BIM emerged as the cornerstone of the new construction industry, one that allows greater collaboration, much better visualization, and more efficiency than ever. Having a well-crafted BIM Execution Plan, or BEP, is somewhat crucial to successful adoption of BIM on any project. In this blog, we dive deep into what a BIM Execution Plan is, why it’s so important, and how to do it.
What is a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)?
A BIM Execution Plan, commonly referred to as a BEP, is an extensive document summarizing strategies, processes, and workflows required to efficiently implement BIM. A guide for the project team to outline clearly defined objectives for the project, BIM objectives will be successfully achieved.
Two types of BEPs can be distinguished:
Pre-Contract BEP: This is established at the tender stage to demonstrate how the project team would achieve the EIR of the Employer.
Post-Contract BEP: This is established after the contract award, which illustrates the final BIM processes and procedures.
Advantages of a BIM Execution Plan
A well-defined BEP brings several benefits to construction projects:
Collaboration will be improved through a clear definition of roles and responsibilities of the project stakeholders involved.
Efficiency: BEPs make processes simpler, hence eliminating errors and delays.
Transparency and Accountability: The guidelines defined help to increase accountability since all people working on the project are sure to meet the project requirements.
Effective Risk Management: Early identification of risks and their mitigation strategies will help prevent costly issues later.
Key Elements of a BIM Execution Plan
A comprehensive BEP should include the following parts:
1. Project Information
- Project name, location, and description
- Key stakeholders and their contact details
2. BIM Objectives and Applications
- Project-specific BIM objectives definition
- The intended use of BIM in list: Design coordination, clash detection, quantity take-off, and facility management
3. Roles and Responsibilities
List team members and designations for the engagement and their responsibilities
- BIM Manager
- BIM Coordinator
- Stakeholders etc.
- Scope of work
4. BIM Process and Workflow
- Process workflow definition for BIM process, Protocols on collaboration to be followed in relation to the formats of data exchange and software platform used.
5. Information Management
- Data standard
- Naming conventions
- Common Data Environment (CDE) requirements
6. Level of Development (LOD)
- LOD requirements for the different stages of the project. Models to meet the LOD requirements
7. Quality Control and Assurance
- Validation and quality control of the model Industry standards compliance
8. Risk Management
- BIM-related risks Mitigation proposals
9. Delivery Strategy
- Project milestones and deliverable schedules
- Regular updates and reviews
10. Appendices
- Supporting documents that may include the guidelines for the software, EIR, and project-specific standards
How to Prepare a BIM Execution Plan
Steps for building a successful BEP:
Know Requirements of Project: Read EIR and understand client’s BIM objectives
Determine Uses of BIM: Talk to the stakeholders to discuss all uses of BIM throughout all the phases of a project.
Building a Team: Set out all defined roles and responsibilities so everyone is very clear on the task assigned
Process and Protocols to establish on developing models, data exchange, and collaborating.
Quality Standards: The quality control process should be strong enough to ensure the accuracy and soundness of the model produced.
Review and Approve: The draft BEP shall be submitted to the stakeholders for review and the same shall be revised accordingly, before it is finally approved.
Challenges in BIM Execution Planning
A BEP is always beneficial; however, the process of developing a BEP may be challenging.
Diffuse objectives will make the BEP a nebulous concept
Involvement of stakeholders: Involving all stakeholders actively.
Managing over many packages and different formats of data would be a big headache
Precise planning, open communication, and standardized protocols about BIM may resolve all such issues
Conclusion
A BIM Execution Plan, therefore, is the imperative tool that should never miss in any construction project employing BIM. A well-read and properly elaborated BEP supports the success of a project with a clear roadmap, clear definitions of roles, and protocols.
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