As mentioned previously, one of the main challenges is related to the definition of new roles and responsibilities among the parties involved in the project. In fact, in order to manage efficiently the flow of information that is generated, shared and used, we need to establish a clear definition of the roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders associated with the project. The introduction of the BIM methodology entails the acquisition of new skills, the development of new workflow and the birth of new professional figures.
Different internationally known academic and professional sources have described the profiles and areas of competence of the professionals that operate in BIM. The English norm PAS 1192-2:2013 identifies up to 7 types of roles that can be considered for the managing process of BIM. The same norm defines that these roles should not be mistaken with the professional roles of individuals belonging to an organization, but they are characterized by the level of authority in the management of the flow of information within the BIM process.
Based on the experiences collected directly on the field, it is possible to identify three main types of professional figure:
- BIM Specialist
- BIM Coordinator
- BIM Manager
Although These professional figures have different responsibilities, abilities and knowledge, there is nonetheless some crossover, and as such the definitions are not necessarily clear cut.
BIM Specialist
The figure of the BIM Specialist is able to:
- Use the software to create a BIM project in accordance with their areas of expertise. (architectural, structural, plant design, environmental and infrastructural)
- Have a deep understanding and make use of the technical and operative documentation for the production of the composition and models (standard and procedures)
The BIM Specialist has the role of ‘designer of information’ for graphic design and non graphic; and he carries out the following activities:
- He can work under the supervision and coordination of the BIM Coordinator or of the BIM Manager of the enterprise or planning team
- He elaborates the graphic models the object that are correlated to
- He extracts the data from the models and from the elaboration as well as from the objects
- He carries out the editing of the model and of the objects that have been defined consequently from the result of the coordination procedures.
BIM Coordinator
- Manage and coordinate the multi-disciplinary BIM projects according to the resources, the standards and the company procedures
- Use the software tools that are needed for the coordination of the activities of reviewing, control and management of the project
- Understand, use and update the technical and operative documentation of the commission for the production of the elaborates and of the models
Consequently, the abilities he has range from the coordination of the content held within the data of and the model in order to collaborate more effectively with the BIM Manager. He can also be a part of the elaboration of the BIM Execution Plan in collaboration with the BIM Manager. He works to solve out the problems related to sharing and aggregation of data content. Another of his responsibilities is related to the coordination and aggregation of content, identifying potential interferences and/or inconsistencies whilst proposing solutions to the relevant persons on the project and the BIM Manager. There are two specializations that follow both the role of the BIM Specialist and the BIM Coordinator: specialist/coordinator for building and specialist/coordinator for infrastructure.
The figure of BIM Specialist/Coordinator for Building is responsible for the planning, construction and management of construction building in residential field, culture and administrative, sports and entertainment environment.
On the other hand, the BIM Specialist/Coordinator for infrastructure is responsible for the Planning, construction of buildings and constructions such as roads, railways, harbors and others.
BIM Manager
The BIM Manager, usually manages and coordinates the BIM project according to the overall resources and the standards, in conjunction with the business procedures. Moreover, he uses the software tools that are requested for the coordination of the activities, control and management of the BIM project. The BIM manager is responsible for the management and coordination of information for the suppliers that are involved in the planning and management service of the building, additionally he has to write down the documentation for the technical and operative parts of the commission together with making key decisions on the strategy to be implemented within the company.
Most of the time, the figure is transversal to the building and infrastructure specializations, because he is responsible for the management and coordination of different teamwork in several fields from engineering to architecture. Regarding the management of information:
- he chooses the specific digital technologies to be used and he determines the following needs in terms of resources needed.
- he sets up and he takes part in the meetings within the team but also external meetings
- he is keeps up to date on progress and coordination, eventually he will know if there are interferences or inconsistencies and he decides what are the decisions that need to be taken in such a case.
TeamSystem Construction Project Management
TeamSystem Construction Project Management is a full BIM software: it integrates the 3D model project with information about tools, facilities, human resources and all the parts you need in order to complete the job. You can control and manage the technical and economic information, both forecast and consumptive data, during all the project phases.
