BIM Execution Plan (BEP) | Key Elements of BEP | Advantages of BXP

The BIM Execution Plan (BEP) aims to establish a fundamental framework for the successful application of advanced design technologies on BIM-enabled projects. The BEP focuses on streamlining the model and workflow throughout the project as opposed to segregated interest optimization. To prevent risks, rework, redundancies, or gaps in the flow of (model-based) information downstream, excellent planning of the design-build process is essential.

The conventional BEP may be sufficient to address the BIM process on smaller renovation projects with limited engineering or build-side participation. A BEP will be required for the Architects, Engineers, and General Contractors for larger projects with several team members on both the design and construction phases to better synchronize the BIM workflow.

??When to use the BIM Execution Plan?

The Project BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is a thorough plan that outlines the project's BIM-related execution, monitoring, and organization. The goal of the BIM Execution Plan is to lay out the opportunities and obligations associated with projects that utilize BIM, ensuring that everyone engaged is fully informed. The project's BIM strategy is laid out in the plan. Throughout phases of the project life cycle, it specifies the process's goals, objectives, and personnel duties. The BIM Execution Plan should be viewed as a dynamic document that may be created and improved throughout the project to guarantee that it stays on schedule and meets the requirements outlined in the brief.

??4 stages of BIM Implementation

The implementation of BIM will require detailed planning and preparation, just like any other change management process. BIM implementation must be done in stages with careful planning and execution. Let's have a look at the four main steps of implementing BIM.

• Assessment/ Evaluation
• Project Pre-Planning
• Execution of the Plan for Design and Construction Phases
• Maintenance and Operations

Assessment/ Evaluation:

As part of an internal evaluation process, make the Building Information Modeling implementation strategy and intent accessible to people within your organization. The best practices for implementing the initial stage of BIM are mentioned below.

• Identify the technological and procedural capabilities of your team.
• Schedule discussions to gather feedback from the internal team before introducing new processes, workflows, and technologies.
• Assess the legal agreements and deliverables required of each party through due diligence.
• Ensure that the decision to adopt BIM in the organization has the full support of senior leadership.

Project Pre-Planning

Pre-planning for a project is essential for a smooth transition of information in BIM. The success of BIM implementation depends on standardized technology processes and qualified personnel.

• Standardization: Establish uniform guidelines for the use of the BIM process. Make sure to establish a process flow for data interchange, archiving, and updating on a real-time basis to prevent crucial data loss.
• Training: To prepare the internal team for the latest software, technology, and process, schedule a lot of sessions for training and development to boost their BIM proficiency.

Execution of the Plan for Design and Construction Phases

To decide how the plan will be carried out, every project stakeholder must be involved in the decision-making process.?Throughout the BIM project life cycle, this phase establishes the social relationships of the project team. The following data must be included in a BIM execution plan.

• Portfolio Administration
• Planning & Implementing Using Test Case Scenarios
• Space Management
• Restructuring the Team
• Transfer of Data
• Defining New Responsibilities and Roles
• Performance Measurement

Maintenance and Operations

The high-level digital model created during the design stage serves as a foundation during the operations and maintenance stage. The recommended practice is to update the model using the building data and include operations and maintenance for the facility.

The following aspects affect whether the high levels design model may be used for operations and maintenance:

• The list of elements integrated into the model while designing.
• The model must be updated and all the relevant information is incorporated religiously.
• All the project participants with the accessibility to the digital model must be able to retrieve data smoothly.

The requirements and structures of each organization may vary, and the actions carried out during these phases may change to meet those requirements.

The success of BIM implementation will primarily depend on the readiness and capacity of the current organization. There are various phases to BIM implementation and standard procedures that enable a smooth transition to BIM technology. Therefore, it is advised to set up a step-by-step method and follow it meticulously.

??What are the two types of BIM Execution Plans (BEP)?

The two types of BEP are: Pre-contract BIM Execution Plan and Post-contract BIM Execution Plan

**Pre-contract BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

The BIM plans offered throughout the bidding stage are called pre-contract implementation plans. The supplier will outline their suggested strategy, available capacity, and other related information. The pre-contract BEP may include specifics created by the supplier or it may meet specifications outlined by the employer in a document like an Employer's Information Requirements (EIR).

**Post-contract BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

After the contract is awarded, a new BIM Implementation Plan which is also known as the "post-contract BIM execution plan will be created to confirm supply chain capabilities and to make any necessary corrections. Adding a master plan is another option. Individual Task Information Delivery Plans can be used to identify further who is in charge of delivering each component of information.

??10 Key Elements of a Good BIM Execution Plan

A successful BEP avoids misunderstandings and unnecessary delays while positioning your team and project for success. A good plan must have the following 10 components:

1. Well-defined roles and responsibilities of each team and organization
2. ?Strategy planning of key deliverables by defining BIM scope
3. Setting up key project milestones & realistic schedule
4. Well-planned collaborative processes
5. Project Information Plan (PIP)
6. Task Information Delivery Plan (TIDP): Indicating each supplier's information delivery
7. Master Information Delivery Plan (MIDP)
8. Schedule for coordination indicating roles and defined protocols
9. Defined quality control technique of BIM models
10. Working Procedures

• File-naming conventions
• Requirement of data attribute
• Construction tolerance expectations
• Approach to abbreviations, annotations, and symbols for the respective project
• Requirement of technical infrastructure, including software and hardware need
• BIM iteration management
• Data transfer management (Exchange tools, data format, etc.)

??Benefits of Using BIM Execution Plan (BXP)

In order to keep projects going forward and generate deliverables on schedule, crucial data must frequently be found and identified before plan execution becomes stalled and obscured by unnecessary micro-details. By concentrating on the crucial aspects rather than just the minor ones, properly constructed BEPs keep teams on track and help them save hours. Here are five significant advantages of developing and using BIM execution plans in your upcoming building project.

?Clear Communication:

Since the early stage of a building project, BXP encourages fast communication across teams which aids in managing roles, setting expectations, and ensuring that all project participants have access to clear communications.

?Greater Collaboration:

Every construction project is significantly different from the others, and each one may have unique requirements, regulations, and internal standards depending on the project specifications. The project team should work together in real-time on different stages of the project utilizing a living, breathing document, BXP. This will prevent needless silos among project tasks and allow for the proper attention to be given to the specific project regardless of the requirements or standards in place.

?Time-Saving:

A tight deadline is one of the toughest obstacles in every construction project. With a good BXP that focuses on project advantages, nobody will be mired down by studied details, which frequently cause detrimental delays to project deliverables. Instead, only the most crucial information is incorporated and made available in this plan, preserving your deliverables timeline throughout the project.

?Flawless Data Sharing:

BIM execution plans significantly increase transparency because they are available to all teams and stakeholders right away. From contractors to project owners, and everyone in between, BEP data(such as file formats, details, and model dimensions) is directly accessible in a way that is simple to exchange and updated whenever required.

?Better Project Execution:

The teams can communicate and work together better from the very beginning of the project by creating a BEP that is focused on the specific project rather than including every standard ever produced. This ensures a compact completion and execution, gratifying project owners and stakeholders. To deliver projects on time and under budget, this strategy must be carried out to keep things moving and accountable.

??Wrapping Up

"Information" is the most crucial component of BIM (Building Information Modeling). Facilitating the management of information in a BIM project is the goal of creating a BIM Execution Plan (BEP). It may be characterized as the strategy created to streamline how the "Information Modeling" component of a project will be carried out.

The BIM process is heavily dependent on an execution plan. Every new construction development project needs a BXP. When working on a project where worldwide collaboration is crucial, it becomes much more important. It guarantees that reliable information is available at all times and all touchpoints.