In 2020, BIM (Building Information Modeling) software adoption in Latin America was limited and slow, but as construction and engineering projects expanded, demand for advanced BIM solutions has steadily grown. As many AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms in the region are expected to make significant investments in BIM, it is crucial for these companies to establish a robust framework for selecting, managing, and optimizing these tools to maximize ROI and drive substantial growth.
Urbanization Fuels LATAM’s AEC Industry
Rapid urbanization in major Latin American cities—particularly in Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia—has driven a construction boom, fueled by growing demand for residential, commercial, and infrastructure development. This urban expansion has increased the need for housing, business facilities, and upgraded transportation systems, utilities, and public services to support rising population densities.
In response, governments have initiated large-scale infrastructure projects, prioritizing highways, railways, airports, and public services. Favorable policies, such as tax incentives and streamlined permitting, are attracting local and international AEC players. As a result, competition in the AEC sector has intensified, driving the demand for advanced tools like BIM software to stay competitive and address the challenges of fast-paced urbanization.
“Leading architectural and engineering firms across Latin America have adopted BIM to gain a competitive edge. However, with this adoption, IT spending has also increased.”
Alfonso Villanueva, Pre-Sales Engineer for Open iT Latin America
LATAM Poised for Increased BIM Software Adoption
A recent study on BIM adoption in LATAM reveals that higher utilization of BIM software results in a 15% reduction in project costs and an 8% decrease in timelines compared to traditional methods. As construction projects grow in number and complexity, BIM has become essential for streamlining scheduling, planning, and design processes. Not only does it accelerate project timelines, but it also ensures compliance with sustainability and resilience standards, making it a crucial tool in modern construction management.
LATAM’s construction and design software market, including BIM solutions, is currently valued at $740 million and is expected to exceed $1.4 billion by 2030. This growth reflects the increasing adoption of BIM technology across the region, with leading platforms such as Autodesk, Bentley, Hexagon, Tekla, Trimble, and Dassault Systèmes driving the shift.
To fully capitalize on these investments, AEC firms in Latin America must strategically select and optimize their BIM software licenses. By doing so, they can extract maximum value, maintain cost control, and ensure compliance with industry regulations, all while enhancing project outcomes.
Facilitate BIM Software Adoption and More with Open iT
Open iT offers advanced software license management solutions tailored for engineering and specialized applications, with seamless integration into leading BIM platforms. With a proven track record of supporting global construction and engineering enterprises like Mitta Oy and Chiyoda Philippines, Open iT enables AEC firms in Latin America to streamline BIM software adoption and optimize their technology investments.
Both organizations enhanced access to crucial engineering licenses, optimized software utilization, and achieved significant cost savings. Chiyoda Philippines accurately forecasted software needs and reduced unused licenses, while Mitta Oy improved license visibility, eliminated denials, and cut Autodesk licenses by 50%, significantly lowering software costs. By leveraging comprehensive license management and data-driven optimization, AEC organizations can maximize software value, reduce operational costs, and enhance project outcomes.
“By gaining visibility into your software usage, you can optimize productivity and adjust the number of licenses needed, ensuring you’re investing the right amount while uncovering potential savings,” Villanueva emphasized.
Software Acquisition and Cost Optimization
Data-driven insights help organizations avoid over-provisioning and secure cost-effective licenses, aligning resources with project needs to reduce unnecessary expenditures.
License Monitoring and Compliance
Real-time tracking ensures compliance with vendor agreements, preventing underutilization or misuse. Detailed reports safeguard against penalties and improve transparency in license allocation.
License Management and Reallocation
Efficient tools enable the reallocation of licenses based on project demands, optimizing resource use and maintaining productivity while controlling costs.
Performance Optimization and ROI Maximization
Analytics help identify inefficiencies, optimizing software usage for better operational efficiency, cost savings, and maximized ROI from BIM software investments.
Scalability and Future Growth
Flexible license management ensures that organizations can expand their BIM capabilities without facing software bottlenecks or excessive costs, supporting both current operations and future growth in the region’s expanding construction market.
Expert Managed Services
A crucial challenge that may hamper BIM software adoption in Latin America is the shortage of skilled professionals, especially those proficient in said advanced tools. Although initiatives are underway to develop talent, it will require time to establish a robust workforce capable of meeting the industry’s demands.
Open iT addresses the skills gap by offering expert managed services that provide organizations with software license management professionals to optimize BIM and other engineering applications. By leveraging this specialized expertise, AEC companies can streamline operations, enhance software utilization, and reduce the burden on internal teams, allowing them to focus on core project deliverables.
BIM Software Adoption: Right From The Outset
BIM software adoption in Latin America is still in its nascent stages. However, the momentum is steadily increasing, fueled by supportive government policies and growing industry recognition of its advantages. For AEC firms, it is essential to effectively implement their BIM software adoption strategies from the outset and optimize these assets to enhance performance, maximize value, and drive significant growth.
See You at Expo CIHAC 2024!
Expo CIHAC 2024 brings together top organizations and professionals from architecture, engineering, construction, and design across LATAM and beyond!
Join the Open iT team at the Citibanamex Center in Mexico City from October 9 to 11, 2024, as we explore emerging trends, innovations, and insights that will shake and shape the future of the construction industry.
