Is BIM...?

Despite the longevity of its history when compared to other industries, construction industry seems to be the one to have the biggest resistance towards change and innovation, and consequently one of the most inefficient.

Infrastructure and Projects Authority: "The UK construction supply chain is characterised by high levels of fragmentation and relatively low levels of investment, innovation and productivity. Traditional procurement practice tends to encourage individual transactional relationships with suppliers and a reliance on tried and tested technology, without providing a sufficient incentive for investment and adoption of innovative techniques."

Source: www.gov.uk

The digitalisation of the construction industry, through the adoption of BIM, is the hope for improving its efficiency.

So, what is BIM?

Is BIM a software or a technology?

Is BIM a 3D Model?

Is BIM for architects and engineers only?

There is no such thing as an exact definition of BIM, but its concept is much wider than a software, a technology or a 3D Model, and involves many fields and players in addition to Architects and Engineers.

BIM Dictionary: "Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a set of technologies, processes and policies enabling multiple stakeholders to collaboratively design, construct and operate a Facility in virtual space. In ISO 19650 part 1, BIM refers to the "use of a shared digital representation of a built Asset to facilitate design, construction and operation processes to form a reliable basis for decisions" ISO 19650-1 (3.3.14). The term BIM continues to evolve over the years and is thus best understood as an 'expression of digital innovation' across the construction industry and the overall Built Environment."

Source: www.bimdictionary.com

NBS: "BIM is a process for creating and managing information on a construction project throughout its whole life cycle. As part of this process, a coordinated digital description of every aspect of the built asset is developed, using a set of appropriate technology. It is likely that this digital description includes a combination of information-rich 3D models and associated structured data such as product, execution and handover information."

Source: www.thenbs.com

Source: www.bimframework.info

So, can we conclude that BIM is a set of collaborative methodologies, frameworks and processes to digitally produce, store, manage and exchange information between owners, designers, architects, engineers, constructors, installers, manufacturers, maintenance professionals and other players involved in the whole life cycle of a built asset, from the initial design to its eventual demolition, throughout the design, coordination, documentation, planning, estimation, construction and operation, with the objective of increasing its purpose, efficiency and sustainability?

Are these correct?

1. What is BIM?

Set of collaborative methodologies, frameworks or processes to digitally produce, store, manage and exchange information regarding the whole life cycle of a built asset.

2. What is BIM for?

Delivering the right information, at the right time, to the right actor, to support decision-making regarding a built asset, with the objective of increasing its purpose, efficiency and sustainability.

3. Who is BIM for?

Owners, designers, architects, engineers, constructors, installers, manufacturers, maintenance professionals, and also managers, legislators, lawyers, economists and other players involved in the built environment, working collaboratively.

4. When is BIM useful?

The whole life cycle of a built asset (building, bridge, road, process plant, etc.), including strategic planning, initial design, engineering, development, documentation, construction, operation, maintenance, refurbishment, repair and demolition.

Please help me here, I think I made it less simple...