How to Develop a BIM Execution Plan

Once you’ve made good progress adopting building information modeling (BIM) in your firm, you should be ready to use your BIM models for coordination during the design and construction process. But with so many variables to consider, how do you know where to begin with coordinating models?

This is where a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is incredibly useful. This article will serve as a guide to BIM Execution Plans — you’ll learn what BIM Execution Plans are and how to create your first BEP for a project.

A BIM Execution Plan is a document written before work begins on a BIM project. Often referred to as a BEP or BIM Project Execution Plan (BIM PxP), this document provides details on roles, timelines, and responsibilities for all parties involved. It covers what software, hardware, and IT infrastructure are required, plus defines who’s responsible for information management. It also defines the LOD, or level of development or detail, required for the project.

Ultimately, the BIM Execution Plan is a roadmap to successfully delivering BIM projects.

A BIM Execution Plan establishes a reference standard for current and future participants in a BIM project. It helps to ensure that everyone involved in the project understands what’s required of them and has the added benefit of being an onboarding resource for collaborators who may not have been involved in the project since the beginning.

Sometimes, owners who are experienced with BIM will provide the BIM Execution Plan to the project team. If this is the case, you, as an architect, must review the provided plan and make sure you’re able to deliver on it. If the plan specifically requires Revit (RVT) files and you’re using Vectorworks Architect, for example, you’d want to clear this up with the owner or manager and assure them that Vectorworks files can facilitate the process through IFC or by exporting to RVT. The PIRs — project information requirements — determined by owners and construction managers are often linked to your contractual obligations, so it’s important to be on the same page.

It's also possible that an owner or construction manager wants to execute the project through BIM but doesn’t have a defined outcome or the experience to carry out the BIM process. If this is the case, then you can be the BIM Manager who defines and develops the BIM Execution Plan.

General project info: This includes all the basic project and project participant information for easy reference.

 Goals & requirements: Goals and requirements for the project include project goals and BIM uses, expected level of development or detail (LOD), BIM and facility data requirements, project deliverables, and delivery strategy.

Outline of the BIM design process: Defining the means and methods of using BIM data and procedures for exchanging this data are essential aspects of a BIM Execution Plan.

Project team requirements: A successful BIM Execution Plan will define organizational roles and staffing as well as technology infrastructure needs.

Implementing a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) can come with challenges that can impact project success. One hurdle is resistance to adoption, often due to a lack of BIM expertise. Some team members may be unfamiliar with BIM processes, leading to hesitation or inefficiencies. Overcoming this requires training programs and clear communication on BIM’s benefits.

Another common issue is the misalignment of expectations among project team members. Without clear roles and objectives, misunderstandings can arise, causing delays or conflicts. Establishing a well-defined BEP with input from all stakeholders helps get everyone on the same page from the start.

Data interoperability is another challenge, as different teams may use different software platforms, making it difficult to integrate information seamlessly. Standardized data formats like IFC and interoperability tools can help bridge these gaps.

Lastly, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards is critical. BIM processes must align with legal requirements, such as ISO 19650, to avoid risks. Regular audits and adherence to best practices can help teams stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.

First, involving all key collaborators early in the planning process makes it easiest to clearly define project goals, responsibilities, and workflows. This prevents miscommunication and sets a strong foundation for collaboration.

Flexibility is another crucial factor. A rigid BEP can become outdated as the project evolves, so it should be adaptable to accommodate changes without disrupting workflows.

Using standardized templates, such as those compliant with ISO 19650, helps maintain consistency across projects. These templates provide a structured approach to managing BIM processes, reducing errors and inefficiencies.

Regular training sessions for BIM team members keep skills up to date and ensure everyone is comfortable with the latest technologies and methodologies. A well-trained team is more efficient and better equipped to handle project challenges.

Finally, periodic reviews and updates of the BEP are essential. As projects progress, new challenges and opportunities arise. Conducting regular assessments helps ensure the plan remains relevant and effective throughout the project lifecycle.

First and foremost, communication is the key element of a BIM Execution Plan. Prepare to collaborate often with others involved in the project.

If you’ve had success creating a BIM Execution Plan in the past, you can use that document as a template or starting point, making sure to update it to meet the needs of the current project. If you don’t have a template to start from, visit Penn State’s website for resources on getting started with BIM Execution Plans. The Penn State Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) program’s 2007 research into BIM implementation is still widely referenced today. The UK BIM Framework is another great resource that also aligns with ISO 19650. 

From there, follow this list to get started laying out the bulk of the plan.

• Identify goals and high-value BIM uses throughout the project lifecycle
• Agree on the file format and version that will be used
• Establish a project reference point
• Use the architectural model as the baseline to dictate the MEP and structural model orientation
• Establish the LOD of the model and agree on what to model and when
• Establish a clear schedule for model updates and information exchanges
• Establish a clear schedule for coordination meetings

Afterwards, make sure to perform a mockup file exchange to verify the success of the intended workflow.