1. BIM beyond Construction Project Management –
project managers view to everything BIM
BIM is changing the way we build, and it is evolving our best practices for
information transference. This makes BIM a very valuable asset for project
managers, and it provides an opportunity to build a robust toolkit. To leverage
these opportunities, it is imperative for project managers to understand
project & market complexities. BIM is always misunderstood as an actual
software or application, but in reality, it is a process that uses various software
& technology that makes BIM adoption beneficial. Looking beyond technology,
and applying the actual process is the nature of BIM that helps augment
communication & collaboration across various project teams, and helps
improve construction project planning using Project Planning Tools.
There are various levels that BIM operates on viz. BIM level 0, BIM level 1,
BIM level 2, and BIM level 3.
• BIM level 0 – Refers to CAD drawings

2. • BIM level 1(partial collaboration) – refers to adding BIM capabilities and
objects, also called as OO – CAD or Object-Oriented CAD – 2D & 3D
• BIM level 2(full collaboration) – refers to creating & sharing file formats
that include Cobie, IFC, and CDE – 4D & 5D
• BIM level 3(full integration) – refers to building open data standards for
easy data sharing, this enhances collaborative opportunities – 6D
In this article, we will understand the opportunities of level 3 BIM that works
on the principle of centralized data management and complete BIM
integration. This means that all the design and structural plans are built on a
single dataset, rather than files in a silo. The elements of this common dataset
can be accessed by various project stakeholders, and any changes made in
this dataset are propagated across all the project lifecycle, as it is a centralized
data format.
BIM creates superior clarity for stakeholders
BIM works on a single repository or Common Data Environment (CDE)
regarding the design and construction. This includes project information,
assets, materials, designs, etc. But BIM isn’t just about 2D drawings and 3D
models. This also includes clash-detection, walkthroughs, cost-estimation,
scheduling, and more. BIM delivers a cross-disciplinary platform or process to
share information, this is achieved by a database first approach. This is
exceptionally helpful for architects, engineers, designers, modelers, etc. for
every stage of the project development. This keeps all the information up-to-
date, simplifies administration, and mitigates clashes.
This also means that project managers have the ability to access a wealth of
information to leverage upon. All this is accessed from 3D models rather than
2D schematics. With the right project planning course, individuals who are
project managers can assess and understand workflows & deliverables of each
team, resource, etc.
BIM has the ability to create new opportunities
As BIM spreads information across the entire table of the project, it gives
construction project managers the opportunity to work in a flexible
environment with direct contact with various teams and stages of the building
project. The ability to communicate and collaborate with other specialists and
their expertise accelerates the entire building process. Since BIM works on a
Common Data Environment (CDE), it has the ability to move around project
limitations or create new opportunities in real-time.

3. Project managers in this case can grasp a better understanding of project
progress regardless of the project phase. This also makes it easier for project
stakeholders to engage with design prototypes, prefabrication,
manufacturing, and autonomous vehicles onsite.
BIM facilitates project managers
BIM works at full potential when project managers use Construction Project
Planning at its fullest. At level 3 BIM, full integration makes it easy for
stakeholders to collaborate and analyze changes as and when required. At the
design and construction phase, project managers need to take full
responsibility for the team and project resources to make sure every individual
understands roles and responsibilities for a positive workflow. This facilitates
faster turnaround times, pushes project boundaries, enhances project
creativity.
Conclusion
BIM can prove to be the most powerful tool for project managers in
understanding project capabilities and overseeing project performance to
garner and deliver outcomes. It is the project manager's responsibility to
ensure all the teams have complete understanding of the processes and
technology that come with Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM has the
ability to create new opportunities through informed & collaborative
processes.
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