While analyzing the shift to the next BIM level, it is, first and foremost, essential to consider a series of associated problems. Most importantly, the implementation of any BIM level system essentially requires designing a special training program. As such, the shift from the second to the third level might only be rational in case the construction sector can ensure that its personnel possess the knowledge and the skill required to work with such elements as “4D construction sequencing, 5D cost information and 6D project lifecycle management information” (Building Information Modelling 2012, para. 13). In the meantime, recent research reveals that only 16% of the companies operating in the construction sector are ready to work with BIM to date (Just 16% of Firms are BIM Ready 2015). Therefore, it might be suggested that the deadline set for the new milestone is unrealistic and, more than that, irrational.
Another critical problem associated with entering a new BIM level is customers’ awareness. Otherwise stated, while employees need to be properly trained to ensure that the opportunities associated with Level 3 are utilized to the full, customers are likewise supposed to have a clear idea of what benefits they are supposed to receive with this progression. Otherwise, it will be impossible to evaluate whether the progression has actually occurred. In this view, Finn (2015) points out a critical discrepancy in the customers’ demands and their knowledge about the BIM essentials. As such, it seems that there is a lack of clarity and consistency in the term’s definition. Many customers expect companies to be on their way to the BIM Level 3, while they have little idea of the actual benefits this level should offer. Therefore, it might be suggested that there is still a lot to be done in terms of shaping the concept of BIM Level3 before proclaiming its implementation.

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One more problem that should be essentially considered is the challenges that the change management implies. In his post, Finn (2005) poses a question whether the new progression will be more challenging than the previous one. In the meantime, it is necessary to note that the progression to Level 3 is different from the progressions made within 0-2 levels. As such, the first levels mainly involved increasing the performance efficacy, the third level, in its turn, targets a large-scale paradigm shift (Philp 2015). According to NBS’s interpretation, the third level involves a “full collaboration between all disciplines” realized with the help of a shaped project (NBS 2014, para. 6). Taking into account the fact that the major part of the UK companies has not yet entered any of the BIM levels, say nothing of the third one, it might be suggested that the government has underestimated the scope of the change the construction industry needs to manage.

Finally, the question arises regarding the feasibility of such a large-scale shift. Otherwise stated, it seems to be important to keep in mind the major targets and functions of the construction industry while being essentially attracted by the prospects that BIM Level 3 implies. In this view, it is critical to have a clear vision of the conceptual basis of this level. Ravenscroft (2015) explains that the key aim, that this project targets, is the reliability of the data. While the aim is highly attractive in and of itself, the reasonability of setting it as a priority for the construction industry is doubtful. It might be, therefore, proposed that the government needs to, first and foremost, evaluate the scope of the changes required to ensure a smooth transition to the new level as well as to decide whether the value implied by the expected output is worth the effort that will need to be made to manage this change.

    References
  • Building information modeling 2012, viewed 28 December 2016, < http://www.out-law.com/en/topics/projects--construction/projects-and-procurement/building-information-modelling/>.
  • Finn, D 2015, BIM Level 3 and Change Management, viewed 28 December 2016, .
  • Just 16% of firms are BIM ready 2015, viewed 28 December 2016, .
  • NBS 2014, BIM Levels explained, viewed 28 December 2016, .
  • Philp, D 2015, BIM Level 2-3 Update, viewed 28 December 2016, .