Extending Project Management with BIM 3D

As BIM continues to dominate processes across built environments, it offers extensive opportunities to drive more efficiency and effectiveness in project delivery. Today, most BIM centric processes focus on the design phase, but during construction, Project Managers have much to gain in the day-to-day management of projects. For example, ‘Issue Tracking’  is a process often done without the context of a 3D BIM model. Often, these issues are created in project management platforms or via email resulting in unnecessary site visits to resolve. The resultant field changes rarely make their way back to the BIM and therefore are never properly documented for handoff.  Incorporating a 3D based issue tracking workflow has substantial benefits from the initial concept to asset and facilities management. 

Starting with the Basics – What is 3D BIM?

Arguably the most commonly executed  BIM dimension, 3D BIM incorporates the geometric and spatial properties of an object so that the model is not only information rich, but also can be used for the purposes of coordination throughout the design, construction, and management of a building. Often referred to as a ‘coordinated model, the use of the third dimension opens up the opportunity to link in models across disciplines and share information within a common data environment (CDE).

3D models are employed for schematic designs, design development, construction documentation, and record drawings. By using 3D BIM, you will keep all teams in sync as the design progresses.

Other benefits of 3D BIM include easier visualization throughout the entire project. At any point in the project, objects can be viewed from an infinite number of vantage points without the need to recreate information for each view. With this visibility, it is much easier to evaluate possible clashes which can save the project teams time, money, and a lot of headache. Furthermore, better visualization fosters better communication and transparency among the project team.

BIM provides contractors and owners with the opportunity to drive efficiency in their project management processes. Through the effective use of BIM, you can improve the planning and delivery of projects to achieve better outcomes for clients. 

How does BIM help in project management?

Project managers can use BIM 3D to improve communication, coordination, and project collaboration. In their roles as "integrators," they can ultimately drive the use of a Common Data Environment and BIM Collaboration Format to increase operational efficiencies of project teams.

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What is BIM-Based Issue Tracking?

BIM Based issue tracking is a method of keeping a record of open issues in such a way that these issues can be tied back to the BIM. 

What are the Benefits:

Simplify Communication - By providing a 3D Context for tracking and resolving issues in real-time, teams can limit lost communications (emails, notes, calls, etc.), causing major communication breakdowns. In addition, many companies have tracking platforms that are geared specifically towards making issue resolution in a BIM Based environment seamless.  

Project Lifecycle Management - Resolve and document resolutions in a living model that can be used throughout the lifecycle of a project. The model can be tied into the 'system of record' quickly resolving and tracking issues in 3D.  Over time, you create a record log of how, when, and by whom issues are resolved.

Visual Risk and Project Status Reporting - With BIM Based Issue Tracking, you can create powerful project dashboards to communicate risk and project status.Utiilize highly visual data to make interpreting risk faster and simpler.

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Best Practices for Getting Started with BIM Based Issue Tracking

Start early in the project to create habits and build a process. Begin coordinating as early as possible during the project's design phase and continue coordination throughout construction. Then, as changes are made in the field, you can continuously update your BIM to ensure an accurate model at project handover. 

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Define your BIM 3D issue tracking workflow

Utilizing a BIM Based Issue Tracking approach works best when you have a defined workflow. Issue tracking tools like  BIM Track, BIM 360, and Procore,  all help to assign responsibility and enforce timelines for issue resolution. Historically, issues are resolved in the field and are not adequately documented in the BIM 3D model. However, the Avvir Push to BIM plug-in feature enables stakeholders to get a complete picture of reality vs. historical data. In addition, owners are now demanding high fidelity as-built models as part of the project handover process from GC's.

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Automate the process of detecting issues through the use of a BIM environment

Setting up a clash report and sharing it with stakeholders on a given project using PDF, XML, HTML, or another type of format is the "traditional way" of sharing issues found with the clash detection software and requires some extra time to set up and track problem-solving over time.

Manual clash reports often take so much time to create that by the time they are transferred to the project team, it is too late to act on the presented information. However, successful project managers can utilize tools like Avvir to automatically detect issues and push them back to the platform of their choice for tracking resolution.

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Conclusion

The adoption of 3D or BIM based issue tracking across our industry will allow better data management and more opportunity to carry learnings from project to project. As a result, project managers have a new utility for end-to-end coordination, greater transparency, increased communication, and one central source for tracking issues.  Remote coordination helps mitigate risks and control costs by more effectively coordinating decisions than when gathered in conference rooms.