It’s no secret that 2020 saw the majority of businesses investing in new technology as a way to carry on with ‘business as usual’ as best they could under new restrictions and limited face-to-face time.

The accelerated adoption of technology across the construction sector has encouraged a more innovative approach to working, and saw Building Information Modelling (BIM) become a more popular and accessible tool for collaborative projects.

Collaboration and the sharing of data is vital to the success of BIM. At its heart, BIM is a tool that reduces waste and risk of error, and facilitates the sharing of detailed information throughout the design, construction and operational phases of a project, which ultimately results in more efficient buildings.

When it comes to doorsets and ironmongery in particular, using BIM-enabled tools such as ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™ can truly unlock the potential of BIM.

The software application of Openings Studio™ is suitable for all building projects, integrating commonly used design platforms such as Revit, and is also in the early stages of integrating with ArchiCAD, to enable project design teams to seamlessly develop complete doorset requirements.

Product information, performance data and budget information can all easily be developed within the BIM design environment. Working with ASSA ABLOY, these designs can be validated for compliance, functional performance and aesthetics, presented as 3D views that can be fully integrated with the overall project design – and all in real-time.

By acting as a collaborative tool for all project stakeholders, Openings Studio™ has been designed to help minimise costs, increase efficiency and streamline the data sharing process throughout the entire project lifecycle – from the initial design, right through to construction, delivery, asset management and beyond.

Having one easily accessible source allows architects and specifiers to update relevant information automatically, without having to manually input each specification and therefore saving both time and money.

Contractors can then view all this information to assess precise quantities, pricing, compliance, links to supplier websites and installation instructions; as well as having the ability to track the status of installations across the project much more effectively. This complete management of products throughout the supply chain ensures effective forecasting and on time, in-full delivery.

These tools even ensure post-construction processes – such as environmental accreditations and handovers to facilities managers – are managed effectively. Not only this, but the ongoing performance and maintenance of the building may also be monitored via QR codes and a weblink to where all documents and certificates are located. This means that when a site gets audited, all information is easily accessible.

Paul Thompson, BIM Manager for ASSA ABLOY UK, comments: “Openings Studio has already been used on countless projects worldwide – including on UK-based ventures for key global organisations – and we’ve seen a real increase in demand as construction continues to play a key role in keeping economies going throughout the pandemic.

“BIM software ensures that all stakeholders are working from the same page – quite literally – no matter the stage of the project or building lifecycle. Capturing the project at every level, while allowing room for the ever-changing data that comes with any venture.”

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