When it comes to BIM goals, many people are at a loss for what exactly they should strive for. While some know what their end goal is, others may not have a clue where to start ????
In this article, I provide guidelines for setting practical targets and some example BIM goals that will lead to success on your projects ????
1. What are your goals for using BIM technology in your business or organization?
Are you looking to save time? Money? Reduce errors? Improve communication? Make better buildings?
All of the above?
BIM can do all of those things, but like anything else, it’s only as good as the goals you set for it.
So how do you define reasonable BIM goals?
Here are some guidelines to get you started.
BIM goals should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
This is the same criteria you would use for any other business goal, and it’s just as crucial for BIM goals.
BIM is a process that can help you achieve your business goals, but it’s not a goal in and of itself.
Without specific and measurable goals, it will be difficult to tell if BIM is truly improving your business.
Ensure your BIM goals support the bigger picture.
BIM goals should be realistic.
BIM is amazing, but it’s not magic.
It can not solve all of your problems overnight.
Set realistic expectations for what BIM can do for your business, and you’ll be more likely to see the results you want.
2. My 10 Example BIM Goals
It could be as simple as wanting to implement BIM for all of your new projects; however, you should get more specific where you can.
Here are my ten BIM goals examples to get you started:
- We will use BIM to save X% of project costs
- We will use BIM to reduce the project schedule by X%
- We will use BIM to improve communication between architects and design engineers
- We will use BIM to save X hours per week on project coordination
- We will use BIM to reduce paper usage by X%
- We will use BIM to reduce design and construction errors by X%
- We will use BIM to create a virtual model of the project before construction begins
- We will use BIM to reduce rework and errors on construction projects
- We will use BIM to create more sustainable buildings
- We will use BIM to create a better user experience for the occupants of the building
By following these guidelines, you can be sure you’re setting yourself up for success with BIM.
3. Define what “success” looks like for you and your team – be specific!
When it comes to BIM goals, clarity is key.
Make sure you and your team are on the same page about what success looks like. This way, you can avoid any confusion or frustration down the road.
Some questions to ask yourself when defining success:
- How will we know if we’ve achieved our BIM goals?
- What metrics will we use to measure success?
- What does success look like for our specific department or across the organization?
By taking the time to answer these questions, you’ll be well on your way to setting achievable BIM goals that will lead to success.
4. Set a schedule for reviewing and updating your goals as needed
Hmmm… Are your BIM goals still achievable and realistic? If not, it’s time to reevaluate what you’re trying to achieve with them.
Your BIM goals should be flexible enough to change as your business grows and changes. BIM is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to review and update your goals regularly.
I recommend setting a schedule for reviewing and updating your BIM goals yearly. This way, you can stay up-to-date with the latest BIM advancements and ensure your goals are still relevant to your business.
Has anything changed in the past 12 months that could affect how successful or unsuccessful your next BIM project could be?!
What about in the next 12 months – is there anything on the horizon that could help or hinder your BIM goals?
By following these simple steps, you can ensure your BIM goals are always up-to-date and, most importantly, relevant to your business!
5. Make sure everyone on your team understands and agrees to the goals
We know that BIM can help improve the coordination of design and construction activities and reduce the need for rework. BIM can also help to enhance communication between project stakeholders and provide a more accurate representation of the final product.
This said, to realize the full benefits of BIM, everyone on the project team must understand and agree to the project’s BIM goals.
The process should be understood and agreed upon by all project team members so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities.
BIM managers need to clearly communicate the project’s goals to the team and ensure that everyone is working towards these goals.
The best way to do this is to use a BIM Execution Plan (BEP). BIM managers should develop a BEP at the beginning of the project, which outlines the BIM goals, objectives, and strategies.
The BEP should be reviewed and updated regularly throughout the project to ensure that everyone on the team is aware of the latest changes and agrees to them.
Using a BIM management platform like Plannerly will help you to keep track of your BIM goals, information requirements, and BIM model deliverables in one place.
Plannerly will also allow you to automatically verify the BIM models from all project teams against the contracted Exchange Information Requirements (EIR).
6. Celebrate each success along the way!
Last but not least, don’t forget to celebrate each success along the way!
BIM projects can be long and complex, so taking a step back and celebrating each milestone is essential.
This will help to keep everyone motivated and focused on the ultimate goal – delivering a successful BIM project.
7. Less is more
One final tip: don’t try to do too much at once.
BIM is a big undertaking, and taking it one step at a time is essential.
Start with a few small goals, and as you achieve them, you can start to set bigger goals.
Trying to do too much at once is a recipe for disaster – start small, and build from there!
My Final Thoughts On Setting BIM Goals
So, there you have it! These are my top tips for setting and achieving BIM goals.
I’ve tried to give some guidelines for those of you who are looking to set and achieve BIM goals. I’ve discussed the importance of reviewing and updating your BIM goals on a regular basis, as well as the importance of involving all members of the project team in the process.
I hope that my example BIM goals have been helpful – if you want more details, you can find them in the free templates inside Plannerly – sign up for a free account with the Join Free button on this page.
And if you’re looking for more information on BIM execution planning, check out the free BEP templates also inside the Plannerly app!
I’ve also shared my top tip for keeping everyone motivated throughout the project – by celebrating each success along the way!
Do you have any other tips for setting and achieving BIM goals?
Your turn!
What are your BIM goals? Do you have any tips for setting good BIM goals? Could you share my post with your own BIM goals? Do you have any other tips for setting and achieving BIM goals?
Here are some questions I think you should also try to answer:
- How do you measure the success of your BIM projects?
- What was your original goal for implementing BIM in your company?
- How well has that goal been achieved?
- Are there other unanticipated benefits of using BIM that you hadn’t planned for?
- Do you have any goals for using BIM in the future, either personally or professionally?
If you have questions about BIM or anything else I discussed in this blog post, the Plannerly team of experts is here to help! Reach out to them today in the chat – they’ll be happy to help you.
FAQs:
What is a BIM strategy?
A BIM strategy is an approach to using Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology and processes to plan, design, construct, and operate a facility. The goal of a BIM strategy is to optimize the use of advanced BIM technology and processes to enhance the quality of the built environment and project outcomes while reducing costs and optimizing performance. A successful BIM strategy engages all stakeholders in a collaborative process that leverages the power of information management to achieve better results.
There are many factors to consider when developing a BIM strategy, including the project goals, the organization’s maturity, the availability of resources, and the level of risk tolerance. No two organizations are alike, so there is no silver bullet solution that will work for everyone. The key is to develop a tailored approach that meets the organization’s specific needs and aligns with its culture and values.
When done correctly, a BIM strategy can provide substantial benefits throughout the lifecycle of a facility. Creating a shared understanding of the project among all stakeholders can help to avoid common mistakes and problems. Additionally, it can help to improve communication and coordination among team members, resulting in a more efficient project delivery process. Ultimately, a well-executed BIM strategy can lead to improved project outcomes.
What are some example BIM goals?
Some common goals for BIM include improving coordination and communication among project stakeholders, reducing rework and waste, and increasing the accuracy of construction documentation. In addition, BIM can also be used to create a more sustainable built environment by incorporating green building principles into the design and construction process. As the use of BIM continues to grow in the construction industry, the potential for these benefits will only increase.
What are BIM requirements?
To ensure the success of a BIM project, it is crucial to establish a clear set of requirements at the outset. These requirements should be developed in consultation with all key stakeholders, including the owner, architect, engineer, and contractor. Once agreed upon, the requirements should be documented in a formal BIM Execution Plan (BEP) that can be used as a reference throughout the project. The requirements will vary depending on the project but may include items such as the level of detail required for the model, the software used, and the data format. By taking the time to clearly define the BIM requirements at the start of a project, it will be easier to achieve a successful outcome.
How can I improve my BIM skills?
If you’re looking to improve your BIM skills, you can do a few things. First, make sure you’re using the most up-to-date software. Newer versions of BIM software introduce new features and capabilities that can help you work more efficiently. Second, take advantage of online resources. Several excellent websites and forums devoted to BIM can provide valuable tips and advice. Finally, consider attending a BIM workshop or conference. These events offer a perfect opportunity to network with other professionals and learn from some of the best in the field.
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