Why Don't We Do It in the Road Ahead?
—Part 2, Applications Integration
> Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Jerry Laiserin

First principle of applications integration: even if all you wish to achieve is a better-coordinated set of 2D drawings, BIM is still worth the effort.
Of course, the sort of multi-dimensional, data-rich digital models that define BIM provide the basis for so much more than better-coordinated 2D documentation—things like analysis, simulation and intelligent performance-based design feedback. We've written and webcast extensively on BIM in the past (and will continue to do so in the future) so that further elaboration here would be redundant. Just do it. Now. In 2003, not 2010 or 2013.

If your design software vendor's BIM strategy and/or product roadmap isn't clear to you, insist they clarify it. If their clearest strategy doesn't clearly get you where you want to go—now—consider whether another product or vendor might get you there faster and more easily. Notwithstanding the nattering nabobs of negativity who dismiss BIM as marketing hype and tripe, BIM adoption in the A/E professions is rapidly approaching a "tipping point"; within eighteen to twenty-four months enough of the largest and most prestigious design firms will have chosen and implemented a BIM solution as to make BIM the benchmark for mainstream practice. Those firms that aren't exploring a serious BIM migration path now may well be perceived as technological laggards by the first half of 2005 (which is OK if being a late adopter matches your business strategy, as well as your marketing and financial plans, but could be a disaster if your firm otherwise positions itself as a pioneer).
JL