BIM Execution Plan What,
(BXP/BEP) Why,
When,
How
1
2
Introduction
A BEP (also written BXP, short for BIM Execution Plan) is the project’s playbook for how Building
Information Modeling will be done—who does what, when, with which standards/tools, and
what information must be delivered at each milestone. In the ISO 19650 process it’s the
document that turns the client’s information requirements into an agreed, workable plan for
the delivery team.
A BIM Execution Plan reduces errors by setting expectations and ensures that information flows
smoothly so that all project participants are aligned and on the same page regarding the BIM
project under consideration.
3
▪ Pre-contract / proposal BEP – submitted at tender to show how you plan to
meet the client’s Exchange Information Requirements (EIR). It proves capability,
workflows, standards, tools, and team roles.
▪ Post-contract / delivery team BEP – agreed after appointment; it locks down
the final methods, responsibilities, schedules, model exchange rules, QA, etc.
This becomes the live reference for day-to-day work.
▪ Changes During the Project - The project BIM execution plan should not be rigid.
Rather, it should be flexible allowing updating whenever required. Change in the
project or change in the technology or even change in the scope of work might require
updating of the BXP to keep its relevance.
4
What is a BIM Project Execution Plan (BXP/BEP)?
5
What goes inside a good BEP (checklist you can follow)
1) Project overview & goals
❖ Project scope, BIM objectives, success metrics (e.g., clash rate targets, coordination cycle times, model uses like
4D/5D).
2) Roles, responsibilities & governance
❖ Org chart; appointing party, lead appointed party, task teams; information manager/BIM manager; RACI matrix for
each BIM Use.
❖ Decision/approval workflow; meeting cadence; change control.
3) Standards & naming
❖ Information standards (ISO 19650 naming, status codes), classification (UniFormat/OmniClass), coordinate reference
system & geolocation, units.
4) BIM Uses & deliverables
❖ List the BIM Uses you’ll perform (design authoring, model coordination, 4D, 5D, COBie/asset data, as-built, etc.) and
the exact outputs for each milestone (models, sheets, schedules, reports, IFC/BCF/COBie).
6
5) Information requirements & “level”
❖ Map each deliverable to the Level of Information Need (ISO term for geometry + alphanumeric data +
documentation).
6) Authoring tools, exchange formats & interoperability
❖ Authoring software versions, plugins; open formats (IFC, BCF), exchange frequency; model segmentation
(by zone, discipline, worksets); parameter dictionaries/shared parameters.
7) CDE (Common Data Environment) rules
❖ Platform name; folder structure; status codes (Work-in-Progress/Shared/Published/Archived); naming;
versioning; permissions; transmittal & approval steps.
8) Coordination & quality control
❖ Clash detection strategy (tools, tolerances, hard/soft rules), clash matrix (who clashes with who),
coordination cycle & issue tracking (BCF, IDs, due dates), model QA checks (naming, parameters,
warnings, purge rules).
7
9) Information delivery planning
❖ TIDP (who delivers what) and MIDP (all milestones across the project) with dates tied to
design/construct/commission phases.
10) Construction & Facilities Management (FM) integration
❖ 4D linking (model schedule), 5D (estimation rules), field workflows (model-to-field, issue
management), and COBie/asset data requirements for handover.
11) Security, legal & risk
❖ Model reliance/priority vs drawings; intellectual property; permitted uses; model disclaimers; record
model strategy; data security levels.
12) Training & onboarding
❖ BIM Training and support plan for team members, software training, data management, and technical
support.
13) Maintenance & revision control
❖ How often the BEP is reviewed/updated, who approves revisions, and how updates are communicated in
the CDE.
8
9
Why do I need a BIM Execution Plan for a Construction Project?
A BIM Execution Plan can be attributed as a rule book of construction with BIM as it provides a
framework to avoid miscommunication, mismanagement, and inefficiencies. But if you are wondering
that why should you use a project execution plan for your construction projects - here’s why:
• Better Collaboration: By defining communication channels and roles, the BXP creates a more
connected project environment where everyone is aligned.
• Better Decision Making: A good BXP ensures information is available at each stage so data-driven
decisions can be made.
• Error Reduction and Risk Management: With specific standards and quality checks in place BXP
reduces errors, reduces rework and mitigates risks associated with data inconsistencies.
• Resource Management: BXP defines the technology and resources so teams can allocate them
correctly and avoid duplication of work.
• Long Term Asset Value: By managing data consistently and accurately BXP adds to the long term
value of the asset, particularly for facility management and project lifecycle planning.
• Timely Project Delivery: All stakeholders get benefit from BXP implementation as the stakeholders
have clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and project scope. As a result, the project
is likely to be completed within time and budget.
10
How to create a BIM Execution Plan ?
Steps to Create a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)
1. Understand Client’s Requirements (EIR)
❑ Start with the Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) or project brief from the client.
❑ If the client has not defined one, ask questions:
▪ What information do they need at handover?
▪ Which BIM uses do they expect (e.g., clash detection, cost estimation, FM data)?
❑ Clarify expectations early.
2. Decide Type of BEP
❑ Pre-contract BEP → Submitted during bidding/tender stage to show your BIM approach.
❑ Post-contract BEP → Final agreed document after the project is awarded.
❑ Both should align, but the post-contract BEP is much more detailed.
3. Define Project Goals & BIM Uses
❑ Write down why BIM is being used in this project (e.g., reduce clashes, speed up approvals, improve cost control,
provide FM data).
❑ Select BIM Uses (design coordination, 4D scheduling, 5D costing, digital handover, FM integration, etc.).
11
4. Identify Team Roles & Responsibilities
❑ Prepare an organization chart.
❑ Assign a BIM Manager/Information Manager, discipline leads, coordinators, and model authors.
❑ Use a RACI Matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed).
5. Define Standards & Protocols
❑ Mention which standards you will follow (e.g., ISO 19650, NBIMS, AIA protocols).
❑ Set naming conventions, file formats (Revit, IFC, BCF, COBie), units, coordinate system, and classification
system.
6. Select Software & Technology
❑ List the software platforms and versions (e.g., Revit 2025, Navisworks, Tekla, ArchiCAD).
❑ Define file exchange rules (IFC export, BCF for issue tracking).
❑ Mention any CDE (Common Data Environment) like BIM 360, ACC, Trimble Connect, or Aconex.
7. Plan Information Delivery
❑ Create TIDP (Task Information Delivery Plan) = each discipline’s deliverables.
❑ Create MIDP (Master Information Delivery Plan) = master schedule combining all tasks.
❑ Define milestones: Concept, Schematic, Detailed Design, Construction, Handover.
12
8. Establish Collaboration & Coordination Rules
❑ Define clash detection process:
▪ Tools (e.g., Navisworks, Solibri)
▪ Tolerances (e.g., >20mm clash)
▪ Frequency (weekly/biweekly meetings)
❑ Define issue reporting system (e.g., BCF issues, BIM Track, Revizto).
❑ Agree on model sharing frequency.
9. Quality Control & Model Checks
❑ Set rules for model audit and validation (naming, parameters, element categories).
❑ Define LOD/LOI (Level of Development / Information Need) for each milestone.
❑ Include QA checklists.
10. Include Handover & FM Integration
❑ Specify data handover format (COBie, IFC, as-built models).
❑ Define what FM information is needed (equipment ID, manuals, warranty info).
❑ Ensure the model will remain usable for the building lifecycle.
13
11. Define Legal, Security & Risk Issues
❑ Intellectual Property (who owns the model).
❑ Level of reliance (are models contractual, or are 2D drawings still the legal record?).
❑ Data security and permissions in the CDE.
12. Setup Training & BEP Maintenance
❑ If new team members join, include onboarding/training steps.
❑ Decide how often the BEP will be reviewed and updated (e.g., at each design stage).
14
Typical BEP Table of Contents
[Link] Overview & BIM Goals
[Link] Participants, Roles & Responsibilities
[Link] Uses (Design, Coordination, Cost, FM, etc.)
[Link] & Protocols
[Link], Tools & CDE
[Link] Delivery Plan (TIDP & MIDP)
[Link] Structure & Naming Conventions
[Link] Strategy (Clash Detection, Issue Tracking)
[Link] Assurance & Model Validation
[Link] & FM Integration (Handover data, COBie)
[Link], Security, and Risk Management
[Link], Onboarding & BEP Review Process
15
To implement a BIM Execution Plan (BEP) successfully you need to plan and follow best practices.
Here’s how:
✓ Clear Communication: Communication among project team members about BEP standards and
protocols needs to be frequent and transparent. This will align everyone, reduce misunderstandings
and make sure everyone is on the same page through the project lifecycle.
✓ Training and Support: Training on BIM tools, standards and collaboration protocols will empower
team members to use the BEP. Continuous support will make sure stakeholders are ready for new
tools and updates.
✓ Technology Integration: Choose technologies that are interoperable and fit for purpose. This will
ensure data exchange is smooth, reduce compatibility issues and support collaboration among
different teams.
✓ Regular BEP Updates: BEP should be a living document, updated as the project progresses,
challenges and technology evolves. Regular updates will keep the plan relevant and guide project
success.
✓ Data Security: Strong data security protocols are important to protect project information especially
in shared digital spaces. Implement access controls, encryption and secure file sharing will protect
project data.
16
While BXPs are important for BIM implementation, they are not free of challenges. Here are
some of the common ones:
• Resistance to Change: Organizations new to BIM will resist change. Regular training and
highlighting the benefits to them can help overcome this situation.
• Interoperability: Different stakeholders will use different BIM software. To facilitate data
exchange, choose a CDE that supports open file formats.
• Maintaining Data Accuracy: Another challenge that most of the teams face while preparing
BEP is maintaining accuracy because the data comes from multiple sources. Regular audit,
model checks and validation tools can come handy for maintaining data integrity.
• Cost and Time Constraints: Developing a BXP can be resource-intensive and time consuming.
Therefore, it is important to plan early and develop it before the development of the
contract to optimize both time and cost.
• Adapting to Changing Construction Project Requirements: Construction projects are bound
to change and evolve as they progresses through various stages. This makes it difficult to
adhere to the initial BXP. To mitigate this, stakeholders should regularly revise the BXP can
ensure it aligns with the changes.
17
A proper BIM Execution Plan ensures that project teams are
aligned, that data generated is accurate, and that project
objectives are met. By providing standards, defining roles,
and specifying collaborative workflows, a BXP can greatly
enhance project efficiency and quality. Implementing a BXP
will not only optimize the existing construction project but
also ensure the success of the organization in the future by
fostering a culture of data fidelity, communication, and
continuous improvement of BIM practices.
18