Perfect tool for information management in BIM projects: BIMQ

reading time 3 min

BIMQ makes the creation of exchange information requirements (EIR) and BIM execution plans (BEP) for BIM projects as easy as can be. Coupled with ALLPLAN Bimplus, everyone in the ALLPLAN team always has the right information on the objects.

No question: BIM makes construction better. However, in order to benefit from the numerous advantages and added values of the BIM digital working method, close coordination is required between all those involved in the planning and design process. This is the task of the BIM manager. This does not end with the various specialist project participants, but also concerns the client, who must be able to tender, control and accept his project with certainty. The keyword here is: information management.

Thus, right at the beginning of a project, it is necessary to clearly define the goals and the associated requirements. These are defined on the client side in the exchange information requirements (EIR) - and later on the contractor side in the BIM execution plan (BEP). This describes who has to provide which information on which components and when. What sounds like a challenge can be mastered almost intuitively and extremely simply with BIMQ.

EIR and BEP: Basis for successful BIM projects

In the EIR, the client defines the goals to be achieved and the use cases to be implemented in the BIM project. On the other hand, they describe his requirements for project execution with BIM as well as his processes and IT infrastructure for this. At the same time, the EIR forms the basis for the BEP. This in turn includes, among other things, information on the project, those involved in it, responsibilities and approaches with which these are to be achieved, as well as on the information requirements, working with the 3D models, modelling and attribute guidelines.

Both, EIR and BEP, form the foundation for a BIM project to be carried out successfully, i.e. to the satisfaction of all parties involved. The information requirements are continuously developed and expanded during the course of the project. A good programme for BIM management must therefore be flexible and support communication with the BIM authoring systems.

Creating the EIR: made easy by BIMQ

The web-based platform BIMQ makes the creation of the EIR conceivably simple. It is based on detailed templates that allow clients to easily define parameters such as delivery quality, levels of detail (LOD), classifications, delivery formats and rules for checking and accepting their BIM models. On the platform, the builder can efficiently create guidelines for his organisation and derive the EIR for a specific project based on them. By means of internal programme checking rules, the client retains full control over the information requirements even as the project progresses and is handed over.

The BIM management tool also has a connection to classification systems and access to various international catalogues for attributes and object designations such as IFC, BSDD, CAFM Connect or ETIM. It also enables smooth data transfer to facility management systems (CAFM).

BIMQ interface to ALLPLAN Bimplus

As a software solution from ALLPLAN partner AEC 3 Deutschland GmbH, BIMQ has a direct interface to ALLPLAN Bimplus. This cooperation benefits not only building owners but also BIM managers, coordinators and designers. All involved can easily transfer the project-specific information requirements using this interface and then assign them to their BIM project as a project template. The designer is thus shown exactly which information is required according to the EIR and BEP for each model element and a manual search for information is no longer necessary. In addition, as a "single source of truth", BIMQ always guarantees the topicality and quality of the information.

IFC models and model checking

BIMQ also makes openBIM possible: Since BIMQ maintains interfaces to other well-known BIM software, planning participants from all disciplines can be provided with uniform IFC mapping files. This ensures an IFC-compliant BIM coordination model and facilitates communication on the model. In addition, BIMQ automatically generates checking rules for the most popular BIM model checkers, so that all planning participants can check the model for the correct information content at any time.