An Inside Look at Our Recent Webinar on BIM and Its Impact on Fire Alarm Design

The Fire and Life Safety industry is evolving, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) is at the forefront of this transformation. To discuss the increasing role of BIM in engineering and construction, JEM Systems recently hosted a webinar featuring our President, Jason Leopoldo, and John Padovani, our BIM Manager.

From labor shortages to digital twins, the discussion explored the real-world benefits of BIM and why fire alarm and low-voltage contractors need to start integrating it into their workflows—or risk falling behind.

What is BIM?

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is often misunderstood. Many assume it is simply 3D modeling, but in reality, BIM combines both modeling and data, which is what makes it so powerful.

• 3D Modeling: Visual representation of buildings and systems
• Information Integration: Every element in the model contains detailed data, such as material type, fire protection ratings, and installation requirements

For fire alarm contractors, this means BIM is not just about placing devices in a model—it is about designing smarter, coordinating better, and reducing costly mistakes in the field.

How BIM is Changing Fire Alarm Design

In the past, 2D drawings were the standard for fire alarm design. However, these plans often led to coordination issues once construction started, forcing teams to make last-minute adjustments on-site. BIM eliminates these surprises by allowing all trades—fire protection, electrical, mechanical, structural—to work together in a single, coordinated model.

Key Benefits of BIM for Fire Alarm Projects

• Better Coordination – Fire alarm designers can detect conflicts early and adjust before installation begins.
• Faster Installation – Knowing exact placements reduces rework, cutting labor costs and delays.
• Accurate Material Planning – Helps contractors order only what is needed, reducing waste.
• Seamless Collaboration – BIM enables engineers and installers to communicate in real time, ensuring code compliance and efficiency.

Overcoming Labor Shortages with BIM

One of the biggest challenges in Fire and Life Safety is the skilled labor shortage. BIM can bridge the gap between experienced field technicians and younger engineers by:

• Training field workers in BIM tools, allowing them to apply real-world knowledge in the modeling process
• Recruiting interns from colleges and universities to build a new generation of fire alarm designers
• Using 3D scanning to capture existing conditions and reduce manual design work

By investing in BIM, companies can reduce dependency on highly specialized labor, making it easier to scale operations.

Clash Detection: Saving Time and Money

One of the most valuable aspects of BIM is clash detection, which allows teams to identify conflicts between fire alarm devices and other building systems before construction begins.

Example:
A smoke detector is designed to be placed in a ceiling area, but BIM reveals a structural beam in the way. Instead of discovering this issue during installation (which could delay the project and increase costs), the team can adjust the design in BIM before any work begins.

The Role of 3D Scanning in BIM

During the webinar, John highlighted how 3D scanning is becoming a game-changer in construction. By capturing real-world conditions with laser scanners, teams can create precise digital twins of a building and compare them to the BIM model.

How 3D Scanning is Used in Fire Alarm Projects

• As-Built Verification – Ensures the actual installation matches the design
• Retrofits & Renovations – Helps engineers design around existing structures with pinpoint accuracy
• Faster Inspections & Audits – Provides a virtual record of installed systems

For fire alarm contractors, 3D scanning helps minimize field adjustments, reducing costly change orders and delays.

Where is BIM Headed?

As BIM becomes more widespread, industry standards are improving. The UK has already made BIM mandatory for government projects, and the U.S. is catching up, especially in sectors like semiconductors, data centers, and Department of Defense projects.

There is also a higher demand for detailed BIM models with full conduit layouts, supports, and equipment placements, rather than just device locations.

BIM is no longer a luxury—it is becoming a requirement. Companies that adopt BIM early will gain a competitive advantage, while those who ignore it risk being left behind.

Final Thoughts

This webinar confirmed what we at JEM Systems already know: BIM is the future of Fire and Life Safety engineering. It is not just about compliance—it is about saving time, cutting costs, and ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish.

Key Takeaways:

• BIM is more than 3D modeling—it is a data-driven tool for better design and installation
• Fire alarm contractors must embrace BIM to improve coordination and efficiency
• 3D scanning is revolutionizing the way we capture real-world conditions and update BIM models
• Labor shortages can be mitigated by training existing technicians in BIM and recruiting new talent

If your company is not using BIM, now is the time to start. The shift is happening, and those who prepare now will lead the industry in the future.

Missed the webinar? Stay tuned for the full recording on our YouTube channel.