Finding the Right Outsourcing Partner for Revit and BIM Services

23 September 2015

Kuldeep Bwail

Making the right choice has never been easy, but with a little bit of research and dedication, it doesn’t have to be too difficult. As Revit 3D BIM modelling/ Revit BIM services are becoming increasingly prevalent in the construction world, offshore companies are known to present attractive options for construction firms in the West. Of course, with a host of MEP CAD outsourcing services and architectural CAD outsourcing services available for selection, how does one narrow down the choice?

To find the appropriate outsourcing partner for BIM and Revit services, some points to consider are:

The right partner can provide appropriate BIM solutions to help deliver projects on time.
Exact information is obtained about the entire structure within a specified time.
The right outsourcing partner can save time and money, resulting in superior proficiency in project delivery.

So, how does one find the right outsourcing partner for Revit and BIM services? Construction firms can look for a partner who:

Can visualise their creation and create 3D model options
Understands the requirements, validate their designs and finds an ideal solution
Has experience providing such services

Revit and BIM modelling forms a critical component of AEC design. It allows firms to:

Take the design concept into a 3D model
Create accurate drawings from a clash-free, spatially coordinated model
Improves efficiency and accessibility
Creates drawings that can be used for installation/construction

Whilst the BIM modeling element is critical, the core skill of a designer, whether an architect or an engineer, is the concept design. It is possible to outsource the BIM element more effectively. However, selecting the right partner is critical, as doing so will ensure that workflow, standards and the output of BIM are not compromised.

Why Revit and BIM Services Can Be Outsourced

Before considering key points while looking for a BIM partner, it is important to understand why BIM (Building Information Modelling) services can be outsourced effectively which can also be termed as BIM outsourcing. There are several reasons, but the key reason is skilled resources.

Not all construction companies have the in-house expertise to manage all of their CAD and BIM needs, mainly because of the speed of BIM adoption in their operating territory and therefore the lack of skilled and trained resources.
Due to the amount of time that is required for effective BIM application, firms must decide on whether to turn down project work or to increase their resource base.
Outsourcing is a natural strategy that has been shown to be effective and, therefore, is the logical solution for firms in the AEC space.

Finding the Right Outsourcing Partner for Revit and BIM Services

When a firm decides to outsource, the steps to find a partner are critical and will be the difference between an effective or ineffective outsourcing strategy for BIM production. Some of the following questions can help:

How many years of relevant market experience does the outsourced partner have?
How experienced are the personnel?
Culture in the firm – Is it focused on delivery and does it meet Western-style standards?
What are the communication styles and collaboration?
What is the turnover of staff?
What type of software and hardware are used?
What is the overall IT and Internet infrastructure like?
How do they handle confidentiality?
What are their operation models – price per hour?
How does the partner firm treat its own staff – Are there enough HR strategies in place for employee well-being? – This will affect employee turnover.
Do they have accredited quality standards?
Do they have other professional accreditations, such as Autodesk affiliations?
What is the office and working environment like?
Will they do a sample?
Does a review of their models and drawings demonstrate a good understanding of the software and the design industry?

It is clear that Revit or BIM skills from an outsourcing partner is simply not enough of a qualification, as BIM projects require extensive collaboration and communication. Whether it is BIM outsourcing or MEP CAD outsourcing services, identifying the right outsourcing partner is an exercise that involves extensive due diligence, which includes technological expertise, professional accreditations, cultural fit, market experience, financial stability, management and leadership and more. Firms will only benefit from effective Revit BIM services from a third party if the right partner is selected and managed on an ongoing or partnership basis. In addition to Revit 3D BIM modelling, such a company can offer other BIM services with the same high quality.

XS CAD has valuable experience providing architectural and engineering CAD and BIM services for global construction firms. Our range of services for architectural firms, engineering firms, consultants and contractors across the world include CAD drafting, BIM modelling, 3D CAD modelling, 3D rendering and walk-throughs. We create these models, drawings and Revit 3D BIM modelling services by using Revit, AutoCAD and BIM 360 Design for cloud collaboration.

Learn more about our Building engineering services.