A BIM execution plan (BEP) is the document that sets out how a project team will use BIM and manage information: who does what, to which standards, with which software, delivering what and by when. Under ISO 19650 it's the delivery team's answer to the client's information requirements. Here's what goes in one, and how to write it.
If you're looking for a detailed guide to BIM Execution Planning (the BEP), you've come to the right place! I'll cover what a BEP is and why it's critical to your project, how to create a successful BEP and helpful templates and resources, whether you're just getting started with BIM or improving your current execution planning.
1. Why Do We Need Better Planning On "BIM Projects"?
I believe every project should use BIM (Building Information Modeling) in its processes, but hey, not everyone is perfect...
So let me briefly define the difference between a BIM project and a non-BIM project, and how it drives the need for a solid BIM plan.
Teams on BIM projects are usually more eager to improve processes and more willing to put in the extra work to learn new tech.
In general BIM teams tend to be more proactive about process improvement, and that means more effort earlier in the project.
It also shows the impact and cost of making changes as a project develops.
Essentially, making changes sooner is better and cheaper, and that's exactly what BIM can help with!
The point: more effort at the start of the project needs better, earlier planning.
That's where the BIM Execution Plan comes in!
2. What Is A BIM Execution Plan?
A BIM Execution Plan is a document that outlines how a project team will use BIM workflows, tools and techniques to achieve the desired project outcomes. BEP simply stands for BIM execution plan.
It includes details such as the roles and responsibilities of those involved, the timeline for the project and the deliverables that will be produced.
It can also cover the BIM quality management system to be used and the software and hardware that will be required.
Under ISO 19650 there are two BEPs. Each bidding team writes a pre-appointment BEP with its tender, answering the client's exchange information requirements (EIR). The appointed team then develops it into the post-appointment BEP (the delivery team's BEP), agreed with the client and every task team. Learn both in free lessons: the pre-appointment BEP and the delivery team's BEP.
Working internationally? The same document goes by other names: BxP or PxP in the US, BAP in Germany, PEB in Spain and PGI in Italy - here are the BEP's names around the world.
3. Why Do We Need A BIM Execution Plan?
In short, a BIM execution plan is an essential tool for any BIM project because it helps us set clear goals and coordinate every part of the project.
It should answer critical questions such as "What BIM software will be used on the project?" and "Who is responsible for what tasks?".
It makes sure everyone on the project knows the BIM goals and objectives.
The sooner you start working on a design or construction project execution plan, the better.
Don't worry - I'll show you exactly what should go into your BIM Execution Plan and where to get some of the best BIM Execution Planning templates.
Now that we know why we need one, let's talk about what goes in one!
4. What Is Included In A BEP? (16 Point Checklist)
Here's a 16 point list of the main things to include in your BIM Execution Plan:
- A brief introduction to the project
- The BIM/model uses - what the BIM/modelling will be used for
- The roles and responsibilities of those involved
- What success for BIM looks like on the project
- Any Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will be used
- Important project milestones
- The deliverables that must be produced
- The software and hardware that will be required
- The technology budget/plans for the project
- Standards to be followed (for example, the BIM Forum LOD Spec or ISO 19650 Level of Information Need)
- Process maps to help describe workflows
- The training requirements for teams to get the best out of BIM
- The risks and opportunities associated with using BIM on the project
- The timeline for the project
- The BIM quality management processes to be used
- Contract terms
On an ISO 19650 project, also make sure your BEP covers: the information delivery and federation strategy, the responsibility matrix, the level of information need for each deliverable, the information standard and production methods (file naming and status codes), the common data environment (CDE), and how the TIDPs and MIDP will be kept up to date.
5. How To Create A BIM Execution Plan
Now that we know what goes into a BEP, let's talk about how to create one.
There's no one-size-fits-all BIM Execution Plan, as every project is unique and has different requirements. However, there are some general steps you can follow when creating your BEP.
Here's a suggested process for creating a BIM Execution Plan:
- Start by gathering information about the project, such as the scope of work, the schedule and the budget (on an ISO 19650 project, start from the client's EIR)
- Then develop a list of key objectives for the project
- Next, identify how BIM can help meet those objectives
- Agree the roles and responsibilities of those involved
- Then determine the deliverables that need to be produced
- Then select which software will be used
- After that, create a timeline for the project and identify any milestones
- Finally, develop a quality management plan and contract terms
Once you have all this information, you can start to put your BIM Execution Plan together.
Remember to tailor the plan to the specific needs of your project, and include all the relevant stakeholders in the planning process.
6. BIM Project Execution Plan Templates
You'll find plenty of good templates online as a starting point - you could use the Penn State BIM Execution Plan template or the CDBB templates. Plannerly also has hundreds of online BIM Execution Plan template sections, including a free ISO 19650 BEP template with pre- and post-appointment sections:
More than 100,000 teams in over 100 countries use Plannerly and its Plannerly templates - pretty cool.
They can also be dragged and dropped to create your own customised documents quickly:
Here's a video of Clive Jordan (a Plannerly co-founder) showing how simple it is to use the templates to create an example BIM Execution Plan:
Want to try it yourself? Start free and open the ISO 19650 BEP template, or learn the basics first in the free lessons on creating professional documents like the EIR, PIR and BEP and bringing in an existing BEP from Word. Prefer slides? Download the free pre-appointment BEP (PDF) (opens in a new tab) and post-appointment BEP (PDF) (opens in a new tab) slides.
7. How To Implement A BIM Execution Plan
The benefits of having a BIM Execution Plan in place are many; however, BEPs are not easy to develop or implement.
Indeed, even the most comprehensive BEPs are often ignored entirely.
Just creating a document called a BIM Execution Plan is not enough. A BEP is not a check box.
These documents are often ignored because they're written in a silo in Word, turned into a PDF and sent in an email.
There is no collaboration, so there is no buy-in from the crucial teams involved.
To implement it well, you need a collaborative process!
The ISO 19650 standards use an approval process with these statuses:
- Work In Progress
- Shared
- Published
- (and Archived)
Inside Plannerly, you can use these so that permission-based access and authorisations are in place, and teams collaborate on the best BEP possible with buy-in. Each section can have its own owner - see the free lesson on assigning document responsibilities.
Then make it binding: export the agreed BEP as a PDF and get it e-signed with the appointment - here's how to export PDF documents and e-signed contracts.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Almost everything you need to know about BIM Execution Plans!
I hope my steps to create a BEP, the template suggestions and the tips for effective implementation are useful.
Plannerly can be used to create all project documents and scopes and to manage the schedule, and it's a great tool for its ease of use and the way it encourages collaboration among project stakeholders. Teams are constantly adding new content, and the developers keep adding features to make BEP creation even more straightforward.
Some of the key advantages of using Plannerly are:
- The tools are easy to use
- It's flexible and configurable
- The user interface is intuitive
- There are so many free templates
- It encourages collaboration and information sharing
- It helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page
So if you're looking for the best way to create BEPs quickly, look no further than Plannerly - here's how to write the BEP step by step, and you can join free too!
I blog for the Five BIM Bloggers series, and there's plenty more on the Plannerly BIM blog.
