How should I get started using information management / BIM?

To start using BIM, construction professionals should consider a BIM implementation procedure and adopt the process of guaranteeing its utilization in the construction industry.[1]

BIM adoption means “the successful implementation by an organisation, following a readiness phase, crosses the ‘Point of Adoption’ into one of the BIM capability stages, namely, modelling, collaboration, and integration.”[2]

The process of BIM adoption in the construction industry sets considerable demands on the technical capabilities of organisations and people. The benefits of using Building Information Management are widely reported in research; it improves collaboration in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of built assets by enabling collaboration and communication among different stakeholders.

Many studies have recently focused on the BIM implementation process that helps to use BIM appropriately. Some of the requirements to get started using BIM are summarized below: [3]

• Study the existing requirements and processes in the Organisation: The existing regulations where BIM developments were introduced, such as standards, laws, and mandates, act as boundary conditions for the digital construction process.

• Define BIM Business Strategy: The expected value and objectives include improving quality, reducing costs, or enhancing performance.

• Organising: The methods, processes, and ways of working using BIM, including the required deliverables of each stage, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of each party in the process to ensure the quality, accuracy, and reliability of the information.

• Select the Technology to support strategy: Technological components and interoperability where BIM developments, such as software, hardware, and supporting IT systems, will be introduced.

Other studies suggest that an organisation must address the following four areas for successful implementation.[4]

• BIM motivation: The motivation construction organizations require to adopt BIM tools, technologies, processes, and platforms on construction projects.

• BIM capacity developments:  The process of gaining, strengthening, and retaining the ability to acquire appropriate skills and information, enabling them to use BIM tools and technologies on construction projects.

• BIM utilisation:  The policies and plans for strategic adoption of BIM on construction projects and the strategic methods and systems required for a practical BIM application or usage on construction projects to maximise the performance and benefits of BIM adoption.

• BIM commitment: The obligations and support of decision-makers of construction organisations for BIM adoption and to motivate construction professionals to adhere to the change journey.

One of the first steps an organisation should take is to identify their BIM Vision. This will involve setting the direction to focus future implementation efforts and planning activities to help the organization set the goals and objectives. There are a number of resources available which provide guidance for an organisation, including Penn State’s BIM planning for facility owners, NATSPEC getting started with BIM and their BIM Management Plan Template, and the New Zealand BIM acceleration committees BIM Handbook.

[1] Lindblad, H. and Guerrero, J.R. (2020), “Client’s role in promoting BIM implementation and innovation in construction”, Construction Management and Economics, Vol. 38 No. 5, pp. 468-482

[2] Succar, B. and Kassem, M. (2015) “Macro-BIM adoption: conceptual structures”, Automation in Construction, Vol. 57 64–79.

[3] Disney, O., Roupé, M., Johansson, M. and Domenico Leto, A. (2022), "Embracing BIM in its totality: a Total BIM case study", Smart and Sustainable Built Environment,

[4] Olugboyega, O., Windapo, A., Aigbavboa, C. and Oseghale, G.E. (2023), "BIM implementation: an empirical validation for a four-wheel model", Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, Vol. 3 No. 1, pp. 1-15.