ABAB’s Vision for 2024: Driving Best Practice and Harmonisation

On 14 March 2024, the Australasian BIM Advisory Board (ABAB) convened to chart the course for the year ahead. Building on the solid foundation established in 2023, ABAB set an ambitious agenda that underscores its mission to enhance productivity and asset outcomes through a coordinated approach to digital enablement in the built environment.

At the heart of the discussions was the endorsement of the 2024 Workplan, a roadmap for spearheading initiatives in various critical areas. This plan includes the ongoing operation of the Industry Consultation Technical Working Group, a crucial platform for sharing insights, fostering engagement, and leading collective efforts to elevate industry standards. Additionally, the formation of a Terminology Working Group was announced, tasked with providing leadership to improve consistency in terminology across the built environment.

Significant emphasis was also placed on expanding the adoption of BIM Strategies by more jurisdictions and delivery agencies and pursuing increased alignment of BIM approaches through ABAB-endorsed Standards and Guides. ABAB will organise and present these key documents prominently on ABAB’s website, ensuring they are readily accessible to industry professionals. Another major aspect of the discussions was the initiative to boost ABAB’s visibility and impact, a move highlighted by the increasing number of users accessing ABAB’s documents and guides. “This growing visibility is not merely about the numbers; it represents our dedication to promoting best practices, disseminating knowledge, and influencing the practices of the industry and government sectors through our active participation,” Andrew Curthoys, Chair of ABAB, commented.

Members had the opportunity to engage with a presentation by Dominik Holzer from the University of Melbourne, which provided essential insights into the role of technology in enhancing Construction Quality and Safety in both Australia and Singapore. The presentation emphasised the need for cohesive national and state approaches to safety and quality, along with the integration of technology and data management in addressing these challenges.

The meeting further underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement, a theme that continues to be a priority for ABAB in 2024. “The collective ambition of our members, coupled with the strategic initiatives laid out in the Workplan, is set to propel ABAB towards our goal of standardising and innovating the digital built environment,” Andrew added, reflecting a year ahead filled with promise and potential.

As the journey continues, ABAB remains dedicated to harmonising practices, elevating industry standards, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.

The Australasian BIM Advisory Board established by the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) and the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), together with the key standard-setting bodies, NATSPEC, buildingSMART and Standards Australia, promotes best practice and consistent approaches to BIM practices, standards, and requirements.  ABAB guidance materials are available at: www.ABAB.net.au