A Quick Guide on an Effective BIM Execution Plan and its Benefits

Think BIM, think advanced information management, and seamless coordination throughout the lifecycle of the construction project. But how do we make that work for us?

BIM execution plans can be set up for a project or for an organization. A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) establishes the BIM implementation and adoption strategy, BIM goals, its workflow, information management between stakeholders, scope of the project, and many other aspects. This structured layout helps navigate through the BIM adoption process, mitigate information gaps, coordination issues, remote work-led challenges, and more. Thus, the plan plays a vital role in construction projects of any scale. In fact, larger construction projects with multiple stakeholders involved will see the greatest benefit from a well-laid out BEP.

Here’s a quick guide to the creation of a BIM Execution Plan and how it adds value to BIM implementation and the entire construction lifecycle.

Creating a BIM Execution Plan

The process begins with assessing the client’s BIM goals and capabilities and setting up a roadmap for BIM adoption. This is then translated into an abstracted BEP wherein clients mention their project requirements referred to as Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The BEP is, thereafter, framed outlining how BIM implementation will cater to the EIR.

Once the basic goals, processes, tools, etc are defined, the specifics and finer contours of the BEP are sketched out. A BEP is a living document and receives inputs throughout the project lifecycle. Some of the items that are detailed out in the BEP are:

• Outlining the goals for BIM implementation for the project/organization
• Creating a detailed map on the various BIM processes such as 3D modeling, Clash detection, 2D extraction, 4D linking and simulation, etc at different project phases
• Defining information exchange between project members
• Stating roles and responsibilities of each project member
• Identifying the technology, the quality of information model, and the Level of Development (LOD) required for the project
• Mentioning the delivery strategy such as design-build or design-bid-build based on which project implementation takes place.

Benefits of the BIM Execution Plan

The BIM Execution Plan reinforces benefits such as enhanced communication and collaboration, and effective time utilization. Here are some of the benefits that a good BEP sets you up for:

• The BIM Execution Plan enables better communication between team/project members. There is transparency in information received and ease of communication flow from the beginning to the completion of the project.
• Organizational silos and conflicts are minimized with a well-laid-out plan as each member’s role is defined from project inception.
• The plan could also include training to minimize risks due to wrong BIM implementation by untrained staff.
• Project members are better prepared for emergencies or unexpected delays as the BIM Execution Plan ensures information transparency at every project phase. This transparency helps save time due to project delays.
• Participants entering the project at a later stage benefit from the streamlined workflow set at the initial stage of the project.

BIM is a highly collaborative tool for the construction industry. However, we need a BIM Execution Plan to leverage 100% of the potential BIM has. We would urge project owners or contractors to have a well-designed BEP for every stage of a construction project, regardless of the scale.

May BIM help you see you through several splendid projects in the coming months!