During the implementation of BIM, especially on projects involving multiple stakeholders, abbreviations and technical terms appear throughout almost every stage—from planning and information management to design coordination, construction, and operations.
If you are not familiar with this terminology, terms such as BEP, MIDP, TIDP, LOD, WIP, RFI, NCR, as well as formats like NWC, NWD, and NWF, can be quite difficult to understand.
In Part 1, BIMCAD Vietnam compiled a list of commonly used BIM terms. Part 2 continues to expand the list with 24 terms used in BIM Management, Information Delivery, Coordination, and Construction Management.
Learn more: BIM Abbreviations: 20+ Essential BIM Terms You Should Know in Construction Projects Part 1
IFC stands for Industry Foundation Classes, an open data standard used to exchange BIM information between different software applications.
IFC allows models to be shared across platforms such as Revit, Archicad, Tekla, Solibri, Navisworks, and many other BIM applications without being fully dependent on a single software vendor.
For example, a Revit model can be exported to IFC for model checking, coordination, or information exchange with stakeholders using different software. Note that IFC can also mean Issued For Construction in drawing documentation. The meaning should be determined based on the context.
NWC stands for Navisworks Cache and is a cache file format used by Autodesk Navisworks. NWC files are typically created when models from other software applications are brought into Navisworks for model aggregation and coordination.
NWC helps make the process of working with linked models in Navisworks faster and more efficient.
NWD stands for Navisworks Data and is a published Navisworks file containing the model data and information needed for review in Navisworks.
This format is commonly used when sharing an aggregated model version with project stakeholders without having to distribute all the original source files.
NWF stands for Navisworks File and is the working project file used in Navisworks. It stores settings related to referenced models, viewpoints, sectioning, clash tests, and other working information.
Simply put:
NWC → Cached data
NWF → Working project file
NWD → Published file for sharing/viewing
BEP – BIM Execution Plan is the project's BIM Execution Plan.
The BEP defines how BIM will be implemented throughout the project, including:
The BEP helps all stakeholders agree on how BIM will be implemented and used from the beginning of the project.
BMP – BIM Management Plan is the BIM Management Plan, focusing on how BIM activities are organized and managed throughout the project.
Depending on the organization and standards being applied, BEP and BMP may be used with different scopes or definitions. Therefore, their specific meanings should be clearly defined in the BIM requirements of each project.
MIDP – Master Information Delivery Plan is the Master Information Delivery Plan.
The MIDP helps define:
The MIDP typically serves as an overall plan that consolidates information delivery plans from multiple teams or organizations involved in the project.
TIDP – Task Information Delivery Plan is the Task Information Delivery Plan. While the MIDP provides an overall project-level view, the TIDP focuses on specific teams or tasks.
For example, the Structure team may create a TIDP to define the models, drawings, schedules, and information that need to be delivered at each project milestone.
BIM – Building Information Modelling is a method for creating and managing building information throughout the project lifecycle.
BIM is not simply a 3D model. A BIM model can contain Geometry + Information + Relationships + Documentation.
From design and coordination to construction and operations, BIM information can be used to support a wide range of processes.
LOD is commonly used to describe the level of development or level of detail of an object within a BIM model. Depending on the standard and system being applied, LOD can have different meanings, with two common interpretations:
Therefore, when implementing BIM, it is important to clearly define which LOD definition is being used.
Point Cloud is a large collection of data points representing objects or environments in 3D space. Point Clouds are commonly generated using:
In BIM, Point Clouds can be used for existing-condition surveys, checking discrepancies between existing conditions and design, or supporting the creation of as-built models.
PMIS – Project Management Information System is a Project Management Information System.
A PMIS can centralize various types of data used for project management, such as:
In a BIM environment, PMIS can be integrated with model data and a CDE to create a more centralized information management system.
RFI – Request for Information is a Request for Information. An RFI is typically used when one party needs clarification regarding design information, documentation, or technical requirements before proceeding with the work.
For example: An architectural drawing and a structural drawing show different information at a door opening location → the contractor creates an RFI → the consultant provides a response → the information is updated and recorded.
A systematic RFI management process helps prevent information exchanges from becoming fragmented across email, chat, or separate communication channels.
WIP – Work In Progress refers to the work-in-progress status. In an information management workflow, WIP typically represents an internal working area where a team develops information before it is checked and shared to subsequent states.
A common workflow can be organized as:
WIP → Shared → Published → Archived
This helps clearly distinguish information that is still being developed from information that has been officially issued.
SC is commonly used to refer to Sub-contractor or Sub-consultant, depending on the project context.
These are parties involved in carrying out specific scopes of work assigned to them. In a BIM project, an SC may be responsible for providing:
NCR – Non-Compliance Report is a Non-Compliance Report. An NCR is issued when a work item, product, or document does not meet the defined requirements.
For example: Actual construction ≠ Design requirements / Specification
→ Record the issue
→ Issue an NCR
→ Identify the root cause
→ Propose corrective actions
→ Track and close the NCR
QA/QC includes:
In BIM, QA/QC is not limited to model checking. It can also include: Model Check → Data Check → Coordination → Documentation → Deliverable.
The goal is to ensure that information is delivered according to requirements, standards, and the required schedule.
O&M – Operations & Maintenance refers to Operations and Maintenance.
This is the stage after construction is completed, during which BIM information can continue to support:
This demonstrates that BIM does not end when construction is completed.
O&M Manuals are a set of documents used to support the operation and maintenance of a building.
These documents may include:
When linked with BIM data, O&M Manuals can make it easier for operations teams to access and manage asset information.
BS – British Standards refers to the system of standards developed in the United Kingdom.
In the BIM field, many British standards and guidance documents have significantly influenced approaches to Information Management and BIM. In particular, the standards related to ISO 19650 were developed from the UK BIM standards framework.
BSI – British Standards Institution is the UK's national standards body. BSI has played an important role in developing and promoting standards related to information management and BIM.
BC may be used in some projects to refer to Base Consultant or to represent a role specifically defined within the project's organizational structure. However, unlike terms such as BEP, MIDP, or RFI, BC does not have a single standardized meaning across all projects.
Therefore, when reviewing a BIM Execution Plan or Project Information Requirements, it is important to check the Project Glossary to determine the exact meaning of the term used.
The Lead Appointed Party is the appointed party that acts as the main point of coordination and information management between relevant parties within its assigned scope.
Under the ISO 19650 information management framework, clearly defining the roles of each party helps establish: Who requires the information → Who creates it → Who checks it → Who approves it → Who uses it.
This provides an important foundation for establishing a BIM workflow with clearly defined responsibilities.
Terms such as IFC, NWC, NWD, NWF, BEP, MIDP, TIDP, LOD, WIP, RFI, NCR, QA/QC, and O&M are more than just abbreviations commonly found in BIM documents.
They reflect how a project creates, exchanges, controls, publishes, and uses information throughout the building lifecycle.
In particular, as projects involve more stakeholders, understanding these terms must go hand in hand with standardizing workflows, defining permissions, and managing information versions. This is also the foundation for BIM to effectively support project coordination and management rather than remaining limited to 3D modeling.
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.
