Building Information Modeling (BIM) and information management are two complementary concepts that can help to improve the quality, efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making of construction projects.
What is BIM?
BIM is a process of creating and managing digital information about a built asset. This digital model includes information about the building's geometry, materials, components, and systems. BIM can be used throughout the building lifecycle, from planning and design to construction and operations.
What is information management?
Information management is the process of organizing, storing, and retrieving information. This includes defining the information requirements for a project, collecting, and managing the information throughout the project lifecycle, and ensuring that the information is secure and accessible.
How do BIM and information management work together?
BIM relies on information management to ensure that the digital information about a built asset is accurate, consistent, and accessible to all project stakeholders. Information management provides the framework for organizing and storing BIM data, and it also helps to ensure that the data is secure and accessible.
Examples of BIM and information management in practice
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Common data environment (CDE): The CDE is a central repository for all project information, including BIM data. The CDE is used to share information between project stakeholders, and it also helps to ensure that the information is secure and accessible.
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Information delivery plans (IDPs): IDPs are documents that define the information requirements for a project. IDPs are used to ensure that the right information is collected and managed throughout the project lifecycle.
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BIM standards: BIM standards are used to ensure that BIM data is consistent and interoperable. BIM standards help to ensure that the information in the CDE can be used by different software applications and by different project stakeholders.
The many benefits of BIM
BIM models can be used to improve the efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making of construction projects. They can help to reduce errors and omissions, improve coordination and collaboration, analyze, and simulate different scenarios, and assess the environmental impact of a building project. This can save time and money and help to make buildings more sustainable.
Types of BIM models
There are different types of BIM models, each with its own purpose. Some of the most common types of BIM models include:
- 3D BIM: These models represent the physical structure of a building. They can be used to visualize the building and to analyze its geometry.
- 4D BIM: These models include time information. They can be used to track the progress of a construction project and to simulate the construction process.
- 5D BIM: These models include cost information. They can be used to estimate the cost of a building project and to track the project's budget.
- 6D BIM: These models include environmental information. They can be used to assess the environmental impact of a building project.
What you need to know about BIM standards and tools
- PAS 1192 is a series of British Standards that provide guidance on the use of BIM. PAS 1192-2 focuses specifically on project delivery. Its application begins with the statement of need and works through the stages of the information delivery cycle, culminating in an as-constructed asset information model (AIM).
- Uniclass 2015 is a unified classification system for the built environment covering all sectors and roles, delivered by NBS. It provides a common language for describing building components and systems, which can be used to exchange information between different BIM software programs.
- IFC Viewer is a free software program that can be used to view and explore IFC files. IFC files are a standard format for exchanging BIM data between different software programs. IFC Viewer can be used to view IFC files on a computer or mobile device.
These are just a few of the many standards and tools that are available to support the use of BIM. As BIM becomes more widespread, there will be a need for more standards and tools to help people work with BIM data.
Putting information management into practice
Emails are a valuable source of information for BIM projects. They can contain important details about the project, such as design specifications, construction schedules, and cost estimates. However, emails can also be difficult to manage, especially as projects become more complex.
Ideagen Mail Manager is a software solution that can help to improve the information management aspects of BIM projects. It can help to improve the management of BIM-related emails by providing a central repository for all emails which contains BIM data. This can help to ensure that the data is organized, and all stakeholders have access to the latest information.
Information management is vital to the success of projects
Without proper information management, BIM data can quickly become disorganized and inaccessible, which can lead to errors, delays, and cost overruns.
If you’d like to learn more on how Mail Manager can help you address your information management concerns, book a demo with our team today or download a free trial!
