Archive for November, 2009

BIM causes people to work together

In general, I think that BIM causes people to work together.

CAD processes are made up of individual tasks.  These tasks are divided into individual files.  I can work on one area of a facility without even thinking about other areas of the building.  There is little need to interact with others (until they find out that I have done something that impacts them).

BIM processes are collective tasks.  They are gathered into one model.  I cannot work on one area of the model without it impacting other areas.  I have to work together with others.

When a CAD team creates a work plan, they divide the work up into tasks and assign them to the team members.  The team then scatters back to their desks and starts working on the individual files and may not interact until their task is completed.

When a BIM team creates a work plan, they define who is doing what and how they will interact with each other to get the model updated.  Even when the team goes back to their desks, they need to interact even in the middle of their tasks.

BIM Manager – How did you arrive at the position?

I did a survey and asked the above question.  Here are some of the answers I received:

  • Hired as the CAD manager then implemented  BIM
  • Hired after doing BIM consulting and training
  • Happened to be the most BIM savvy at the firm at the time. Was an architect who helped implement Revit in a firm and then looked for a firm to do BIM Management full-time.
  • Started as a CAD Manager and moved more into BIM
  • I am a Recovering Architect who moved into CAD support due to me being good with technology (and an admittedly crappy architect). Learned as much as possible and moved up the ranks.
  • Directly applied after seeing it on a job board and also sent a copy of my app to a person who works at the firm (through a network contact)
  • Advanced through projects using Revit, firm noticed abilities and moved me up.
  • Migrate from CAD Manager
  • Headhunted
  • Previously the IT/CAD Manager in our firm. Took charge of exploring the option of going to BIM and I am the most technically savvy person in our office. The role just fell on my shoulders.
  • Purely by chance and having experience in the software.

After reviewing the more than 60 answers, I came up with the following:

Summary of how most people come to be BIM Managers

  • Most grew into it from within the firm
  • Some hired into it from outside
  • Some create the position and fill it
  • Some were forced into it – or took it on by default
  • Some were already doing CAD Support and you expanded to BIM
  • Most achieved the title via software skills and knowledge

BuildingSMART – BIM Project Execution Planning Guide

BIM Project Execution Planning Guide

The Computer Integrated Construction Research Program at Pennsylvania State University

From the site…

“This BIM Project Execution Planning Guide is a product of the BIM Project Execution Planning buildingSMART alliance™ (bSa) Project. The bSa is charged with developing the National Building Information Modeling Standard™ (NBIMS). This guide was developed to provide a practical manual that can be used by project teams for designing their BIM strategy and developing a BIM Project Execution Plan. The core modeling and information exchange concepts are developed to complement the long term goals of the bSA in the development of a standard that can be implemented throughout the AECOO Industry to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of BIM implementation on projects.”

It may be more than you need -but it is worth the read…

BIM Process Planning Guide

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BIMTwitter

BIM Process Map

Here is an example BIM Process Map.  It shows the high level processes and handshakes that must occur during a BIM job.

BIM Process

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