During BIM implementation, one of the essential foundational documents is the guide to Standard BIM Workflows and their applications in the construction industry. This guide helps define how BIM should be applied throughout the entire building lifecycle — from design and construction to operation and maintenance.
Its key value lies in standardizing workflows and data exchange protocols, enabling stakeholders to collaborate more clearly with well-defined roles and responsibilities. In addition, the guide includes practical case studies and important considerations, helping companies adopt BIM in a more structured and effective way from the early stages.
Standard BIM Workflow
To effectively manage information among multiple stakeholders, it is essential to divide work stages according to the level of geometric changes and the level of information detail within the BIM model.
In projects without BIM implementation, work stages are typically divided as follows:
In a standard workflow with BIM implementation, the work stages are divided in greater detail compared to traditional processes.
This approach provides several advantages, such as easier cost management and the ability to separate contracts by stage, allowing more flexibility in contractor selection methods. In total, there are 8 work stages (from S0 to S7).
Stage | Description |
|---|---|
S0: Strategic Definition | Establish the overall project plan, including project scale, functions, and intended use; analyze the value and benefits delivered by the facility. |
S1: Preparation and Briefing | Review the overall project schedule, design conditions based on construction regulations; prepare cost planning and budget allocation. |
S2: Concept Design | Develop BIM models for architectural, structural, and MEP concept designs. |
S3: Developed Design – Early Stage | Develop the BIM technical design model based on the concept design; define the level of geometric and information detail of the BIM model. |
S4: Technical Design – Final Stage | Complete design documentation and carry out construction permit procedures (review/approval/checking). |
S5: Construction | Prepare construction plans, shop drawings, and fabrication drawings; develop construction BIM models with detailed geometry, specifications, and equipment information; integrate ICT tools for construction management. At the same time, define operation-related information (equipment data, product codes, service life, etc.) and develop BIM models for facility management and operation. |
S6: Handover | After project completion, deliver the BIM model for operation and maintenance to the project owner and facility management unit. (Construction handover activities are included within S5.) |
S7: Operation & Maintenance | Use the BIM model for daily facility management activities such as cleaning, maintenance, inspections, security, and safety management, while supporting efficient repair and maintenance planning. |
Learn more: GUIDE TO LEVERAGING BUILDING DATA IN BIM
In a standard BIM-based workflow, the following tasks and services are typically implemented:
This service supports project owners in maximizing the value of a building throughout its entire lifecycle. The consulting team may participate not only from the conceptual stage but also from the middle phases of the project (such as during design development).
Organizations typically responsible for this role include PM (Project Management) / CM (Construction Management) firms or architectural offices.
Examples of consulting services:
- Supporting the development of the EIR (Employer’s Information Requirements)
- Reviewing the BEP (BIM Execution Plan) at each stage and providing advice to the project owner
- Defining operation and maintenance strategies and identifying required BIM information in advance
- Standardizing modeling and data input rules
- Reviewing BIM data for facility management purposes to ensure alignment with the owner’s requirements
Learn more: EIR Analysis and BEP Preparation
This service mainly takes place during the design phase, when contractors or technical specialists are engaged to provide construction-oriented recommendations for the design.
Integrating construction expertise at an early stage (front-loading) helps optimize the design and improve constructability.
Organizations typically responsible for this role include general contractors and specialized subcontractors.
Examples of consulting services:
- Performance comparison, specification selection, installation proposals, and clash resolution recommendations
- Suggestions for structural methods, construction technologies, and procurement information
- Proposals for innovative structural solutions for highly complex projects
- Recommendations for construction processes and technical detailing for complex façade designs
- Specialized proposals for technical systems such as MEP
This service involves the design team, on behalf of the project owner, explaining and communicating the design outcomes to contractors or facility BIM model developers.
To ensure the design intent is accurately understood, the following must be clearly defined:
Additional responsibilities include:
This service involves developing BIM models specifically for facility operation and maintenance purposes, based on the project owner’s requirements.
Organizations that may undertake this role include:
The guideline proposes six standard workflow models. Depending on the project objectives and expected benefits, the project owner will make an overall decision to select the most suitable model.
In addition, choosing procurement and contract methods that are highly compatible with each workflow model can further maximize the effectiveness of BIM implementation.
To ensure seamless coordination and continuity between the design and construction phases, a key aspect of this workflow is the communication of design intent during Stage S5.
For example, attribute information entered into the BIM model by the design team may not be clearly distinguishable to the construction team — making it difficult to identify which values have been officially approved and which are only temporary or default values. If design information is not communicated accurately, the design BIM model may not be effectively inherited, forcing the construction team to recreate the BIM model from scratch. This can lead to data fragmentation between the design and construction phases.
Therefore, this workflow is not limited to simple data handover. It also establishes structured information-sharing activities to ensure BIM data can be inherited and utilized as efficiently and continuously as possible throughout the project lifecycle.
In addition to the scope of Model 1, this workflow expands BIM implementation into the operation and maintenance phase, ensuring continuous integration throughout the entire building lifecycle.
During Stage S5, the Operation & Maintenance BIM model is developed based on the design BIM model handed over by the design team, while also incorporating additional information provided by contractors, such as system installation data, equipment codes, equipment lifespan, and other operational information. As a result, a comprehensive BIM model is created to support future facility management and maintenance activities.
In addition to the scope of Model 2, this workflow incorporates construction engineering consulting activities during Stages S3–S4.
Construction engineering consulting is carried out by construction companies or specialized contractors under consulting agreements with the design team. However, this model does not assume the existence of a construction contract by default, meaning that the construction engineering consultant may not necessarily become the actual construction contractor.
This workflow is considered particularly suitable for projects adopting the Design–Bid–Build delivery method, where the construction contractor has not yet been determined during the design phase.
This model is similar to Model 3, but the construction engineering consulting is carried out based on an already established construction contract.
Since the construction engineering consultant is also the actual construction contractor, early preparation activities can be implemented in advance, such as developing the construction BIM model, preparing shop drawings, and studying construction planning before the official construction phase begins.
In addition, once the construction contract is signed, the project can quickly proceed with material procurement and construction commencement, helping shorten the timeline from design to construction while optimizing project costs.
Unlike Model 3, the construction engineering consultant in this model is commissioned directly by the project owner rather than by the design team.
This workflow is considered suitable for projects adopting the Design & Build delivery method, where stages S2 through S5 are assigned to a single general contractor.
Basically, this model is similar to Model 4, but differs in the timing of signing the construction engineering consulting contract.
This workflow is considered suitable for projects adopting the ECI approach.
ECI is a project delivery approach in which the construction contractor becomes involved from the design stage. After the design contract is signed, if the contractor and project owner reach an agreement on pricing, they will proceed to sign the construction contract.
Unlike the Design & Build model, contractors in ECI are not guaranteed the construction contract from the beginning; instead, they are given priority negotiation rights.
Compared to the traditional Design–Bid–Build method, ECI eliminates the separate bidding process after design completion, helping reduce contractor selection time and accelerate the overall project schedule.
This model applies BIM exclusively during the operation and maintenance phase and is commonly used for existing buildings and facilities. Since there is no available design BIM model or construction BIM model, the operation BIM model is developed based on as-built drawings and handover documentation after project completion.
To enable effective and continuous collaboration among project stakeholders, the use of a CDE (Common Data Environment) is highly recommended. By implementing a CDE, project teams can not only share various types of project data, but also track revision histories and manage approval workflows efficiently.
Learn more: Common Data Environment (CDE) in BIM
The Standard BIM Workflow Guide does not simply describe project stages (S0–S7); it also provides a framework for connecting the entire building lifecycle — from concept and design to construction, operation, and maintenance.
Clearly defining each stage, combined with selecting appropriate workflows (through the 6 workflow models), allows project owners to choose the most suitable implementation strategy while optimizing cost, schedule, and collaboration efficiency.
One of the key principles is that BIM is not just a 3D model, but a continuous flow of information. The true value of BIM can only be realized when data is standardized, accurately communicated, and continuously inherited across all project phases.
In addition, implementing a CDE (Common Data Environment) plays a fundamental role in enabling stakeholders to collaborate effectively while maintaining transparent control over project data, revision histories, and approval processes.
If you are looking for BIM, CAD, or CDE implementation solutions, let BIMCAD Vietnam accompany you on your digital transformation journey in the construction industry.
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