What is the role of a BIM manager?
A BIM manager is most of the time a civil engineer/project manager. They implement all the procedures in Building Information Modeling and Digital Construction during the design, construction, and handover of a project. Part of this procedures, they are in charge of applying the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).
A BIM manager leads and supports the use of digital technology to create BIMs in the AECOO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Owner Operator) industry. The BIM manager can have a wide variety of responsibilities, depending on who they are working for. They work closely with BIM coordinators and modelers.
Building Information Modeling managers can go from implementing and managing project support tasks to quality support, and IT. During the project, they must consider all the factors necessary to implement and complete the project. So they can categorize and use them to transform the BIM environment into a productive and collaborative environment.
They do so by:
- Defining a Building Information Modeling strategy
- Implementing systems for communication and data exchange
- Ensuring seamless collaboration
- Managing people and resources
- Monitoring the process for potential improvements
- Implementing tools for designing, developing, delivering, and maintaining a particular facility.
Building Information Modeling is often seen as something complicated, hard to implement. But in fact Building Information Modeling should be seen as an opportunity because of four main reasons:
- Improve the communication
- Reduce the disgn errors
- Collect data
- The future
What are the benefits of having a BIM manager for a project?
Having a BIM manager oversee construction projects leads to a lot of very important benefits. They include:
- Better coordination and collaboration;
- Better time management and fewer delays;
- Reduced costs and higher ROI;
- Increased productivity and faster delivery;
- Reduced risk of information losses, which especially tend to occur when a new team takes over a project;
- Improved maintenance and effective prevention of costly reparation;
- Reduced energy consumption and better environmental;
- Enhanced stability and safety.
What are the qualifications required for a BIM manager?
To become a Building Information Modeling manager, you need to arm yourself with the following qualifications:
- An HNC (Higher National Diploma) or HND (Higher National Certificate) in a subject related to construction, such as civil engineering.
- Experience in an AECOO role (many employers are looking for at least 5 years’ experience).
- Familiarity with the modeling process in Building Information Modeling.
- Excellent IT skills.
- Great verbal and written communication skills.
- Extensive knowledge of quality and document management processes.
Damien Lefranc, BIM Manager at Legendre, testifies about his use of BIM in this article.
The BIM Execution Plan
BIM managers have to apply the BEP, defined by the project management team.
What is a BEP? A BEP defines client’s BIM objectives and uses. It is different from EIR (Employer Information Requirements) (read more about it here).
What are the benefits of a BEP? Learn more about it here.
How to write a BEP? Catenda made a BEP template, that will save you time. Download it for free here.