Step-By-Step BIM Implementation for Immediate Results

Has your construction project been mired by delays, costly errors, miscommunication, and data mismanagement? Well, you are not alone! These common issues have the potential to derail even the most meticulously planned projects and can give birth to budget overruns and client dissatisfaction.

But you can keep all these problems at bay by harnessing the immense power of Building Information Modelling (BIM). Furthermore, you can make your projects more efficient by reducing cost and waste and improving risk management through BIM. But for this to happen, you need to integrate BIM successfully in your projects through careful planning and execution.

In this article, our experts will provide you with a detailed step-by-step BIM implementation guide to ensure a smooth transition and effective use of BIM within a construction project. So, stay with us!

Understand BIM Fundamentals

Before diving deep into the step-by-step BIM implementation phase, let’s first decipher the basics of BIM. If you think BIM is just about 3D modelling, you are mistaken; rather, it is the process of creating and managing digital information throughout the project lifecycle to ensure compliance, reduce cost, and improve risk management. The term digital information includes geometric data as well as functional and operational data to empower stakeholders with enhanced collaboration.

Therefore, familiarize your team with common BIM terms and standards, such as ISO 19650, which provides a framework for managing information over the entire lifecycle of a built asset.

Key Concepts to Learn:

• BIM Levels: Understand the different levels of BIM maturity (Level 0 to Level 3).
• Common Data Environment (CDE): A shared digital space for managing project information.
• Standards and Protocols: ISO 19650, PAS 1192, and other relevant standards.

Define Objectives and Requirements

It is critical to set and define clear objectives for step-by-step BIM implementation. These objectives should align with and prioritize your business goals and project needs. For this to happen, you need to create key documents such as the Organizational Information Requirements (OIR), Asset Information Requirements (AIR), and Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR). The aforesaid documents will specify the data needed for your projects while ensuring all the stakeholders develop a clear understanding of what is expected of them.

Steps to Define Objectives:

• Organizational Information Requirements (OIR): This document outlines the information you need to support the organization’s decision-making processes.
• Asset Information Requirements (AIR): It defines your data requirements to needed manage and operate the asset post-construction.
• Employer’s Information Requirements (EIR): This document specifies the information required by the employer from the project team.

Develop a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

A BIM Execution Plan (BEP), also known as a BIM Implementation Plan, is a detailed document that helps establish a more collaborative and efficient project delivery process. A well-crafted BEP outlines the strategies, processes, responsibilities, and standards for implementing BIM in a construction project. For successful integration, you need to tailor the BEP to the unique requirements of your project while ensuring compliance with stringent standards such as ISO 19650.

Want to learn how to create an effective BIM Execution Plan in detail, click here.

Key Elements of a BEP:

• Roles and Responsibilities: This concerns defining the roles of all team members involved in the BIM process through a responsibility matrix.
• Data Sharing Protocols: It concerns establishing guidelines and protocols for sharing and managing data throughout the project lifecycle.
• Project Timelines: It concerns creating detailed schedules for BIM activities.

Set Up Technical Infrastructure

The technical infrastructure is the backbone of successful BIM implementation. To ensure a smooth transition, you should ensure that all technical resources are properly configured and thoroughly tested. Start by investing in essential software such as Revit for building design, Navisworks for project review, and Solibri for model checking and quality assurance. The aforesaid tools plays a key role in the BIM process to enable different aspects of design, coordination, and validation.

At DDC Solutions, we understand that not every practice is ready for a full BIM implementation. That’s why we have developed a specialized service called Revit for Project Delivery (R4PD) or Revit Modelling. Whether you’re currently working on Revit projects, planning to migrate to Revit, or looking to add Revit as a software platform in your practice, our Revit Modelling service can provide the support you need. From software deployment and implementation to a fully trained team, all will be done over the duration of 5 days with efficiency ensured.

Likewise, it is essential to set up a Common Data Environment (CDE) to facilitate seamless and smooth data sharing and collaboration among team members. CDE acts as a digital centralized repository where all project information is stored and made accessible to all stakeholders. Likewise, a CDE ensures that all project teams are on the same page and working with the most up-to-date data. It stores everything from 3D models and drawings to project schedules and documentation, ensuring that all information is organized and easily retrievable.

Furthermore, use the Version Control feature of CDE to keep track of all changes made to project data to have a detailed and clear history of modifications. It will enable you to maintain accountability and transparency.
This software integration needs support through hardware infrastructure. Use high-performance computers to ensure BIM tools run smoothly. Furthermore, you need a reliable network to ensure data is shared among all disciplines swiftly.

Essential Technical Resources:

• BIM Software: Revit, Navisworks, Solibri.
• Common Data Environment (CDE): A digital space for data management.
• Hardware and Network: Ensure robust hardware and network infrastructure to support BIM activities.

Establish Naming Conventions and Standards

Consistent naming conventions and standards are crucial for step-by-step BIM implementation. You need to implement industry standards such as ISO 19650 and BS 1192 to ensure uniformity across all project data. Proper naming conventions help organize files and models, making it easier to locate and manage information.

Steps to Establish Standards:

• File Naming Conventions: Develop a consistent approach to naming files.
• Model Standards: Define standards for model creation and management.
• Data Standards: Implement standards for data entry and management.

Coordinate and Test the Setup

Once you have fully set up the BIM ecosystem, it is essential you conduct testing and coordination to ensure that it is functional and effective. For this purpose, do the following

1. Coordination and testing are essential to ensure that the BIM setup is functional and effective.
2. Conduct initial project kickoff meetings to clarify roles and responsibilities.
3. Test the project setup with the design team to ensure models are correctly geo-coordinated and linked. The coordination and testing will help you promptly identify and resolve the issues in projects in their earlier stage.

Training and Support

For the success of BIM implementation process, it is crucial to get your project teams fully trained. You need to ensure that all members of your teams are fully proficient in using different BIM applications. Likewise, all members should understand the different BIM processes involved. By getting online support, you can ensure that technical issues and questions got addressed promptly.

At DDC Solutions, we have meticulously designed our BIM Training programs to empower construction professionals with latest industry knowledge so that they can ace project delivery with unparalleled success. With rapid evolution in the construction and architectural worlds, staying ahead is not an option but a necessity. Therefore, we have crafted this diverse curriculum for holistic development of professionals involved in construction and architectural practices. From Scan to BIM management to information control and from RIBA CPDs to document management, we cover every aspect to equip you with tools that are necessary for long-term success. Book your free consultation now to get a free quote!

Providing comprehensive training and ongoing support is vital for the success of BIM implementation. Ensure all team members are proficient in using BIM tools and understand the processes involved. Ongoing support will help in addressing any technical issues or questions that arise during the project.

Regular Validation and Quality Control

The next step in the step-by-step BIM implementation process is regular validation through stringent quality control checks. It will help you ensure data accuracy and model integrity. Additionally, the same will ensure that all project information meets the required standards before issuing it to other teams.

Focus on Collaboration and Communication

Effective collaboration and communication are the backbone of any project, and the construction industry is no different. To achieve this, you should clearly define communication protocols. Furthermore, you need to ensure that all team members understand how information is shared and data is managed effectively. A collaborative environment will significantly slash the risks of errors by fostering better decision-making.

Monitor and Review

Continuous monitoring and review of the BIM processes and practices is essential to identifying areas for improvement and making your next project more efficient in terms of cost, waste, and risk management. This step helps refine the BIM process and achieve better project outcomes.

BIM Implementation – The DDC Way

At the core of our BIM consultancy approach, lies these goals:

1. Reduce Cost
2. Reduce Waste
3. Improve Risk Management

We achieve the aforesaid goals by customizing our BIM strategies to your unique needs. We integrate into your team to enhance the efficiency of your project. Our BIM consultancy services stand 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 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, if you want to integrate BIM into your practice while also ensuring costs are reduced, talk to us!