Real prize from the introduction of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the water industry is the opportunity for better long term asset management according to MWH Treatment director of engineering Andrew Cowell.

“Privatisation of the water industry meant companies in the sector in some instances operated in a more fragmented manner. BIM is an opportunity for more collaboration and shared learning not just through the supply chain in one water company but across all the businesses,” he said.

“BIM creates the potential to further develop factory based manufacture and standard assets, rather than asset standards. Wiithin the sector we need to drive BIM from the right perspective. The focus can be too much on construction but the real value comes from the understanding it gives us about our assets, both condition and performance.

“We need to come together to deliver efficiencies, with the real prize in long term asset management and a better service for our customers.”

Cowell is co chairman with URS director Richard Coackley of an important industry BIM conference on 29 April at Aston Villa Football Club in Birmingham. Building information modelling for the water industry is being organised by British Water and sponsored by MWH.

The focus is to look at the impact of BIM on the industry and realise the value for the sector and its customers.  Head of BIM implementation at the Cabinet Office Professor David Philp will give the government perspective with Anglian Water’s @oneAlliance director Dale Evans and Thames Water providing an operators view.

Speakers from Kier, Mott MacDonald and MWH also headline along with an SME perspective from John Pride and Derek Bourne of Gee & Company and a technology expert view from Tony Andrews – solutions executive, asset management for Bentley Systems UK. 

More information on our events list or click here and then download the booking form.