The broad concept of BIM management encompasses a wide range of responsibilities within the BIM workflow, ranging from strategic corporate planning and management activities to specific technical developments. Unlike BIM coordination, the tasks of BIM management are not (solely) project-specific but represent a long-term function within a company. Nevertheless, in practice, BIM managers often take on internal company tasks related to project-based BIM coordination.
The responsibilities of BIM management vary depending on whether the party in question is a contractor or a client. However, the overarching goal of this field is always to address all content-related and technical aspects of BIM-based methods within a company or project.
In design firms, BIM managers typically work in the following areas:
Technical / Structural
- Development and Maintenance of a Corporate Standard
- Template management
- CAD standards
- Attribute management
- Software evaluation
- Version management
- Interface Management
- Software development (e.g., automation functions, etc.)
- Quality management
Project-based
- Creating the planning models
- Technical project setup
- Development of the BIM implementation plan in consultation with the client and other stakeholders
- BIM coordination tasks
Overarching / Strategic
- Development and implementation of a long-term corporate strategy
- Milestone planning for implementation
- Process design within the company
- Knowledge management (e.g., internal documentation and training)
Here is the job description for a BIM Manager at a large general planning firm.
The key areas of focus for BIM management in construction companies are as follows:
- Data Transfer (from Planning)
- Interface management
- Implementation of 4D and 5D planning strategies
- Model-based communication (e.g., also on the construction site)
- As-built documentation
- Data handover to facility management
If the company has a planning department, the responsibilities described under "Planning" naturally apply here as well.
Project management focuses on verifying the content and technical details of the information requested by the client. Key activities of BIM management in this area include:
- Advising the client on the development of the Client Information Requirements
- Quality management in accordance with the BIM implementation plan
- Model-based communication
- BIM coordination
From the client's perspective, BIM management focuses primarily on establishing standards for long-term data management (e.g., for facility management) and for verifying that the required services have been delivered.
Many building owners do not employ in-house BIM managers; instead, they seek advice from consultants as they implement and develop their own standards.
BIM management responsibilities on the client side:
- Strategic Planning for Lifecycle-Oriented Data Management
- Concept development for data transfer into facility management
- Development of the client’s own information requirements
- Development of the basic guidelines for the BIM implementation plan