Introduction to BIM and the AECO software market
Cambashi has been tracking the global market for Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (‘AECO’) software for 40 years, and the term ‘BIM’ (Building Information Management) software came into common use among the software Providers we cover about 20 years ago.
Cambashi introduced its first ‘BIM Observatory’ in 2016 focused on the Design software segment, which is mainly used by Architects, Engineers (Civil, Structural, MEP, and Plant), Drafters, and Technicians.
In 2019, Cambashi recognized that the market was dividing into three distinct segments – Design, Build and Operate. While several Providers operate in multiple segments, the top 5 of each segment are, with one exception, different in each case.
In 2024, we identified a fourth distinct segment (or capability): the provision of BIM Data Management. This includes Common Data Environment (CDE) platforms and software designed to enable collaboration between teams. While some of these solutions are supplied by specialist providers, many larger providers – who already serve one or more of the other three segments – have developed Data Management capabilities as a means of integrating the three phases and offering customers a more holistic suite of tools.
BIM Data Management
Data Management for Building Information Management/Modeling (BIM) refers to solutions that facilitate the sharing, control, and management of data, digital assets, and resources throughout various phases of building, plant, and infrastructure projects.
BIM Design
BIM Design includes all products used in the design stage of building and civil infrastructure projects.
BIM Construct
Construct software includes a variety of tools including collaboration tools that aid project communication and coordination within design teams and between consultants, contractors and clients; estimating tools to enable model-based estimating including quantity take off; surveying tools that provide site layout and modeling capabilities.
BIM Operate
Facilities Management and Operations software supports various activities related to the management, operations, and upkeep of the built environment including buildings, campuses, infrastructure, and utilities. Activities include space and workplace management, and the monitoring, tracking, and maintenance of assets to support reliability, and uptime, and optimize asset value.
Evolution of the BIM software market in the AECO industries
Cambashi has observed BIM software becoming a distinct, measurable software market largely due to:
- The need to increase productivity in the construction industry (noting that it is well behind that which has been achieved in Manufacturing).
- Specific ‘BIM’ incentives, directives, and regulations from governments and requirements from asset owners.
- The need for a complete solution that addresses all segments of a built asset’s lifecycle, from concept and design through construction and operations, and ultimately to disposal
- The need to address sustainability.
- Infrastructure requirements such as transportation and electric power provision that go beyond individual buildings or plant.
- The opportunity for software Providers to increase their revenues in AECO by addressing new users and using technology such as Industrial AI, cloud computing and storage, mobile devices, and drones to make BIM practical for onsite use.
The diagram illustrates the latter point – the opportunity or untapped potential in the Construct segment – by showing the global numbers of potential users by profession.
Note that the ‘BIM Design’ segment, where BIM was initially provided, mainly serves only Architects and a few Engineers – a small percentage of the total. This means that the lower levels in the diagram (Managers and Supervisors, and Skilled Tradespeople) represent a huge potential for BIM Construct, Operate, and Data Management software.
Market size and growth projections for the BIM software market
Would you like to see the market size and growth projections for the BIM software market?
Request the full version of our recent Cambashi’s View on BIM and AECO, which includes additional chapters on:
- Market size and growth projections for the BIM software market.
- What’s next for the BIM software market?