Revit Revolution - Another change to process?

Having witnessed the transition from board drafting to CAD I was involved in the process of helping those who were making the jump and those that dragged their heels.  When the switch began from board to CAD, it was big hardware and expensive software.  Mostly it started with big firms who invested heavily in the equipment needed.  This was pre-AutoCAD days.  Then along came the PC and AutoCAD and smaller firms started embracing the change.  All through this period there were those engineers and architects and designers who chose not to change, resisted change and wanted to retire before they had to change. 

The change from board to CAD drafting took quite a while.  Firms would have special rooms dedicated to CAD and hire computer techs to run the machines.  These CAD drafters did not know the industry they served, but were early adopters of computer technology.  Other firms took their internal drafters and trained them in using the software.

The life span of these "tech" drafters was short lived and most firms trained their people internally.  Soon there was one group of employees that looked forward to using the tools and others that continued to resist.  As more projects moved to CAD the heel draggers had to make some hard choices about moving forward.  Most did, but some chose to slide over to other positions that did not require the change.

Eventually everything went CAD and everyone (just about) learned how to use the tools.

We are at this same point again...  Change is happening.  Will it be just an automation of what we did before, like CAD.  Or will it be a transformation of how we do business.

Revit and other BIM tools are causing (or providing) another change point in the way we get the designs out of our heads and on to paper (still using paper?).  Some are more than ready for the change.  Sick of the handcuffs of CAD software and 2D, they want to finally make the jump to 3D.  The industry seems poised to make the leap and the software finally can help us get there.  No more fighting to make 3D files.  No more wrestling with the commands of the past.

BIM is the best we have to make this change to working the way we think.  Those who use it say they will never go back to CAD.  They appear as evangelists and proselytize anyone that they come in contact with.  Revit users are preaching the BIM news and others need to pay attention (at least they think so).  CAD users often seem upset that they can't feel the same way about CAD.  CAD users who have not tried BIM yet are outside the loop.  They appear to not "get it".  They don't see the change that has swept into design.  Some are awakening to feel left behind, or soon to be outdated.  This is the same feeling that the old board drafters felt when CAD came on the scene. 

But is this the promised land?  Is BIM the final migration we will ever make.  I think not.  There will be another wave of change in about 15-20 years - or maybe much sooner.  The software and hardware will make strides ahead of our thinking.  Some small team of developers out there (like the pre-Autodesk Revit guys) will come up with a revolutionary tool and then get swallowed up by the big boys.  Some developers (like ArchiCAD) will develop something that fills a niche market but never seems to go mainstream even though they are years ahead of their time.

So here are a few tips for whatever camp you may be in concerning BIM.

Those who don't want to move to BIM.

"I don't want to change - CAD does the job I need it to do."

Realize that most change ends up being good.  No one should be asking you to flip the switch and change overnight.  Most successful BIM migrations start small and grow.  If CAD is doing the job right now, then keep using it.  But keep in mind that you do not want to be the last one joining the BIM party.  Late adopters may not see the projects that get away because the client does not view them as be progressive enough to use new tools.

I think that CAD will be around for a good long time.  I have told folks that I think my grandkids will still be using AutoCAD.  Take some time and see what BIM is really all about.  Plan for change because it will come sooner or later. 

Those who have moved and want everyone else to move also.

"Why doesn't everyone just move to BIM now? - it is way better."

Change takes effort, time and money.  There are so many reasons that people drag their feet.  Do not assume that those who have not moved yet will never move.  Let them embrace the tool at their own pace.  Don't let them be complacent.  They need to investigate it and not just ignore it.  Keep the conversation going.  Don't make those who have not migrated yet feel like outsiders.  Invite them to user groups and demos.  Keep an open and welcoming front.

Those who are sick of new tools

"Do I really have to learn another drawing program?"

There have been so many upgrades, changes, new software and new tools over the years that we are constantly learning new things.  Whether we want to or not.  Progress marches on.  We have to do our best to keep up.  If it is not BIM - it will be something else. 

I have a shadow box in my office that contains the old tools I use to use for drafting.  A straight edge, scale, erasing machine, scumex, leroy lettering tools, liquid ink, erasing shield, mechanical pencils and such.  I have been in this business for a relatively short time in comparison to the 1000's of years that drafting has been around.  Even in thata short time, I have had to learn, become adept at and then jettison many tools along this road.  It is nothing new.  Change is inevitable and unavoidable - right?  Don't go kicking and screaming.  Enjoy the ride.