In the AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) industry, customers often expect to receive projects faster at lower costs. This pressure translates into challenges at the design stage of the process and leaves no room for error, rework, and conflict, resulting in the loss of valuable time, money, and resources. People believe that AEC outputs are the mainstay of the construction of projects because if they fail the entire project is at risk. This is why an integrated design approach is so important to save costs and improve productivity – that’s where MEP synergies come into play.
However, there are many challenges and considerations that MEPs will take into account before working with an outsourcing partner, including the following:
1. Hardware and software compatibility
Hardware and software compatibility is a key aspect to consider when outsourcing MEP coordination. Many MEP consultants, engineers, and construction companies still use AutoCAD MEP. Experts introduced Revit MEP over a decade ago and is the latest software standard in use. However, its application is still not in line with the requirements of the industry.
2. Skill compatibility
Along with hardware and software upgrades, resource skills need to be updated to use these new software versions. The challenge here is the shift from drafting or drawing in 2D views of a 3D object (as in AutoCAD) to direct modeling in 3D views (as in Revit). While some engineers are not qualified to upgrade their skills, there are others who are not BIM ready.
3. Cultural compatibility
One of the main challenges in outsourcing projects is cultural differences, especially those that require coordination between two teams from different geographical locations. Each region, company or group has a different work culture, communication style, understanding and interpretation, and teamwork protocols. Communication and exchange of such differences is necessary to create a collaborative work environment and can be more effective when partners also have offices and teams in the West.
4. Communication Challenges between MEP teams.
Project failures can easily occur without proper and regular communication between consultants, design teams and coordinators throughout the construction project. In a construction project, especially in the early design and planning stages, coordination and communication are of high importance. A two-way understanding of communication styles and processes is required.
5. Compliance with MEP quality and compliance with standards
In MEP coordination projects, contractual quality delivery and applicable codes are essential to ensure successful project implementation. For complex construction projects, the coordination of MEP services according to quality standards and mandatory rules will determine the success of project implementation.
The AEC industry continues to embrace new technologies and trends such as 3D printing, BIM and MEP. How has your business gained a significant competitive advantage over your competitors? Contact the professional team at Home3ds today.
