More than 260 people from across the built environment sector gathered at the Crystal Clear BIM conference held on 17 and 18 June.
Organised and hosted by Amtech, the conference focused on what BIM should be about and its commitment to sweeping away 'BIMwash'. Delegates lisetened to and engaged with a wide range of speakers from government departments through to facilities managers.

In total, 18 speakers presented different perspectives on BIM. Although some views differed, all agreed that BIM is primarily about people collaborating, processes working together and technology enabling the efficient sharing of information.

In his opening address ceo of Amtech, Mark Tindall, observed the importance of cultural change to the successful implementation of BIM, along with the efficient management of data. In addition, he emphasised the importance of interoperability between software platforms to enable information to be shared and updated throughout the life of the asset.

A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to understand the end user's requirements, ensuring that aspects of operation and maintenance are considered from the very early design stages. As Roy Evans from the BIM team at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills noted, it is essential to move away from the 'bucket of keys' handover process.

Head of BIM at the Cabinet Office, Professor David Philp, noted that technology is an important enabler for BIM, facilitating the management of growing volumes of data as the built environment enters a 'digital revolution'.

To demonstrate this, a number of projects were referenced to illustrate some of the uses of BIM technology and the role that a true BIM database can play. Delegates heard about BIM data being transferred to tablet PCs for ease of use on site and the tracking of materials as they arrive on site through the use of RFID tags. In addition, Amtech provided a demonstration of how laser scanning can be used to create a BIM for an existing building, looking in particular at the recently completed Crystal Building.

Ismena Clout, chair of the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) discussed the importance of BIM data to the ongoing operation and maintenance of built assets.

Amtech will shortly announce dates for next year's conference and is also holding free Crystal Clear BIM Workshops at major race tracks alongside British Superbikes.

Presentations from the conference can be accessed at www.amtech.co.uk/conference