BIM Coordinators are responsible for coordinating the Building Information Modeling (BIM) efforts of all project teams. In other words, they make sure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same BIM goals!
This is a role that is often misunderstood, it can also overlap with BIM Managers and BIM Modelers, so I’m here to clear things up as best I can. Let’s dig in together… 😃
1) Introduction to BIM Coordination
a) Definition of BIM Coordination
BIM (Building Information Modeling) coordination is the process of managing and integrating digital information throughout the design and construction stages of a project. It involves the coordination of various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers, to ensure that all parties have access to accurate and up-to-date information. BIM coordination is a critical component of BIM management, which is the overall process of planning, implementing, and managing BIM processes and standards within an organization. Effective BIM coordination ensures that everyone is on the same page, reducing the risk of errors and improving the efficiency of the project.
b) Importance of BIM Management
BIM management is essential in the construction industry as it enables the creation of a digital twin of the project, which can be used to simulate and analyze various scenarios, identify potential issues, and optimize the construction process. Effective BIM management can lead to improved collaboration, reduced errors, and increased efficiency, ultimately resulting in cost savings and improved project outcomes. By managing the digital aspects of a project, BIM coordinators help ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget, while also maintaining high standards of quality and safety.
2) What is a BIM coordinator and what do they do?
As a BIM Coordinator, your primary responsibility is to ensure that all members of the project team are following the BIM Execution Plan.
This includes making sure that everyone is using the right software, exchanging data regularly, and adhering to the model standards set forth in the plan.
In addition to these duties, you might also be responsible for training new team members on BIM processes and maintaining the BIM models throughout the project lifecycle.
Easy enough, right? Not quite.
As the BIM coordinator, you can also be the go-to person for almost anything BIM-related.
This means that you need to have a pretty good understanding of all things BIM and be able to troubleshoot any BIM-related issues that may arise.
That includes knowing the difference between parametric and non-parametric modeling, being able to use different software platforms, understanding how to create clash detection reports, and more. Effectively performing all these tasks highlights the comprehensive skill set required for the role during different phases of a project.
If you’re not already an expert in all things BIM, don’t worry – that’s what I’m here for!
In this guide, I will try to cover everything you need to know about being a successful BIM Coordinator.
So, what does a typical day in the life of a BIM Coordinator look like? Let’s take a closer look.
3) BIM coordinator’s Roles and Responsibilities
As I mentioned, a BIM Coordinator’s first priority will be maintaining the project’s BIM Execution Plan.
This document outlines how the team will use BIM on the project, as well as who is responsible for what tasks. All these tasks require a comprehensive skill set to manage effectively during different phases of the project.
It is important that this document is kept up-to-date throughout the course of the project, as changes are bound to happen.
You will also be responsible for training team members on how to use BIM software, as well as troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
Additionally, you will need to monitor adherence to the BIM Execution Plan and make sure that everyone is working efficiently.
It is important to keep an open line of communication with all team members in order to identify any potential issues early on.
a) Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of a BIM coordinator include:
- Managing and coordinating the digital processes associated with the design and construction stages of a project. This involves ensuring that all digital information is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to all stakeholders.
- Ensuring that all stakeholders have access to accurate and up-to-date information. This requires regular communication and collaboration with project managers, BIM authors, and other stakeholders to ensure that everyone is working with the same information.
- Coordinating with project managers, BIM authors, and other stakeholders to ensure that all parties are working with the same information. This involves developing and implementing BIM execution plans to manage the flow of information during the project.
- Developing and implementing BIM execution plans to manage the flow of information during the project. These plans outline the standards and protocols for using BIM on the project, ensuring that everyone is following the same guidelines.
- Ensuring that all digital information is properly formatted and compatible with various file formats, including Navisworks Manage. This involves checking that all digital files are correctly formatted and can be easily shared and used by all stakeholders.
- Overseeing and coordinating digital processes during a project’s design and construction stages is key. This means making sure all digital info is accurate, up-to-date, and accessible to everyone involved.
- Making sure everyone has access to accurate and current information is crucial. It requires regular chats and teamwork with project managers, BIM authors, and other stakeholders to keep everyone on the same page.
- Working with project managers, BIM authors, and other stakeholders is about ensuring everyone operates with the same info. This includes crafting and rolling out BIM execution plans to handle the flow of information throughout the project.
- Creating and implementing BIM execution plans helps manage info flow during the project. These plans set the standards and rules for using BIM, making sure everyone follows the same playbook.
- Making sure all digital info is formatted right and compatible with various file formats, like Navisworks Manage, is essential. It involves checking that digital files are in the right format and can be easily shared and used by everyone.
b) Skills and Qualifications
To be successful as a BIM coordinator, one should possess the following skills and qualifications:
- A solid grasp of BIM processes and standards. This means being familiar with industry guidelines and best practices for using BIM in construction projects.
- Skillful use of BIM software and tools, like Autodesk Revit and Navisworks Manage. You’ll need technical know-how and experience with these tools to manage and coordinate digital info effectively.
- Great communication and teamwork skills. As a BIM coordinator, you’ll need to communicate well with project managers, BIM creators, and other key players to keep everyone aligned.
- Ability to collaborate well with project managers, BIM authors, and other stakeholders. This means working together smoothly with different teams to keep the project on track.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. You’ll need to spot and sort out issues quickly and effectively to stay on course.
- A bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or something similar. This gives you the foundational knowledge and skills for success in the role.
- Certification in BIM management or coordination, like the Certified BIM Coordinator (CBC) or the Certified Construction Manager (CCM). These show your dedication to the field and offer extra knowledge and skills.
By possessing these skills and qualifications, BIM coordinators can effectively manage and coordinate the digital aspects of construction projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to a high standard of quality.
4) How to develop and maintain a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
A good BIM Execution Plan should include:
- Project goals: This section should outline the overall goal of the project and list any specific objectives that must be achieved.
- Standards and protocols: This section should include any standards that must be adhered to, such as software versions and model element naming conventions.
- Modeling tasks: A list of all modeling tasks that must be completed in order to achieve the project goals.
- Software requirements: Any specific software, formats, or versions that must be used on the project, as well as any plugins that might be helpful.
- Data exchange schedule: This is a plan for when data should be exchanged between the different members of the team.
- Reporting requirements: A list of models, any reports, or other documentation that must be generated throughout the course of the project.
- Automated QA: An automated process for BIM model checking. Plannerly includes automated BIM checking using the Verify module.
However, just creating a plan in a word document is no longer enough.
Most BIM Execution Plans created in word/PDF are sadly completely ignored. The industry is moving towards developing execution plans in a more automated, structured manner.
Using tools like Plannerly, you can easily create and manage everything from your online BIM Execution Plan to automatically checking your models.
The platform from Plannerly also complies with ISO 19650 and makes it easy for your team to get agreements in place.
Plannerly even has free templates you can use to get started, making it even easier!
Whichever platform you choose, it’s important to keep the plan up-to-date throughout the project and make sure that everyone is adhering to it.
Additionally, if any changes need to be made during the course of the project, they should be communicated to all team members immediately.
Plannerly does this automatically with approval workflow on all parts of the BEP and also automatically sends email notifications!
5) Seven Common Challenges for BIM coordinators and how to solve them
a) Coordination and Collaboration
One of the most common problems encountered by BIM coordinators is data exchange and collaboration issues.
These can happen when different software versions are used, or if team members don’t follow the same standards.
In order to effectively manage all these tasks, it’s important to continually communicate with team members to ensure that everyone is following the same protocol.
Additionally, having an automated data exchange and collaboration process in place can help ensure that information is transferred correctly and efficiently.
Plannerly has templates to help teams collaborate on what is required from each discipline (Architecture, Structure, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, etc) on your project.
b) Time Management
Time management can be a challenge when working with a team on BIM projects.
It’s important to plan ahead (or plan early 😉) and create timelines for each task that need to be completed, as well as assign responsibilities accordingly.
Additionally, having an automated process in place can help ensure that all these tasks are completed within the time you define and what model objects need to be exchanged in each model along with all of the right data each team member needs.
c) Incomplete or Inaccurate BIM Models
Another common issue for BIM coordinators is dealing with incomplete or inaccurate models.
All these tasks can be avoided by implementing a robust quality assurance process that includes checks on model elements.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that all the stakeholders are on the same page when it comes to accuracy and completeness expectations.
Plannerly automates this process with automated checks on elements, allowing you to quickly identify any potential issues early on.
d) Implementing a robust quality assurance process
Using Plannerly, you can create a customized quality assurance process with statuses that cover all the requirements of each stakeholder.
This allows you to make sure that everyone is on board with the same standards and expectations for the project.
Additionally, it makes tracking progress easier by allowing you to easily assign tasks to teams and/or team members, track issues found, and quickly identify any potential problems.
With Plannerly’s automated quality assurance process, you can ensure that all the models are checked by the teams submitting them so you don’t have to deal with incomplete or inaccurate models.
This allows you to focus on the important parts of the workflow so you can quickly identify any issues and fix them before they become a bigger problem.
Plus, it eliminates tedious manual steps and makes tracking progress easier by allowing you to assign all these tasks to team members or teams, track issues found, and quickly identify any potential problems.
e) Managing project changes and updates
Another common issue faced by BIM coordinators is managing project changes and updates.
Whether it’s a change in the scope of the project or a change in the design, it’s important to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
All these tasks, such as setting up project templates and managing model coordinates, require a comprehensive skill set to be effectively performed during different phases of a project.
This can be done by having clear guidelines in place (using Plannerly’s Scope module), communicating any changes to all stakeholders, and having an automated process in place that allows for quick and efficient updates.
Plannerly automates this process with notifications that alert all stakeholders of changes or updates to the BIM Execution Plan and project scope.
This allows you to quickly identify any potential issues and keep everyone on the same page.
Plus, it eliminates manual steps and ensures that all stakeholders are aware of any changes to the project.
Overall, Plannerly can help BIM coordinators save time and eliminate tedious manual tasks by automating processes such as agreeing on data exchange, collaboration, quality assurance, and managing project changes.
This allows BIM coordinators to focus on the important aspects of their workflow and ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page every step of the way.
f) Ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on expectations
There are many teams involved in a construction project and each one of these teams has its own set of expectations and requirements.
As a BIM Coordinator, it’s important to make sure that all teams are aligned on the same expectations.
To achieve this, you need to effectively perform all these tasks, such as setting up project templates, managing model coordinates, and ensuring clear communication.
This can be done by having clear guidelines, communicating any changes to all stakeholders, and having an automated process in place that allows for quick and efficient updates.
Plannerly can help with this process by providing all the stakeholders with BIM Execution Plans that detail each team’s requirements and expectations.
This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page from the start, eliminating potential misunderstandings and ensuring that everyone is aligned on the goals of the project.
Additionally, it allows for easy tracking and monitoring of the project’s progress so you can ensure that everyone is meeting their obligations.
g) Staying Organized
Finally, one of the most challenging aspects of BIM coordination is staying organized during a project.
This can be done by using project management software (like Plannerly) to create an effective workflow and streamline processes such as data exchange, collaboration, quality assurance, and project changes.
All these tasks are essential for a BIM Coordinator to manage effectively.
Plannerly is designed to save time and eliminate tedious manual tasks.
Plus, it makes tracking progress easier by allowing you to easily assign tasks to teams and/or team members, track issues found, and quickly identify any potential problems.
Overall, Plannerly is a great tool for helping BIM coordinators stay organized and on top of their projects.
6) How to become a successful BIM coordinator
As with any job, success as a BIM Coordinator starts with understanding the fundamentals.
You should have a thorough understanding of the software used on your projects and be familiar with industry standards like ISO 19650.
Additionally, you should have strong communication skills in order to effectively communicate between team members, clients, and other stakeholders.
It is also important to stay up-to-date on the latest BIM trends and technology, as well as any changes in regulations or standards.
Additionally, it is beneficial to join industry groups, attend conferences, and network with other professionals in the field.
Finally, remembering that every project is different and requires its own unique approach will help you be successful in the role.
Being flexible and adapting to changes throughout the project is essential in ensuring that BIM goals are met.
With hard work and dedication, you can be a successful BIM Coordinator 💪
7) The future of BIM coordinators
The future of BIM coordination is bright; as technology advances, it will become increasingly important to have someone on projects that can implement and oversee the use of the latest BIM tools.
Additionally, as projects become more complex, the need for someone to coordinate and manage the workflow will become increasingly important.
At the same time, BIM coordinators will be expected to have more knowledge of different disciplines and how they interrelate.
Additionally, they will need to be able to stay up-to-date on new technology and trends in the field.
With tools like Plannerly, you can futureproof your projects by easily creating and executing detailed online BEPs, avoiding time management issues, collaborating with teams more effectively, and ensuring accuracy with a robust BIM model quality assurance process.
Conclusion
In short, being a BIM Coordinator requires a wide range of skills and knowledge.
You need to be well-versed in both the software and the project itself in order to be successful.
Additionally, you must be able to effectively communicate with all team members in order to keep everyone on track.
By following the best practices outlined in this article and utilizing BIM Management tools like Plannerly, you can ensure that all stakeholders are working together smoothly and efficiently.
While it is a lot of work, it can be very rewarding to see a project come together successfully thanks in part to your coordination efforts.
That’s it! You now have all the information you need on being a BIM Coordinator. Now, get out there and start coordinating! Good luck!
Did you know that Plannerly (The BIM Management Platform) is FREE TO JOIN?
Did you sign up yet?:
Three Bonus Resources 😍
1. Other Interesting Reads ⤵
- BIM Explained
- 10 REASONS WHY BEING A BIM MANAGER IS THE BEST JOB EVER!
- 3 CRITICAL THINGS YOU NEED IN YOUR BIM EXECUTION PLAN BEP
- 5 INCREDIBLE BENEFITS OF BIM IN CONSTRUCTION
2. The Complete BIM Management Workflow [VIDEO] 🎥
Here’s a video that I think you’ll find valuable 👍 – it covers the complete BIM management workflow:
3. Answers to some related BIM questions that I often get asked 🤔
I’ve also tried to summarize some answers to the most common questions that I get asked about this subject – I hope you can use them too:
What is a BIM Coordinator?
BIM Coordinators fulfill an essential role in ensuring the success of construction projects. BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and BIM coordinators are responsible for managing the BIM process and clash/coordination workflows. BIM Coordinators need to have a deep understanding of BIM’s potential in each project, as well as its constraints. This requires coordinating between multiple disciplines and stakeholders including architects, engineers, contractors, and sub-contractors. BIM Coordinators leverage BIM effectively to reduce waste and costs on the job site by preventing design errors or clashes, as well as assisting in obtaining proper permits, approvals, and inspections. BIM coordinators are therefore increasingly seen as an indispensable part of construction projects; their expertise helps ensure productivity gains while keeping projects safe, secure, and efficient. They are an integral part of the industry’s current development trend into more advanced and tech-driven operations. Ultimately, with modern infrastructures becoming ever more complex due to advances in technology – the BIM Coordinator’s role is essential in helping construct buildings faster with better quality outcomes for all involved parties. Furthermore, this role is only set to become more important with further developments in new technologies being integrated into large-scale missions going forward.
What are the main responsibilities of a BIM Coordinator?
BIM coordinators are responsible for managing the BIM model development process, including creating and following BIM modelling standards and guidelines, coordinating with architects and other stakeholders, developing schedules for design reviews, checking BIM models for accuracy, and communicating changes to BIM models to stakeholders. Moreover, BIM coordinators need to ensure that BIM data is correctly integrated with existing databases such as schedules or budgets. To ensure success, BIM coordinators must keep up with industry best practices while providing leadership on all aspects of the project. Understanding what tasks a BIM coordinator should focus on can help ensure that projects run smoothly and efficiently. Ultimately, a BIM coordinator needs to be well-versed in multiple skill sets to ensure that production runs smoothly across all phases. Strong knowledge of both technology and best practices is essential in order to properly coordinate between teams and manage successful BIM projects. Furthermore, BIM coordinators should always be looking ahead to identify potential issues before they arise in order for things run more efficiently which will lead to cost savings for their projects.
How can I become a BIM Coordinator?
If you’re interested in becoming a BIM Coordinator, the most important steps are getting BIM certification such as Plannerly’s BIM Manager Certificate or Autodesk Certified User or Revit Certification Exam; developing your skill set, obtaining practical BIM experiences such as participating in online forums; and connecting with other BIM professionals such as attending workshops and conferences. Ultimately, if you’re dedicated to building your BIM credentials, you can become a successful BIM Coordinator in no time.
What software do I need to be a BIM Coordinator?
As the role of BIM Coordinator continues to gain in popularity, the job requires an increasing number of software tools. Depending on the needs of individual companies, a BIM Coordinator may need to be able to use different systems and platforms. However, there are some essentials that any aspiring BIM Coordinator should consider as part of their toolbox. Plannerly is arguably one of the key components – it offers a comprehensive range of software for creating BIM Execution Plans, scoping BIM information requirements, and auto-checking BIM models on projects. Plannerly is cloud-based which facilitates communication between teams and Plannerly’s suite of software provides an intuitive platform for BIM Coordinators to organize projects, manage tasks and coordinate all stakeholders in digital project delivery processes. The suite is user-friendly and accessible via any browser, making it ideal for busy professionals on the move. Plannerly is essential for any aspiring BIM Coordinator seeking a complete digital solution to manage and deliver successful BIM projects on time and within budget.
What qualifications do I need to be a BIM Coordinator?
Becoming a BIM coordinator can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. If this field is of interest to you, there are several qualifications that you’ll need to possess in order to be successful as a BIM coordinator. First and foremost, you will need to have a solid foundation in the core competencies of building construction and design. This means being knowledgeable about engineering disciplines such as architecture, electrical engineering, structural engineering, etc., and understanding how each one affects the overall project design. In addition to this technical proficiency, you should also be highly organized and have the ability to plan ahead. Plannerly is an excellent tool for developing BIM project execution plans, scopes, and timelines, and making sure that all tasks are completed on time and within budget. Finally, communication skills are key for any successful BIM Coordinator; communicating effectively with clients, stakeholders, designers, and engineers is crucial for success in this role. Whether you have a degree in engineering or extensive experience managing projects of all sizes, these qualifications will help ensure your success as a BIM Coordinator.
What is the job market like for BIM Coordinators?
The job market for BIM Coordinators is currently strong, with a healthy outlook for the future. BIM (Building Information Modeling) Coordinators play an essential role in the construction industry, as they are responsible for managing and monitoring the development of 3D models. They serve as a bridge between engineers and architects, working to ensure all design plans are accurate, up-to-date, and properly communicated. Job prospects vary from region to region, but there is a high demand in both public and private sectors for experienced BIM Coordinators who also understand Plannerly software. Salaries also vary by location, but some of the highest median wages can be found in metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle. In addition to a competitive salary, many employers also offer additional benefits such as medical coverage and paid vacation time. All in all, there is plenty of opportunity to specialize and advance within the field of BIM Coordination – making it an appealing career choice for those interested in architecture or engineering. So if you’re looking at growing your career in this exciting industry – seek out positions available as a BIM Coordinator today!
What salary can I expect as a BIM Coordinator?
Deciding whether to pursue a career as a BIM Coordinator involves critical consideration of the rewards that come with the job. A crucial decider is salary, so it’s essential to understand how much you can expect to make in the role. Generally speaking, there isn’t one agreed-upon salary for BIM Coordinators; not least because the experience and qualifications vary from job to job. However, according to Salary.com, positions in San Francisco pay a salary of around $89k per year (plus benefits). If a BIM Coordinator has more than five years of experience, they can expect their salaries to rise up as high as $103k annually. It’s also worth bearing in mind that salaries for BIM Coordinators tend to be higher in certain areas such as San Francisco or New York City. Similarly, salaries may also vary depending on the size and resources of the company one works for – larger firms typically offering higher wages for the role. Finally, remuneration packages offered by private companies often include additional incentives such as stock options or performance bonuses. All in all, aspiring BIM Coordinators can benefit from properly researching salary rates before making any career decisions – this will ensure that they are compensated fairly for their hard work and dedication.
What are the career prospects for BIM Coordinators?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) Coordinators are in high demand as construction technology continues to advance. Those skilled in the use of BIM (and Plannerly!) have to opportunity to take on important roles within a wide range of industries, from architecture and engineering firms to large scale commercial projects. As an entry-level role, BIM Coordinator jobs can involve many aspects of the building process like design development and implementation, as well as production management or technical support for larger projects. A successful candidate will possess a combination of technical expertise, organizational skills, and knowledge of key procedures such as cost estimation and project scheduling. The job market for BIM Coordinators is set to grow over the coming years as construction companies embrace new technology. Working with some of the world’s most famous architects you have a good chance of momentum building within leading organizations around the world. It’s an exciting time filled with great challenges, plenty of rewards, and excellent career prospects. With the right qualifications, experience and skillset anyone looking to enter the industry can be reassured that they’re setting themselves up for success no matter where their ambitions may lead them. Leaders in the sector can expect attractive remuneration packages in exchange for their dedication and hard work – making a career in BIM a hugely attractive option for those who have an eye on ultimate career goals. The future certainly looks bright!
I blog for the Five BIM Bloggers series.
Every week we share different perspectives on important BIM topics!
To hear our views first, Join Free or follow Plannerly!
