By Nidhi DhullReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Nov 28 2024A recent study published in the Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research explored how manufacturers can improve Building Information Modeling (BIM) outcomes. The research introduced the concept of "coopetition"—a blend of cooperation and competition—and tested it in the Portuguese ornamental stone (POS) sector using industrial Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology.
Study: Enhancing Building Information Modeling Effectiveness Through Coopetition and the Industrial Internet of Things. Image Credit: Photon photo/Shutterstock.com
Background
The construction industry plays a pivotal role in the global economy, but it continues to grapple with inefficiencies, extended project timelines, high costs, and significant environmental impacts. BIM has emerged as a key tool for tackling these issues, offering potential improvements in efficiency and sustainability.
Despite its promise, BIM adoption has been hampered by challenges in translating its theoretical benefits into practice. For manufacturers, knowledge gaps and the varied influences of project components on BIM dimensions add to the complexity. Addressing these dimensions effectively is critical to unlocking BIM’s full potential.
Enter "coopetition"—a strategy combining the collaborative benefits of cooperation with the innovative push of competition. This study set out to investigate whether coopetition could help manufacturers meet BIM’s diverse requirements. Using the POS sector as a testbed, researchers assessed the tangible benefits of coopetition practices (CP) on BIM’s time efficiency (4D), cost-effectiveness (5D), and sustainability (6D).
Methods
The study utilized a case study approach to examine how coopetition practices influence BIM effectiveness within the Portuguese ornamental stone (POS) sector. A structured framework was designed to analyze events, collect data, and report findings, providing an in-depth exploration of the coopetition concept. To test the hypothesis that coopetition practices could enhance manufacturers’ contributions to BIM, an Experimental Coopetition Network (ECN) was implemented.
Participating stone companies were selected based on specific criteria: technological readiness, openness to coopetition, and strategic importance to the construction sector. These companies were integrated into the ECN, enabling real-time data sharing and analysis through industrial IoT systems.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) were established to measure the impact of coopetition practices across three core BIM dimensions:
- 4D (Time Efficiency): Assessed using on-time delivery rates.
- 5D (Cost-Effectiveness): Evaluated through labor productivity.
- 6D (Sustainability): Measured by carbon emissions per manufactured unit.
Data collection involved real-time monitoring of these KPIs and capturing performance metrics under coopetition practices. Afterwards, the data was analyzed statistically to determine whether the adoption of coopetition practices had a significant positive effect on BIM outcomes.
Results and Discussion
The analysis revealed significant improvements in performance metrics under CP compared to baseline practices (BP), underscoring the potential of CP in enhancing BIM outcomes.
1. Time Efficiency (4D)
The average on-time delivery rate (KPIOtD) under BP was 67.1 %, with 240 out of 339 parts delivered as scheduled. In contrast, under CP, the KPIOtD rose to 77.5 %, with 358 out of 454 parts delivered on time. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of CP in ensuring more reliable deliveries and adhering to project timelines. Companies transitioning to CP consistently demonstrated marked progress in delivery performance, reinforcing its value in time management.
2. Cost-Effectiveness (5D)
The BIM 5D dimension focuses on comprehensive budget management. Under BP, companies shipped 338.5 parts daily with an average workforce of 49.9, resulting in a labor productivity rate (KPILP) of 6.84 parts per worker.
Implementing CP increased daily output to 415.8 parts while maintaining the same workforce, raising KPILP to 8.72 parts per worker. This improvement indicates that CP enhances operational efficiency and cost management. Additionally, projects completed on time and within budget contribute to better outcomes and increased market competitiveness.
3. Sustainability (6D)
To assess environmental impact, the study used KPICO2-eq (equivalent carbon dioxide emissions), which measures energy-related carbon emissions during construction. Under BP, companies consumed an average of 4692 kWh of energy daily, translating to 3.41 kg CO2 per part. With CP, energy consumption dropped to 4071 kWh daily, reducing KPICO2-eq to 2.68 kg CO2 per part—a 21.8 % reduction in carbon emissions per part. This significant decrease underscores the role of CP in advancing sustainability goals, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and promote ecological responsibility.
Conclusion
Overall, this study provided a comprehensive analysis of how manufacturers can optimize BIM’s effectiveness in the construction sector. The findings validated the hypothesis that CP can significantly enhance manufacturers’ contributions to BIM by addressing key performance indicators.
Notably, CP demonstrated a positive impact on critical metrics such as labor productivity, on-time delivery, and carbon emissions in the POS sector. These improvements translate to enhanced project outcomes, greater competitiveness, and increased sustainability within the construction industry. Furthermore, CP aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing its potential to drive both industry and environmental progress.
While the results are promising, the study is limited by its focus on a single sector with a relatively small sample of companies, restricting the generalizability of its findings. To broaden the applicability of CP, future research should involve larger sample sizes and encompass various sub-sectors within the construction industry that utilize BIM. Expanding the scope of research will provide deeper insights into the practical benefits of coopetition and its role in transforming global construction practices.
Journal Reference
da Silva, A., & Marques Cardoso, A. J. (2024). Enhancing Building Information Modeling Effectiveness Through Coopetition and the Industrial Internet of Things. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Electronic Commerce Research, 19(4), 3137–3153. DOI: 10.3390/jtaer19040152, https://www.mdpi.com/0718-1876/19/4/152
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