Developing a Strategy for Your BIM Implementation

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a process involving the representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building in digital form. By using the BIM approach, it becomes possible to streamline processes, improve coordination and simulate construction, which facilitates more reliable decision making for the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings.

The implementation of a BIM approach for your organization and for specific projects requires careful planning and consideration. The transition to BIM is a revolutionary process change with challenges, risks and benefits. A well-structured plan can help identify the challenges in advance, minimize risk and increase benefits. Your transition to BIM must consider your goals and uses for BIM, your BIM project execution process, information exchanges and supporting infrastructure for your BIM implementation.

The “BIM Project Execution Planning Guide” provides a structured approach for developing your plan. A team at the Penn State University Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) Research Program authored the guide with assistance from advisors representing the buildingSMART allianceTM and AEC firms throughout the United States. This collection of BIM experience will provide you and your organization with a firm foundation upon which you can develop your plan. The guide is available for download at http://www.engr.psu.edu/ae/cic/bimex/.