What are the best practices for implementing UK BIM Level 2 standards?

Firstly, if the project mandates the current standard of ISO 19650 (with national annex of the country of origin), then the term "BIM Level 2" is redundant, along with the famous wedge. "BIM level 2" is no longer acceptable as it became a subjective term and was vague in its requirements. This has put more emphasis on the Appointing party (client) to specify their needs and standards of delivery via the likes of the EIR (Exchange Information Requirements) and detailed LOIN (Level of Information Need). With that being said, BIM implementation has to be driven from the top down. If the Appointing Party mandates it on a project, well then it is a non-negotiable. Their guidance information will formulate all information produced.

For a UK BIM Level 2 implementation to be successful, which has also been replaced by ISO 19650 parts 2 and 3, it is important to establish strong collaboration and clear communication from the start. Pre-construction workshops that define information requirements across all project stages set the stage for a smooth workflow. Standardized file naming conventions and a focus on information exchange through COBie data and other structured formats, not just 3D models, ensure everyone has easy access to rich asset information. Investing in BIM training empowers teams to contribute effectively.

As per ISO19650 it's exchange information requirements (EIR) and the next one being Asset information requirements (AIR). EIR mainly focuses on Information Management during the Capital Delivery Phase and AIR provides the life cycle information aspects of an Asset.

Using the term "BIM Level 2" has indeed become less preferred because it can be ambiguous and open to interpretation. To ensure clarity and consistency, the Appointing Party, typically the client, should specify their requirements and delivery standards in the Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) document. The EIR outlines the project-specific goals, expectations, and information exchange protocols. Additionally, the LOD is a crucial component of the EIR. It defines the required level of detail and information for each project stage, which helps ensure that the project team provides the necessary information at the right time.

Where to implement UK LEVEL 2 BIM, in UK itself or somewhere else ! The strategy will be altogether different for different regions, looking into their current adaptations & practices. ISO 19650 is just a guiding document it’s not mandated everywhere, I rarely see organisations having OIR, AIR & EIR defined, so shouldn’t they implement BIM there in absence of these ? It also says in absence of EIR, the appointed party has to understand appointing party’s BIM requirements and prepare BEP. So quite a lot brainstorming will be required among the agencies to implement level 2 BIM to its full extent.

Taking your project to UK BIM Level 2 hinges on a well-crafted BIM Execution Plan (BEP). This plan acts as your guide, detailing the project's goals, what needs to be done with BIM, and most importantly, who does what. A clear BEP ensures everyone is on the same page. The Information Manager becomes the information center, the Lead Designer steers design integration, the Lead Contractor manages construction's BIM contributions, and Task Team Managers lead their specific areas within BIM. By setting these roles and responsibilities, you encourage smooth communication, collaboration, and accountability throughout the project, ultimately paving the way for a successful UK BIM Level 2 achievement.

Exactly! Defining roles and responsibilities is the second crucial step in implementing UK BIM Level 2 standards. The BIM Execution Plan (BEP) serves as a blueprint, detailing the scope, objectives, methods, and procedures of the BIM process. Within the BEP, roles and responsibilities are assigned to key project team members, including the Information Manager, Lead Designer, Lead Contractor, and Task Team Managers. Clear delineation of responsibilities fosters effective communication and collaboration, essential for successful project execution.

To implement UK BIM Level 2 standards effectively, the second step involves crafting a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) to delineate the project's scope, objectives, methods, and assign roles like the Information Manager, Lead Designer, Lead Contractor, ensuring clear communication and collaboration within the project team.

Absolutely! Following the standards and protocols outlined in the PAS 1192 series and BS 1192:2007+A2:2016 is critical for implementing UK BIM Level 2 standards effectively. These specifications define principles, terminology, workflows, and deliverables, ensuring consistency and reliability throughout the BIM process. Adhering to these standards promotes interoperability, enhances communication, and maintains the quality and performance of BIM implementation across projects.

It differentiate by collective working between parties using models. Each party works from individual models which combine with external data from other parties to create a “federated” BIM model. This is the minimum BIM level preferred by the government

The preferred minimum BIM level mandated by the government emphasizes collaborative work among project parties using individual models that integrate external data, resulting in a "federated" BIM model, facilitating collective working and information exchange.

To achieve UK BIM Level 2 effectively, the right technology is essential. This means using three key tools: 1. A Common Data Environment (CDE) acts as a central hub for all project information. 2. BIM authoring software allows you to build and modify 3D models with rich data attached. 3. BIM validation tools ensure the information in your models is accurate and meets project requirements. By using these tools together, you can streamline the BIM process, improve teamwork, and ultimately deliver better construction projects.

Absolutely! Utilizing the appropriate tools and software is crucial for effectively implementing UK BIM Level 2 standards. This includes employing a Common Data Environment (CDE) for centralized information management, a BIM authoring tool for creating and editing 3D models and associated data, and a BIM validation tool for ensuring compliance and accuracy of information. By leveraging these tools, you can enhance efficiency, productivity, and collaboration within the BIM process, ultimately leading to better project outcomes.

To implement UK BIM Level 2 standards effectively, the fourth step involves leveraging suitable tools and software. This includes utilizing a Common Data Environment (CDE) for shared online information storage and management, employing BIM authoring tools for creating and editing 3D models, and utilizing BIM validation tools to ensure information accuracy and compliance, thereby boosting overall efficiency and productivity in the BIM process.

Regularly checking BIM workflows leads to better results. We can track progress with measurable goals (KPIs) and audits, and learn from feedback to improve the BIM process over time.

Absolutely! Monitoring and reviewing the progress and outcomes of the BIM process is essential for continuous improvement and optimization. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide measurable benchmarks for assessing the achievement of BIM objectives, while BIM audits evaluate the quality and compliance of information. Additionally, gathering feedback through BIM feedback processes enables the identification of lessons learned and best practices. By systematically monitoring and reviewing these aspects, organizations can identify areas for improvement, implement corrective actions, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the BIM process.

Regularly monitoring and reviewing the BIM process is crucial for ongoing improvement. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) offer measurable benchmarks, BIM audits ensure quality and compliance, and feedback processes facilitate learning from experiences. This systematic approach enables organizations to identify areas for enhancement, implement corrective measures, and optimize the overall effectiveness of BIM implementation.

Let's ensure our BIM implementation is on point from the start. I recommend setting up a CDE to streamline information sharing and keep everyone on the same page. We can also use standardized formats like IFC for seamless model integration. To make sure our models are always up-to-date and accurate, let's collaborate on a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) that outlines clear protocols for file naming, model updates, and communication. Additionally, implementing a version control system will allow us to track changes and maintain a clear history. By working together on these practices, we can guarantee a smooth workflow and avoid information silos. This will ultimately lead to a more efficient and successful project for everyone involved.

To ensure a robust BIM implementation from the outset, I propose establishing a Common Data Environment (CDE) for streamlined information sharing and adopting standardized formats like IFC for seamless model integration. Collaborating on a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) will define protocols for file naming, model updates, and communication, while implementing a version control system will enable us to track changes effectively. By prioritizing these practices, we can foster a collaborative workflow, prevent information silos, and enhance project efficiency and success for all stakeholders.

BIM 'Level 2' was referenced in the BS 1192 series of documents. These documents have been superseded with the ISO 19650 series. ISO 19650 now refers to 'maturity stages'.

We need to understand the basic difference between Level 1 and Level 2 BIM implementations. So if we need to implement Level 2 BIM that we must have a proper collaboration tool in place, wherein we can federate the models seamlessly without any glitch. The models should be information rich, containing graphical and non graphical in an agreed format. Also, we must have a proper BIM execution plan, responsibility matrix and information exchanges followed by a standardized approach.