ARE WE LAGGING IN DIGITALIZATION?
According to Graphisoft, further technological developments in the construction industry are hindered by the lack of knowledge of digital tools among Hungarian professionals. Last year, 3,899 technical graduates graduated from Hungarian universities, but none of them received BIM specialized training, even though they are specifically sought after by Hungarian construction companies and design offices.
Digitization in the construction industry will rise to a new level by the fact that the common European BIM (building information model) regulation is expected to be completed within two years. As a member of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), GRAPHISOFT renewed and improved its BIM Classes training system this year. Based on its international experience, GRAPHISOFT believes that technological development in the industry is now demonstrably hindered by the lack of digitally qualified Hungarian graduates.
However, Hungary is in an advantageous position in terms of technology, since GRAPHISOFT SE developed the world's first BIM-based software (ARCHICAD), and from 2016, the company's owner group created the BIM software range covering the entire construction industry. By the end of the decade, digitalization in the construction industry will also accelerate in Europe, and according to forecasts, the turnover value of BIM technologies in the EU will exceed that of the USA.
By 2021, the size of the BIM technology market in the USA will be 2.85 billion euros, while in Europe it will be 3.1 billion euros, which means an 11 percent expansion in the case of both markets in five years. The spread of BIM technology at such a rapid pace is expected to result in stronger competitive differences between players in individual countries than today.
"One element of the spread of modernization is well-trained professionals, but successfully implemented BIM-based projects are an even greater driving force. These prove the advantages of the technology in practice. It cannot be emphasized enough that design, investment, construction and operating companies can reduce their construction costs by an average of 20 percent by reducing the possibility of errors and the time required for investments with digital modernization. The technology is available, but its effective application requires qualified specialists," said Péter Reicher, Regional Director of GRAPHISOFT SE.
Among the developed EU member states, Great Britain, Finland, Norway and Austria have already created their own national standards and included BIM technology and knowledge in everyday business life and professional training. Last year, 3,899 technical graduates graduated from domestic universities, but none of them received BIM-specific qualified training. If Hungarian companies are looking for employees with digital experience, they either train them themselves or employ foreign workers.
Another advantage of BIM systems is that they can digitally connect the entire construction industry vertical, and they can be used to the maximum in terms of efficiency if all the companies involved in the investment use the technologies. In general, architectural offices and construction companies are among the first to recognize the competitive advantages of modernization and apply new technologies. BIM development is not relevant for all domestic companies, but even those postponing the development believe that in 4 years, postponing the development will be a market disadvantage for them.