Title: Mechanical contractors: the key for supply chain integration in lifecycle BIM

Authors: Sumit Oberoi; Dominik Holzer

Addresses: Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors' Association (AMCA), 30 Cromwell St, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia ' Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne, Room 218, VIC 3010, Australia

Abstract: The research presented here investigates the requirements for specialist trades in the construction industry to increase productivity across their sector when using building information modelling (BIM). Drivers for innovation among specialist trades, and in particular mechanical contractors, get examined in conjunction with the implementation of bespoke policies, documentation standards, and BIM object libraries that enable a whole-of-life approach to project delivery. In order to approach this topic, the authors analysed available literature about BIM dissemination across the supply chain and they studied existing approaches in practice based on the example of the BIM-MEP^AUS initiative of the Australian Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors' Association (AMCA). Accounts from BIM-MEP^AUS highlight the opportunities and challenges of BIM-use among specialist trades and they illustrate the raise of the BIM-enabled mechanical contractors. The paper acts as a reference for other specialist trade industry groups who may wish to follow their example.

Keywords: product lifecycle management; building information modelling; BIM; mechanical contractors; PLM; supply chain integration; supply chain management; SCM; specialist trades; construction industry; productivity; Australia; AMCA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2016.080498

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2016 Vol.9 No.3, pp.219 - 237

Received: 06 May 2015
Accepted: 15 Feb 2016
Published online: 26 Nov 2016 *

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