In a BIM project, you will frequently encounter abbreviations such as EIR, AIR, OIR, PIR, CDE, AIM, MIDP, LOI, and LDC.
These are not merely acronyms used in BIM documentation. They represent information requirements, models, data management processes, and the roles of different project stakeholders.
Understanding these terms correctly helps BIM Coordinators, BIM Managers, consultants, contractors, and owners communicate consistently and implement BIM more effectively. Below are the key terms compiled from the infographic.
OIR stands for Organizational Information Requirements. These are the information requirements an organization needs to support management, operations, and decision-making at the organizational level. OIR often serves as the basis for defining more specific information requirements for individual projects.
PIR stands for Project Information Requirements. PIR defines the information that needs to be created and delivered throughout the execution of a specific project.
Simply put: OIR → the organization's information needs → PIR → the project's information needs.
EIR is commonly used to refer to Exchange Information Requirements or, in some documents, Employer's Information Requirements.
EIR defines what information needs to be exchanged, when it needs to be delivered, and the related requirements throughout project implementation. It is one of the key terms when establishing a BIM workflow.
AIR stands for Asset Information Requirements. AIR focuses on the information required to manage and operate an asset after the project is completed.
AIM stands for Asset Information Model. It contains the information required to support asset operation, maintenance, and management during the Operations phase. The AIM can inherit and be developed from information generated during the design and construction phases.
LOI refers to the level of information required within a model.
This may include non-geometric properties such as:
LOI helps define what information a model needs to contain and to what level of detail.
MDS stands for Model Development Specification. It helps define the requirements related to the content and level of model development at each project stage.
CDE – Common Data Environment is a Common Data Environment that provides a centralized environment for project stakeholders to store, manage, share, control versions, and exchange information.
A CDE workflow may manage information states such as: WIP → Shared → Published → Archived.
The goal is to create a controlled source of information, rather than having project data scattered across emails, chats, local drives, or multiple disconnected systems.
EDMS stands for Electronic Document Management System. It focuses on managing documents, versions, access permissions, change history, and document workflows.
An EDMS can be a component of a broader project information management system.
CAFM stands for Computer-Aided Facilities Management. It is a system that supports facilities management, including:
Assets → Spaces → Equipment → Maintenance → Operations
When integrated with BIM and asset data, CAFM can provide more effective support throughout the Operations phase.
GIS – Geographic Information System is a Geographic Information System. GIS focuses on data with spatial and geographic location, while BIM focuses more on information related to buildings, infrastructure, and assets.
In large-scale projects, BIM and GIS can be integrated to manage buildings, infrastructure, and spatial data more effectively.
MIDP – Master Information Delivery Plan is the Master Information Delivery Plan.
The MIDP helps define:
The MIDP plays an important role in planning and controlling the delivery of BIM information throughout the project.
KPI – Key Performance Indicators are Key Performance Indicators.
In BIM, KPIs can be used to monitor aspects such as:
Model quality → Coordination → Issue resolution → Schedule → Data → BIM implementation performance
KPIs help a project not only implement BIM, but also measure the outcomes and effectiveness of the BIM implementation process.
WBS – Work Breakdown Structure is the Work Breakdown Structure. WBS divides a project into smaller work packages and components to make planning, assignment, and control easier.
WBS is not a BIM-specific term, but it is commonly used in construction project management and BIM implementation planning.
GC stands for General Contractor, commonly understood as the Main Contractor. The GC may be responsible for coordinating multiple contractors and other project stakeholders throughout project execution.
LDC – Lead Design Consultant is the Lead Design Consultant. The LDC typically plays a role in coordinating and leading design activities across different disciplines and relevant consulting teams.
PMC – Project Management Consultant is the Project Management Consultant. The PMC supports the owner in managing various aspects of the project, including schedule, cost, quality, design, and stakeholder coordination.
CoC – Cost Consultant is the Cost Consultant. This role focuses on project cost management and control, including cost estimates, budgets, and other aspects related to cost management.
O&M – Operations and Maintenance means Operations and Maintenance. This is the phase where BIM data begins to deliver long-term value to asset owners and operators.
BIM information can be used to support:
Asset Management → Equipment Maintenance → Space Management → History Tracking → Operations Planning
This is also why requirements such as AIR and AIM become particularly important during the later stages of a project.
BIM terminology does not exist in isolation. Instead, these terms often form an information flow throughout the project lifecycle. A simplified sequence can be illustrated as follows:
OIR
↓
PIR / EIR
↓
AIR
↓
MIDP
↓
BIM Models & Information
↓
CDE
↓
AIM
↓
O&M
In this workflow, the CDE plays an important role in controlling and exchanging project information, while the AIM focuses on using information to support asset operations and management during the operational phase.
The system of BIM abbreviations is an important part of the professional language used in BIM. Understanding OIR, PIR, EIR, AIR, AIM, CDE, MIDP, LOI, KPI, WBS, and other related terms helps project stakeholders communicate more accurately and establish consistent information workflows.
More importantly, these terms demonstrate that BIM is not simply about creating 3D models. It is a method for managing information throughout the entire lifecycle of a built asset.
BIMCAD Vietnam provides BIM/CAD, BIM Consulting, BIM Software Development, and BIM Outsourcing solutions, helping construction businesses standardize their BIM processes, data, and technology according to their practical needs.
