Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I care about BIM?
a. BIM is more productive than CAD: Organizations can accomplish more with less effort and resources. A model can provide 40-70% of necessary construction documentation and BIM reduces duplicated efforts and inefficiency most commonly associated with traditional CAD methods.
b. BIM improves Operational Efficiency: The workflow no longer has to re-create data at each stage of the build cycle. Each discipline is leveraging existing work by adding efficiency to the cycle and reducing errors and omissions. BIM functions as a catalyst, providing momentum from the previous design iteration.
c. BIM Benefits Everybody: BIM provides a managed and accountable process to reduce risk. By enhancing collaboration, coordination and cooperation you can expect to reduce errors and omissions earlier in the design cycle. BIM will improve designs, cost-estimating, and enable sustainability emphases.

Most BIM software focuses on the design stages; how does a CM (Component Manufacturer) fit into the Instinct process?
Because the Instinct approach is more than a collection of software, it allows CMs to enhance the Concept to Construction™ process, both upstream and downstream. Instinct provides an interactive link between the CM, their customers, architects, building designers, engineers, and other trades. As a result, Instinct will make collaboration between all the design phases a real possibility.

Does the CM need to learn new programs to utilize Instinct?
No. VIEW and IntelliBuild software seamlessly open up the architectural model created in VisionREZ. However, the CM may choose to enhance its business model by including design services or precision framing services with VisionREZ.

What kind of time savings will I see?
Each job will vary depending on the complexity of the project. However, when a VisionREZ model is utilized, partners in the supply chain will no longer have to re-input walls and planes that have already been designed. These will simply open up in your layout software and you are ready to begin your design with your traditional tools. This way each supply chain partner can focus on what makes their company money.

If for instance it takes a designer an hour to input walls on a 2000 square foot home from a set of construction documents, that same process will now take less than 5 minutes with the use of the VisionREZ Model.

Do you have a program that will allow design staff to input PDF files more efficiently?
Yes, with VisionREZ a designer can trace over the PDF drawing and create a BIM model. The process is similar to tracing a 2D DWG file. With VisionREZ you could see a savings in the range of 40-50% of the time it currently takes to input walls from standard PDF plans.

As a supplier/manufacturer/trade contractor, why would I want to collaborate with a builder when I don’t know if I will get the order?
You will be able to generate a quote faster. With collaboration and the tools that the Instinct process offers, your staff will be spending less time on inputting layouts and more time on looking at ways to optimize your services. Collaboration is one more method for you to add value to your business model and not every supplier/manufacturer/trade will offer the service.

There could be a very good chance that the builder recognizes the value your company can offer through collaboration. Reduction of RFIs (Request for Information) and change orders are a definitive value that a builder will recognize with the Instinct process. That builder may then recognize the value you afford him and refrain from shopping your bid.

What happens if a Mitek account gets a VisionREZ Model?
All they will get is an unusable file. The ModelMap is a proprietary format that can only be leveraged to the fullest extent by the Instinct software solutions. Once the ModelMap technology is used outside of the native ITW programs, bidirectional transfer of information no longer exists.

My customers draw in Revit. Is there a way to work with that type of file?
Currently the hsbCAD software is required for working with Revit files, although programming efforts are being directed toward creating a link between ModelMap files and Revit. Specific details will be provided as they become available.

Is Instinct ITW’s effort to compete with other BIM software?
No, Instinct is a process-based solution to help everyone in the building industry including builders, architects, structural engineers, LBMs, and component manufacturers streamline their workflow. Other BIM software available today is simply a combination of pieces of software for component manufacturers and does not embrace or benefit the industry as a whole.