As building information modeling (BIM) becomes the new standard in facility design, food and beverage processing plants are embracing the technology’s many advantages. A three-dimensional, data-rich format allows designers to give plant owners, managers and employees a virtual walk-through of the facility to view construction elements such as walls, windows, slabs and roofs to make the most informed decisions on process and workflows.
There are five key benefits of using BIM for facility design. First, 3-D visualization allows plant managers to visualize and make decisions based on workflow, budget issues, energy costs and much more. Designers can show employee movement throughout the facility and perform simulations to help owners determine the best workflow processes to improve productivity. This can help identify potential problems early on, especially in work areas where a sanitary workflow is required.