Standards standards standards. Standardizing your drawings, processes, and delivery avenues helps cut back on this tremendously. This allows a company to have one expectation, and when something doesn’t meet that expectation, you can take the issue back to a vendor and show them how it doesn’t meet a standard your company uses. Also having a specification document that helps a vendor understand said standards will allow a more timely process as the customer will be more likely to understand up front what you need on a project.

Setting up BIM Execution plans & Standards for modelling will be of paramount importance. Also, periodic meetings and constant communication along with getting to know the vendors and developing good relationships will help reduce the miscommunication. Sending over samples/expectations will also help in alignment

1 You need to check the feature/option of CAD software and select only feature/option that relate with your work. 2 Check for maintenance cost, cause you must spend it annual for keep your software up to date and if your PC is broken/lost/burned down you will have a new license by free from your distributor.

To keep things clear with vendors, I make sure we’re all on the same page by sharing fully detailed drawings with clear notes on any critical specs and tolerances. Regular check-ins are a must, too—these give us a chance to catch any misunderstandings early. When I send over CAD files, I like to include exploded views and a Bill of Materials, with some notes on materials and assembly steps. This way, everyone has a solid grasp of the design from the start, and we can work through any questions before they turn into costly issues.

Honest and fair price and practice will get you the jobs you need. Adapt, Improvise and Overcome. Some things you learn in the USMC

Clear communication in every step of the way. Clean drawings, wording in emails and meetings, and being straight to the point with the objectives of each project. Most things should be collaborative anyway. As people coming from different backgrounds must find a common language, so should we during the development phase, with both clients and vendors, things must make sense to all. If your vendor has an established system, see how that integrates in your own systems and workflow, is it possible to adapt? All of that must be considered.

Share precise models, highlighting tolerances, materials, finishes, and specific requirements. This helps avoid ambiguity. • Documentation: Provide a thorough bill of materials (BOM), part numbering systems, and any special handling instructions. Use consistent platforms (e.g., email, project management tools) to communicate updates. Set up a shared folder for drawings, CAD files, and revision logs. • Ensure both teams have points of contact for quick. • Schedule regular calls or updates, especially at critical project phases like prototyping or production. • Share progress reports, and ask vendors to do the same. Visual updates, like screenshots of CAD models in production or test setups, can also help.