BIM Execution Plans (BEP) 101

A BIM Execution Plan is a document that outlines what role BIM will play from design through to delivering the project and even beyond.

A well constructed BIM Execution plan will clearly define both the responsibilities that all project stakeholders have, but will also outline opportunities for efficiencies. A BEP is similar to a project charter in the sense that it improves collaboration and communication by clearly defining details such as how data will be shared and making overall requirements clear and easily accessible to project members. 

The BIM Execution Plan should be designed by a representative variety of stakeholders from the entire project team. It's important to include not only members from each company involved in designing and building the project, but also the owner and or facility manager. BIM is for all, and can be used after the project is constructed. 

When creating a BIM Execution Plan, first maximize value and minimize cost. BIM can be implemented at any phase of a project, so it's important to first understand your objectives for the BEP. Your objectives should be measurable. Examples include:

  • Reduces the number and financial impact of change orders
  • Shortens project schedule
  • Reduces project cost by optimizing between onsite and offsite fabrication
  • Improve quality control with reduced rework

During your initial planning session we suggest selectively identifying areas where there will be more added value than implementation cost. 

Once the project team has clearly identified what roles BIM will play, it is time to design your process. It can be helpful to create a high level map using a planning tool. This map can delineate the relationship between BIM data uses and various project stakeholders. Once the high level process and interactions have been defined, each part of the process should be mapped out. The high level map defines what should happen the detailed process maps define how that will happen. 

No project occurs without infrastructure, and BIM is no different. How information is shared between parties and the standards used should be clearly defined. Standards of communications, delivery protocols used, and quality procedures are all important aspects. 

It typically takes a minimum of 3 meetings with offsite work in between to create a BIM Execution Plan, so it is important to start early. Your kickoff should include all stakeholders, but development of supporting process maps or other standards can occur in smaller groups with only the relevant parties.