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Focus 18 www.thefis.org Integration Integrating any new technology into a business and staying abreast of development, can be daunting for contractors, particularly as there is a choice between three different stages of software installation: Concept/design, beta or fully-commercialised product. Early-stage tech investor: Gal Farhi, who is a Director at Waveline Ventures, said: “A key thing we’ve noticed as a contractor engaging with our supply chain, is the need for agility because process can go out of date very quickly. What we were doing six months ago isn’t necessarily applicable today. Software changes rapidly and every day we’re seeing new software pop up.” Most problems will require solutions that are unique to the challenge at hand and the contractors themselves. Gal says that modern software is generally flexible and can adapt swiftly to change when necessary. He said: “The concept and design time is the earliest point within a start-up’s lifecycle that external customers/users are engaged and the software team will be keen to shape it with you. However, this presents limitations because you BIMToolbox updates FIS has updated its BIMToolbox to embrace the principles of BS EN ISO 1950 (which supersedes BS 1192: Collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information). This new standard aligns the UK with International Standards and extends information management principles and requirements within a broader context of digital transformation (including construction and asset management industries), driving the consistent management of all information (whether it’s a report, a drawing or a model, etc.). This toolbox was originally produced in 2015 to support specialist contractors in developing a Building Information Modelling (BIM) implementation plan, through an understanding of the key process documents that relate directly to the activities of the sector, focusing on what is required and how to deliver it. It considers the business case for its adoption and looks at the development of BIM capability, implementation of a BIM deployment plan and delivering on a BIM project. The toolbox also includes access to new resources to support members in completing Pre-Qualification Tender information. The ISO 19650 series, combined with the launch of the UK BIM Framework, extends the scope of BIM to consider all information, whether it’s a construction programme, a record of a meeting, a geometrical model or a contract administration certificate. The Toolbox also updates on key terminology to align to the UK BIM Framework as opposed to referring to concepts such as BIM Level 2, which doesn’t specify precisely what information is required, when it is required or which party should generate it. The recent NBS BIM Report revealed that over half of the construction professionals surveyed now use BIM on most of their projects and 85% see improvements in collaboration. FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said: “Reading through this guide refreshed my hope that we are still on the right path,” adding: “We are talking about collaboration, early engagement, clearer standards to exchange information and all of the principles intrinsic to the FIS Product Process People Quality Framework.” “A key thing we’ve noticed, as a contractor engaging with our supply chain, is the need for agility. Process can go out of date very quickly.” Gal Farhi, Waveline Gal Farhi, Director at Waveline Ventures The concept and design time is the earliest point within a start- up’s lifecycle that external customers/users are engaged have to start with a small sample of projects, which should not be in the forefront of your current work or on critical business lines. “The ‘beta phase’, during which software is undergoing testing and has not yet been officially released, means even though the software is in the early stages of development, it has been validated, and has at least one existing case study with a defined result. If other companies have agreed to share their data with the start-up’s future clients, you will benefit from their experience, however, the start-up is less likely to invest in tailoring their product to your processes, or developing plug-ins/ APIs to connect to your systems. Staff training will also bemore extensive. “Installing a product that is already fully commercialised, has clearly defined capabilities and service levels. The product should work and deliver a very defined ROI proposition. It’s fully serviced. The company’s staff will include professional service providers, customer success and training, supporting you through the process.” A potential disadvantage to this stage is that products will be pretty rigid by this point, he said. “There may be version updates, or new features, but these will only be prioritised if a significant proportion of customers require them. At this stage, the product is less innovative, more of an alignment with the industry. Your competitors are using this product already.” The integration of current tech with future tech can often be overlooked and COVID has clearly demonstrated the need to be prepared for the unforeseen, but taking time to consider what would work best for your company’s needs from the outset, goes a long way towards overcoming these hurdles in the future, Gal pointed out. “You’ll never knowwhat the future brings, but you can clearly definewhich systems youwant the product to integratewith from the very beginning,” he said. “Moreover, a good tech company constantly collects feedback from its clients andwill make sure that your ongoing needs are catered for.” He added: “The earlier you engage with the start-up, the better they will integrate with your specific systems. However, if you work closely enough with solutions at any stage and have clear expectations for how you want the product to fit into your work, integration will follow.” + FIS has produced a Building InformationModelling (BIM) Toolbox to raise awareness among specialist contractors on the processes required to work in a BIMenvironment. To access the FIS BIMToolkit visit www.thefis.org/ knowledge-hub/bim-toolbox/