Keys aspects of a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

The BIM Execution Plan is a key and dynamic document that defines the goals for the implementation of the BIM methodology in a project. It addresses the requirements set by the client, defining the scope, uses, process flow, roles, responsibilities, milestones, tasks and tools to be used.

The BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is a fundamental document that is written to provide a framework for the implementation of BIM in the project. There is no standard implementation method for each project. Only the team that understands the client's needs, objectives and team capabilities can implement BIM effectively. The development, updating, and revision of this document at each stage of the project is essential to get the maximum benefit from BIM implementation.

Is there a pre-contract and a post-contract BEP?

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At the tender stage, before the contract is agreed, potential suppliers will develop a BEP with the objective of demonstrating their capabilities, competencies and approach to meeting the customer's requirements. Once the contract is awarded, the winning supplier will submit a BEP containing the master plan for information delivery and defining the project workflow.

What are the advantages of a BEP?

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The main benefits of a BEP are the following ones:

• The stakeholder will have a clear understanding of the strategic goals for implementing a BIM project.
• It helps to understand the roles and responsibilities of the members of each work team.
• By describing strategies, methodology and increasing the level of planning, the number of uncertainties in the implementation process is reduced.
• Encourages communication and collaboration between teams from the start of the project.
• Data is shared by all in a structured way.
• It provides a reference point for describing the process to future participants joining the project.

What kind of information should be included in a BEP?

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A BEP should address the following categories of information:

1. Project information: Project number, location, description of the project and its particularities.
2. Key project contacts.
3. Project goals / BIM goals: The strategic value and specific BIM uses of the project must be documented.
4. Roles and responsibilities: one of the main tasks is to define the coordinator(s) of the planning and implementation process throughout the various stages of the project. This is particularly important when identifying the organizations that will initiate the development of the BIM plan, as well as the staff required to implement the plan successfully.
5. BIM process design: this section should illustrate the execution process through the use of process maps that are developed in the second step of the planning procedure.
6. BIM information exchange: the model elements and the level of detail required to implement each use of BIM should be clearly defined in the information exchange requirements.
7. Collaboration procedures: the team should develop its digital and collaborative activity procedures. This includes defining model management procedures (e.g. file structures and file permissions).
8. Quality control procedures: a procedure should be developed and monitored to ensure that project participants comply with the requirements defined in the BEP.
9. Technology infrastructure requirements: the hardware, software and network infrastructure needed to execute the plan should be determined.
10. Model structure: the team should analyze and document elements such as model structure, file naming structure, coordinate system and modelling standards.
11. Project deliverables: the deliverables required by the owner should be documented.
12. Delivery strategy / contracts: this section should describe the delivery strategy to be used in the project.

  Author: M. Lucrecia Real, BIM Consultant – Master's in BIM Management Professor (Spanish edition)