With the significant growth of the global construction market, building information modelling (BIM) has gained immense popularity, as it helps industries to operate productively, produce better quality work and boost their business. Highly beneficial in integrated building design (IBD) and integrated project delivery (IPD), BIM helps in the efficient use of resources and energy for construction purposes. Due to its immense usability as a cost-effective solution in the construction industry, analysts at Technavio expect the global BIM software market to grow rapidly and record a CAGR of 17% by 2020.
 

What’s trending in the BIM software market?

As an industry that is undergoing an immense amount of growth and innovation, there are a several major trends that the BIM software market is witnessing at the global level. Some of the latest trends, as identified by research analysts at Technavio, include the following:|
 

3D laser scanning

This technology improves efficiency and optimizes the BIM process by capturing dimensions with accurate details. Already used by builders, developers, real estate agents and architectural firms for detailed documentation of cost estimation, sustainability, project scheduling and facility management, 3D laser scanning is a breakthrough in the AEC industry. Models prepared with the help of 3D laser scanning have more accurate data, which directly decreases the number of site visits, ultimately reducing the amount of time and money spent. At present, Autodesk and Trimble are some of the major vendors providing BIM with 3D laser scanning.
 

Increased adoption of mobile apps for BIM

BIM-enabled mobile apps provide real-time access to project data by enabling access to project files from anywhere and at any time. Easy navigation of the construction site throughout the project is one of the major benefits of using these apps. BIM-enabled mobile apps provide value addition to the BIM process throughout the project cycle, from design and construction to operations and maintenance. Thus, the use of the BIM-based mobile app is a trend in the construction industry, as mobility is a key factor in increasing productivity during project execution.
 

Cloud-based BIM solutions

Another major trend in the BIM market is the use of cloud-based BIM solutions for data management. A typical cloud-based BIM tool consists of a model viewer, model variance, and automated estimating. Files can easily be uploaded to its database and shared with other team members through web. Like any cloud-based solution, cloud-based BIM tools help in reducing IT expenses, speeding up the visualization process, and storing data safely, making real-time collaboration more efficient. Most of all, these solutions enable contractors, architects, engineers, subcontractors to make better decisions in the design stage.
 

5D BIM software

Lastly, with the availability of 5D BIM software in the market, a number of users are switching from 3D BIM software to this solution. 3D BIM software does not provide a platform for the integration of time and cost factors. 5D BIM software’s platform assists in the estimation of the total cost in the pre-construction stage and the ability to make design changes in a cost-effective manner. NEMETSCHEK is one of the best examples of 5D BIM software, combining the 3D BIM solution with cost and time planning features.
 

For a detailed understanding of the BIM software market:

Order the 2016-2020 Report on the Global BIM Software Market

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The 2016-2020 Report on the Global Construction Management Software Market