The need for enhanced project efficiency through collaborative workflows, greater return on investment and enhanced resilience to disasters, is driving the use of technology in the infrastructure industry.
So says Graham Irwin, industry sales director at Bentley Systems, a producer of software solutions for the design, construction and operation of infrastructure.
The security and integrity of information must be ensured as it is shared across various project disciplines and infrastructure life cycle phases, says Irwin. The infrastructure life cycle is made up of the design, construction and operations phases, he explains.
He believes 3D modelling represents an important first step in addressing the challenges of information flow in the cycle, and also helps facilitate information reuse and sharing in the design phase.
However, he notes, leading infrastructure organisations − including some governments − are advancing beyond 3D design and pushing for expanded use of building information modelling (BIM).
BIM technology is considered invaluable to the delivery of a construction project, since it provides a common single and co-ordinated source of structured information throughout the life cycle of a project. With BIM, accurate data can be accessed throughout the supply chain, adds Irwin.
South African infrastructure organisations are ready to adopt BIM methodologies, but lack greater understanding of this approach to meet the needs of the entire infrastructure life cycle, he says.
He suggests SA looks to the UK Government BIM Task Group as an exemplary model for BIM implementation.
Irwin points out one of the major holdbacks to increased use of advanced technologies in the infrastructure industry is the misconception these advancements will lead to the need for fewer workers, reducing the number of jobs available.
However, he says this technology is a tool to assist employees in being more productive and efficient, thereby increasing their value to the organisation. "One way to help overcome these misunderstandings is through proper training in not only the new software, but also in best practices."
Given the importance of the mining and metals industry to the region, South African organisations seeking a competitive advantage need to improve engineering information management, including change management, to enhance information integrity, says Irwin.
At the same time, they need to improve operational efficiency, while streamlining the business processes associated with sustaining infrastructure assets over the infrastructure life cycle, he concludes.
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