Building information modeling definition
Hem / Teknik & Digitalt / Building information modeling definition
BIM is no longer optional—it's the baseline for major construction.
The shift extends beyond mandates. By working collaboratively in a BIM environment, all of this becomes much less likely, setting the stage for a better tomorrow.
As we look to the future, we see tremendous potential. What is clash detection, and why is it important?
Clash detection identifies conflicts between different building systems — such as pipes, ducts, or structures — before construction begins.
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?
Facility teams can analyze asset performance, predict failures before they occur, and schedule service at the best possible time, keeping downtime and disruptions to a minimum.
3. Singapore's CORENET X requires BIM submissions for building approvals, using OpenBIM standards to automate code checking. 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.
Issues that would take weeks to resolve on-site can be identified and fixed in days during the coordination phase.
From coordinated models, teams can extract Combined Services Drawings (CSD) that show exactly how different building systems interface—critical information for contractors during construction.
Beyond spatial coordination, BIM enables time-based planning through 4D BIM.
By linking the 3D model to the construction schedule, project teams can visualize how the building will be constructed over time. If you’re using 2D CAD and working with drawings and/or digital prints, you can safely say you’re at level 0. This insight supports better decisions around workspace design, energy zones, and occupant comfort, helping optimize every square foot for efficiency.
4.
However, the way in which stakeholders exchange information differentiates it from other levels. Today, most of the industry is working above this level, although not every professional in the industry has sufficient BIM training and some projects do not include the use of BIM in contract specifications.
Level 1 BIM: 2D construction drawings + some 3D modeling
Using 3D CAD for concept work, but 2D for drafting production information and other documentation, probably means you're working Level 1 BIM.
At this level, CAD standards are managed to the standard of BS 1192:2007, and electronic sharing of data carried out from a common data environment (CDE) usually managed by the contractor. They're discipline-specific:
- Architecture: Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks
- Structural: Revit Structure, Tekla Structures
- MEP: Revit MEP, AutoCAD MEP
- Civil/Infrastructure: Civil 3D, OpenRoads, 12D
Owning authoring software gives firms control over their models and design data—critical intellectual property.
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. When working at this level of BIM, project owners can track and determine what costs will be incurred during the length of the project.
The as-built BIM model becomes a digital twin of the facility, containing critical information for operations and maintenance:
- Equipment specifications and warranty information
- Maintenance schedules and service history
- Spare parts and supplier details
- Space management and occupancy data
For asset-intensive facilities like data centers or hospitals with complex M&E systems, BIM-enabled facility management reduces operational costs and improves building performance.
Government agencies worldwide are adopting BIM for regulatory approval.
This catches accessibility, fire safety, and structural issues early, slashing approval times.
Tender Preparation: The 3D model generates consistent 2D drawings (plans, sections, elevations) for contractor bidding, eliminating coordination errors in tender documents.
General contractors use BIM to catch problems before construction, optimize schedules, and control costs:
Clash Detection: Consolidating all subcontractor models (MEP, facades, steel) into a Common Data Environment reveals conflicts in the office, not on site.
Its benefits are clear: better coordination, reduced rework, improved cost control, and enhanced facility management.
Yet challenges remain. This allows the model to remain consistent and coordinated throughout the entire process so that structural engineers, architects, MEP engineers, designers, project managers, and contractors can work in a more collaborative environment.
Example of a BIM object: Optibal W6 ball valve with Actuator - downloaded from the manufacturer and used by plumbing engineers in their BIM models.
The “I” in BIM
BIM, as a whole, refers to the process of all parties involved in the construction and lifecycle management of built assets, working collaboratively and sharing data.
However, with global BIM mandates accelerating, this is changing—contractors who delay adoption risk being locked out of major projects.
This is where BIM service providers add value. BIM Level 2 was actually made a mandatory requirement in April of 2016 on all publicly tendered projects in the UK. France followed shortly after with their own mandate in 2017.
At level 2, all team members use 3D CAD models but sometimes not in the same model.
Enhanced collaboration: Keep all stakeholders aligned
BIM acts as a single source of truth. LOD 500 includes facility management data in COBie format—equipment specs, warranties, maintenance schedules, and spare parts—becoming the foundation for operations throughout the building's life.
For a detailed breakdown of each LOD level, see our complete guide to BIM LOD.
Authoring tools create BIM models.
This helps teams anticipate service needs, schedule maintenance proactively, and extend asset life — reducing downtime and emergency repairs.