Have you ever heard the terms EIR and BEP?
EIR refers to Employer’s Information Requirements, while BEP refers to the BIM Execution Plan. In Japan, there are still many cases where EIR and BEP are not properly prepared, which has become a challenge.
In this article, we would like to introduce the role of the BIM Manager, who is responsible for analyzing EIR and preparing BEP, as well as the key points to consider when creating EIR and BEP.
EIR is an abbreviation for Employer’s Information Requirements and refers to the information requirements specified by the client.
BEP is an abbreviation for BIM Execution Plan and refers to the plan for implementing BIM.
To explain briefly, EIR is a document in which the client compiles the requirements related to BIM and submits them to companies that are expected to undertake the project. In response, the prospective contractor submits a BEP to the client, outlining the approach and methods for implementing BIM. After that, both parties discuss and reach an agreement, and BIM is then utilized in the project execution.
If you would like to learn more about EIR and BEP, please see the following:
Creating EIR and BEP requires in-depth knowledge of BIM. In Japan, there are still relatively few cases where clients actually present an EIR. Because of this background, BEPs are often not prepared, making it difficult to share goals and objectives. As a result, BIM is sometimes implemented individually by each person in charge rather than being carried out in a coordinated manner.
As a result, even if things appear to be working well in the short term or in certain areas, when viewed from a broader perspective, the overall process is not functioning effectively. Recently, it became a topic of discussion that BIM requirements were issued for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. When carrying out such projects, it is expected that the issuance of EIR will gradually become more common in the future.
At the same time, companies seeking to undertake projects need to prepare themselves to create BEPs. If they are unable to analyze the EIR and prepare a BEP, it may lead to missed opportunities for winning project contracts.
So, who should be responsible for analyzing the EIR and preparing the BEP?
This role requires more than simply being able to operate BIM software. It demands appropriate knowledge and experience. The professional responsible for this role is known as the BIM Manager.
In Japan, there are many cases where engineers who can use BIM software within a company also take on the role of BIM Manager. In some cases, individuals may be assigned this role out of necessity. In more advanced countries, however, the profession of BIM Manager has already been well established, and its importance and responsibilities are better understood than in Japan.
A BIM Manager is responsible for developing the company’s BIM strategy, promoting its adoption within the organization, and leading the company’s BIM implementation. In addition to establishing company standards—such as which software to use and what workflows should be followed—they also provide BIM-related training for employees within the organization.
In addition, to monitor the progress of BIM implementation within projects, the BIM Manager also takes on aspects of a Project Manager role. In some countries, the BIM Manager responsible for the entire organization is distinguished from the BIM Manager responsible at the project level.
A BIM Manager is required to possess a wide range of knowledge and skills beyond just BIM itself and EIR/BEP. These include communication, data management and ensuring accuracy, identifying potential issues, coordinating between teams and departments, budget management, compliance with regulations and other requirements, as well as staying updated with and responding to the latest developments in the industry.
This profession requires more than simply being able to operate BIM software; it demands appropriate education and experience. In Japan, recruiting BIM Managers is still relatively challenging. However, compared to the past, the number of books and educational programs related to BIM management has been increasing. With the support of external resources, it is gradually becoming easier to develop BIM Managers within companies.
The role of a BIM Manager may seem like a position with significant responsibility that only highly skilled professionals can handle. However, the fundamental capability required is the ability to analyze and organize information and then execute accordingly. Architectural design itself is already a profession that requires advanced skills and knowledge. When considered as an extension of design work, the BIM Manager role may appear to be an even more advanced profession. In reality, however, the BIM Manager is a role that exists in a different domain from the actual design and construction work.
BIM holds the key to digital transformation (DX) in the construction industry. There is no doubt that the BIM Manager, who leads this transformation, will become an increasingly important and highly recognized profession in the future.
The EIR describes many requirements, such as the client’s objectives for using BIM, how the data will be managed, and the required level of detail of the BIM data. It is better for the EIR to be written as clearly and in as much detail as possible; otherwise, there will be significant variations in the proposals submitted by different companies.
In the BEP, the contractor interprets the client’s intentions through the EIR and proposes, in concrete terms, the value that can be delivered by using BIM. For this reason, it is ideal for a company to already have a clear BIM strategy in place and to be actively implementing it. Without such a strategy, it becomes difficult to present strong and meaningful proposals.
Based on an overarching strategy, the EIR for each project is analyzed, and a BEP is prepared to support the proposal. While proposals related to the design and construction of buildings themselves have always been expected, proposals concerning data management and utilization are now also increasingly required.
Some client-side companies are also beginning to recruit BIM professionals, and it is expected that BIM-related requirements will become more advanced in the future. Securing or developing professionals such as BIM Managers, and establishing a company-wide BIM strategy, will be the first step toward creating a high-quality BEP.
BIM is becoming a core foundation for digital transformation in the construction industry. It not only supports modeling but also enables data management throughout the entire lifecycle of a building. EIR and BEP are expected to gradually become standard requirements in projects, especially as project owners place increasing emphasis on data value and long-term efficiency. BIM Management plays a central role in developing strategies, establishing workflows, and ensuring the effective implementation of BIM.
Therefore, companies need to prepare proactively from an early stage—by building a BIM strategy and developing appropriate human resources—in order to maintain and enhance their competitiveness in the future.
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