Page 6 - SISK NEWS JULY 2016

There are many definitions of BIM (Building Information Modelling), but simply put, it’s the
means by which everyone can understand a building through the use of a digital model. At Sisk,

we have always used technological advancements to achieve our strategic goals. They help us

become more creative and efficient, giving us the edge in a highly competitive market.

he drive for greater efficiency through the What happens next?
use of BIM aligns with our Zero strategy of
Tdelivering projects with zero incidents and Our drive to be Level 2 certified is spurred on by recent
zero defects. Our experience has shown that BIM government changes. On the 4 April 2016, for the first
positively impacts all phases of a project life-cycle. It time centrally procured public sector projects required
significantly enhances a team’s ability to collaborate the implementation of BIM Level 2 (see chart below).
and use other innovative tools, from pre-fabrication From 3 October 2016 each Government department
to virtual models in the field. It has also helps increase must be capable of ‘electronically validating BIM
the growth in modular construction and off-site information delivered from the supply chain’.
manufacture of mechanical and electrical systems,
pods, structural steel and precast through the digital
design environment otherwise known as Design for
Manufacture and Assembly.
We have found that BIM helps improve construction
co-ordination. It enables us to validate the design and
allows us to quickly identify and solve problems when
they occur. By using BIM, we are implementing a lean
construction approach with our supply chain; reducing
waste and the necessity for re-work, leading to safer
environments and a higher level of quality on site.
Key to its success is creating a collaborative working
environment. We recognise that for BIM to get any
traction on a project it needs the support of the client
and their team. We engage and share our experience Level 2 requires collaborative working through use of
common file formats.
and expertise to help grow BIM across the market,
and within our supply chain. We have been proactive
and have created BIM hubs across the UK and Ireland, We currently operate at level 1. This is the level at
up-skilling staff by developing an extensive training which many organisations are currently operating.
program to support our project teams and also our There is no collaboration between different disciplines,
supply chain. We are also on target to be Level 2 each business publishes and maintains its own data.
certified by the end of August 2016. We are seeking accreditation for Level 2 which
is distinguished by collaborative working. Design
information is shared through a common file format,
“When the BIM strategy is dictated by Contract - we will which enables any organisation to be able to combine
satisfy the requirement. When the strategy is not prescribed; that data with their own in order to make a federated
we will utilise BIM to provide us with a set of tools to enhance BIM model, and to carry out interrogative checks on it.
how we conduct our business. The strategy will be rolled
out in the very near future and training will be provided -
this will allow you to understand the tools available and the
benefits that can be achieved.” Frank Quirk

6 Sisk News | July 2016

SISK NEWS JULY 2016 FINAL.indd 6 05/08/2016 12:22