What is BIM Execution Plan (BEP)?
If you have been presented with Build Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) from your client and you need to be quickly following up a well-devised strategy. Effective utilization of suitable BIM software as per project requirements and a thoroughly documented plan can do the job for you on the project. This very same documentation is known as BEP (BIM Execution Plan).
A comprehensive BIM execution plan for construction projects is crucial for facilitating the role of team members in construction management. It is all about documentation efforts in one place, saving time and money by highlighting significant aspects and keeping track of project teams.
A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is a document which outlines the execution, management, and delivery pointers of a BIM project. It is being used to ensure stakeholder alignment on the project execution and understanding of roles and responsibilities.
If you are confused about how to create a detailed BIM execution plan for large-scale builds then go through the following pointers.
Clear Timeline
The project schedule should be pretty clear with timelines. It must have a start date, an expected completion date, a breakdown of phases and estimated task durations. Also, descriptive dependencies on each other’s task completion.
- Define start and end dates– It is necessary to work with stakeholders to set up the start and expected completion dates of the project.
- Break down Phases– In the next step divide the assigned project into distinct phases like design, construction and handover. Also, make sure you set the time durations for each task.
- Task Durations– Estimate the amount of time required for each task (such as creating the model and scheduling meetings) in each phase.
- Identify Dependencies– To prevent further delays, document task dependencies such as the need for design approvals prior to the commencement of construction documentation.
- Gantt Charts– Using tools like Gantt charts is helpful in visually communicating timelines, task breakdowns and interdependencies.
Milestones
The best practices for implementing BIM execution plans in design-build projects are by detailing the project milestones. Milestones could be segregated into design, construction, and handover milestones. It is all about outlining deliverables and critical phases of a project.
- Design Milestones– During the design phase set clear targets for the completion, approvals and reviews of the model (e.g., LOD milestones).
- Construction Milestones– During the construction phase ensure setting milestones for clash detection solutions, on-site verification and model updates for smooth output.
- Handover Milestones– List out the important handover points such as the final model delivery and post-construction updates.
- Deliverable Deadlines– Make sure that every milestone has an associated deliverable such as clash-free models or the LOD 500 model for facilities management.
Checkpoints for quality assurance
Project management is also influenced by the quality of BIM models. And further their data integrity, coordination reviews, compliance checks, and information exchange.
These include defining standards for maintaining data consistency, resolving conflicts, and outlining procedures. This ensures compliance, assigns responsibilities, and ensures data exchange.
The ultimate goal of the BIM execution plan template for project managers in construction is to prevent chaos and avoid common pitfalls in project delivery.
- Data Consistency Standards- This includes setting data handling criteria, such as file formats and naming conventions to ensure consistency throughout the project.
- Coordination Reviews- Engage in regular reviews of model coordination to verify their consistency with other design disciplines and identify any conflicting elements.
- Compliance Checks- Conduct specification checks at critical points to ensure compliance with the local authorities, industry standards and project requirements.
- Responsibility Assignment- Assign a specific department or a designated team member to oversee quality assurance, model compliance and data integrity processes.
- Information Exchange Protocols– To guarantee that all stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date models set proper protocols for data sharing such as using a Common Data Environment (CDE).
Preventing Chaos with the BEP
A step-by-step guide to BIM execution planning for contractors helps them prevent chaos and guarantee the accomplishment of the project.
- Communication Channels– Clarify communication protocols and escalation procedures to address this issue rapidly and maintain project momentum.
- Standardization- Establishing and enforcing BIM standards like ISO 19650 as well as guaranteeing compliance with agreed-upon procedures is crucial to prevent deviations.
- Conflict Resolution– Establish a structured process to settle disagreements before they get out of hand and interfere with project deadlines.
- Roles and Responsibilities– Establish accountability and avoid misunderstandings during implementation by clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of coordinators, reviewers and model authors.
The ultimate goal of BEP (BIM Execution Plan) is to prevent chaos and avoid common pitfalls in project delivery.
Types of BIM Execution Plans
BIM execution plans could be categorized into two types, i.e., pre-contact BIM plans and post-contract BIM plans. Both of these types are detailed below for better comprehension of the subject:
Pre-contract BIM Plan Response to EIR (Employer’s Information Requirements)
Pre-contract implementation plans are initial proposals during procurement, presenting a provider’s recommended method, capacity, and details. They may meet the employer’s criteria or be developed by the supplier. Proposals demonstrate capability and approach against EIR.
Post-contract BIM Plan MIDP (Master Information Delivery Plan)
After signing a contract, a post-contract BIM plan is created to ensure supply chain capabilities and resolve outstanding details. A master plan and individual task information delivery plans are used to assign responsibility. The winning supplier presents a detailed BIM Execution Plan, focusing on supply chain capability, with a Master Information Delivery Plan.
How do I make a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)?
Creating a comprehensive BIM Execution Plan (BEP) involves a systematic approach to ensure the successful implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) within a project.
- It begins with compiling crucial project details such as budget, timeline, and scope of work while concurrently defining primary project goals.
- Then, a thorough assessment of how BIM can contribute to project goals is conducted, along with identifying the specific functions and responsibilities of all involved individuals.
- Deliverables are then meticulously identified across various project phases, laying the groundwork for selecting appropriate
- Moreover, defining contract conditions pertaining to BIM and formulating a robust BIM quality management strategy are necessary.
- After that, technology selection, encompassing software, data exchange protocols, and the network environment, is decided to facilitate seamless BIM integration.
- Establishing the project scope in relation to BIM, identifying stakeholders, determining staffing needs, and outlining target model users with BIM capabilities.
- Finally, setting collaborative goals and initiating BIM projects mark the commencement of implementation, supported by the establishment of modeling standards.
Each of these steps is critical in crafting a comprehensive BEP, fostering alignment, understanding, and effective execution among stakeholders, thereby ensuring the successful realization of the project’s BIM objectives.
Top 7 Benefits of a BIM Execution Plan in a Construction Project
During construction projects, plan execution is frequently stalled and buried in superfluous micro-details. It makes it difficult for project stakeholders to uncover and identify important data to keep projects moving ahead and producing on-time deliverables.
BEPs that are properly developed assist teams stay on track by focusing on the key aspects, instead of micro-details, saving time. Discover the seven significant benefits of using a BIM execution plan for seamless project coordination and successfully building your next project.
Clear Communication
A proper BIM BEP supports communication amongst project stakeholders from the onset of the construction project. Utilizing effective communication strategies using BIM execution plans enables project team members to manage responsibilities related to the project.
- Early Clarity
- Defined Communication Channels
- Reduces Miscommunication
Improved Collaboration
Each project is different from the others and has diverse requirements, regulations, and internal standards. A BEP helps the project team members collaborate in real time on different project phases. It will prevent conflicts among project tasks and allow proper attention to the significant tasks.
- Centralized Collaboration Platform
- Task Prioritization
- Conflict Resolution
Saving construction time
An obstacle that often arrives in a construction project is a compressed schedule. Reducing construction delays with a robust BIM execution plan allows for better resource management and streamlined workflows.
None is bogged down by the provisions that may cause delays to the project deliverables. As an alternative, the vital aspects are executed, maintaining a deliverable schedule throughout the project.
- Streamlines Processes
- Efficient Workflows
- Proactive Planning
Saving Money
BEP helps to save money and helps to finish the construction within budget. It helps owners and building contractors significantly. Putting into practice a BIM execution plan for MEP coordination and clash detection helps manage time, schedule and labour significantly cutting down on the cost of building construction.
- Prevents Costly Rework
- Budget Management
- Improves Labor Efficiency
Alignment on standards
Identifying that different regions may have distinct norms, standards, or regulations is especially significant for large or international projects. It is possible for international teams to work together using a unified strategy provided by the BIM execution plan, avoiding the development of incompatible and competing strategies.
- Standardization Across Regions
- Consistency in Work
- Prevents Duplication
Fast data sharing
Transparency is a great advantage of the BIM execution plan, as it is instantly available to all the project stakeholders from the very beginning of the construction project. As a result, contractors, owners, and others get direct access to BIM data like file formats, dimensions, and other details in a way that can be easily shared and updated.
- Immediate Access
- Real-Time Updates
- Avoids Data Silos
Robust project execution
An effective plan facilitates all project owners and shareholders by focusing on the project rather than every standard. If you wonder how BIM execution plans streamline construction project workflows, it’s by communicating and collaborating with construction team members better from the initial stage. Accomplishing this plan helps to keep the building items accountable, ensuring completion on time and within budget.
Here’s how a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) helps with each advantage in construction projects, explained in pointers-
- Focus on Execution
- Accountability
- Smooth Handover
Conclusion
The main goal of a detailed BIM execution plan is to foster communication and coordination among building project teams. There isn’t a single best practice for integrating BIM into construction projects. Teams should tailor their strategy to match the project’s objectives, characteristics, and resources. Therefore, for stronger project execution, improved timelines, and satisfied project owners, reach out to our expert BIM consultants.
Our team specializes in delivering comprehensive guidance on BIM execution plans for various project types, including residential, commercial, infrastructural, educational, and mixed-use projects. With our assistance, AEC team members can initiate major construction projects with confidence, ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders and efficient data sharing.
For more information, contact us at (202) 265-4830 or via email at info@tejjy.com.
