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Satellier's BIM Journey

By Arvind bhandari Sr posted 11-08-2012 12:03 AM

  


What is BIM? Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an approach to the entire building life cycle. Autodesk Revit Architecture, MEP, and Structure are powerful BIM programs that support the ability to coordinate, update, and share design data with team members throughout the design, construction, and management phases of a building’s life. A key component in managing the BIM process is to establish a company foundation for different types of projects by creating standard templates and custom elements. Having this in place makes the process of any new project flow smoothly and efficiently. Satellier's visionary chairman and CEO Michael Jensen always stated that Satellier would be, the world's leading BIM outsourcing solutions provider to AEC firms in coming future. He always used to encourage the employees of Satellier for their quality performances and keep sharing his experiences. Michael actually channelizes the path of BIM in our organization and leads in front of Satellier's BIM Journey.


Satellier LLC. Located in Noida establishes in 2004 their trade mark project includes the KAPSARC and a variety of projects for various clients around the globe. They are currently using Revit Building on two large mixed use commercial projects Satellier has been using Revit form last five years and have already found it particularly useful for visualization and walkthroughs. According to Satellier’s senior Revit user LV Anuradha said “the visualization capabilities of Revit allows our clients to quickly see their building early in the design stage which helps speeding up approval processes and saving us all time and money”


To successfully implement Revit Architecture across the design practice as a complete BIM solution for use on all projects. The Solution having implemented Revit Architecture previously with mixed results, Satellier worked with Autodesk to develop an implementation strategy and tailored learning programmed which would ensure the relevant skills would be imparted upon the design and operation teams. The Result since the initial programmed of skills-based training helped to advance the rate of learning within the business, Revit has been used successfully on a number of projects. Satellier originally reviewed Revit technology when it appeared on the market in 2006 and even at that time, key staff members could see the potential value of integrating design and production within a 3D environment. On the strength of this introduction to the technology, one license was purchased but it saw limited use as a design and visualization aid because no-one was quite sure how to fully integrate within the business. It was not until 2007 (following the acquisition of the technology by Autodesk) that the practice decided to make the leap to fully implement Revit. This decision entailed a significant investment in hardware, 10 licenses of the software to cover anticipated project requirements and an extensive training programmer that included not only project staff, but also senior project participants such as associates and directors. However, despite this level of investment and the best of intentions by those who had identified the possible benefits to the business; the proposed transition was slower than anticipated.

Jaideep Pandey one of Satellier’s BIM evangelists explains that “there were a number of reasons why implementing Revit was a struggle, but ultimately the concept wasn’t easily grasped by the majority of project staff and business executives as they struggled to apply their traditional working methods to such a different solution.” For many companies, this challenge would have been enough to convince them to abandon their plans to embrace BIM and revert to their old ways. However, Satellier is a forward thinking organization with an embedded attitude to change. Their initial experience enabled lessons to be learnt and they resolved to make a concerted effort to adapt their approach and persevere. Critically, this was also supported from the most senior level within the company, as the advantages of BIM were clearly recognized by the firm’s directors.

 

Having been through the exercise once, the team decided to take a fresh look at their implementation strategy and devised a plan that would incorporate past experiences. Internal support mechanisms, initially not robust enough to resolve and respond to problems, were reinforced and training was refocused to address the specific requirements of varying project roles. It became clear that it would be almost impossible for the two main experienced Revit users in the business to provide the level of support required to enable this transition across the business. The decision was therefore made to seek outsourced support whilst constructing an internal support network. As part of the selection process, several external service providers were approached in order to evaluate the quality of the solutions they could offer. After several discussions with key representatives from the Satellier BIM development team, Autodesk were selected on the basis that they had the depth of resource and an approach that was much more adaptable to the specific needs of the business. In particular Autodesk modular approach to developing necessary skills appealed to the selection team. 


As all the directors says, “We liked this approach, as it was not delivery of pre-defined training topics, but rather focused on what our people needed.” enabling us to programmer the delivery of these skills at just the right time. It’s Known as ‘just-in-time’ training, as it delivers according to needs, and ensures knowledge is retained at a higher rate and can be utilized immediately on a project.” Delivered on a regular basis, in their own working environment, this approach to Revit skills development within Satellier has been a resounding success. Each module covers a specific area of the software and these can be programmed and delivered at relatively short notice. This approach ensures that people have the confidence to perform their roles, knowing they have the support of experienced personnel, both inside and outside of the organization.

Satellier has also shown a steadfast commitment to pursuing this objective and call upon one of Autodesk’s experienced specialists Neelakshi to attend their offices regularly to provide on-going coaching and mentoring for their people on specific projects. As well as steadily building the experience levels across the business, this ensures that potential hurdles are cleared quickly and efficiently, without the potential loss in productivity that could otherwise occur. This role is now developing to encompass the delivery of lectures, project audits and project specific reviews as Satellier continue their BIM development.

 


As per Satellier’s senior architect LV Anuradha she carried the baton of Satellier BIM journey, and recommends a strategic adoption of BIM with the right balance towards success:


  • Estimation of building materials, quantity, and construction cost

  • Documentation of site and building conditions

  • Coordination of architectural, civil, structural, and building systems

  • Issuance of 2D shop drawing or 3D fabrication-ready assembly models Validation of design in accordance with building codes and standards

  • Use of sensors, tags, bar codes, and radio frequency identification for material handling and project management

  • Simulation of project phasing, construction scheduling, and occupant behaviors

  • Definition, representation, and evaluation of performance-based requirements and product-specific information

  • Vision and value proposition

  • Insights and demonstrated evidences from pilot projects

  • Culture for constructive change that is shared across the organization

  • Training

  • Establish processes and partnering

  • Technology and alignment with proven and emerging software, scalable hardware and infrastructure, as well as open standards

Although BIM efforts at SATELLIER. I have been under way since late 2010, the BIM initiative is just beginning to bear fruit. History has taught me that challenges can be the stimulus for creativity and technological development. Building information modeling (BIM) presents such a technological development for the building community. The Internet provides the essential vehicle for architects and engineers, regardless of distance, time zone, language, or platform, to collaborate and concurrently deliver an integrated design and efficiently execute and operate a project throughout all phases of design, manufacturing, construction, and facility operations. The Internet allows the designer’s BIM models to be output into shop documents and manufacturing templates for greater accuracy, efficiency.  

Marketing team are the unsung heroes of successful Journey of BIM @ Satellier. The hard work is the signs of a successful marketing effort for our firm and getting profitable, desirable new work. To create that kind of success, team has set themselves apart and gain recognition from clients. Principals of the team having peoples who enjoy doing business development as part of the core management team with the rock solid support by operations.

 

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