The foundation of a social BIM technology implementation is an organized BIM Management to be able to guarantee its deployment, upkeep, compliance and performance.
Many firms have already started adopting BIM technology within their daily work process. However, there is still much confusion about what exactly BIM technology is really all about and how it should be implemented in comparison to traditional computer aided design and planning methods.
BIM technology goes far beyond simply switching to a new software application. It is a new work process of designing a building collaboratively while optimizing the method of planning and construction as well as the operation and maintenance of buildings. At the technical core there is a virtual information model or BIM model which is a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility, containing interdisciplinary information.
As a collaboration tool, BIM technology makes it possible to minimize the loss of information associated with software interfaces by coherently handing a project from one project member to another. Containing the entire graphical and non-graphical data of a specific project, the BIM model also forms an ideal data basis for life cycle management, containing facilities and asset management.
In conclusion, BIM implementation needs organized management for its deployment, compliance and performance. It also requires changes to the current definition of architectural phases and far more data sharing than the architects and engineers are currently accustomed, representing a major shift from traditional CAD planning process:
BIM Management
BIM Standards
At the core of the BIM Technology are a BIM Execution Plan and Deliverables Standards such as the Level of Development specifying the asset model and its downstream use.
Data Management
The development of an collaborating and accompanying Data Management framework solution to control the sharing of relevant and accurate information to all project stakeholders.
Analysis
During each phase of a project based on a social BIM solution, all project members have to deal with Model Integration and Analysis like e.g. clash detection, sequencing or cost estimation.