If you work in the telecommunications industry, you have probably heard of Building Information Modeling (BIM). Be that as it may, are you really sure you know how essential this method is for managing complex infrastructure such as radio base stations (SRBs)?
Below, we describe what BIM is and how it can benefit SRB projects.
SO WHAT IS BIM?
BIM allows you to create and manage a project throughout its lifecycle, from the early concept stages, to the final stages of execution and maintenance of the work.
Think of BIM as a way to digitally manage every detail of any real estate asset. Everything there is to know about the building in question is compiled and stored in one place, which means you no longer have to analyze data about the project, perhaps using unrelated sources, to understand its status.
Everything is made available to you and your team at the touch of a button.
CHALLENGES IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERS
Managing and maintaining an entire infrastructure asset of SRB projects, can seem like a real challenge. The most common issues that arise on projects of this kind can be:
- Lack of integration – It often does not make sense how all the data, of all the elements, during the design phase, are merged.
- Delays in identifying errors – Errors that undoubtedly lead to a relative increase in costs
- Detect conflicts that arose during design – Being able to detect these kinds of conflicts at an unripe stage can translate into being able to remedy the problem, in the methods and time available
- Efficiently manage the communication and collaboration activities of various work teams
The good news is that BIM, can help you overcome these issues and more.
HOW BIM CAN HELP TOWER COMPANIES
When we talk about BIM, we are talking about more than just a design tool. Here’s why.
REDUCTION OF ERRORS
BIM helps you substantially reduce errors on the construction site. Identifying conflicts, allows you to resolve “design errors,” even before construction activities begin, and any s
COLLABORATION TOOLS
BIM allows your teams, to collaborate during any stage of the construction process. Teams can then coordinate planning activities, and involved companies, suppliers, or other partners can know, in real time, how the project is developing. In addition, your design teams, can collaborate on multiple projects in real time, exchanging data through a series of databases.
DISPLAY
Having a digital model available allows you to visualize every part of it, even before you even lay the foundation. This way you can see what the station or building will look like, right from the concept stage, and this without incurring any costs, should a problem arise. In addition, simulations on space utilization allow us to get a proper sense of scale, and more importantly, to understand whether we are using it to the best advantage.
COST MANAGEMENT
BIM therefore helps you reduce costs, reduce unused materials, and consequently improve ROI. There is less chance of running into costly errors or communication errors that could potentially cause plant downtime. BIM therefore helps you maximize revenue, precisely because the time taken to complete a hospitality, for example, is less. In addition, by coordinating and monitoring all site data, you will also be able to reduce pollution-related issues by reducing the number of maintenance activities and site visits. BIM then allows you to get an overview of finances and costs related to the environment.
FACILITY MANAGEMENT
With BIM, you have access to all the digital data and logs, which help you make on time, the right decisions. In addition, it allows you to create a series of databases that will contain information on each individual SRB, thereby facilitating its monitoring and management. You can perform performance checks on each individual site, an essential activity if you are also involved in managing multiple projects.
ABOUT THE SIA
In business since 2004, La SIA specializes in providing its clients, customized and all-around design services. It has teams that deal with multiple disciplines and has extensive experience in telecommunications engineering, knowing how to guide clients from the initial design stages through execution and commissioning of the work. Contact us to learn more about how La SIA can support you in the management and development of your SRB projects.
