How can project stakeholders improve communication and coordination with BIM?

In my practice, BIM 360 Docs serves as a CDE, where cloud worksharing with Revit is integral. This allows for real-time updates and access to the latest project data, ensuring all stakeholders are working with the most current information. The use of Dynamo for automation further refines our workflow, increasing productivity and saving valuable time, thus optimising the project lifecycle from concept to construction.

The benefits of BIM from an client/owner perspective fall in one of these three categories: 1. Handover of structured data to facility management. (Data not necessarily models!) 2. Quality assurance processes in the project phase. 3. Nudging the market to become more productive. For planners/construction companies: 1. Better communication through visualization. 2. Automating processes 3. Using these automated processes to predict performance with simulations. 4. Creating new data driven business models, that add value for the customer.

Enhanced Collaboration: BIM allows project stakeholders to work on a shared model, promoting collaboration and enabling real-time updates. This improves coordination between teams and reduces the risk of errors and conflicts. Improved Efficiency: BIM automates various processes, such as quantity takeoff, scheduling, and cost estimation. It also enables clash detection, which helps identify design conflicts before construction begins. These efficiencies save time and money and contribute to higher project productivity. Increased Productivity: BIM streamlines workflows and provides a digital representation of the project, allowing stakeholders to visualize spatial arrangements and plan more effectively.

BIM Levels do not exist since PAS 1192-2 was withdrawn when superseded by ISO 19650-1&2 in 2018. 19650-1 suggest stages of maturity, but this is just an indication and shouldn't be used as a descriptor in requirements or contracts

Since the publication of ISO 19650, the term Levels has been replaced by the term Stages. The maturity analogue introduced in the standard additionally introduces 4 layers, the standards, the technology, the information and the business layers that are relative to the increasing benefit from collaboration. The Stage 2 requires the implementation of the standards ISO 19650-1 and 2, the use of the Common Data Environment, structured and unstructured information and the Project and Asset Information models.

Level 0: This level represents a basic or non-existent utilization of BIM. Project stakeholders mainly exchange information through traditional 2D drawings and paper-based documents. Level 1: At this level, project stakeholders begin to use 3D modeling to generate some level of collaboration and standardized information exchange. Level 2 involves more advanced collaboration and integration between project stakeholders. Each discipline uses their own 3D models, but they are shared through a common data environment (CDE) and adhere to defined standards and protocols. Level 3 represents the highest level of BIM implementation. At this stage, all project stakeholders work on a single, shared 3D model in a cloud-based environment.

BIM standards are the guiding force for collaborative construction. The ISO 19650 series prioritizes standardized information management and interoperability. The evolution from PAS 1192 underscores maturity stages, while COBie and IFC ensure structured data delivery and seamless interoperability. These standards provide clarity on scope, quality benchmarks, and data format consistency, facilitating synchronized information flow in the dynamic BIM landscape. Adherence to these standards is pivotal for unlocking the full potential of collaborative construction.

The ISO 19650 series of standards includes recommendations, guidelines, activities, tasks and a step by step approach that support the management of information for the whole lifecycle of the asset. However, ISO 19650 is more than a set of guidelines; it represent a significant shift in the way the construction industry operates. By prioritizing standardized information management, interoperability, information security and health and safety, the standard is introducing a new era of collaboration through standardization. In addition, the Building Smart org supports the industry with open standards for effective digitization (IFC, BCF, MVDs, IDS, bsDD).

BIM standards play a vital role in ensuring effective communication and coordination among project stakeholders. Standards like ISO 19650, PAS 1192, COBie, and IFC offer guidance on organizing, managing, and exchanging information in construction projects using BIM. By adhering to these standards, stakeholders can ensure that information is shared accurately and in the appropriate scope, quality, and format, thus promoting seamless collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

ISO 19650: This international standard provides guidance on the organization and digitization of information about buildings and civil engineering works, including BIM. PAS 1192: This Publicly Available Specification (PAS) provides guidance on the management of information for the capital/delivery phase and the operational phase of construction projects using BIM. COBie: Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is a data format that specifies how to capture and deliver non-graphical information about a facility. IFC: Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is an open and neutral file format that allows the exchange and sharing of graphical and non-graphical information about a building or facility.

There is a variety of BIM professional titles in the global construction industry. The most commonly used are the BIM Manager, the BIM Coordinator and the BIM modeler. The BIM manager’s primary focus is on managing BIM practices within the organization itself and ensure that everyone is on board with the digital evolution. The BIM Coordinator coordinates and oversees the different disciplines. The BIM Modeler or author works to create accurate and detailed models. The efficiency of a BIM project lies on the ability of all team members to collaborate despite the titles used to describe their roles.

Actually I disagree and think the BIM world is making a mistake in defining new roles. The role of a project manager was and is information management. With BIM we add a digital component to it and most project managers don't have the know how to manage information digitally. Therefore the new role of the BIM manager. So instead of talking about new roles, it is better to talk about new competencies. The same applies to the BIM coordinator. Coordination is the responsibility of every trade. Now with the new technological options we have the new role of the BIM coordinator. But in fact this is only a quality assurance role - responsibility for coordination stays with the trades and the project manager. So again, it's about the competency

BIM Manager: The BIM Manager is responsible for overseeing the BIM implementation, coordinating the activities of project stakeholders, and ensuring that BIM standards and protocols are followed. They act as the central point of contact for BIM-related matters and may also be responsible for creating and maintaining the project (BEP). BIM Coordinator: The BIM Coordinator supports the BIM Manager and focuses on managing the technical aspects of BIM. This includes tasks such as model creation, validation, clash detection, and integration. BIM Authors are typically professionals from disciplines such as architecture, engineering, or construction. They are responsible for creating and updating the BIM model and associated information.

Applications are used to create and modify 3D models and associated project information. Some popular BIM software tools include Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla Structures, SketchUp, and Bentley MicroStation. Platforms facilitate communication, coordination, and data sharing among project stakeholders. They often include features such as document management, clash detection, and real-time collaboration. Examples of BIM collaboration platforms are Autodesk BIM 360, Aconex, BIM Track, and Procore. Laser scanners and other scanning devices are used to capture precise measurements and data from existing buildings or sites. VR and AR tools enhance visualization and communication by providing immersive and interactive experiences with the BIM model.

I think it's helpfull to categorize software in: Modeling tools e.g. Sketchup, Revit, Archicad, Vectorworks, .... Quality management tools e.g. Navisworks, Solibri, SimpleBIM BIMcollab Zoom, ... Collaboration tools e.g. AEC construction clouds, BIM+, Trimble connect, Speckle, ... Simulation tools e.g. Ida Ice, Excel,, Cost Calculation tools, ...