Why MEP BIM Services Should Be Outsourced for Mid-to-Large Scale Building Projects

 

Introduction

Construction projects involve a multitude of critical decisions that affect the final project outcome. Moreover, MEP, or Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems, MEP systems represent more than 30% of total construction project cost. This is a considerable segment of any construction budget, and getting these systems correct is paramount to the success of the construction project.

MEP systems represent the most critical systems in a modern building project, providing function, comfort, and safety to the user. However, MEP system design and implementation tend to be mired in complexity, especially in mid-to-large scale projects. This is where MEP Building Information Modeling (BIM) services were developed to help revolutionize how construction teams design, plan, and execute MEP systems, managing those intricate systems throughout the project lifecycle.

The purpose of this article is to highlight the advantages of outsourcing MEP BIM services for mid-to-Large scale building projects. Notably, there are many advantages and/or benefits to outsourcing MEP BIM Modeling Services including cost savings, improved efficiency, better collaboration, and producing high quality deliverables.

What are MEP BIM Services?

MEP BIM is the digital equivalent of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems of a building. It is more than a 2D drawing; it is a 3D model that combines all MEP systems into one plan. This model gives the contractor, engineer, or architect a clear visualization of how systems will be functional and interact within the building before building.

How MEP BIM Works:
First, 3D models are developed for each MEP system. The model can encompass everything from air conditioning systems to power lines to plumbing. The value of MEP BIM comes in the ability to interrelate all of those systems into one model. This allows for fewer conflicts as a set of models can be developed in a collaborative way. All parties may also be engaged in a collaborative detail of the project, which enhances accuracy and ultimately diminishes the likelihood of construction errors. The models can also provide a comprehensive representation of the life cycle of a building from installation to maintenance.

Relevance to Mid-to-Large Scale Projects:
In mid-to-large scale projects, the complexity of MEP systems can be exponentially higher. More building space = more systems, = more interdependent systems. Clarity and the ability to generate and document one integrative plan is critical. For any mid to large project the only way to organize such detail and interdependencies accurately and coordinate with all parties is through MEP BIM modeling services.

 The Plausible Benefits of Outsourcing MEP BIM Services

Cost:
Outsourcing MEP BIM services can help organizations save money on both small and large scale projects. Reasons include; instead of paying for the software, you can get an external party to do the BIM work to benefit your project without building up an internal team who you have to pay, train and continue to pay. You won’t incur all the costs of hiring and developing your own team because those costs would all be considered overhead. Outsourcing companies may also be more efficient at performing the work, therefore reducing your project delays, and incidences of costly errors.

Global Talent:
Outsourcing MEP BIM Modeling Services offers access to a larger talent pool featuring experts in MEP BIM modeling, drafting, and execution, at reasonable prices. MEP BIM modeling service providers offer access to international talent and since you aren't limited to local talent it is in your best interest to use the services of the best team of experts who are using the latest software.

Increased Productivity and Outcome:
Outsourcing creates an opportunity for larger project teams and faster turnaround times. Professional MEP BIM teams are more productive due to their tried and tested methodology and tools which help streamline the design and planning stages. As a result, the optimizations allow your projects to be completed more rapidly, with timelines being met or even exceeded, giving you an advantage in your market.

Error Reduction:
Combining all MEP systems into one completed digital model and your risk for potential costly errors on a project during the construction stage has decreased. By outsourcing MEP BIM Drafting Services, these teams will be able to foresee an end product and/or accurate digital model with potential issues prior to construction whether it is mismatched plumbing and electrical lines, etc. This early identification helps you avoid expensive reworks and delays.

Expertise:
By outsourcing MEP BIM Modeling Services, you gain access to expertise in MEP BIM specific software and technologies that your internal team may not. From the most up-to-date BIM tools and techniques for clash detection to sophisticated MEP modeling techniques for installations, your outsourced team has the tools to provide high quality deliverables.

 How MEP BIM Outsourcing Improves Project Coordination

Seamless Collaboration Between Contractors and Engineers:
There are several challenges encountered in large-scale projects, and effective communication between contractors, engineers, and architects is one of them. MEP BIM outsourcing allows contractors, engineers, and architects to work across disciplines in a singular digital environment. This enables seamless collaboration so everyone starts together on the same footing. If you are using BIM outsourcing for MEP purposes, then you can be assured that there will not be misunderstandings or omissions in the routing of conduits, cable trays, or plumbing piping.

Solvation Clash Detection Issues:
One of the most beneficial aspects of MEP BIM to be precise, is its clash detection capability. Clash detection allows projects to take place without experiencing large issues that arise from clashes. For example, if plumbing piping is roughed in the exact location as an electrical cable, it is likely that there would be significant issues for the contractors involved in the installation process. MEP BIM outsourcing provides not only solid data to understand the project in more detail but also provides an accurate 3D modeling, detecting clashes and/or issues prior to construction that requires immediate solutions.

Real-Time Updates and Modifications:
Cloud based MEP BIM platforms allow everyone access to real time updates of the project, and as we know - in a large project - that can be very valuable as updates or changes can occur quickly in new project designs or unforeseen project adjustments. Regardless, if design changes; whether it is in conjunction with the change in scope, the value of outsourcing MEP BIM with project drawings being modified or amending them quickly, helps ensure that all stakeholders are updated concurrently and are all working off the same respective drawings instantly with the revisions.

Quality Control and Risk Management Through MEP BIM Outsourcing

Minimizing Construction Risks:
MEP BIM Outsourcing services provide a level of risk management that is difficult to replicate with your internal team. More specifically, the accuracy in MEP BIM modeling means that potential challenges are identified prior to them becoming issues, meaning there are diminished prospects for expensive failures or construction delays.

Improved Precision in MEP Design:
The level of detail in MEP BIM modeling means that every detail of the MEP systems will be completely planned out. We carefully size pipes, plan electrical transmission, etc., with the potential for accurate installations that minimize replicating errors that could become issues after construction, such as leaks or electrical failure.

Quality Assurance:
When you employ MEP BIM services, you are using professionals that are committed to quality; or in other words, outsourcing MEP BIM services means your project will be accomplished by an organization that is registered with industry standards. Although not all outsourcing organizations are the same, most reputable organizations will have reasonable quality control procedures for assuring that MEP systems are designed in accordance with industry quality standards and project requirements.

The Impact of Outsourcing on Project Flexibility

Scalability of Services:
One of the major advantages with MEP BIM Outsourcing services is that it is scalable. As project scope and/or complexity increases, you can simply change the service level. With the project increasing scope(s) either from additional resources or expertise, outsourcing allows you to increase the services when necessary without the hiring of additional staff.

Adapting to Changes Quickly:
If you have ever been involved in larger projects, you can imagine that changes can happen at any time. Changes can arise either from new requirements, such as regulations, changes in scope, client's actions, or unforeseen issues that arise from any stage. If you use a professional to do your BIM, you might not know that change is happening until stated by the deliverables; however, change will occur inevitably. With our outsourcing partners and experience, changing things in an MRI project is rarely problematic. Rather, adjustments can be incorporated into the BIM model quickly, whether these adjustments arise as a result of meetings, client decision making, etc.

Case Studies/Examples of Successful Outsourcing of MEP BIM Services

Real-World Examples:
In the example of a large commercial building and performing MEP BIM outsourcing, the team engaged in MEP BIM outsourcing identified numerous clashes in systems at the very early phases, reducing money and time for the project. Furthermore, the expertise of the outsourcing team enabled a quicker integration of the MEP systems into the building process, facilitating the timely completion of the project.

Results from Outsourcing:
For another client, a large residential building development in a busy urban location, MEP BIM Drafting Services were also outsourced. The result of this outsourcing was 20% savings in project time to market due to the quicker coordination of various teams involved with the project schedule. The project was also achieved at a 15% savings in project cost, credited to less errors made and better management of resources in the process.

Potential Challenges of Outsourcing MEP BIM Services

Quality Control Concerns:
Some clients have concerns with MEP BIM service outsourcing quality when working with remote teams. The concern is that you have to make sure some threshold of quality is met in their work, as a generic comparison to the work of in-house teams, but I think we can fairly easily work against these concerns through quality controls including due diligence (vetting of outsourcing partners), well written contracts, and periodic quality checks.

How to Mitigate These Challenges:
To manage expected or unexpected challenges with outsourcing, it is most always best practice to put communication protocols in place, set expectations, and follow-up with a status check. If the outsourcing partner is trustworthy (even with mostly online work) and can provide clear status updates, and be reasonably transparent in their work processes, you can manage 99% of concerns.

How to Choose the Right Outsourcing Partner for MEP BIM Services

Criteria for Selecting a BIM Outsourcing Partner:
While plan-out for MEP BIM outsourcing services, it is good to assess the provider's experience, specialized knowledge of MEP systems, and past work portfolio. The chosen provider should also be able to use up-to-date BIM tools and technologies to provide efficiency in project work.

How to Assess an Outsourcing Provider's Capabilities:
Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients, assess their technical skills/abilities, and ensure that the provider has the flexibility to adapt to your project. A past history of delivering successful MEP BIM Drafting Services on time is essential.

Conclusion

In summary, MEP BIM Outsourcing services for mid-to-large scale building projects provides clear benefits from reduced costs and improved efficiencies to enhanced collaboration and quality assurance. Through utilizing global expertise, along with the latest technology, you can optimize your project and help it succeed.

 

FAQs

1. What are MEP BIM services?

MEP BIM services are the virtual representation of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems within a building. MEP BIM is a detailed, advanced, 3D representation of MEP systems prior to construction and allows designers and construction teams to visualize, design, and coordinate any and all required MEP systems.

2. What does outsourcing MEP BIM services look like?

Outsourcing MEP BIM services is engaging a team of external designers/engineering professionals to utilize advanced BIM software tools for their respective aspect of the MEP system or facility's design. Companies that offer MEP BIM services will usually outsource the MEP design for their clients off-site.

3. What benefits are there to outsourcing MEP BIM services?

Outsourcing MEP BIM offers clients many benefits ranging from cost savings and access to talent across the world to shortening project timelines, collaboration, reduced errors, and overall quality of deliverables with lesser overhead and resource allocation.

4. Can outsourcing MEP BIM services help construction costs?

Outsourcing MEP BIM services have the potential to decrease construction costs. Ultimately, the goal of outsourcing MEP BIM services is to ensure no additional internal resources are involved in the project. For instance, this will help minimize scenarios that include clash detection, which results in re-work or cost increases and outside of retrofits to existing buildings.

5. How does MEP BIM help reduce errors that may arise during construction?

MEP BIM services assist in reducing errors in construction projects with a modeled representation of how MEP systems will be fabricated and installed in a building. MEP BIM models allow users to visualize internally throughout the model and reduce the risk of presenting trades conflict. Because of the 3D aspect of BIM, MEP designers and services will be able to detect potential impact through rich collaboration sessions.

6. What is the benefit of MEP BIM in​ project coordination?

MEP BIM creates a single, integrated model that all stakeholders (contractors, engineers, architects) can work from collaboratively. This minimizes miscommunication and there can be no system conflict since all systems are harmonious with one another.

7. What challenges can come from outsourcing the MEP BIM services?

Problems with outsourcing MEP BIM services can arise from communication issues, time zones, and quality control concerns. You should be able to work through these issues with clear contracts, strong communications, and regular quality checks.

8. Can MEP BIM outsourcing services scale for larger projects?

Yes, MEP BIM outsourcing services are very scalable. You can easily adjust the level of service needed but you can increase or decrease UOS, depending on project needs. This leads to flexibility as projects grow in size and/or complexity.

9. How do I determine an outsourcing partner for MEP BIM services?

When selecting an outsourcing partner, you want a company with a proven record with MEP BIM services, specialization (not just in MEP BIM) and experience with similar projects. Look at the client testimonials and examine their technology capabilities while assessing if they would work for your project.

10. Can MEP BIM outsourcing services expedite project timelines?

Yes, MEP BIM outsourcing services can expedite project timelines as the outsourcing companies have much larger resources compared to in-house capabilities. By contracting out this work you are not taking a loss in revenue but augmenting project efficiency working from within the same project, while saving cost and time with less project management & oversight.