More and more companies use BIM

According to the next edition of the ‘BIM, cooperation, cloud in Polish construction’ report by Autodesk, the knowledge of this subject among investors and contractors has also been growing. The study was based on a survey of 287 representatives of companies from the architectural and construction sector. The report provides information on the introduction of BIM in Poland, it also covers related barriers and prospects. Its additional element is data on the cloud-based systems. The study shows that BIM is becoming increasingly popular on the Polish market in the architecture and construction sector. A clear 76-pct increase in awareness of this topic can be observed among the architects surveyed compared to 2015 when a survey on this topic was carried out for the first time. Furthermore, 43 pct respondents currently use BIM in their work while in 2015 there were only 25 pct of them. Respondents also agree that the awareness of all parties involved in the investment process has been growing.

The benefits of using BIM mostly include better quality of projects and reduction of errors, especially at the project execution stage. According to more than 51 pct respondents, the use of BIM also reduces costs in the development and operation of a building. BIM-related barriers remain the same as in 2015. According to the respondents, the issue is too low project prices on the Polish market, low awareness of its benefits among investors and the lack of common standards of operation. Activities needed to increase the use of BIM in Poland mostly include: increasing investor awareness on this topic, developing Polish standards and changing legal regulations. Each of these factors is mentioned more often than four years ago, which indicates growing needs. Respondents clearly see the benefits of using cloud systems, including easier cooperation and communication between the parties involved in the project as well as free access to data from anywhere and better access to information at every stage of the project. However, the use of the cloud is in its early stages, it is currently used by 23 pct respondents. It is more often used in companies with global reach (55 pct) than in local ones (12.2 pct). “Autodesk’s initiative, aimed at determining where we are when it comes to BIM in Poland, has been supported by sector organisations and institutions. This demonstrates the need for conversation and the need to deepen the awareness of this methodology in our country. I am convinced that the study will be an impulse for a broader debate and market education in the field of BIM,” insists Przemysław Nogaj, the AEC territory sales executive at Autodesk. The report was presented during this year's Autodesk’s BIM Day conference. The meeting was attended by companies representing all stages of the investment process – architects, constructors, installers, contractors, developers, investors – public and private ones. Instytut Kantar Polska carried out the study for Autodesk. The patrons of honour were: the Polish Association of Developers, the Polish Association of Construction Engineers and Technicians, the Polish Association of Construction Employers, and the Association of Polish Architects SARP.