The Role of Software Solutions and the Path to Digitalization of the Construction Sector
The Board of the Construction and Building Materials Industry Association at the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro reviewed on June 30 the implementation of BIM technology (Building Information Modeling software) as a modern approach to planning, designing, constructing, and managing construction projects. This topic is gaining increasing importance in European and regional construction practices, and the state and economy have an obligation to adequately respond to the challenges posed by BIM technology.
The session was chaired by the Board President, Mile Gujić, and attended by Monteput Executive Director Milan Ljiljanić, Board Secretary Balša Rakčević, experts with experience in Archicad BIM implementation and training Majda Mujević and Asim Bećiragić, as well as leading partners of Autodesk Revit in Serbia and the region, Vladimir Gutiša and Slobodan Lazić.
According to Majda Mujević, BIM technology is a platform for integrated work of all engineering disciplines – architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and others – working on the same digital model in real-time. This means that all design problems, uncertainties, and clashes can be resolved during the design phase instead of on-site, where it is significantly more expensive and risky.
The software enables more precise quantity take-offs and cost estimates (which directly impact cost control), visualization and coordination of all project phases, and, importantly, digital management of the building throughout its entire lifecycle. This technology is useful not only for designers but also for building materials manufacturers, as each construction element can contain a detailed digital specification – from bricks to complex systems. Mujević highlighted that this technology has been used in the UK for all public buildings in use since 2016, in Norway since 2010, while in Serbia work is ongoing on standards and strategies that will enable a legal obligation for all public buildings of certain size to be designed using some form of BIM software.
Asim Bećiragić demonstrated through a concrete BIM project example how all engineers work within a unified digital model, where data about every element—such as windows, ventilation units, or sanitary fixtures—can be accessed with a single click. Special emphasis was placed on the collaboration between teams, where experts from different fields exchange suggestions in real time, identify technical conflicts, and jointly make optimized decisions during the design phase. This approach enables more efficient communication, better coordination, and significant savings in time and costs during project execution.
Vladimir Gutiša and Slobodan Lazić presented BIM technology through their project of a school in Serbia that integrates BIM with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, which ensures efficient connection between the digital and physical worlds, i.e., sensors embedded in buildings connected to the internet. All collected information is processed by AI, which selects important data and delivers it to the user. In this case, data refers to the condition of each room, temperature, humidity, occupancy, and daily usage, allowing for later organization of cleaning, maintenance, and many other tasks, as explained in their presentation.
One of the presented projects was BIM real estate, which enables precise spatial visualization, providing tenants with a clear insight into layout, dimensions, installations, and other technical characteristics of a property to facilitate decision-making without a physical visit. Models are also used for virtual presentations, enhancing marketing efficiency and communication with clients, especially when tenants are not locally present. Thanks to accurate records of leased and common areas, owners can manage utility billing and lease agreements more efficiently. For properties with multiple tenants, such as office buildings or shopping centers, BIM provides a clear overview of all units and simplifies operational management.
After the presentations, the conclusion was that BIM is no longer a matter of choice but a matter of when it will be systematically and legislatively introduced into spatial and technical planning. It was suggested that all relevant ministries, associations, faculties, the Engineers Chamber, and others should be involved in further dialogue and the creation of a national BIM implementation strategy.
Regarding the status of the Mateševo-Andrijevica highway second section construction project, participants were informed by Milan Ljiljanić, Executive Director of Monteput.
“As for tender procedures, there are currently three separate tenders conducted exclusively according to EBRD standards: for the PIU consultant; expert supervision; and construction works. Regarding the construction works tender, a repeated procedure is underway, with 10 companies having applied and currently undergoing technical evaluation. We expect companies to submit final financial offers in the second half of July, and after their analysis, we expect to sign contracts by the end of September,” Ljiljanić stated.
Additionally, according to him, alongside these procedures, a four-month public consultation on the project’s environmental and local community impact is ongoing, ending on July 8, when the EBRD Board of Directors is expected to make a decision on loan approval.
If everything proceeds as planned, preparatory works are expected to start by the end of the year, with major construction works anticipated in spring 2026. Responding to the business community’s interest in involving domestic companies in building the second highway section, Ljiljanić said there is no mandatory minimum percentage, but it is defined similarly to the first section (up to 40%) and that companies must be registered, approved by the state and supervision authorities to avoid any irregularities.
Balša Rakčević, Secretary of the Board, presented information on business activity in the construction sector for the period January-April 2025. During the first half of the year, employment and volume of work continued to grow, with significant activity in infrastructure projects. Employment increased by approximately 12% compared to the previous year, despite a decline in planned residential construction. The price per square meter in new construction rose by over 20% compared to the same period last year, indicating sustained investment interest and a positive trend despite challenges.
A flexible and economical solution for modern construction was presented—JEKKO mini cranes, combining compact dimensions with high load capacity. Nikola Bukvić, General Manager of Infinity Motion, explained that these cranes enable the execution of complex lifting tasks where traditional cranes cannot operate due to limited space or difficult terrain. They save significant time thanks to quick assembly and enhance site safety by reducing the need for large machinery vehicles. They are suitable for urban environments, indoor spaces, and sites with limited access, where efficiency and precision in material lifting are crucial.
