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M. N. Dastur — BIM Transformation at Scale
Led a multi-year change program to convert 50+ years of classical, 2D-centric engineering into BIM-based virtual engineering, rolled out across 32 engineering disciplines. Despite strong resistance from senior, experienced engineers, we institutionalized collaborative 3D ways of working, reduced waste, and made clash-free design the default.
Context & Challenge
- Legacy processes optimized for 2D drawings, sequential hand-offs, and late discovery of issues.
- High change-order rates and rework during construction due to coordination gaps.
- Strong cultural resistance from senior engineers comfortable with historical methods and tools.
- Fragmented toolchain and data silos; lack of governance for model lifecycle and ownership.
Key Contributions
- BIM Playbook & Standards: LOD/LOI, naming, modeling conventions, QA gates, audit checklists.
- Common Data Environment (CDE): Governed model/file lifecycle, versioning, approvals, and traceability.
- Discipline Templates & Libraries: Standard families and reusable components to accelerate multi-discipline delivery.
- Model Coordination: Weekly clash detection, issue tracking, and closure SLAs; 3D review rituals.
- Change Management: Champions network, role-based training, and “model is the contract” governance.
- Toolchain & Interoperability: IFC/Navisworks workflows and CAD–BIM bridges; tuned LOD by project stage.
- Value Tracking & Governance: KPIs (clash counts, rework %, turnaround time) with executive cadence reviews.
- Scaled Rollout: Pilots → templates → production adoption across 32 disciplines.
Challenges & How We Overcame Them
- Cultural resistance: Paired skeptics with champions, side-by-side mentoring, published productivity baselines; recognized early adopters to drive peer influence.
- Time pressure on live projects: Phased adoption (pilot packages first), clear cut-off dates for 2D handover; protected critical path with gated readiness checks.
- Data quality & ownership: Model QA gates, RACI for ownership, automated validation scripts, and “no QA, no issue closure” policy.
- Performance constraints: Standardized workstations, federated models, and level-of-detail tuning to keep sessions performant.
- Partner alignment: Contractualized 3D reviews, shared viewer exports, and clash-free acceptance criteria with EPCs/contractors.
BIM Advantages Implemented (at the time)
- Single Source of Truth: Centralized models/data with controlled access & history.
- 3D Coordination & Clash Detection: Early detection of structural/MEP/process interferences.
- Constructability Reviews: Access, sequencing, maintainability validated pre-IFC.
- Quantity Take-off (QTO): Model-driven quantities for bids and change-impact analysis.
- 4D Scheduling: Plan vs. actual visualization and site readiness.
- 5D Costing: Budget visibility tied to scope; earlier surfacing of cost risk.
- Libraries & Reuse: Standard families/templates accelerated repeatable design.
- Digital Deliverables: Model-based handover packages enabling operations readiness.
- Stakeholder Communication: 3D/VR walk-throughs for non-CAD stakeholders and management.
Business Value Realized
- Rework reduction: Fewer field clashes/change orders; earlier risk surfacing.
- Schedule adherence: Improved construction readiness via 4D look-aheads and gated reviews.
- Cost control: Tighter bids and fewer surprises via QTO/5D and governed changes.
- Waste reduction: Material savings and lower site disruption through clash-free, constructible designs.
- Faster decisions: Multi-discipline 3D reviews shortened turnaround for design queries.
- Scalable collaboration: 32 disciplines coordinated in a shared model space.
- Talent modernization: Upskilled workforce, improved hiring brand, standardized best practices.
Selected Visuals
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