In today’s world of construction and infrastructure, staying on time and within budget is not only a priority, it’s a mandate. However, project delays and cost overruns are two of the most frequent problems plaguing stakeholders in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. At Genesis Infoserve, we believe one of the best ways to avoid these problems is through the adoption of Scan to BIM.
As a leader in BIM technologies, we’ve seen firsthand how Scan to BIM can drastically reduce risk, prevent delays, and save substantial costs across the entire building lifecycle. In this blog, we’ll explore how this technology works and the real-world value it brings to construction and renovation projects.
What is Scan to BIM?
Scan to BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the application of 3D laser scanning technology to capture detailed digital information of a constructed facility, and then translating it into an intelligent, data-rich BIM model. Such models reflect as-built conditions precisely, rendering them extremely valuable for renovation, restoration, retrofitting, facility management, and even demolition planning.
This technology fills the gap between the physical and digital environments, providing a sound basis for analysis, planning, design, and construction.
The Root Cause of Project Delays and Budget Overruns
Before looking at how Scan to BIM solves these issues, let’s look at why delays and cost overruns happen in the first place:
- Inaccurate or outdated as-built drawings
- Unforeseen site conditions uncovered mid-project
- Coordination errors between disciplines
- Rework caused by wrong assumptions
- Time spent on confirming field conditions manually
- Material wastage due to inaccurate dimensions
Under conventional workflows, project teams must work with manual surveys and old drawings, both of which are subject to inaccuracies. Such errors tend to result in the last-minute surprises, scope changes, and rework that can divert a project off course and out of budget.
How Scan to BIM saves costs and prevents delays
1. As-Built Documentation with accuracy
One of the largest advantages of Scan to BIM is the creation of extremely accurate as-built models. With laser scanning of existing facilities, we remove guesswork during the planning and design process.
At Genesis Infoserve, we assist our customers in creating smart BIM models from scans that capture real-world measurements with precision to a thousandth of a millimeter. This precision enables stakeholders to plan securely, minimizing change orders, rework, and costly surprises.
2. Accelerated Project Kickoffs
Laser scanning shortens site analysis times dramatically. Conventional surveying takes days or weeks, particularly for complex or big structures. Scan to BIM makes data collection much faster and non-disruptive to data operations.
Reduction of time consumed in acquiring precise site information enables projects to advance into design and coordination phases sooner, maintaining the timeline since day one.
3. Enhanced Coordination and Clash Detection
When a project is multidisciplinary, architects, structural engineers, MEP consultants, coordination becomes crucial. Lack of coordination results in system clashes, design conflicts, and eventually rework.
Scan to BIM delivers a common digital model that is a single source of the truth. Everyone involved can refer to, reference, and coordinate their designs against the identical real-world conditions. This simultaneous coordination process improves decision-making and significantly minimizes the likelihood of onsite clashes.
4. Improved Quantity Estimation and Cost Planning
Accurate models created from scans yield real-time measurements, areas, volumes, and quantitative data. This data can be applied to exact material take-offs and cost estimation.
Rather than having to bank on coarse estimates or obsolete sketches, project managers can employ the Scan to BIM model to make smart financial decisions at the outset. This prevents cost overruns and makes resource allocation more optimal and strategic.
5. Minimizing Rework and Material Loss
Rework is among the top reasons for construction delays and extra cost. With Scan to BIM, the potential for rework is significantly lowered since the design is derived from confirmed, existing conditions.
From fitting MEP systems in cramped ceiling spaces to retrofitting brand-new HVAC units inside buildings that are decades old, the degree of accuracy Scan to BIM provides guarantees that everything fits the very first time.
Applications Where Scan to BIM Delivers the Most Impact
At Genesis Infoserve, we’ve applied Scan to BIM across a variety of project types and industries. Here are some key applications where it creates maximum value:
- Renovation & Retrofit Projects: Legacy buildings often lack accurate documentation. Scanning and modeling existing conditions helps design teams plan with confidence.
- Heritage & Historical Restoration: On monuments and ancient buildings, Scan to BIM picks up information that is hard or impossible to record manually.
- MEP Coordination in Existing Structures: Having a precise knowledge of where pipes, ducts, and conduits are prevents expensive clashes when bringing in new systems.
Facility Management & Space Planning: A digital twin generated through Scan to BIM enables facility managers to monitor assets, analyze space occupancy, and plan future modifications.
Real-World Example
We recently collaborated with a prominent infrastructure company to apply Scan to BIM on a massive hospital redevelopment project. The initial drawings were old, and multiple changes had been incorporated in the building over the years without documentation.
We scanned the entire building in two days, worked through the point cloud, and created a very detailed BIM model in a week. The outcome was:
- The client prevented more than 15 design conflicts before execution.
- Ordering of materials was carried out with accurate quantity take-offs.
- The onsite rework was minimized by 40% by the renovation team
- The overall project duration was reduced by 20%
- This is but one of many instances wherein Genesis Infoserve assisted clients in preventing serious delays and financial losses by the strength of Scan to BIM.
Smarter Planning Leads to Better Projects
In a world where time equals money, Scan to BIM becomes an essential weapon for success. By providing clarity, precision, and collaboration from day one, it enables teams to make better decisions, eliminate costly mistakes, and maintain projects on time.
We at Genesis Infoserve bring together innovative scanning technology and extensive BIM knowledge to provide customized solutions that meet your project requirements. We aim to ensure that every new project or ongoing project begins with the proper data and finishes with accuracy-driven success.
If you’re ready to take charge of your construction schedules and eliminate wasteful spending, it’s time to adopt Scan to BIM.
Let’s build smarter, together.