Full Offshore Approach To BIM

Full Offshore Approach to BIM

The full offshore approach to BIM implementation involves outsourcing all BIM-related tasks to external teams based in cost-efficient regions. This model is typically chosen by organizations looking to minimize costs and leverage global talent for project execution. By delegating BIM processes entirely to offshore teams, firms can focus on core business activities while benefiting from the expertise of specialized external resources.

Structure of Offshore Teams

In this model, the entire BIM process is managed by the offshore team, which typically includes:

• Offshore BIM Manager: Oversees all BIM operations and ensures deliverables meet project requirements and international standards.
  
• Offshore BIM Coordinators: Manage coordination efforts between the different disciplines, conduct clash detection, and ensure the accuracy of BIM models.
  
• Offshore BIM Modelers: Focus on creating detailed models, embedding data, generating construction documentation, and performing routine tasks like drafting and detailing.

The offshore team communicates directly with the organization’s stakeholders and integrates seamlessly into the broader project workflow using advanced collaboration tools and platforms.

Advantages of the Full Offshore Approach

1. Significant Cost Savings
   • Outsourcing to regions with lower labor costs can drastically reduce expenses.
   • Companies save on infrastructure, software, and recruitment costs by leveraging offshore resources.
2. Access to Specialized Expertise
   • Offshore firms often employ highly skilled BIM professionals with extensive experience across diverse projects.
   • Organizations can tap into this expertise without the long-term commitments associated with in-house teams.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
   • Offshore teams can quickly scale to meet project demands, providing greater flexibility for fluctuating workloads.
4. Focus on Core Activities
   • By outsourcing BIM processes, organizations can focus on strategic tasks like client management, business development, and project oversight  
     

Challenges of the Full Offshore Approach

1. Limited Control Over Processes
   • Delegating all BIM tasks to an offshore team may lead to reduced visibility and control over workflows.
   • Ensuring alignment with project goals requires strong communication and oversight.
2. Coordination and Communication Issues
   • Differences in time zones, language, and work culture can cause delays or misunderstandings.
   • Regular updates and robust communication channels are essential to overcome these challenges.
3. Data Security and Compliance
   • Sharing sensitive project data with offshore teams may raise concerns about intellectual property protection and compliance with regional regulations
4. Quality Assurance
   • Ensuring that offshore deliverables meet required standards and align with the project’s objectives necessitates thorough review processes.
     

Is the Full Offshore Approach Right for You?

This model is ideal for organizations that:

• Prioritize cost-efficiency and want to minimize operational expenses.
• Require flexibility to scale BIM resources for multiple or large projects.
• Have the project management infrastructure to oversee offshore operations effectively.

However, this approach requires careful selection of reliable offshore partners, well-defined workflows, and robust communication tools to address challenges and ensure success.