SUCCESS DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE:

BIM PROJECT EXECUTION PLANNING

By: Jeffrey W. Ouellette, Assoc. AIA, IES,
Vice Chair of the National BIM Standard - United States® Version 3 Project Committee
 BIM PXP
Based on the BIM Project Execution Planning Guide by the Penn State CIC Research Team
http://bim.psu.edu

OPERATE CONSTRUCT DESIGN PLAN

BIM PxP

Delivery Strategy/Contract

Communication Procedures

Technology Infrastructure Needs

Model Quality Control Procedure

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WHAT IS A
BIM PROJECT EXECUTION PLAN (BIM PxP)?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) provides many unique opportunities, as well as
challenges, to create better value and achieve greater success with building projects, from
project planning to building occupancy and maintenance. It is essential to put together a
comprehensive, detailed, and systematic approach to implementing BIM processes and
technologies for a project, providing paths for success and even contingencies for possible
failures, distributing responsibility and risk through a greater collaborative effort. This approach
should be designed and documented with as much care as the proposed building itself.

This is what we call a BIM Project Execution Plan (BIM PxP),

also known as a BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

In 2007, the Computer Integrated Construction (CIC) program at Penn State initiated a
research project to develop such a guide and set of tools to enable project teams to internally
examine and plan their implementation of BIM to get the best results. Penn State’s research
and products [http://bim.psu.edu] are the most widely used or have become the basis for other
independent, localized developments across the globe. At the core of all of the planning
guides is the notion of developing, documenting, and promoting structured procedures for all
stakeholders throughout the process of designing, constructing, and operating a building.

Success Doesn’t Happen by Chance: BIM Project Execution Planning VECTORWORKS.NET

 WHY CREATE A
BIM PxP?
As the industry moves toward increased creation and utilization of digital data during the
design, procurement, construction, and operation of buildings, staying on top of all the
possible uses of such data, communications between project stakeholders, and how their
workflows effect each other, becomes more important than ever. The BIM PxP becomes the
mutually agreed upon focal point and reference for the project team to succeed in delivering
the highest-quality project possible, with clarity and consistency of purpose and action.

At the highest level, the BIM PxP provides clarity and understanding of strategic goals for
all parties involved. These may include, but are not limited to, better design coordination
between discipline and systems (e.g. architecture, structure, mechanical, and electrical systems,
etc.), discovering construction efficiencies during the design process, and more effective cost
tracking prior to bidding and procurement, as well as needed data handover after construction
for facility maintenance and operations or asset portfolio management by the owner.

At the same time, the BIM PxP provides clarity and understanding of roles and
responsibilities for all project stakeholders, which may evolve over the many different stages
of project execution. Not only does this include general team leadership and overall BIM
management for the project, but also who is responsible for what information, processes,
and communications, such as who is responsible for adding or analyzing information at
specific stages and who is responsible for making decisions or signing off on results.

The BIM PxP is also where execution procedures or processes are considered. These
procedures are designed and tailored for the project and the team members participating in the
project. Spending the time and effort to plan for both success and failure is an often overlooked
and underrated step toward the overall success of a project’s execution. By providing a step-
by-step path to move forward and stay the course, project stakeholders can measure the
project’s progress as well as their own place and progress within that path. Contingencies for
setbacks or disruptions, which inevitably happen, can be built into the plan ahead of time.

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WHY CREATE A
BIM PxP? [CONT’D]
Besides model/data aggregation, coordination, and management, the BIM PxP can
specify which models and data are appropriate for pricing or performance simulation
and when they should be handed from one party to another for such purposes. Defining
these Information Exchanges (IEs) is a crucial part of optimizing the flow of essential
information during all stages of project design, development, construction, and operation.

As a whole, the BIM PxP establishes a reference standard for current and future
participants in a project. As mentioned earlier, not every project participant may be
involved from the very beginning of the project and BIM PxP formulation. However, a
well-documented BIM PxP can make the onboarding process for these stakeholders,
whenever and wherever they may join or leave the project, much easier and allow them
to gain the most from the work already done by the rest of the team and/or add value
to the project with their own contributions. In addition, the BIM PxP acts as a reference
document for future projects, either as a template or as a learning experience of the
best, and worst, features that should be considered when developing the next plan.

Finally, the BIM PxP outlines additional resources, training, other competencies, or
technology needed to successfully implement BIM by all parties. Instead of finding a
least-common denominator, where the goals, implementation, and success of a project
are determined by the abilities of the least-informed stakeholder, the BIM PxP should be
seen as an opportunity to establish a best-common denominator, setting an achievable,
but progressive bar for all project participants to meet. Some may have to invest a bit more,
or learn new skills, but this should be seen as an opportunity to invest, grow, and build
expertise for future projects and their success. The BIM PxP can also provide smaller,
more granular “recipes” for achieving success in technology implementations, training,
or adoption of practices that might be unfamiliar, but proven effective in the past.

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 BIM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Based on the BIM Project Execution Planning Guide by the Penn State CIC Research Team
http://bim.psu.edu

SAMPLE PROJECT DATE

Organizational Roles/Staffing

BIM Roles and Responsibilities

Describe BIM roles and responsibilities such as BIM Managers, Project
Managers, Draftspersons, etc.

BIM Use Staffing

For each BIM Use selected, identify the team within the organization (or
organizations) who will staff and perform that Use and estimate the personal
time required.

# OF TOTAL ESTIMATED LEAD

BIM USE ORGANIZATION LOCATION(S)
STAFF FOR BIM USE WORKER HOURS CONTACT

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WHO SHOULD BE PART OF
THE BIM PxP DEVELOPMENT?
Ideally, every stakeholder involved in all aspects of the entire lifecycle of the building, from
design through construction to occupation by the owner, would be involved in providing input
and feedback regarding what value they can bring to the project and other stakeholders, as
well as their expectations for what is needed for them to execute their particular missions.
Realistically, it may not be possible to anticipate every stakeholder at the very beginning,
nor may it be feasible to lock them all into the project before it has even started.

The beginning of the BIM PxP process should involve the overall project and primary
stakeholder leadership to determine the high-value, strategic goals. After these have been
established, the details of roles, responsibilities, procedures, resources, competencies, and
technology should involve the daily implementers from each of the known stakeholders. Care
should be taken by the team to consider the needs and options for those project contributors
that have yet to be identified or brought on board. Project leadership, the general contractor,
and design team leaders may have insight to help anticipate the needs of future participants.

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 BIM PROJECT
http://bim.psu.edu EXECUTION PLANNING PROCEDURE
Based on the BIM Project Execution Planning Guide by the Penn State CIC Research Team

OPERATE CONSTRUCT DESIGN PLAN

Identify BIM Goals Define project and team value

and Uses through the identification of BIM
Goals and Uses.

Develop a process which includes

Design BIM Project
tasks supported by BIM along
Execution Process
with information exchanges.

BIM PxP

Develop the information content,

Develop
level of detail, and responsible
Information Exchanges
party for each exchange.

Delivery Strategy/Contract

Define Supporting Define the project infrastructure Communication Procedures

Infrastructure for required to support the developed
BIM Implementation BIM process.
Technology Infrastructure Needs

Model Quality Control Procedure

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HOW IS A
BIM PxP CREATED?
The key element of creating a BIM PxP is communication. Through the use of
face-to-face project team meetings, video conferencing, or other communication
technologies, in conjunction with guides and templates, such as the Penn State
materials, a general procedure can be used to discuss and determine the plan,
as well as create the actual documentation. This procedure includes:

• Identifying goals and high-value BIM Uses throughout the lifecycle of the project;

• Designing the BIM project execution process;

• Developing Information Exchanges;

• Developing the formal documentation, which specify the necessary processes,

data, infrastructure, and any other components, to support implementation.

With collaborative effort, the BIM PxP process should have an individual or small
team provide leadership, usher the planning process, and be responsible for final
documentation and administration of the BIM PxP. This leadership may or may
not be the same person or people as the overall project leadership — however, it
should be understood that this particular role is unique and valuable to everyone’s
success, being non-partisan and supportive to all team members.

Success Doesn’t Happen by Chance: BIM Project Execution Planning VECTORWORKS.NET

 http://bim.psu.edu
DESIGN COORDINATION - PROCESS MAP EXAMPLE
Based on the BIM Project Execution Planning Guide by the Penn State CIC Research Team
REFERENCE INFO.

Company Contract Information

Implementation Requirements Exchange
Standards Requirements

Create Model
Sharing System
BIM COORDINATOR

Define Coordination
Meeting Location
BIM COORDINATOR
PROCESS

Define Info for Create Compile Perform Collision Identify Solutions

YES
Discipline Models Discipline Models Composite Model Detection Collisions? to Collisions
ALL DISCIPLINES ALL DISCIPLINES BIM COORDINATOR BIM COORDINATOR ALL DISCIPLINES
NO

Start Process Start Design

Coordination
Define Areas Develop Schedule Process
of Coordination for Coordination
ALL DISCIPLINES ALL DISCIPLINES

Establish a Protocol End Process

to Address Collisions
ALL DISCIPLINES
INFO. EXCHANGE

Design Coordination Coordination

Model Model by Model
Discipline

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 WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A BIM PxP?
As all building projects and their teams are unique, the BIM PxP can be as complex or
simple as required, tailored specifically to each project and project team. Even within
the variations of project types, sizes, contexts, and stakeholder composition, there
are many common elements that can be applied to a project from a guide and its
associated templates, ensuring consistency and predictability. In general, there are four
major sections or focus areas of a BIM PxP and its documentation. These include:

1.
GENERAL PROJECT INFO
all of the basic execution plan, project, and participant information
is compiled for easy reference, including:

BIM PxP Overview | Project Information | Key Project Contacts

2. GOALS & REQUIREMENTS

the general framework of the BIM PxP expectations and instruments
of execution and success are compiled, including:

Project Goals / BIM Uses | BIM and Facility Data Requirements | Project Deliverables
Delivery Strategy / Contract

3.
BIM PROCESS DESIGN
more detailed execution process requirements, including means and methods of the
use of BIM data, as well as procedures for the exchange of said data, such as:

BIM Information Exchanges | Model Structure | Collaboration Procedures | Quality Control

4.
PROJECT TEAM REQUIREMENTS
a comprehensive compilation of information about the resources key to
the implementation of the plan and the responsibilities all stakeholders
have in the execution of the project during all stages, including:

Organizational Roles and Staffing | Technology Infrastructure Needs

In addition, the final form of the BIM PxP documentation may also include
an appendix of supplementary material, typically a collection of supporting
materials for the other focus areas of the execution plan.
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 APPENDIX: REFERENCES
BUILDINGSMART INTERNATIONAL http://buildingsmart.org

BIM Guides and Standards survey

http://www.bimguides.org

UNITED STATES

National BIM Standard – United States® Version 3 (NBIMS-US™ V3)

https://www.nationalbimstandard.org
» Level of Development Specification (Sec. 2.7)
» Terms and Definitions (Sec. 3)
» Information Exchange Standards (Sec. 4)
» Minimum BIM 2nd Ed. (Sec. 5.2)
» BIM PxP Guide v2.1 (Sec. 5.3)
» BIM PxP Content v2.1 (Sec. 5.4)
» Planning, Executing and Managing Information Handovers (Sec. 5.6)
» BIM Planning Guide for Owners v2.0 (Sec. 5.7)
» BIM Uses (Sec. 5.9)

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA) CONTRACT DOCUMENTS

http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/index.htm

Integrated Project Delivery

http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/referencematerial/aiab099123
» AIA Document C191™–2009, Standard Form Multi-Party Agreement
for Integrated Project Delivery
» AIA Document C195™–2008, Standard Form Single Purpose
Entity Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery

Digital Practice
http://www.aia.org/contractdocs/referencematerial/aiab099128
» Guide, Instructions and Commentary to the 2013 AIA Digital Practice Documents
http://www.aia.org/groups/aia/documents/pdf/aiab095711.pdf
» AIA Document E203™– 2013, Building Information Modeling and Digital Data Exhibit
» AIA Document G201™– 2013, Project Digital Data Protocol Form
» AIA Document G202™– 2013, Project Building Information Modeling Protocol Form

CONSENSUSDOCS®
http://consensusdocs.org/Catalog/collaborative
» Consensus Docs Guidebook
» 300 - NEW: Multi-Party Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Agreement
» 301 - Building Information Modeling (BIM) Addendum
» 396 - NEW: Tri Party Agreement for Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

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APPENDIX: REFERENCES
BIMFORUM

2015 LOD Specification http://bimforum.org/lod/

UNITED KINGDOM

BIM Task Group (UK)

http://www.bimtaskgroup.org
» PAS 1192-2:2013 http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/pas-1192-22013/
and http://shop.bsigroup.com/navigate-by/pas/pas-1192-22013/
» BS1192:2007

AEC (UK) CAD & BIM Standards

https://aecuk.wordpress.com/documents/
» BIM Technology Protocol v2.1
» BIM Execution Plan v2.0
» Model Matrix v2.0

Construction Project Information Committee (CPI)

» CPIx Protocols http://www.cpic.org.uk/cpix/

INSTITUTE FOR BIM IN CANADA (IBC)

https://www.ibc-bim.ca

Contract Language Documents

BIM PxP Toolkit Package

Benefits of BIM for Owners

NATSPEC BIM (AUSTRALIA)

http://bim.natspec.org

National BIM Guide

BIM Management Plan (BMP) and Project BIM Brief Templates

BIM Value Tool

SINGAPORE CORENET
https://www.corenet.gov.sg/general/e-info.aspx

BIM Guide V2.0

BIM Essential Guides

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LEARN MORE
about how Vectorworks can help you
implement and develop BIM workflows.

Email us at hello@vectorworks.net.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeffrey W. Ouellette, Assoc. AIA, IES is chair of the buildingSMART

International Implementation Support Group, and was previously
the vice chair of the buildingSMART National BIM Standard –
United States® Version 3 Project Committee. He is also a senior
product specialist at Vectorworks, Inc., global design and
BIM software developer. Ouellette presents on BIM topics at
global industry events and his articles and views on BIM and
the architecture industry have been published in Architectural
Products and Green Building Journal, ARCHITECT Magazine,
AECCafe, BIMCrunch, ChinaBIM, and JBIM/JNIBS. He earned
a Bachelor of Architecture professional degree from Iowa
State University, and he has worked as a project manager and
designer for architecture firms in Minnesota, Iowa, and Texas.

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