The transition from a 2D workflow to a digital one, like building information modeling (BIM), requires change management.
Curiosity is growing industry-wide around introducing better processes into construction, as well as getting a better view of the full lifecycle of projects. As a result, the BIM landscape is steadily changing. People with vision understand that BIM workflows help companies gain a holistic and competitive advantage. Change keeps companies – and their people – relevant.
Government agencies around the world are getting involved in urging companies toward BIM use on government-sponsored projects. What were once incentives are morphing into regulations, which will eventually affect broad BIM adoption worldwide.
If you’re planning significant digital workflow changes in your company – as those involved in BIM processes – those changes will be implemented more easily as more people in your company are informed and aware of what’s happening. When everyone involved gets immersed in planned changes, their buy-in can result in enhanced and lasting results.
That buy-in should ideally be at the beginning. Workers’ concerns should be addressed directly. A BIM transition is not a slam dunk. It takes work and commitment; so be realistic and highlight the good things as well. Many people who have used paper and pencil their entire career feel very comfortable with that way of working. They very likely trust manual processes more than technology, and in the short term it seems faster to do things with pencil and paper. Their misconceptions can lead to them having issues with technology in general. You can conquer their fear of unknown with information.
Share as much information as you have about your digital transformation. Information is power. It’s important to get team members involved and engaged in your transition early and often, so they will not be dragging their feet and dragging the implementation process down.
Your company will need a baseline when setting out to adopt a digital workflow:
- Explain to everyone in the company why the change is taking place and what the benefits will be.
- Everybody on the team directly involved should be aware of what’s being planned.
- Strive to get everyone on board with the planned changes.
- Get agreement that workers will not go back to the “old way” when the going gets tough.
- Circumvent frustration by getting workers trained promptly on their part of the new process.
A useful option during implementation can be involvement in a BIM users group. Participating and networking in group of like-minded people can reassure users they’re not alone in a digital transition. They can bounce ideas off other people, share technical knowledge and learn about what others are accomplishing.
Foremost, diagnose the pain points your company plans to address with this digital workflow change. Making a plan will ease workers, and it will serve to remove obstacles your company has in efforts to realize more efficient profits. With well designed first steps and the proper preparation, your implementation of a BIM process will proceed effectively.
Tune in to episode 183 of Bridging the Gap Podcast with Eric Bernier to hear more about 2D to digital change management.
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