To effectively integrate BIM into the project delivery process, it is important for the team to develop a detailed execution plan for BIM implementation. A BIM Project Execution Plan (hereinafter referred to as the ‘BIM Plan’) outlines the overall vision along with implementation details for the team to follow throughout the project. The BIM Plan should be developed in the early stages of a project; continually developed as additional participants are added to the project; and monitored, updated, and revised as needed throughout the implementation phase of the project. The plan should define the scope of BIM implementation on the project, identify the process flow for BIM tasks, define the information exchanges between parties, and describe the required project and company infrastructure needed to support the implementation. By developing a BIM Plan, the project and project team members can achieve the following value:
BIM, like other new technologies, can carry some level of additional process risk when implemented by teams that are not experienced with the implementation process, or if people are not familiar with the strategies and processes of their team members. Ultimately, the entire team will gain value through the increased level of planning by reducing the unknowns in the implementation process thereby reducing the overall risk to all parties and the project.
Once the team has identified the BIM Uses, a process mapping procedure for planning the BIM implementation needs to be performed. Initially, a high-level map showing the sequencing and interaction between the primary BIM Uses on the project is developed (see Figure 1-2). This allows all team members to clearly understand how their work processes interact with the processes performed by other team members.
Develop Information Exchanges Once the appropriate process maps have been developed, the information exchanges which occur between the project participants should be clearly identified. It is important for the team members, in particular, the author and receiver for each information exchange transaction, to clearly understand the information content.
Watch our video on the BIM process, uncovered and explained in detail
“Alpin were not only able to provide the skilled personnel that the complexity of the project demanded but they were also able to advise us on the use and capabilities of the software. Through this they demonstrated a true understanding of the project requirements and challenges that we would face.”
