Gain a Competitive Advantage with MEP BIM Software
In your role as an M&E consultant or contractor, you know how valuable Revit is. However, using Revit alone isn’t enough to give you a competitive advantage in today's market. M&E consultants and contractors can benefit from a higher level of efficiency and accuracy by using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software that’s designed specifically for the MEP industry.
What is Building Information Modelling (BIM) software?
Building Information Modelling (BIM) software has revolutionised the way many MEP companies design and build. Unlike generic software, BIM software is specifically designed with the needs of a MEP consultants and contractors in mind, and includes features like 3D modelling, clash detection, and more. In addition to being faster than non-specialist programs, MEP BIM software also allows for greater collaboration between all stakeholders involved in a project - making it easy for everyone to stay updated on the progress of the project at any given time.
Why use BIM software as an M&E consultant or contractor?
Using BIM software that plugs into Revit when designing projects can benefit MEP consultants and contractors in a number of ways. Think of it as the glue for your models that provides the specialist detail that you need. Whilst there are countless ways MEP companies use and benefit from BIM software, we’ve rounded up a few of the main benefits:
1. Clash prevention
MEP BIM software can prevent clashes from occurring on the job site by identifying them in advance. A model's conflicts are automatically detected by comparing its different components (e.g., electrical and mechanical). This helps you to keep projects within budget and on schedule as they move along the “spatial coordination” or “technical design” RIBA stages and beyond.
2. Easily track changes
A specialised MEP BIM solution also makes it easier to track changes over time. Non-specialist MEP programs such as Revit lack version control capabilities, making it difficult to trace back changes during a project. In a solution such as Stabicad, however, every change is tracked by a unique ID number. By using this method, it is much easier to track revisions and modifications throughout the life cycle of a project.
3. Managed content
Using a BIM software that plugs into Revit, such as Stabicad, means that you get access to a wealth of manufacturer-managed content when creating your models within Revit. This allows your models to not only be created with more precision, but you have confidence that the specifications of your components are accurate and up-to-date.
4. Integrated MEP calculations
Specialist MEP BIM software comes with integrated M&E calculations, meaning as an MEP contractor or consultant you no longer have to produce calculations manually or outside of your 3D model. This helps improve the accuracy of your model whilst saving you time.
Who can help with M&E BIM Software?
As discussed, many M&E consultants and contractors who use Revit as a standalone product aren’t getting the full benefit of features created with MEP in mind. Stabicad lets you create truly constructible models in Revit, and with comprehensive UK-compliant integrated calculations and up-to-date manufacturer content, you’ll streamline your processes while bringing mechanical and electrical teams together in one easy-to-collaborate space.
To learn more about selecting MEP modelling software, read our ebook.