BIM Execution Plans: Writing for Success
BIM
Execution Plans: Writing for Success
BIM Execution Plans (BEPs) are designed to communicate agreed modeling processes and procedures for the entire project team. It is imperative to refine this information to create a coherent, concise document, eliminating vagueness and ambiguity in modeling and documentation requirements. Here are three steps to guide you while writing concise content for BIM Execution Plans:
- Prepare
- Write
- Review
Prepare
A BEP becomes much easier to write after refining each
process and creating diagrams using Business Process Management Notation
standards (BPMN). Unfortunately, most BEP’s do not include these flow diagrams
and instead focus on writing down processes in a technical paragraph format. It
is common to see these diagrams underutilized; however, we find that preparing
process diagrams hone details to an easily digestible visual format, sequentially
identifying “who” does “what” and “when”, greatly benefitting the entire project
team. Once the processes are defined and
diagrammed, you can move on to organizing the remaining document content.
There are two
areas of document formatting and organization that are particularly important
when populating a BEP. The first is dividing the document into sections logically
and systematically (normally, organized by the operational roles of each party).
Utilizing the process diagrams your team has prepared, group similar processes
into sections and subsections. Next, number each section and subsection with a
standardized hierarchical system prior to adding technical content.
Write
The keys to writing a useful BIM execution
plan are simplicity, accuracy, and clarity. Remove unnecessary verbiage and be as specific
as possible when defining project requirements. When writing about the project
or teams, refrain from using general nouns. Avoid “the design team,” “responsible
parties,” or other template-based descriptors. Instead of using “TBDs” and
generic placeholders for information, specifically identify responsible parties
by name and include deadlines for deliverables, where appropriate.
After completing your first draft, proofread
the complete document from beginning to end, highlighting areas you want to
adjust. If possible, utilize other proofreaders as a resource before distributing
to the project team. The ultimate goal is to gain input from the project team
concerning the accuracy of content; one final review through a second set of
eyes will mitigate errors and omissions.
Preparation, organization, and internal peer
review are cornerstones to development of successful BIM Execution Plans. The effort expended by your organization on
the front end of BEP development exponentially reduces the time spent by many
other team partners (architects, engineers, general contractor, modeling
subcontractor trade partners) on the back end, condensing your design delivery
timetable and reducing overall project cost.
Additional Resources
https://engineering.missouri.edu/tech-toolbox/tech-writing/
https://www.etsi.org/e-brochure/WritingWorldClassStandards/mobile/#p=30
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