for new staff. They can quickly understand what their work entails and contribute to the project without delay.
Thus, despite fewer staff, projects can still be delivered quickly and with high quality, demonstrating how strategic planning can help address labor shortages.
Streamline workflow with digital solutions
The transformation of the construction industry depends on the adoption of digital technology, replacing outdated manual methods with more efficient digital tools. Integrating BIM and project management software makes planning more effective, communication more streamlined and document management more efficient.
This transition to digital not only automates mundane tasks, but also gives teams valuable time to focus on the more strategic aspects of the project.
In addition, this digital transition reduces the risk of human error and enables real-time monitoring of project progress, allowing necessary adjustments to be made to maintain the course of the project.
For those people who are now hesitating whether to start with BIM or not, you should definitely do it. It may require some energy and effort, especially in the initial phase, but you get the return anyway. We have also applied it on smaller projects, on very small projects. And there we also see the added value of pre-thinking a construction site. The assumption of errors, thinking about safety and the like can be done much better in a 3D environment, in a BIM model, than having to think about it on the construction site afterwards. Robbe Verfaille tells us.
For us, Open BIM is mainly the idea of working together, of thinking together, Okay, if I do this, it will have an impact on that partner. Maybe we need to sit together on that. Maybe we need to share our own ideas around it, such that we can take each other into account and that one plus one eventually becomes three instead of less than two. adds Simon Scharlaeken.
So this digital switchover is key to optimizing construction workflows and increasing overall productivity.
I want to know more about Viewpoint.
