Next generation of cloud-based BIM services to deliver better customer satisfaction

TOKYO, September 30, 2013 — Obayashi Corporation, together with NEC and GRAPHISOFT SE has successfully completed its Smart BIM Cloud pilot project. The new system will start operation from October 2013. Smart BIM Cloud allows even better integration and information sharing, which is essential to spreading BIM in the construction industry.

The current achievement is the result of the alliance that Obayashi, NEC and GRAPHISOFT formed to realize Smart BIM Cloud, as reported in August 2011.

The result of the Smart BIM Cloud pilot was ‘safe and smooth information sharing between stakeholders’ — developing BIM and putting it to practical use by combining the expertise and proven experience of NEC with delivering large-sized cloud implementations; the leading technology of cutting-edge BIM software vendor GRAPHISOFT; and Obayashi’s wealth of BIM implementation experience with design and construction projects.

A comprehensive IT infrastructure built around advanced BIM Server technology has been implemented that allows efficient access to vast amounts of building-related information — a vital element to help the acceleration of BIM implementations. A project team consisting of contractors, design companies, construction companies and specialized construction companies can share building-related information and form a consensus in the early stages for a common purpose — namely, to build the best building.

As of the end of July 2013, Obayashi used BIM in 52% of all design-build projects. On October 1, upon having completed the Smart BIM Cloud pilot, the company will form a new division called PD Center (Product, Design, Delivery, Digital), and plans to use BIM for every design-construction project by the end of 2015. In addition to the functions performed by the BIM Promotion team, established in April 2010, the PD Center will focus on reforming business processes to accelerate its BIM adoption project.

The ‘Smart BIM Cloud’ implemented at Obayashi is based on GRAPHISOFT’s latest BIM Server™ Technology and delivers integrated building information modeling workflows and company-wide information sharing for Obayashi:

1. To achieve an early consensus by visualizing the ideas of the customer

It is possible to access design and construction documents from any device (even smart devices and tablets), via the Internet, anytime and anywhere, and obtain necessary information on-demand during and after construction. This results in better understanding in the early stages of every process, so that the customer’s ideas can be reflected early, and helps reaching consensus among stakeholders easier.

2. To increase productivity with end-to-end building information modeling workflows

During the construction process, Smart BIM Cloud provides an environment with familiar, fast and accurate information that can be accessed seamlessly, using the related databases efficiently. The database contains not only a basic model of shapes but also all necessary information about the building, such as specifications, sourcing, various simulations, etc. — making the management of the construction process more seamless as well as improving its quality by taking advantage of all this information in the production process.

To increase customer satisfaction, Obayashi will contribute to the development of the construction industry by driving BIM adoption for projects and actively using Smart BIM Cloud within the new organization.

About Obayashi

Obayashi Corporation, with its history of approximately 120 years, is one of the world’s leading construction contractors and among Japan’s leading listed companies. Leveraging its core competence, technology, it provides construction services and such construction-related services as engineering and urban development.

About NEC Corporation

NEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company’s experience and global resources, NEC’s advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society.

About GRAPHISOFT

GRAPHISOFT® ignited the BIM revolution in 1984 with ArchiCAD®, the industry first BIM software for architects. GRAPHISOFT continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions such as its revolutionary BIM Server™, the world’s first real-time BIM collaboration environment, EcoDesigner™, the world’s first fully BIM-integrated “GREEN” design solution and BIMx®, the world’s leading mobile app for BIM visualization. GRAPHISOFT has been a part of the Nemetschek Group since its acquisition in 2007.