USING BIM TO WIN INDUSTRIALS CONSTRUCTIONS BUSINESS

Introduction

In the highly competitive and capital-intensive realm of industrial construction, securing new business hinges not merely on competitive pricing but increasingly on demonstrating superior project predictability, efficiency, and risk mitigation. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is no longer an optional technological enhancement; it is a strategic imperative that empowers firms to differentiate themselves, showcase unparalleled capability, and ultimately win lucrative industrial construction contracts.

This guide outlines a strategic approach to leveraging BIM across eight critical areas: BIM Execution Plan, BIM Convention, BIM Content Development, BIM Dimensions (3D to 7D), BIM Implementation, Project BIM Workflow, BIM Coordination, and BIM Project Support. By mastering these elements, construction firms can position themselves as industry leaders and win more business.

The Strategic Imperative of a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)

A meticulously developed BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is the cornerstone of any successful BIM implementation and, crucially, a potent instrument for winning industrial construction business. As articulated in the BIM Project Execution Planning Guide V2.0 (The Pennsylvania State University, 2010), a BEP defines "the appropriate uses for BIM on a project (e.g., design authoring, cost estimating, and design coordination)" (p. 3). For industrial clients, often operating with highly specialized assets and complex processes, a well-defined BEP demonstrates a firm’s foresight and methodical approach. It quantifies the value proposition by outlining how BIM will:

Align with Client Objectives: A BEP shows how specific BIM uses (e.g., site utilization planning for optimized logistics or energy analysis for operational efficiency) directly address the client’s project goals and long-term asset performance needs.

Ensure Predictability and Reduce Risk: By detailing processes like clash detection, model reviews, and information exchange protocols, the BEP assures clients that design and construction issues will be identified and resolved in the virtual environment, minimizing costly on-site surprises and delays a paramount concern for industrial projects.

Enhance Transparency and Accountability: The BEP assigns roles, responsibilities, and information delivery milestones, creating a clear framework for collaboration that instills confidence in the client regarding the project’s governance and control.

From a business development perspective, presenting a robust BEP signifies a firm’s commitment to advanced project management and a deep understanding of the project's unique challenges, effectively pre-empting client concerns about project delivery.

A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is essential for defining project goals, workflows, and stakeholder responsibilities. It ensures alignment between project teams and establishes clear  expectations for data management, collaboration, and deliverables. Key components of a BEP include:

Project objectives and BIM use cases: Define BIM objectives (e.g., clash detection, cost estimation, sustainability analysis).

Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders: Assign BIM managers, modelers, and coordinators.

Software & Standards: Specify tools (e.g., Autodesk Revit, Navisworks) and industry standards (ISO 19650, COBie).

Data exchange protocols and interoperability: Establish file-sharing procedures (IFC, NWD formats).

Quality control measures for model accuracy.

The Power of a BIM Convention

Complementing the BEP, a comprehensive BIM Convention acts as a contractual framework, solidifying collaborative procedures and data exchange protocols. As highlighted by the Ordre des Architectes (2018), a BIM convention defines "all collaborative procedures, the steps to be followed by all stakeholders to produce, calibrate, validate, and transmit the data constituting the model" (p. 1). A BIM convention, aligned with ISO 19650, ensures interoperability and consistency, facilitating collaboration on large-scale industrial facilities. For industrial clients, this legal and operational clarity is invaluable:

Mitigates Data Interoperability Risks: By specifying data formats (e.g., IFC, COBie), naming conventions, and software compatibility, the BIM convention minimizes the risk of data loss or misinterpretation across multiple stakeholders and software platforms, a critical concern in complex industrial ecosystems.

Establishes Clear Expectations: It outlines deliverables, exchange frequencies, quality control measures, and procedures for modifications and validations, fostering a disciplined environment that reduces ambiguities and disputes.

Builds Trust: Demonstrating such a rigorous approach to information management and collaboration from the outset assures clients of a highly organized, controlled, and efficient project execution process. This proactive risk management is a significant differentiator in securing contracts.

Best Practices:

Naming Conventions: Use consistent file naming (e.g., ProjectName_Discipline_Date).

Layer & Color Standards: Follow industry norms (e.g., AIA CAD Layer Guidelines).

Model Breakdown Structure (MBS): Organize models by discipline (architecture, structure, MEP).

 The BIM Convention provides a contractual and procedural framework for collaboration. It outlines levels of development (LOD), modeling standards, software environments, and data exchange formats. As emphasized by ARCHITECTES.ORG (2018), the convention serves as the ‘rulebook’ for project execution, ensuring data integrity and interoperability among all stakeholders throughout phases such as APS, APD, and PRO.

Why It Wins Business: Standardization minimizes errors and rework, making firms more reliable (Smith, 2020).

The Power of a BIM Convention

Complementing the BEP, a comprehensive BIM Convention acts as a contractual framework, solidifying collaborative procedures and data exchange protocols. As highlighted by the Ordre des Architectes (2018), a BIM convention defines "all collaborative procedures, the steps to be followed by all stakeholders to produce, calibrate, validate, and transmit the data constituting the model" (p. 1). A BIM convention, aligned with ISO 19650, ensures interoperability and consistency, facilitating collaboration on large-scale industrial facilities. For industrial clients, this legal and operational clarity is invaluable:

Mitigates Data Interoperability Risks: By specifying data formats (e.g., IFC, COBie), naming conventions, and software compatibility, the BIM convention minimizes the risk of data loss or misinterpretation across multiple stakeholders and software platforms, a critical concern in complex industrial ecosystems.

Establishes Clear Expectations: It outlines deliverables, exchange frequencies, quality control measures, and procedures for modifications and validations, fostering a disciplined environment that reduces ambiguities and disputes.

Builds Trust: Demonstrating such a rigorous approach to information management and collaboration from the outset assures clients of a highly organized, controlled, and efficient project execution process. This proactive risk management is a significant differentiator in securing contracts.

Best Practices:

Naming Conventions: Use consistent file naming (e.g., ProjectName_Discipline_Date).

Layer & Color Standards: Follow industry norms (e.g., AIA CAD Layer Guidelines).

Model Breakdown Structure (MBS): Organize models by discipline (architecture, structure, MEP).

 The BIM Convention provides a contractual and procedural framework for collaboration. It outlines levels of development (LOD), modeling standards, software environments, and data exchange formats. As emphasized by ARCHITECTES.ORG (2018), the convention serves as the ‘rulebook’ for project execution, ensuring data integrity and interoperability among all stakeholders throughout phases such as APS, APD, and PRO.

Why It Wins Business: Standardization minimizes errors and rework, making firms more reliable (Smith, 2020)

BIM Content Development: Precision for Competitive Edge

The creation and management of BIM Content the intelligent objects used within the BIM are foundational to the model’s utility and its persuasive power in winning business.

This involves precise definition of:

Level of Detail (LoD): Represents the geometric completeness and usability of model elements.

Level of Information (LoI): Refers to the non-geometric data associated with model elements (e.g., manufacturer, material, cost, maintenance schedule).

LOG (Level of Geometry): Focuses specifically on geometric detail, a component of LoD.

The strategic importance of LoD and LoI cannot be overstated (Ordre des Architectes, 2018, p. 2). For industrial projects, where specific equipment, piping, and structural elements are paramount, accurately defined BIM content ensures:

Enhanced Visualization and Understanding: High-fidelity models with rich data provide clients with a clearer, more tangible understanding of the proposed facility, its operational aspects, and potential maintenance requirements long before ground is broken.

Improved Accuracy for Estimation and Procurement: Precisely detailed objects enable highly accurate quantity take-offs and cost estimations (BIM-3D-4D-5D-6D-7D,). This capability translates into bids that are more reliable and predictable project costs for the client, reducing financial exposure and building confidence.

Facilitated Maintenance and Operations Planning: Embedding granular information (LoI) into model elements such as vendor data, warranty information, and maintenance schedules prepares the client for efficient facility management even before construction is complete, offering a long-term value proposition that extends beyond project delivery.

Why It Wins Business:

Detailed models improve pre-fabrication and reduce field conflicts, appealing to cost-conscious clients (McGraw-Hill Construction, 2009).

 Unlocking Value Through BIM Dimensions (3D to 7D)

The multi-dimensional capabilities of BIM offer an unparalleled suite of tools to impress clients and secure contracts. Each dimension provides a distinct value proposition:

3D BIM: Visualization, Design Intent, and Collaboration: Beyond basic visualization, 3D BIM enables rich communication of design intent and significantly enhances multidisciplinary collaboration by facilitating automated clash detection. This reduces the client's perceived design risk.

4D BIM: Scheduling and Project Phasing: By linking the 3D model to the project schedule, 4D BIM provides visual simulations of construction timelines. Presenting a detailed 4D simulation showcases a firm’s mastery of complex logistics and ability to deliver on time, a critical factor for industrial operations where downtime is costly.

5D BIM: Cost Management and Forecasting: Integrating cost data with the model, 5D BIM enables real-time conceptual modeling and dynamic cost updates as design or scope changes occur. This helps in budgeting, forecasting, and value engineering exercises. Offering such granular financial control and transparency provides clients with unprecedented confidence in budget adherence.

6D BIM: Sustainability and Energy Optimization: 6D BIM supports sustainability initiatives by modeling energy use and environmental impacts early in the design process. This allows for performance analysis and optimization, leading to more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible facilities. For clients with green mandates or a focus on long-term operational costs, 6D BIM demonstrates a commitment to sustainable value.

 7D BIM: Lifecycle Asset and Facility Management: 7D BIM facilitates the entire lifecycle asset and facility management, including maintenance planning, component tracking, and accessible documentation. This dimension ensures that the client receives a "digital twin" of their facility, optimizing operations, maintenance, and future expansions.

This long-term value creation extends far beyond project handover, establishing the firm as a trusted partner for the entire asset lifecycle.

BIM’s multi-dimensional capabilities enhance project value.

Strategic BIM Implementation for Competitive Advantage

The successful BIM Implementation within a firm is a continuous journey that, when effectively managed, becomes a potent competitive differentiator. It involves:

Commitment from Leadership: Top-down commitment is crucial for fostering a BIM-centric culture. This signals to clients that BIM is deeply embedded in the firm’s operational ethos, not just a superficial offering.

Investment in Technology and Training: Continuous investment in cutting-edge BIM software (e.g., from Autodesk) and comprehensive training for personnel ensures that the firm's capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry. This demonstrates a proactive stance on innovation and capability.

Standardization of Processes: Developing internal BIM standards, templates, and libraries streamlines workflows and ensures consistency across projects. This operational efficiency translates into more competitive bids and reliable project delivery for clients (CIOB, n.d.).

Pilot Projects and Continuous Improvement: Starting with pilot projects and establishing feedback loops for continuous improvement allows firms to refine their BIM processes and showcase a demonstrable record of accomplishment of success.

Firms that can articulate their mature BIM implementation strategy instill confidence in potential clients that they are collaborating with an innovative, efficient, and reliable organization.

Successful BIM implementation requires a structured approach:

1. Assess organizational readiness and define BIM objectives.

2. Develop a phased adoption strategy aligned with project goals.

3. Invest in training and technology to ensure competency.

4. Integrate BIM with existing workflows for seamless execution.

5. Monitor performance metrics to refine processes and maximize ROI.

Why It Wins Business:
Firms with proven BIM experience win more bids (CIOB, 2022).

 Rigorous BIM Coordination

Effective BIM Coordination is arguably one of the most critical applications of BIM, particularly in the complex, multidisciplinary environment of industrial construction. It involves:

Proactive Clash Detection: Identifying and resolving geometric, spatial, and temporal clashes between different disciplines (e.g., structural, mechanical, piping) within the virtual model before construction begins.

Multidisciplinary Integration: Ensuring that all trade models are synchronized and integrated into a federated model for comprehensive review.

Coordination Meetings: Facilitating structured meetings where stakeholders review detected clashes and collaboratively devise solutions.

The primary benefit for clients is the significant reduction in costly and time-consuming on-site rework. By resolving conflicts virtually, firms can guarantee a smoother construction process, adhere more closely to schedules, and deliver projects within budget. This tangible value proposition of reduced risk and increased efficiency is a powerful argument for winning industrial business.

Effective coordination prevents costly errors.

Strategies:

• Weekly BIM Meetings: Resolve clashes in real-time.

• Federated Models: Combine discipline-specific models.

• Cloud Collaboration: Use BIM 360 for real-time updates.

Why It Wins Business:
Fewer RFIs and change orders increase client trust (Smith, 2020).

Author: Hervé YIMGNA MENGOUO, contact me to have the full article

Contact: [email protected]