Building information modeling definition

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A BIM model knows a wall isn't just a rectangular volume—it understands the wall assembly (concrete, insulation, cladding), its fire rating, acoustic properties, thermal performance, cost, installation sequence, and maintenance requirements. BIM is only the beginning of what's possible with modern construction tools and technology. Different stakeholders have different capabilities and comfort levels with digital workflows.

For firms exploring BIM adoption or needing specialized support, working with BIM service providers like Bimeco offers a practical path forward.

Integration with CMMS and CAFM: BIM becomes even more powerful when connected to operational systems like a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) or CAFM software.

  • The 3D model links directly to real-world asset records.
  • Clicking on an asset reveals maintenance history or allows a new work order to be created instantly.
  • Facility teams can visualize and manage maintenance in a 3D environment for faster, data-backed decisions.

5.

Whether you need full-service BIM coordination, model conversion from 2D, or trained BIM personnel for specific projects, outsourcing provides BIM capabilities without the overhead of permanent staff and software investments.

As BIM technology continues to evolve—with AI, cloud platforms, and web-based tools—the industry's digital transformation will only accelerate.

Each component carries data about its size, material, and performance, creating an intelligent model that supports design, analysis, and maintenance decisions.

2. What is Building Information Modeling (BIM)?

BIM is a digital process for creating and managing detailed 3D models that represent both the physical and functional characteristics of a building.

This creates coordination challenges when partners have vastly different BIM capabilities.

Architects adopted BIM widely due to the prevalence of 3D design tools. This application can help contractors and manufacturers with clash detection and training, architects to sell their designs, and owners to "see" into their structures and make better decisions for maintenance and retrofitting.

Furthermore, around the globe, there is an attempt to reduce waste in construction.

It shall enable real-time monitoring of energy consumption, occupancy patterns, and system performance.

How much does BIM cost?

The cost of implementing BIM varies depending on the project’s size and complexity. 

Smaller residential projects might cost around $5,000, while large commercial or infrastructure projects can exceed $100,000.

Better cost control: Manage budgets in real time

By integrating cost data (5D BIM), project teams gain full visibility into budget impacts at every stage.

  • Tracks material and labor costs automatically as design changes occur.
  • Prevents budget overruns through early cost forecasting.
  • Improves stakeholder confidence with transparent, data-backed cost reporting.

Pro Tip: Use BIM’s what-if cost simulations to evaluate different design options, balancing quality, performance, and budget before finalizing a plan.

4.

It’s no longer just a design tool; rather, it’s the foundation of intelligent, connected building operations.

The more accurate and enriched your BIM data is, the more value it unlocks across operations.

Benefits of Levels 4, 5, and 6 BIM:

  • More efficient site planning and scheduling

  • More efficient hand-offs between steps in the construction stage

  • Real-time cost visualization 

  • Simplified cost analysis 

  • Reduced energy consumption in the long run

  • Better operational management of the building or structure after handover

The future of BIM

Because of the clear benefits, BIM is here to stay.

It has defined goals and objectives that are clearly beneficial to all those who work their way through the levels.

Facility managers use this data for maintenance planning, space management, and asset tracking, improving decision-making long after construction is complete.

3. Instead of manually measuring drawings, estimators can query the model for quantities—cubic meters of concrete, linear meters of piping, square meters of cladding.

When linked to cost databases, this becomes 5D BIM—enabling real-time cost tracking as the design evolves.

LOD 400 provides exact routing, supports, connections, and clearances contractors need to build.

For Owners (LOD 500): The as-built model represents what was actually constructed, including field changes.

building information modeling definition

The Netherlands and Australia have similar OpenBIM-based mandates for public projects.

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Authors

Jane Sison

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Centralized data management: All project data is stored in a Common Data Environment (CDE) — a shared repository that synchronizes updates across teams. The Netherlands and other countries have similar requirements.

By embedding regulatory requirements into BIM models, authorities can review submissions faster and more accurately.

Integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) with a Connected CAFM platform like Facilio turns design intelligence into ongoing operational value.

While BIM captures how a building is designed and constructed, Facilio extends that intelligence into real-time operations, bridging the gap between project completion and continuous performance.

Here’s how the two work together:

  • Real-time asset visibility: Facilio connects BIM data with live asset performance, helping teams visualize and act on equipment conditions instantly.
  • Automated maintenance: Model insights trigger work orders and predictive maintenance, ensuring issues are addressed before failures occur.
  • Sustainability optimization: Facilio uses BIM’s building data to enhance energy efficiency and track sustainability KPIs.
  • Smooth handover: Design, asset, and maintenance data flow seamlessly from construction teams to operations.

Together, BIM and Facilio move facility management from static models to living, adaptive ecosystems, where data continuously informs smarter, more sustainable decisions.

Who benefits most from BIM and Connected CAFM integration?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) delivers real value when extended into operations through a Connected FM platform like Facilio.

BIM integrates seamlessly with CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management) and CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems). Software like SketchUp made 3D modeling accessible, even though SketchUp itself isn't true BIM—it captures geometry but lacks the intelligent object data that defines BIM.

Contractors and subcontractors have been slower to adopt, often continuing with 2D AutoCAD workflows familiar to senior staff.

Many experienced contractors prefer 2D for good reasons:

  • Cost: BIM software licenses are expensive, especially for small subcontractors
  • Talent: Hiring BIM-skilled staff is difficult and costly in competitive markets
  • Workflow familiarity: Decades of experience with AutoCAD make change resistance natural
  • Detail representation: Certain construction details—annotations, call-outs, dimension blowups—are legitimately easier to produce and read in 2D

Can we blame them?

This connection transfers building and asset data into FM systems, supporting preventive maintenance, work orders, and asset lifecycle management.

4.

Level 6 BIM information is useful for calculating the energy consumption of a building before it's built.