Results of BIM Support Survey Released

After a few weeks of preparing, the results of the BIM Support Survey is ready to hit the street.  I conducted the 2010 BIM Support Survey to assess how companies support the BIM transition and use within their office as well as the perception of whether their BIM support is adequate.  There were 120 usable responses to the survey thus creating a great cross section of information.  Click here, on the image below or go to the documents section of this site to get your copy, "free".

Thank you to everyone who filled out the survey, this report could not be completed without your input.  If this gets positive feedback and there is an general interest, perhaps we could do this yearly and compare the change in results each year.  Send me a note or post a comment about your thoughts.  

Last Few Days of the Survey

The number of responses has slowed significantly in the last few days so I am going to officially cut-off the results of the BIM Support Survey on Friday.  Crack open a beer at 4PM (Eastern Time) and start the tabulation.  Thank you all for your responses and my goal is to have the results posted in a week from Friday.

BIM Support Survey

Ever wonder how other firms are supporting BIM in their offices?  It is the unknown abyss.  I have put together a survey that should take the mystery out of this question.  Please take the survey by clicking on the image, selecting the BIM Support Survey on the link bar to the left or using the following link http://jasongrant.squarespace.com/bim-support-survey/ 

Please repost, retweet and just share by word of mouth so that we can get as many responses as possible.  Once there are a significant number of responses, I will compile and share the information with everyone.

Stages of a Revit User

One of the things that happens in many firms is that after training everyone is expected to be an expert at utilizing Revit.  It takes a few projects for most people to get comfortable with the program and the new workflow.  Even then, you can't expect everyone in your firm to become a Revit Leader or even a strong producer.  For a fully implemented firm though, everyone should at least be able to explore a Revit file to review the information and print or export as needed.  I believe there are 5 basic stages that each user can be categorized into and to have a successful project you need a mix of the different stages. 

Stage 1 - Examine

Basic understanding of program to allow exploration of the design, drawings and the ability to print and export.

Stage 2 - Contribute

Beginner stage of working within model. Ability to add basic system elements and modify existing components, modify schedules and create 2D details.

Stage 3 - Produce

Production level of team, will create a majority of the drawings. Create simple parametric families, utilize shared parameters, create schedules and to create complex geometry.

Stage 4 - Explore

Ability to produce drawings and has passion to explore other ways utilizing BIM. Including but not limited to rendering, clash detection, sustainable analysis, light analysis, environmental analysis, costing, spec, etc...  This individual can help a team get beyond Revit and start experiencing BIM.

Stage 5 - Leader

Manage utilization of BIM on a project. Ability to direct workflow, standards and quality control of the BIM model with the project team. Ability to control the model for design purposes, graphic display and for construction.  Point person on the project for the company BIM support.  Can inform the BIM support of training needs for the team, project specific issues and strategize project direction. 

Asking Question Effectively - Part 2

Steve Stafford of Revit OpEd shared a link with me that was really interesting.  How To Ask Questions The Smart Way  From what Steve says, "Kyle Bernhardt used it as part of his signature for awhile at AUGI".

How to Ask Questions The Smart Way was written by Eric Steven Raymond and Rick Moen.  It is one of the greatest articles that I have read on the subject of questions and answers.

I think everyone in a support role should read this... now how do we effectively relay this to the people we support.