FAQ’s
BIM
Professional Outsourced BIM Services
Creating new, updated, as-built, or optimized BIM files.
Providing high-quality BIM services since 1988
A Building Information Model (BIM) file is a way of turning your physical warehouses, sites, plants, and buildings into digital representations. A well-made BIM file is called a “digital twin”, since it acts as an identical duplicate of your operation that you can pull up on your computer.
Companies across industries and applications can benefit from having a well-crafted BIM on hand. A BIM model can help with something as simple as identifying a process pipe all the way to something as complex as estimating exactly how many structural I-beams you need for your entire construction project.
At CAD/CAM Services, we always say that any building with walls can benefit from a BIM file. Our 2D files will help you optimize your floorplans and layouts, and our 5D BIM models will help you save time and money within your production process.
Our models are technically called “intelligent BIM files” since we add additional data and information that other companies won’t add. Things like equipment details, manufacturing specs, expected maintenance intervals, exact locations of sprinklers and fire extinguishers, and mechanical specs for the piping and structural components used. Basically, anything you can see inside your warehouse, you’ll find on our BIM files.
What Are BIM Services?
Outsourcing your BIM model to CAD/CAM Services makes everything a little easier. Our team of experts will handle some, most, or all of your BIM generation — it’s up to you how involved we are. For many clients, we create full as-built BIM models from scratch, adding time and cost considerations into the BIM file to generate intelligent 5D BIM models.
BIM services involve paying an outside company to do your BIM modeling. We will often visit your site with the measurement equipment we need, and we’ll pull dimensions from your building to ensure your BIM models are accurate and precise.
We will include all of the important data, additional information, and process-specific information into our BIM files. The result? You can do more with each BIM.
Our team is able to handle your BIM design, drafting, modeling, updating, as-built, construction, or conversion projects with ease.
Why BIM Services Matters
BIM modeling takes an incredible amount of practice, experience, attention to detail, and focus. To put it mildly, it’s not a job for everyone. Still, so many CAD outsource companies claim that they can also handle your BIM creation. After all, it’s just like CAD, right? Actually, no. BIM modeling uses completely different programs and ideologies when compared to CAD.
For your BIM modeling, you need BIM experts and an outsourced BIM services company like CAD/CAM Services. Although we’ve created millions of CAD files for countless companies, we have a separate branch that focuses solely on BIM modeling for companies across America.
Our BIM experts will deliver professional-grade results. We can commit to your most aggressive timelines, and we’re not afraid of a large and complicated project.
This same commitment to your BIM needs can’t be found elsewhere. With the wrong company, you’ll waste time, waste money, and deal with unnecessary headaches along the way. With us, you don’t have to worry about anything.
Benefits of BIM Services from CAD/CAM Services
When you choose CAD/CAM Services for your BIM work, you’ll notice a lot of major benefits:
- Faster turnarounds. With over 100 employees working 24/7, CAD/CAM Services offers some of the fastest turnarounds when it comes to outsourced work.
- More data in each BIM. We focus on the “I” in BIM — information. We put as much data and information into each BIM as possible.
- Ability to tackle larger and more complicated projects. We have a massive team that collaborates well, which allows us to handle larger and more complex projects with ease.
- Lower your production costs and cycle times. With a 5D BIM from CAD/CAM Services, you can cut out bottlenecks, improve yield, and optimize your workflow. Our BIMs are more than just a pretty picture — they’re designed to save your operation time and money.
- Get a head start on your new construction project. An early BIM model can help a ton during a new construction project. We can generate comprehensive BOMs that can even tell you how many screws you need.
What Goes into BIM Services from CAD/CAM Services?
Creating a full-scale BIM model isn’t as easy as it sounds, and the required effort can vary a lot from one project to the next. As a result, we start every BIM project with a consultation. Our team will meet with your team, and you can tell us what you’re looking for, what you have, and what you’re expecting. From there, our team can explain whether or not CAD/CAM Services can handle the project. We’re not here to trick you into a contract, we’re always upfront and honest about the type of work we can do.
Thanks to our large team, continued training, and unparalleled expertise, it’s rare for us to find a BIM project that we can’t complete.
Once we agree on the scope of work, we’ll figure out how many engineers to assign to your project. For multi-engineer projects, we typically assign a project manager who acts as a liaison between your team and ours — it keeps things simple. Instead of remembering a dozen names, you just need to remember one project manager and route your questions and comments through them.
We can join any internal meetings that you’re holding, or we can have daily or weekly status update calls. CAD/CAM Services can be as hands-on or hands-off during the length of your projects.
Once the BIM is complete, we’ll send it through an internal review. This consists of peer reviews and a final greenlight from the project manager in charge. If everyone is happy with the model, we’ll send it to your team for final review.
All of our files are sent digitally through a DoD-trusted filesharing service. This app keeps your data encrypted and safe from prying eyes.
Take some time to review the final BIM file. If you spot any issues, simply let us know and we’ll make corrections in as little as 24 hours. We’ll continue revising the model/s until everyone is happy and we send every deliverable under our scope of work.
Our BIM Services Include:
- 2D to 3D BIM Conversion [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/2d-to-3d-to-bim-conversion]
- BIM 3D Virtual Presentations [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/3d-virtual-presentations]
- Civil, Architectural, Structural, and MEP BIM [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/architectural-structural-mep-civil]
- As-Built BIM Modeling [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/as-built-modeling-2]
- BIM Outsource Services [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/bim-outsource-services]
- Construction Drawings BIM Services [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/construction-drawings]
- Facilities Real Estate Management BIM Services [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/facilities-real-estate-management]
- 4D and 5D BIM Creation [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/incorporate-the-4th-d-time]
- On-Demand Manufacturing BIM Services [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/on-demand-manufacturing-services]
- BIM Product Changes, Revisions, and Updates [https://www.cadcam.org/bim/product-change-revision-update]
- And Much More (Including Custom Services)
More About BIM Services
Most engineers are familiar with CAD, but not as many engineers are familiar with BIM. People don’t understand the true power and optimization that comes with a well-made BIM file, so there is always that learning curve that we have to go through with our clients.
If there is any uncertainty about what a BIM model can do for you, please reach out to us and we’ll answer all of your questions over the phone.
A 5D BIM model contains additional cost and timing considerations. This file can help pinpoint areas where you’re spending too much time and money. In some cases, the fix is as simple as moving a piece of equipment to a different area. Regardless of the solution, a 5D BIM will help you find the issue and start looking for fixes.
Industries Served
We have been providing professional BIM services for decades. We’ve worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies, and we have a long list of returning customers who continually trust CAD/CAM Services to create and deliver professional-grade BIM models. We’ve worked in all of the major industries:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Defense
- Energy
- Government
- Industrial
- Manufacturing
- Maritime, Nautical, and Shipbuilding
- Medical Equipment
- Semiconductor
Get a Quote Today
Getting your own 5D BIM model is as simple as reaching out to CAD/CAM Services. Allow our team to elevate your operation and bring the power of technology into every part of your process. We are here to create stunning BIM models for presentations, BIMs that optimize your operation, and BIM files that help with installation/ maintenance.
Whether you have an old BIM that needs to be updated, help with creating a new BIM, or a BIM that you want to fact check — CAD/CAM Services is here to help.
FAQ’s
BIM FAQs
What is a BEP?
A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is something you’ll put together before starting a project. It outlines how information is managed and shared throughout the lifecycle of your pre-construction and post-construction operation.
A BEP can specifically outline objectives, milestones, responsibilities, contacts across your supply chain, and how you’ll share information. It’s a quick way to make sure all parties are on the same page before construction starts or before you open your doors for business.
Is BIM just for huge multi-million-dollar projects?
Another common misconception is that BIM is just for massive skyscrapers and huge manufacturing facilities. We made a BIM file for a small company’s garage warehouse, so there is certainly no limit to how big your company has to be.
BIM is for any company that operates a facility. The BIM file will include information that helps you every week by minimizing downtime, improving yield, and maximizing your efficiency. Whether you’re making hand-knitted sweaters or skyscrapers in Manhattan, BIM will help your operation.
What is 5D in BIM?
In BIM, it’s common for us to talk about 2D, 3D, 4D, and 5D files:
- 2D BIM is no different than a flat building layout. Example: A floor plan of a single room.
- 3D BIM is a building layout with wall height, and the ability to add multiple floors in a single file. Example: a multi-level hospital building.
- 4D BIM takes a 3D model and adds in a time component. Sometimes it’s a schedule for project managers, other times it’s a maintenance schedule for your mechanics. Example: a 4D BIM for new construction involves step-by-step project timelines plus a deadline.
- 5D BIM starts with a 4D BIM model and adds in cost. This is the most comprehensive type of BIM file. With 5D BIM, all the information you need for your new construction project can be found in one place. 5D BIM includes the costs for manhours, raw equipment, and different installation steps. Example: New construction of apartment buildings in which the cost and timeline are very important to investors.
Why should I outsource my BIM projects?
BIM work takes a lot of time and previous experience to do correctly. Unless you have a dedicated BIM specialist or BIM department in-house, it will take too long to learn the idiosyncrasies of BIM. In other words, you’ll be wasting a ton of time and money on each part of your BIM file — not to mention, there’s a good chance the final BIM model will be missing a ton of information. By outsourcing to CAD/CAM Services, you will save time, save money, get more data from each file, and be able to handle bigger and more complicated BIM projects.
What are some common uses of BIM?
We’ve developed BIM files for companies across industries. There is not one specific use for BIM, but instead there are a ton of common uses:
- Visualization
- Scope Clarification
- Partial Trade Coordination
- Collision Detection/Avoidance
- Design Validation
- Construction Sequencing Planning/Phasing Plans/Logistics
- Marketing Presentations
- Options Analysis
- Walk-throughs and Fly-throughs
- Virtual Mock-Ups
- Sight Line Studies
Isn’t BIM just a SolidWorks drawing?
Actually, BIM is completely different from SolidWorks. In 3D CAD files, the file revolves around dimensions and material properties, and that’s it. With 3D, 4D, or 5D BIM, the file revolves around information.
Having a 3D building layout is just the first step of BIM — next, we’ll input information like equipment specs, maintenance tasks, location of critical parts, structural information, cost data, timeline impacts, and much more.
What types of companies use BIM files?
We’ve been offering BIM services for 35+ years at CAD/CAM Services, and you’d be surprised by how many companies we’ve helped from different applications and industries. The simple answer is that there’s no cookie-cutter user for a BIM file. We’ve helped tiny machine shops, massive defense companies, plastics manufacturers, and commercial construction companies all the same.
We have a joke around our office that explains who can benefit from BIM: If your existing building or new construction project has walls, you can benefit from BIM.
What are the benefits of BIM?
A well-made BIM file can be a lifesaver for any type of company:
- BIM files include valuable information that can help the day-to-day efficiency of your production facility.
- Your maintenance team can use BIM to predict equipment breakdowns and avoid devastating downtime.
- BIM files can keep your building up to code and help establish a paper trail for safety audits, such as audits by fire authorities.
- A BIM file is a central file for all different trades to put in information. Your HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and installation crews can all work from the same file.
- BIM is great for stakeholders. You can create digital walk-throughs or fly-throughs to look at virtual mock-ups of new or existing buildings.
- BIM can help you spot collisions before installation. Maybe a water line is going through an area that’s supposed to be reserved for a structural beam. Spotting issues sooner means avoiding costly mistakes later.
- A BIM file can also confirm that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the scope and the design of a facility. After reviews are done, you can lock in the BIM file and use it as a reference, making sure everyone has the same target.
What is BIM?
BIM stands for Building Information Model, Maintenance, or Management. We typically say “Model”, since BIM is a technical model of your new or existing building. A BIM file is much more involved and detailed than a 3D CAD file, and the purpose of a BIM file is completely different. BIM files are created to help your projects in multiple aspects. BIM helps with the cost, performance, appearance, logistics, efficiency, and environmental impact of your new construction or existing facility.
General CAD Questions
I need my project done today or tomorrow. Can you process rush jobs?
Depending upon when you catch us, yes, we can handle rush jobs. We often work over the holidays, Thanksgiving and even Christmas holidays. If you have a deadline – call us.
For years we have run three shifts of about 30 drafting folks per shift – allowing us to deliver work 3x faster, and seven days a week. Yes, we work 24/7, so you do not have to. The fun never stops here.
For 3D scanning, this is a different question. Because of the common setup work required, at best expect a 48-72 hour turn to be scanned. CAD or simulation services are in addition to that.
Who is affected by the PPD-21 directive?
The Department of Homeland Security has identified 16 different infostructures:
- Chemical Sector,
- Commercial Facilities Sector,
- Communications Sector,
- Critical Manufacturing Sector,
- Dams Sector,
- Defense Industrial Base Sector,
- Emergency Services Sector,
- Energy Sector,
- Financial Services Sector,
- Food and Agriculture Sector,
- Government Facilities Sector,
- Healthcare and Public Health Sector,
- Information Technology Sector,
- Nuclear Reactors Materials and Waste Sector,
- Transportation Systems Sector,
- Water and Wastewater Systems Sector.
This is both Government and private sectors.
If you are in any of these industries, this directive is important to you for many reasons. Do you know where your critical sections are? Are they well protected? Are there concerns for Hazmat, security clearance requirements, and other concerns? Can you quickly rebuild what might be lost?
The important part of this means that critical infrastructure must be secure and able to withstand and rapidly recover from all hazards. Achieving this will require integration with the national preparedness system across prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery.
Further details can be found at: Government PPD-21
DHS – The National Infrastructure Protection Plan details: The National Infrastructure Protection Plan
Industry specific plans: 2015 Industry specific PPD-21 plans
CAD / CAM Services provides PPD-21 for the following industries: DHS – CAD / CAM Services
What is the PPD-21 Protocall?
The Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) is a Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience United States directive that aims to strengthen and secure the country’s critical infrastructure.The goal of this directive is to reduce vulnerabilities, identify and disrupt threats, minimize consequences and hasten response and recovery efforts related to critical infrastructure.
The directive defines resilience as the ability to prepare for and adapt to ever changing conditions, terrorists, and withstand and recover rapidly from disruptions. Resilience includes the ability to withstand and recover from deliberate attacks, accidents, or naturally occurring threats or incidents.
Do you support the PPD-21 Directive?
Yes we do, and have now for several years. In addition, we also support the industry specific plans as well.
Did you really own the trademark Cad Perfect™, Cad Perfect CAD Conversions™ and Cad / Cam Services™?
Yes, we did back in 2008. We started using Cad Perfect™ back in the early 1990s because all of our customers wanted only real Cad Perfect™ work. Back then the buzz words were terms like machine ready, or DXF Traceover and others.
The problem is, nobody wanted that. They all wanted drawings and models that they did not have to touch. Everybody wanted drawings just as if they hand redrew the work themselves.
Thus, Cad / Cam Services™ was the first company to start offering ONLY Cad Perfect™ work.
What is the estimated delivery time?
It depends on the scope of work:
- 2D drawings – small quantity, normally 48 hours. We have several customers where they contract to us, keeping 4-8 drafters busy full time.
- 3D models – complexity dependent, but smaller jobs in 2-3 days. Some models we have spent months on. Again, we have several customers where they contract to us, keeping 6-10 3D CAD designers busy full time.
Simple jobs have a lead time of 48 hours. Larger projects are delivered and invoiced weekly.
Will CAD / CAM Services Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)?
Yes. NDAs are a common part of our business. All data is yours – not ours, and treated as proprietary data and not for public consumption or use. Probably 70% of our work is under NDA agreements. We can generally get these signed within the day.
How do I send a sample, in order to get a quote?
Fill out our quote form, attach your files, or simply send us an email. Tell everything about your project, like the model purpose.
For smaller files < 15 MB you can simply email them to us. For something larger, just drop them in any number of drop boxes like Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and others. Or if you would like, just contact us for a private, hardened link.
It is fine to use most any time of compression such as *.zip, *.rar, *.tar, *.7z, *.arc, *.LBR, and even *.iso images.
A direct email is [email protected]
We also use a hardened OwnCloud web file sharing platform for unlimited file transfers. We provide unique and very private Web Storage Portals, this also supports file syncing for extreme convenience for you. Because so much of our work is DOD or weapons design work, Security – and confidentiality is very important to us.
