Building Information Modeling (BIM) Management

Building Information Modeling management or BIM management is the process of overseeing and coordinating the creation, maintenance, and use of digital representations of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility. The same involves managing all the information generated during a building’s lifecycle from initial design through construction and into operation. As BIM management ensures that all stakeholders have access to updated and accurate information, this digitization-driven approach to construction projects has proven to be indispensable for the efficient delivery of construction projects in terms of cost and time.

Now that you have acquired a good understanding of BIM management, let’s move to the next section.  

Key Components of BIM Management

Following are the key components of BIM management:  

Planning and Strategy – Establishing BIM Goals and Objectives

Before implementing BIM management, a good BIM consulting service provider establishes clear goals and objectives. These goals must align with the overall project objectives. Likewise, these goals should be realistic and achievable. These goals include the following: 

• Improving Collaboration

• Reducing Project Costs

• Enhancing the quality of the final product

Defining the BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

A good consultant will set clear standards and protocols to ensure consistency and quality throughout the project lifecycle. Defining file naming conventions, data exchange formats, and quality control procedures are some components of this phase. Adherence to these standards not only makes your project compliant but also ensures that your BIM models are fully accurate and reliable. Take the example of information management: if you adhere to ISO 19650 standards, it will help remove ambiguities and ensure that your project information is being managed effectively and seamlessly throughout the project lifecycle.  

McKinsey’s estimates that inefficiencies, including poor information management, result in an average productivity loss of 13-21% on construction projects. If you want to save your project from these huge losses, look no further. DDC Solutions – headed by BIM pioneer Jimi Clarke – provides bespoke information management solutions to companies of all sizes. From swiftly onboarding the design team to ensuring seamless collaboration between the design team and contractors, and from robust document control and versioning to compliance with industry standards, we provide solutions that translate into significant savings. Want to explore more? Book your free consultation by clicking here. 

Ensuring Effective Communication

Traditional approaches to project management were marred by poor communication and coordination among different stakeholders; the same became one of the key pillars behind digitization. BIM fosters collaboration between different teams, such as architects, engineers, and contractors, by providing access to a centralized repository. This repository acts as single point of truth and bring your teams on a single page. Thanks to BIM management, teams do not work in silos anymore. With access to same and updated information in real-time, project coordination and communication is improved.  

Following are some of the best practices that ensure seamless collaboration in any BIM environment: 

• Regular Updates: Weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress and issues. 
• Use of Collaborative Tools: Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or specialized BIM collaboration tools. 
• Using a Common Data Environment (CDE) 

We feel a need here to further elaborate on CDE benefits. With CDE, you get transparency as everyone has access to the same information and improved efficiency as time spend searching for data is significantly reduced. 

BIM Management: Creating Accurate 3D Models

One of the fundamental components of BIM management is creation of accurate 3D models. These models represent the physical and functional aspects of the building and are used for design, analysis, and visualization. When created by highly experienced teams through advanced software, these models increase project efficiency manifold. The model creation process kicks off with the initial design, followed by detailing to add detailed elements like HVAC, and concludes with validation to ensure the model meets all design and regulatory requirements.  

Various software are used to create these 3D models, but the most famous among stakeholders is Autodesk Revit. It has become so famous that it is often equated with the term BIM.  

DDC Solutions excels at providing bespoke Revit 3D modelling services. Our experts assist you through all stages of RIBA construction projects, from planning and design to visualization through detailed and accurate Revit models.

Integrating Various Disciplines 

If you have come this long, you would already know that BIM is not just about 3D modeling. Rather, this dynamic approach to project delivery brings and integrates various disciplines together. These disciplines include structural, architectural, mechanical, and electrical. Under the banner of BIM management, the integration of these disciplines into a cohesive model takes place. Doing so ensures that all aspects of buildings have been considered and there is no room for any conflict to happen.

Data Management Throughout Project Lifecycle

BIM is all about efficient data management. If you fail to do that, your project will become a mess. The data management phase of BIM involves ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and accessible throughout the project lifecycle. Furthermore, your BIM team must perform regular updates and audits to ensure that data reflects the current state of the project.  

Below are some pro tips given by our BIM experts for efficient data management: 

• Data Validation: Regular checks to ensure data accuracy

• Data Versioning: Keeping track of different versions of data to maintain a history of changes.

• Updating Models to Reflect Changes and As-Built Conditions 

Checking for Clashes and Conflicts

The second most component of BIM management process is clash detection. This component concerns identifying and resolving conflicts between different building systems, such as structural and mechanical. Timely detection of these conflicts saves your project from costly errors and delays.  

Want to learn more about clash detection. Want to save your project from costly errors and delays, click here.  

BIM Management – The DDC Way

Are you struggling with BIM management with complex issues such as data integration, collaboration, and model accuracy? Are these issues translating into costly delays and project errors? Well, you need not worry, as DDC Solutions has got your back. Our BIM approach stands out because of the following: 

Client-Centric Approach: Focus remains on achieving your project goals, not just ticking BIM compliance boxes. You get a bespoke BIM strategy to ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.  

Integrated Teamwork: We work alongside you as partners, not external consultants. Your projects directly benefit from our hands-on involvement, ensuring your unique requirements are fully met.  

Bespoke Solutions: Every project is different, and so should be the BIM strategy. Therefore, we customize our technology and processes to support your specific goals.  

Holistic Approach: From start to finish, we integrate BIM into every aspect of your project, helping you comply with stringent standards.  

Customized Training: Your staff receives comprehensive training and support to use BIM tools and processes effectively, leading to a significant reduction in errors and time waste. 

So, talk to us if you want to reduce cost and waste and improve risk management.