Bim data management: upgrade the processes of your organization

SeveUp and Bim requirements

In the realm of building information modeling (BIM), ensuring a seamless flow of data is paramount. The primary objective is to provide well-named, accurately coded, and effectively structured data that moves effortlessly within the system.

BIM data’s journey begins when it is created while making a BIM model. As the project progresses, the data evolves, ultimately being used differently at various stages. To facilitate this process, a BIM execution plan is used, which includes a comprehensive list of required and requested data elements. These elements, categorized by specific areas such as architecture, plumbing, electrical, etc. are essential for accurate model representation.

Coding standards play a pivotal role in maintaining consistency and order within the BIM project. For example, data pertaining to building walls is systematically labeled with a prefix like “WALL_”. An instance of this could be “WALL_material,” which specifies the type of wall material, with possible values such as “Drywall,” “Concrete block,” or “Brick.” This standardized approach extends further to define data values using specific lists, thus ensuring uniformity across the entire project.

During the modeling phase, sticking to the predefined values becomes crucial. The BIM modeler can only utilize the values specified in the predefined lists, thus eliminating discrepancies and ensuring data integrity throughout the project’s life cycle. This data-driven approach fosters coherence and reliability, providing stakeholders with accurate and consistent information.

In light of these principles, SeveUp emerges as a powerful tool for streamlining data management in BIM projects. It empowers users to create parameter lists that serve as BIM requirements, following the IDS (information delivery specification) format—a widely recognized standard in the industry. IDS serves as a comprehensive guide for capturing and exchanging information across various stages of the project.

Environmentally speaking, project stakeholders can improve their carbon footprint by incorporating sustainable design principles and environmentally friendly practices throughout the BIM project. That’s also what we do at SeveUp!

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SeveUp further enhances the data management process by transforming the parameter lists into raw tables that are compatible with powerful analytical tools like Power BI. By combining these tables with the BIM model’s existing data tables—also generated by SeveUp—users can create interactive verification dashboards. These dashboards provide an intuitive visual representation of data statuses, highlighting the presence or absence of requested information and ensuring compliance with project requirements.

SeveUp’s innovative features empower users to easily and efficiently manage their data. Through frequent monitoring and verification throughout the project’s duration, stakeholders can mitigate potential risks and maintain high-quality data standards. This proactive approach enables quick identification and resolution of any inconsistencies, ultimately contributing to enhanced project outcomes.

Understanding BIM data flows and BIM requirements

The data in a BIM project begins to flow the moment a BIM model is created. This model serves as a digital representation of what is being built and encompasses a wide range of physical and functional characteristics like architecture, structure, mechanics, and electrical components.

During the development of the BIM model, data is generated and captured from various sources. Architects, engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders contribute their expertise and input to paint a comprehensive picture of the project. This collaborative effort results in the accumulation of a significant amount of data, forming the foundation of the BIM model.

As the BIM model evolves throughout the project’s life cycle, the data continues to flow. The model undergoes refinements, updates, and enrichment, with additional information to ensure its accuracy and reflect the current status of the project. This iterative process involves continuous integration of data and collaboration among different disciplines.

BIM requirements typically vary depending on the specific project, organization, or jurisdiction. However, here are some general aspects that are often considered when developing BIM requirements:

Model Development: BIM requirements may outline the level of detail and accuracy expected in the digital models. This includes specifying the information to be included in the models, such as architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) elements.
Collaboration and Coordination: BIM encourages collaboration and coordination among project stakeholders. Requirements may include guidelines for sharing and exchanging model information, defining coordination processes, and establishing protocols for resolving conflicts and discrepancies.
Standards and Guidelines: BIM requirements often align with specific industry standards and guidelines, such as those provided by organizations like the National BIM Standard-United States (NBIMS-US) or buildingSMART. Compliance with these standards ensures interoperability and consistency across projects.
Information Exchange Formats: BIM requirements may specify the preferred file formats and protocols for exchanging information between different software applications used by project stakeholders. Common formats include Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), Construction-Operations Building information exchange (COBie), and Building Smart Data Dictionary (bsDD).
Data Management and Documentation: BIM requirements may outline expectations for data management practices, such as version control, data backup, and retention. They may also address documentation requirements, including the creation of BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) and Asset Information Models (AIMs).
Deliverables and Milestones: BIM requirements often define the expected deliverables at various project milestones. These may include model submissions, clash detection reports, quantity takeoffs, or visualization materials.

It’s important to understand that BIM requirements can vary significantly depending on the specific project and local regulations. Therefore, it’s always advisable to consult the requirements provided by the project owner, client, or relevant authorities to ensure compliance with their expectations.

Effective BIM data management

In building information modeling, data-driven practices and effective data management are crucial for successfully implementing and utilizing BIM processes. BIM represents a collaborative approach to designing, constructing, and operating buildings, where digital information about the project is created and exchanged.

Data-driven BIM entails using data to drive decision-making throughout the entire lifespan of a building project. This involves gathering, analyzing, and leveraging data to enhance project outcomes, such as improving design efficiency, coordinating construction activities, estimating costs accurately, facilitating effective facility management, and streamlining maintenance processes.

BIM data management involves organizing, storing, and maintaining the vast amount of data generated during the various stages of a project. This includes information about building components, systems, materials, schedules, costs, and more. Effective data management ensures that the right data is available to the right stakeholders at the right time, enabling better collaboration and informed decision-making.

Data capture and creation: Data is captured and created throughout the BIM process, starting from the initial design phase. This data includes 3D models, drawings, specifications, performance data, and more. It’s essential to establish standardized processes for capturing and creating data to ensure consistency and interoperability.
Data integration: BIM involves integrating data from various sources and disciplines, such as architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical. Integration enables the creation of a comprehensive and coordinated digital representation of the building project. Data integration also facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and clash detection, helping to identify and resolve conflicts early in the design stage.
Data analysis and visualization: Data-driven BIM enables advanced analysis and visualization to extract insights and support decision-making. For example, energy analysis can be performed to optimize building performance, and clash detection tools can identify potential conflicts between different building systems. Visualization techniques, such as 3D renderings and virtual reality (VR), enhance stakeholders’ understanding and communication of complex design concepts.
Data exchange and interoperability: BIM relies on the exchange of data between project stakeholders. Data should be shared in a standardized and interoperable format to ensure seamless collaboration. Industry standards, such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and Construction-Operations Building information exchange (COBie), facilitate data exchange and interoperability between different BIM software platforms.
Data governance and security: As BIM involves handling sensitive project data, data governance and security are paramount. Establishing clear data management protocols, access controls, and backup strategies help protect data integrity and confidentiality. It is essential to define roles and responsibilities for data management and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Data-Driven BIM Requirements

Data-driven practices and effective data management are instrumental for successfully implementing and utilizing BIM processes. By harnessing the power of data, your company can optimize design, construction, and facility management, ultimately leading to improved project outcomes.

SeveUp App Users Testimonials

SeveUp helped us to capitalize on the data contained in the BIM models by allowing us to transcribe BIM data in the form of KPIs. In accordance with the methods and business processes of our teams and our partners, we could deploy a BIM approach focused on value creation.

Anne Sophie Duroy Vermare

BIM Manager, Icade

I’m a BIM manager, and SeveUp lets me create dashboards tailored to my needs and those of my clients. They now have instant access to the information they need, knowing that their schedule and BIM requirements are being followed. It frees up more time to advise my clients and attracting more key Acoustic.

Maxime Sagnier

Head of operations, Im-Pact

We conducted proof of concept with SeveUp. Our goal was to regularly monitor and update our digital assets in response to the key needs of our asset managers and operators. Thanks to the SeveUp team’s support and expertise, we were able to quickly set up dashboards that let us visualize relevant indicators from our BIM data.

Benjamin Rousseaux

Project Manager, EDF R&D