BIM Execution Plan (BEP): Definition, Content and Best Practices
What Is a BIM Execution Plan?
A BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is a reference document that defines the organizational, production, information exchange, and coordination rules to be followed by the different stakeholders involved in a BIM project.
It translates the project's BIM objectives into practical working methods. In particular, it defines who produces which information, according to which rules, using which tools, and following which validation processes.
The BIM Execution Plan therefore establishes a common framework for architects, engineering firms, contractors, BIM Managers, and clients. It helps ensure the consistency of digital models and the reliability of the information exchanged throughout the project.
What Is the Difference Between a BIM Execution Plan, BIM Charter and BIM Requirements?
These three documents are complementary, but they do not serve exactly the same purpose.
The BIM requirements primarily define the client's BIM needs, objectives, and expectations. They establish what is expected from the project and its various stakeholders.
A BIM charter generally establishes the BIM principles, standards, and methods applicable across an organization or a portfolio of projects.
The BIM Execution Plan (BEP), on the other hand, translates these requirements into the operational organization of a specific project. It defines the practical methods for producing, coordinating, exchanging, and reviewing BIM data.
It is therefore a central document for organizing collaborative working between the different project stakeholders.
What Should a BIM Execution Plan Include?
The content of a BIM Execution Plan should be adapted to the size, objectives, and complexity of the project. There is no single BEP that can be applied identically to every project.
A BIM Execution Plan may include:
the project's BIM objectives and uses;
the roles and responsibilities of the different stakeholders;
the organization and breakdown of BIM models;
the software and versions being used;
exchange formats, including IFC;
the required levels of development and information;
naming and classification rules;
coordinate systems and georeferencing;
document submission, validation, and distribution procedures;
coordination and clash detection methods;
model quality-control procedures;
the organization of the Common Data Environment (CDE).
These elements establish common working methods and prevent each stakeholder from applying their own production rules independently.
The BIM Execution Plan and Collaborative Working
The BIM Execution Plan plays an essential role in collaborative working. A BIM project generally involves several disciplines simultaneously producing models and data that need to remain consistent with one another.
The BEP therefore defines the processes used to organize these exchanges, including model publishing frequency, validation responsibilities, version management, coordination processes, and clash resolution.
When a project uses a Common Data Environment such as Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC), the BIM Execution Plan may also define the folder structure, access permissions, approval workflows, and methods for sharing and publishing information.
The objective is to provide all project teams with a structured and controlled source of information.
Who Prepares the BIM Execution Plan?
The preparation and management of the BIM Execution Plan are generally led by the BIM Manager in collaboration with the client, design team, and other project stakeholders.
However, the BIM Manager's role is not limited to writing the document. They must also ensure that the defined rules are understood, applicable, and actually followed by the teams.
The BIM Execution Plan is therefore a living document. It may be updated throughout the project to reflect changes in teams, tools, objectives, or production methods.
Why Implement a BIM Execution Plan?
A well-structured BIM Execution Plan primarily helps reduce ambiguity in the organization of a project.
It helps standardize working methods, improve model quality, facilitate exchanges between disciplines, and provide greater control over coordination processes.
It also helps reduce errors related to file versions, coordinate systems, modeling rules, and exchange formats.
Beyond the document itself, the objective is therefore to establish a clear BIM organization that can be effectively applied by project teams.
How Does ERA Consult Support the Implementation of a BIM Execution Plan?
ERA Consult supports clients, architects, engineering firms, and contractors in defining and implementing their BIM methods.
Our support may include analyzing project requirements, preparing or adapting the BIM Execution Plan, defining production standards, organizing BIM models, implementing coordination processes, and structuring the collaborative environment.
We also provide support for the implementation and optimization of Autodesk Construction Cloud, Revit workflows, BIM coordination, and the operational support of project teams.
The objective is not simply to produce a BIM Execution Plan, but to establish project-specific rules and workflows that can be effectively implemented by all stakeholders.
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