BIM

MAKING BIM WORK FOR THE MIDLANDS HIGHWAY ALLIANCE

A mission statement and high level plan was agreed as part of a workshop, facilitated by AECOM.

The Government are pressing for compliance with BIM level 2, and whilst this is not yet mandatory, there is an expectation compliance will be assessed in future funding bids. A joint BIM MHA/MSIG Improvement Group was set up to deliver the strategy, process and roadmap for BIM. This group will deliver a flexible, collaborative and consistent approach with measurable benefits and improvements.

Midlands Highway Alliance (MHA) members were provided with opportunities to start to shape the BIM vision and strategic plan for asset information modelling (AIM); some enablers to assist BIM adoption and how to measure  success.

To support the ongoing developments within the region, members agreed that a BIM framework should be developed, guidance provided which, once adopted could be adapted for each MHA member. This collaborative approach allows for best practice to be put into place  – whilst making the guidance relevant for each authority and spreading the cost and risk.

The framework needed to include plans for funding, IT systems, collaborative working, governance and most importantly commitment and decision making.

There was a commitment to members supporting authorities to work better, both internally and collaboratively. BIM adoption is seen as a catalyst to this, and enabling a re-evaluation of the way forward and producing key outcomes. This includes improved asset management, management of risks, improved efficiencies, improved quality and better use of/increase in funding.

Taking into account these objectives, the group devised some outputs which would help them achieve these. These include:

  • A vision for BIM within the MHA
  • A roadmap/strategic plan to keep everyone on track and measure progress
  • Commitment to supplying resources
  • Embedding collaborative behaviours within the MHA to make sure members are working together effectively
  • Manage challenges and risks effectively – highlighting issues early on and by openly discussing these to resolve them as quickly as possible
  • Effective communication of best practice and standards to entrench good behaviours related to consistency with the MHA members; creates a common grounding from which to build upon
  • A strong governance model with accountability policies in place to make sure the level of commitment required

The group decided on these next steps:

Formation of a BIM Special Interest Group (06/15) which

  • Reviewed BIM stakeholders
  • Agreed the governance model for commitment and decision making

Formulate a high level road map (11/15)

  • Workshops were convened to define short, medium and long term plans
  • Develop a communication strategy

Create Framework Employer Information Requirements  – click here to download the template (06/16)

  • Project process mapping
  • Plain Language Questions (PLQ)
  • Links to procurement