Assessing the BIM-Lean Synergy Adoption Trends in the Malaysian Construction Sector: Benefits and Challenges

Nur Izzah  Mohd Noh; Peniel Soon Ern Ang; Nur Ili Izyan  Mohamed Salehin; Mohamad Hairi  Osman; Nur Faezah  Yahya; Narimah  Kasim; NV  Kumaran; Joseph  Tsai Kai Len; Pung  Yi Lin; Qadir Bux alias  Imran Latif

Authors

Nur Izzah Mohd Noh Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh, 84600 Johor, Malaysia
Peniel Soon Ern Ang Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh, 84600 Johor, Malaysia
Nur Ili Izyan Mohamed Salehin Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh, 84600 Johor, Malaysia
Mohamad Hairi Osman Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh, 84600 Johor, Malaysia
Nur Faezah Yahya Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh, 84600 Johor, Malaysia
Narimah Kasim Department of Technology Management & Business, Faculty of Technology Management & Business, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400 Johor, Malaysia
NV Kumaran Bina Initiatives Sdn. Bhd., 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Joseph Tsai Kai Len Hock Seng Lee Construction Sdn. Bhd., 94300 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Pung Yi Lin VED Engineers Sdn. Bhd., 47120 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
Qadir Bux alias Imran Latif Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, Nizwa 616, Oman

Keywords:

Building Information Modelling, Lean Construction, BIM-Lean synergy, benefits, challenges

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) refers to a detailed digital depiction of a building, including its geometry and information for design and procurement purposes. Meanwhile, Lean Construction (LC) is an approach aiming to improve construction efficiency through waste reduction of time, resources and labour while maximising project potential value. Certainly, the construction industry promotes real, practical solutions over theoretical concepts. Despite previous global adoption of BIM-Lean synergy demonstrating benefits like increased profitability, cost and schedule control and risk reduction, most Malaysian construction sector is mostly unaware of these benefits. Thus, this study aims: i) to assess the level of awareness of lean implementation in Malaysian BIM construction projects and ii) to investigate the feasibility of BIM-Lean synergy in Malaysian construction projects. This research employed qualitative methods, which include semi-structured interviews with 12 industry professionals from Grade 3 to Grade 7 contractors and an engineering solution consultant in Selangor. Findings interpreted that all respondents agreed that the integration of BIM-Lean synergy will substantially impact the construction sector over the next decade. The benefits include better communication and collaboration, more on-site monitoring and fewer inefficient process layouts and errors. However, challenges include a lack of study of synergy functionality, low contractor acceptance and high software expenses. Regardless of this, BIM-Lean synergy is feasible in Malaysia with strong top-down government support and collaboration with industry players.