BIM for collaborative working
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital method for representing the physical and functional characteristics of a building. A “Building Information Model” is a shared source of information about a building that provides a reliable basis for decision-making throughout its lifecycle; that is, from earliest conception to demolition. Essentially, BIM uses intelligent 3D models to capture consistent and coordinated planning, design, construction and operational data. All stakeholders can contribute content to the model. Accordingly, the factory designer can contribute all information about a production facility, for example, to the model. Each object contains a visual component as well as metadata about the part or system, including serial numbers, operational specifications, warranty information and more.
What needs to be considered for a successful BIM implementation?
For a successful implementation of Building Information Modeling, it is recommended to regulate the cooperation, responsibilities and roles and to define the project phase-related goals in advance of the project. The following roles need to be filled:
BIM-Manager
The client’s BIM manager is opposite the contractor’s overall BIM coordinator. His main task is to ensure the methods and processes as well as to control the planning coordination between user/operator, factory planner and general planner.
BIM Overall Coordinator
The BIM overall coordinator is responsible on the contractor’s side (general planner) for compliance with the data exchange processes, the development of the BIM execution plan (in the tender process) and its updating (in the planning process).
BIM Coordinator
The coordinators of the object and specialist planners check the partial and domain models before publication. With the publication, the partial and domain models are made available to other planners. The check for collisions and the QA for completeness are based on the same principles as those of the overall coordinator. The BIM coordinators should act according to the dual control principle and should not be the authors of the model elements at the same time. The coordinators also perform an input check on the models that serve as the basis or reference for their own design work. The BIM coordinator is responsible for the component catalogs and the complete assignment of the components as well as their correct classification in the IFC diagram and supports the authors of the model elements in their implementation in the modeling process. The uniform spatial structuring of the building model and its consistent compliance are also part of their remit. The BIM coordinators are in close contact with the overall coordinator of the general planner and report on content-related and technical problems in order to find a solution.
BIM Modeler
BIM model element authors, including draftsmen and designers, are the people who perform modeling in BIM-enabled CAD software solutions. In their design and planning activities, they must observe the relevant specifications, such as the generally applicable modeling regulations, spatial structuring and classification requirements of the client.
Clear advantages for you as a factory operator
One data source
They have access to the model at any time, which enables all planners involved to work more efficiently. If technically and economically feasible, planning content that is not modeled should also be included in the BIM coordination model in order to link this content to the BIM methodology (e.g., fire protection, safety, factory planning, etc.). There is only one single source of truth. This single, continuously updated source of design data for both the manufacturing equipment and the factory shell eliminates inconsistencies.
Higher efficiency
Model-based planning and coordination enables complex planning tasks to be presented clearly to all those involved in the planning process as well as to the decision-makers, taking into account a wide range of aspects. Planning meetings and coordination services should therefore take place with 3D building models from all disciplines wherever possible. A combination of 2D documentation and 3D documentation can be largely ruled out and carries a potential risk. It should be used as the leading source for modeling all trades in the BIM process.
Acceptance with transparency and metrics
With the introduction of Building Information Modeling, the general goal is to transfer as many testing tasks as possible, which were previously carried out by comparison with lists and requirements catalogs, into rule-based and automated tests. This makes requirements continuously measurable and not only when milestones are reached. These rule-based test routines should be described, made available to the client for their own implementation, and the test protocols documented.
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