--- title: "Best BIM Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing" description: "Find the best Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software for your organization. Compare top Building Information Modeling (BIM) Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos." source_url: "https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bim-comparison/" page_type: "subcategory" language: "en" --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / BIM Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best BIM Software of 2026 Updated November 9, 2026 Talk with us for a free 15-min consultation Expert advisors like Jacqueline, who have helped 1,000+ companies, can find the right software for your needs. On this page 1. Popular Comparisons 2. Buyers Guide 3. Related Software Filter products 141 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 141 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Recommendations**: Sorts listings by the number of recommendations our advisors have made over the past 30 days. Our advisors assess buyers’ needs for free and only recommend products that meet buyers’ needs. Vendors pay Software Advice for these referrals. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. ### [Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud)](/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 2,212 - Best for: Project Tracking - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview TradeTapp is a subcontractor qualification solution that helps businesses in the construction industry utilize the built-in crowdsourced network to analyze and qualify [Read more](/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/) ##### What users love - Comprehensive project oversight tools - Centralized real-time team collaboration - Efficient drawing access and updates ##### To take in mind - Cumbersome file upload process - Slow loading and lag issues - Expensive for small teams #### Features ##### Best rated features - Project Tracking: 4.5/5 - Risk Management: 4.5/5 - Compliance Management: 4.5/5 - Document Management: 4.5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Bid Management: 3/5 - Accounting Integration: 3.8/5 - Proposal Generation: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/autodesk-construction-cloud-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Kahua](/construction/kahua-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 34 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Kahua® is an AI enterprise construction platform built for organizations managing complex capital programs and projects. It gives owners, program managers, contractors, and their [Read more](/construction/kahua-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Generative AI: 5/5 - Drag & Drop: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Proposal Management: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/kahua-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Trimble Connect](/product/405096-Trimble-Connect/) - Overall rating: 4/5 - Reviews: 14 - Starting price: $10.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Trimble Connect is a cloud-based building information modeling (BIM) solution, which helps construction businesses facilitate project collaboration among stakeholders in real-time. [Read more](/product/405096-Trimble-Connect/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - 3D Imaging: 5/5 - File Sharing: 4.5/5 - Design Modeling: 4.5/5 - Data Visualization: 4.3/5 ##### Worst rated features - Task Management: 2/5 - Access Controls/Permissions: 2/5 - Project Management: 2.8/5 - Project Tracking: 3/5 [See all features](/product/405096-Trimble-Connect/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $10.00/month [See full pricing details](/product/405096-Trimble-Connect/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [AutoCAD](/manufacturing/autocad-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 3,481 - Starting price: $250.00/month - Best for: Enterprise businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AutoCAD is a 2D and 3D design and drafting platform for architects, engineers, construction professionals, field technicians and contractors, which supports 2D drafting, drawing [Read more](/manufacturing/autocad-profile/) ##### What users love - Precision and control in drafting - Comprehensive 2D and 3D modeling - Versatile design and planning tools ##### To take in mind - Complex interface and workflows - Steep learning curve for beginners - Expensive for individuals and teams #### Pricing ##### Subscription - Price: $250.00/month - Includes 1 user This plan costs $2030 billed annually. ##### Flex - Price: $300.00 - Tokens expire 1 year from date of purchase. [See full pricing details](/manufacturing/autocad-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ArcSite](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 162 - Starting price: $15.00/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ArcSite is the go-to solution for mobile-first drawing, takeoff, and estimating. Designed for professionals who need to work fast and stay organized, ArcSite empowers you to create [Read more](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Drag & Drop: 5/5 - Billing & Invoicing: 5/5 - Mobile App: 5/5 - Takeoff: 5/5 [See all features](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Draw Basic - Price: $15.00/month - Powerful and precise CAD drawing solution for individual users ##### Draw Pro - Price: $30.00 - Optimized for Pros: Advanced features, robust exports, and basic integrations ##### Takeoff - Price: $99.00 - Efficient, accurate takeoffs enhanced by premium integrations and support [See full pricing details](/physical-security/arc-site-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Revit](/construction/revit-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 484 - Starting price: $365.00/month - Best for: Data Import/Export - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Revit is a building information modelling (BIM) software that helps constructions companies, structural engineers, architects and mechanical, engineering and plumbing (MEP) service [Read more](/construction/revit-profile/) ##### What users love - Simultaneous 2D and 3D modeling - Integrated project coordination tools - Comprehensive construction design platform ##### To take in mind - Steep and lengthy learning process - Complex and unintuitive interface - Limited rendering capabilities and speed #### Features ##### Best rated features - Document Storage: 5/5 - Data Import/Export: 4.4/5 - 2D Drawing: 4.4/5 - Rendering: 4.2/5 [See all features](/construction/revit-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Revit - Price: $365.00/month - Available annually at $2,910 [See full pricing details](/construction/revit-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [AutoCAD LT](/construction/autocad-lt-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 226 - Starting price: $60.00/month - Best for: Ease of use - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview AutoCAD LT is a 2D drafting and drawing software. It allows personalization, one-on-one phone support and remote desk assistance. It includes specialized tools such as an AutoCAD [Read more](/construction/autocad-lt-profile/) ##### What users love - Precise 2D drawing capabilities - User-friendly and customizable interface - Versatile design process support ##### To take in mind - Expensive licensing and subscriptions #### Pricing ##### Subscription - Price: $60.00/month - The plan price becomes $440 when pain annually, and $1310, when paid every 3 years. [See full pricing details](/construction/autocad-lt-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [CostOS](/construction/costos-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 21 - Starting price: $2,800.00one time - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview CostOS is a cost estimating software that combines traditional estimating methods with BIM 3D, 2D, and GIS capabilities. With its GIS module, users can create conceptual [Read more](/construction/costos-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Estimating: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 - Real-Time Updates: 5/5 - Cost Estimating: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Subcontractor Management: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/costos-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Outbuild](/construction/proplanner-construction-management-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 15 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Outbuild is construction scheduling software that empowers project teams to create and manage construction schedules online in a simple-to-use, collaborative solution. The [Read more](/construction/proplanner-construction-management-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Subcontractor Management: 5/5 - Project Tracking: 5/5 - Job Scheduling: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/proplanner-construction-management-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Enterprise - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/proplanner-construction-management-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [SYNCHRO](/product/6302-Synchro/) - Overall rating: 4.7/5 - Reviews: 32 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview SYNCHRO is a digital construction software that helps construction teams manage their projects. It combines advanced simulations and data to enable faster, safer, and more [Read more](/product/6302-Synchro/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Document Management: 5/5 - API: 5/5 - Project Management: 5/5 - Task Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Project Planning/Scheduling: 2.5/5 - Status Tracking: 3/5 - Projections: 3/5 - Gantt/Timeline View: 4/5 [See all features](/product/6302-Synchro/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Plan - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request - Pricing not available [See full pricing details](/product/6302-Synchro/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Inertia](/project-management/inertia-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.9/5 - Reviews: 7 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Inertia is a cloud-based construction management solution designed to help enterprises breakdown complex operations and streamline business processes with centralized information [Read more](/project-management/inertia-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/project-management/inertia-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Revizto](/construction/revizto-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 32 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Revizto is a cloud-based BIM collaboration software platform that seamlessly connects architecture, engineering, and construction teams throughout the entire project lifecycle. [Read more](/construction/revizto-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Issue Tracking: 5/5 - Customizable Reports: 5/5 - Task Scheduling: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Conflict Tracking: 3/5 - Mobile Access: 3/5 - Data Import/Export: 3/5 - Offline Access: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/revizto-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/revizto-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Assemble](/product/395327-Assemble-Insight/) - Overall rating: 4.6/5 - Reviews: 7 - Starting price: $7,500.00/year - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Autodesk's Assemble is the cloud-based construction and model data management software solution built for general contractors, subcontractors, home builders, engineers, [Read more](/product/395327-Assemble-Insight/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $7,500.00/year [See full pricing details](/product/395327-Assemble-Insight/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [FulcrumHQ](/construction/fulcrumhq-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview FulcrumHQ is an advanced construction platform with a rich common data environment (CDE) designed to revolutionize how large-scale projects are managed. FulcrumHQ surpasses [Read more](/construction/fulcrumhq-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Data Visualization: 5/5 - Real-Time Notifications: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 - Project Management: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/fulcrumhq-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Smart Construction Dashboard](/cafm/smart-construction-dashboard-profile/) - Overall rating: 5/5 - Reviews: 1 - Starting price: $1,000.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Smart Construction Dashboard software allows you to build a digital twin of your project, transforming the job site into a highly collaborative, sustainable, and safer environment [Read more](/cafm/smart-construction-dashboard-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Spatial Analysis: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 - Data Visualization: 5/5 - Collaboration Tools: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - CAD Tools: 3/5 - Map Creation: 3/5 [See all features](/cafm/smart-construction-dashboard-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Xyicon](/construction/space-runner-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 6 - Starting price: $45.00/month - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Xyicon is a cloud-based facility management platform that helps small to large enterprises monitor employee occupancy across corporate workspaces. It enables users to maintain [Read more](/construction/space-runner-profile/) --- ### [Touchplan](/construction/touchplan-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 110 - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Touchplan is a Lean cloud-based construction management tool serving subcontractors, superintendents and project managers in the field, as well as project executives, architects [Read more](/construction/touchplan-profile/) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/touchplan-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Edificius](/construction/edificius-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 8 - Starting price: €55.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Edificius is an on-premise 3D building information modeling solution designed for small and midsize architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) companies. It offers parametric [Read more](/construction/edificius-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Presentation Tools: 5/5 - 3D Imaging: 5/5 - Project Management: 5/5 - Document Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - 2D Drawing: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/edificius-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: €55.00/month [See full pricing details](/construction/edificius-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [PlanRadar](/product/167287-PlanRadar/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 77 - Starting price: €26.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview PlanRadar is a leading platform for digital documentation, communication and reporting in construction, facility management and real estate projects. It helps companies work more [Read more](/product/167287-PlanRadar/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Issue Tracking: 5/5 - Preventive Maintenance: 5/5 - File Sharing: 5/5 - Activity Tracking: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Contact Database: 1/5 - Customizable Templates: 3/5 [See all features](/product/167287-PlanRadar/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: €26.00/month ##### Starter - Price: €89.00/month ##### Pro - Price: €129.00/month [See full pricing details](/product/167287-PlanRadar/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [ProKitchen Online](/construction/prokitchen-online-profile/) - Overall rating: 2.5/5 - Reviews: 2 - Starting price: $1,095.00/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview ProKitchen Online is a building information modeling (BIM) tool that helps businesses create interior designs for kitchens and bathrooms. Professionals can generate 3D renderings [Read more](/construction/prokitchen-online-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Search/Filter: 5/5 - 3D Imaging: 2/5 - Third-Party Integrations: 1/5 - Project Time Tracking: 1/5 [See all features](/construction/prokitchen-online-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Basic - Price: $1,095.00/month [See full pricing details](/construction/prokitchen-online-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Tekla Structures](/construction/tekla-structures-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 37 - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Tekla Structures is the structural building information modeling (BIM) tool for all types of structures, featuring unique capabilities that enable the rapid creation of [Read more](/construction/tekla-structures-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Multiple Projects: 5/5 - Configurable Workflow: 5/5 - 3D Imaging: 5/5 - Data Synchronization: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - BIM Modeling: 1/5 - Workflow Management: 3/5 - Bills of Material: 3/5 - Document Management: 3.6/5 [See all features](/construction/tekla-structures-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Carbon - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Graphite - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request ##### Diamond - Price: Custom - Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](/construction/tekla-structures-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Oracle Aconex](/construction/aconex-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 217 - Starting price: $1.00/month - Best for: Customer support - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Oracle Aconex is a cloud-based operation management solution for managing information and processes between companies on complex construction and engineering projects. Several [Read more](/construction/aconex-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - RFI & Submittals: 5/5 - File Management: 5/5 - Audit Trail: 5/5 - Incident Reporting: 5/5 [See all features](/construction/aconex-profile/#key-features) --- ### [ARCHICAD](/construction/archicad-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.4/5 - Reviews: 280 - Starting price: $33.33/month - Best for: Small businesses - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Archicad by Graphisoft is a building information modeling (BIM) solution designed for architects, designers, interior designers and urban planners. The product caters to small and [Read more](/construction/archicad-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Projections: 5/5 - Annotations: 5/5 - Project Workflow: 5/5 - Version Control: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Contact Management: 1.5/5 - Mobile Access: 3.3/5 - Bills of Material: 3.5/5 [See all features](/construction/archicad-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Archicad Solo - Price: $33.33/month [See full pricing details](/construction/archicad-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- ### [Newforma](/construction/constructex-profile/) - Overall rating: 3.9/5 - Reviews: 14 - Free trial: Not available - Free demo: Not available #### Overview Newforma’s ConstructEx is a cloud-based construction management software that automates and streamlines RFI, submittal, and document management for architects, contractors, [Read more](/construction/constructex-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Audit Trail: 5/5 - Document Storage: 5/5 - Version Control: 5/5 - File Management: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Activity Dashboard: 3.5/5 - Document Management: 4/5 [See all features](/construction/constructex-profile/#key-features) --- ### [Vectorworks Architect](/3d-architecture/vectorworks-architect-profile/) - Overall rating: 4.3/5 - Reviews: 53 - Starting price: $127.50/month - Free trial: Available - Free demo: Available #### Overview Vectorworks is a versatile, on-premise application that provides extensive 2D drafting, 3D modeling, BIM and rendering capabilities for your architectural and landscape design [Read more](/3d-architecture/vectorworks-architect-profile/) #### Features ##### Best rated features - Mobile Access: 5/5 - Design Modeling: 5/5 - Projections: 5/5 - Bills of Material: 5/5 ##### Worst rated features - Contract/License Management: 1/5 [See all features](/3d-architecture/vectorworks-architect-profile/#key-features) #### Pricing ##### Annual Subscription - Price: $127.50/month - Sketch, draw, and model in a fully integrated BIM workflow. Architect will support your ##### Monthly Subscription - Price: $153.00/month - Sketch, draw, and model in a fully integrated BIM workflow. Architect will support your [See full pricing details](/3d-architecture/vectorworks-architect-profile/#pricing-and-plans) --- 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bim-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bim-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bim-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bim-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/bim-comparison/?__ai_markdown=true&page=6) ## Popular Comparisons [ ARCHICAD vs SketchUp ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/archicad-profile/vs/sketchup/)[ ArcSite vs Revit ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/physical-security/arc-site-profile/vs/revit/)[ Metaroom by Amrax vs Inventor ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/manufacturing/inventor-profile/vs/metaroom-studio/)[ Autodesk Forma (formerly Autodesk Construction Cloud) vs PlanRadar ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/compare/167287-PlanRadar/vs/390033-autodesk-construction-cloud/) ## Send me a copy of this list to my inbox ### Get a copy of this list with pricing info sent to your inbox so you can pick up where you left off when convenient to you. Ten years ago, if you had asked a construction firm what its virtual design and construction (VDC) strategy looked like, you would likely have been met with mostly blank stares. Now, nearly 80 percent of firms report using VDC workflows on projects to some degree, as JBKnowledge [found](https://jbknowledge.com/2017-construction-technology-report-survey) in its 2016 construction technology report. Building information modeling (BIM) is the reason for this massive industry shift. BIM is a process for creating a digital model of a construction project, comprised of layers of metadata describing the physical and functional aspects of the initiative. BIM software creates a collaborative, open environment for teams to connect and optimize their time and efforts across the project life cycle. The positive returns and cost savings are numerous, so much so that McKinsey [reports](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/capital-projects-and-infrastructure/our-insights/imagining-constructions-digital-future) a number of governments are requiring BIM be used for all public infrastructure projects. Whether you're investing in BIM software for the first time or looking to upgrade your current system, this guide can help you make a more informed purchase decision. Here's what we'll cover: [What Is BIM Software?](#WhatIsBIMSoftware) [Common Features of BIM Software](#CommonFeaturesofBIMSoftware) [Benefits and Potential Challenges](#BenefitsandPotentialChallenges) [Market Trends to Understand](#MarketTrendstoUnderstand) ## What Is BIM Software? BIM is an intelligent model-based process (3D, 4D, 5D) that helps architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) professionals collaboratively plan, design, build and manage projects. It is a digital representation that conveys the physical and functional aspects of a project, e.g., geometry, spatial requirements and other metrics. **3D, 4D and 5D BIM** | Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | | --- | --- | --- | | 3D BIM-IMAGE_EMBED | 4D BIM-IMAGE_EMBED | 5D BIM-IMAGE_EMBED | | 3D, design | 4D, schedule | 5D, cost | | An informed and realistic model of a project initiative. Used to more accurately take customer requirements into design consideration and determine project scope. Information that can be included in the 3D model includes geometric measurements, spatial data, design aesthetics, as well as thermal and acoustic properties. | Adds the element of time to the 3D model. Allows general contractors to determine if the project scope can be completed on the given timeline, and once approved, schedule resources, set milestones and communicate plans to clients. | Adds the element of cost, together with scheduling, to the 3D model. Allows estimators to determine the costs for the project and if they are in line with the approved budget. Any changes in the design or schedule are reflected in the budget. | --- The most commonly used format for BIM is the industry foundation classes (IFC) data model. The [IFC specification](http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/specifications/ifc-overview), developed and maintained by buildingSMART, is the [accepted ISO standard](https://www.iso.org/standard/51622.html) and is an open and neutral file format. This means that IFC allows AEC professionals to share BIM data, regardless of what software application they use. For example, BIM data can easily be transferred between Revit, an Autocad product, to ArchiCAD, a Graphisoft product. This also means it is accepted and used by the various disciplines involved with the project life cycle, including: - Architecture - Client requirement management - Structural engineering - Building authority for permits and approvals - Project management - Facilities management _IFC files representing different layers of metadata for each stage in the project. Source:_ [Areo](http://blog.areo.io/what-is-ifc/) As Engineering.com [states](https://www.engineering.com/BIM/ArticleID/11436/BIM-101-What-is-Building-Information-Modeling.aspx), "In BIM, every project is built twice—once in a virtual environment to make sure that everything is just right and once in a real environment to bring the project to life." BIM tools support this collaborative process between design and construction. They enable greater accuracy and consistency when planning and executing projects, helping to improve quality and safety, as well as reduce costs incurred from schedule and budget overruns. ## Common Features of BIM Software Specific features will vary across BIM software, depending on the stage in the project life cycle they are designed for, e.g., design, [scheduling](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-scheduling-software-comparison/) or [estimating](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/cost-estimating-software-comparison/). However, there are some standard capabilities you should look for as you evaluate BIM solutions. These include: | Feature | Description | | --- | --- | | Process/workflow management | Set workflows surrounding the processes within set stages of the project life cycle, so users stay on the same page. For example: Design, visualization/modeling, model review, model simulation and analysis, model-based takeoff and costing etc. | | Collaboration | A single BIM model houses the metadata for all processes and connects teams across each stage of the project life cycle, from architects to general contractors to estimators. Changes to the design impact the cost and schedule. Each team can track and stay up-to-date with changes as they are made. | | Change management | Track known issues and allow users to flag new issues as they arise. Require approvals for model changes. This helps with version control and creates an audit trail, so everyone is on the same page and can understand model progressions, what changes were made and why. | | Content/document storage and data management | Store project data, e.g., drawings, customer requirements, requests for information (RFIs), phasing plans and more alongside the BIM model. Some systems may allow you to store models and information for multiple projects. | | Reporting and analysis | Gain actionable insights on the data provided by BIM models. Run reports during design and find problem areas or inconsistencies, run reports during planning to see if the project will finish in the time allotted and/or run reports during estimating to ensure the project costs don't exceed the budget. | --- ## Benefits and Potential Challenges **Benefits:** - The 3D, 4D and 5D models help you more accurately determine project scope, cost and schedule. This improves project outcomes and reduces expensive reworks or change orders down the line. - BIM helps you identify missing or incorrect information early on in the design and planning processes, improving quality and safety down the line. Additionally, BIM models can continue to be used after planning, through construction and into maintenance, helping to increase the overall value delivered from the project. - Using the open, standard IFC file format allows for seamless transfer of data between tools and teams. This helps cut down on duplicate data entry (and potential for human error), saves time and promotes an open, collaborative BIM environment. **Challenges:** - Although a centralized, collaborative environment is a positive, the more people involved in each process requires that BIM tools have strong version control and audit trail capabilities. Additionally, this makes it important to set workflows around changes and approvals, so you can track who did what and when. - Although the BIM IFC files are transferable between tools, there is a wealth of project information that needs to accompany the digital model, e.g., drawings, FRIs, change orders etc. These documents need to be stored, shared and linked to the model. - BIM files can easily reach sizes of 200 MB or larger, which can make it difficult to send files via email or download files to mobile devices if teams are in the field. If you search "BIM file sizes" on Google, the top results all center around how to reduce file size and how to deal with file size limitations when importing/exporting data. ## Market Trends To Understand **BIM use is on the rise.** Between 2015 and 2016, the number of builders who do not use BIM software dropped by 30 percent, according to JBKnowledge in their annual construction tech reports. Of those investing in BIM in 2016, 33 percent use BIM tools internally while 10 percent outsource. Outsourcing may be a great stepping stone into this technology for small firms who lack the IT budget to invest in these tools for themselves. However, outsourcing doesn't negate the need for training on the data provided by BIM, so be sure someone is up to speed on what these models have to offer. **Open BIM.** [Open BIM](http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/) is an initiative to maintain a collaborative and open environment for design, building and maintaining projects using the open [buildingSMART data model](http://www.buildingsmart-tech.org/specifications/specifications), IFC. This initiative is backed and led by several prominent vendors in the AEC industry, including: - Tekla - GRAPHISOFT - Nemetschek - AllPlan - Vectorworks - Trimble AEC software vendors can become Open BIM certified, showing that their products are IFC compliant and that their data works seamlessly with other Open BIM solutions. This initiative is important for several reasons (read about them [here](http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/open_bim_program/)), but one specific benefit is that it helps small and large software vendors compete in the space. Meaning, construction firms can take a chance on a lesser known, less expensive product. So long as it is IFC compliant, they can benefit in the same way as they would from using an industry giant. ### Related BIM Software - [3D Architecture Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/3d-architecture/) - [3D CAD Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/3d-cad/) - [Architectural CAD Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/architectural-cad/) - [Architecture Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/architecture/) - [Construction Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/construction/project-management-software-comparison/) - [Engineering CAD Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/engineering-cad/)