Interactions between Human, Technology and Organization in Building Information Modelling (BIM) - A scoping review of critical factors for the individual user

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process, often mentioned as an enabler of various benefits within Architecture – Engineering – Construction (AEC), of creating and managing information for a built asset. Despite the potential benefits associated with BIM, the use seems to have been relatively inefficient. One explanation may be the lack of system perspective in the implementation and use of BIM. The aim of this study was to map critical factors influencing the use of BIM based on existing research, including interactions among the three subsystems human, technology and organization. A scoping review was performed analyzing 46 included articles. The results showed that BIM is a holistic and social system, that the technology itself is insufficient, and that the acceptance of BIM is a significant critical factor for its efficient implementation and use. The research on how humans interact with the technology of BIM, and how the organization can facilitate those interactions, is however limited.

Relevance to industry

Learnings from this study include that the AEC industry, by approaching BIM as a holistic and social system and recognizing the role of the individual user, can add another piece of the puzzle to achieving the effective use of BIM.