BIM as a Management Tool in Construction Projects - Revision history

Tkokotas at 14:01, 18 December 2018

2018-12-18T14:01:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:01, 18 December 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
			''Developed by Rikke Klavstrup Wittendorff''


	[[File:BIMintro.png\|thumb\|right\|400px\|Figure 1: Illustration of the content of a Building Information Model<ref name=BIMillustration>http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/about_bim/</ref> (click to zoom)]]		[[File:BIMintro.png\|thumb\|right\|400px\|Figure 1: Illustration of the content of a Building Information Model<ref name=BIMillustration>http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad/open_bim/about_bim/</ref> (click to zoom)]]

RikkeWitten: /* Definition of BIM */

2016-09-27T07:11:39Z

Definition of BIM

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:11, 27 September 2016
Line 41:		Line 41:


	The management possibilities of using BIM has developed from simple visualization into a multi-functional tool, depending on the chosen dimension of modelling as illustrated in Figure 2 and listed below<ref name=BIMdevelopmentillustration/>:		The management possibilities of using BIM has developed from simple visualization into a multi-functional tool, depending on the chosen dimension of modelling as illustrated in Figure 3 and listed below<ref name=BIMdevelopmentillustration/>:
	[[File:BIMdevelopment.png\|thumb\|right\|400px\|Figure 2: Illustration of the development of Building Information Modelling<ref name=BIMdevelopmentillustration>http://www.bimpanzee.com/about-building-information-modeling--bim-.html</ref> (click to zoom)]]		[[File:BIMdevelopment.png\|thumb\|right\|400px\|Figure 3: Illustration of the development of Building Information Modelling<ref name=BIMdevelopmentillustration>http://www.bimpanzee.com/about-building-information-modeling--bim-.html</ref> (click to zoom)]]
	; 3D - Visualization:		; 3D - Visualization:
	: The project is modelled in 3D and components contain detailed data for extraction of simple bills of quantity with limited product information, e.g. number of doors/windows in the building, but not necessary the specific product type or cost. With an accurate 3D model, it is also possible for manufactures to use the model for e.g. prefabrication of concrete walls, special doors/windows etc.		: The project is modelled in 3D and components contain detailed data for extraction of simple bills of quantity with limited product information, e.g. number of doors/windows in the building, but not necessary the specific product type or cost. With an accurate 3D model, it is also possible for manufactures to use the model for e.g. prefabrication of concrete walls, special doors/windows etc.
Line 57:		Line 57:
	; 7D - Facility Management Applications (under development):		; 7D - Facility Management Applications (under development):
	: After the construction phase has ended, and the building is finished, the detailed and information packed models can be used for facility management, as the Facility Manager then has the detailed information (such as price, supplier, material etc.) about every component in the building - all stored in one single model.		: After the construction phase has ended, and the building is finished, the detailed and information packed models can be used for facility management, as the Facility Manager then has the detailed information (such as price, supplier, material etc.) about every component in the building - all stored in one single model.


	== Application ==		== Application ==

RikkeWitten: /* Historical development */

2016-09-27T07:10:41Z

Historical development

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:10, 27 September 2016
Line 17:		Line 17:

	== Historical development ==		== Historical development ==
	[[File:FutureofBIM.jpg\|\|thumb\|400px\|Figure 3: Present and future use of BIM in 2016<ref name=codeBIM>http://www.bauen-digital.ch/assets/Medienmitteilung/1603-NBS-International-BIM-Report.pdf</ref> (click to zoom)]]		[[File:FutureofBIM.jpg\|\|thumb\|400px\|Figure 2: Present and future use of BIM in 2016<ref name=codeBIM>http://www.bauen-digital.ch/assets/Medienmitteilung/1603-NBS-International-BIM-Report.pdf</ref> (click to zoom)]]

	The 2D construction drawing has been used for centuries and for complex constructions, physical models have been used to get a better understanding of the physical spaces of the construction.		The 2D construction drawing has been used for centuries and for complex constructions, physical models have been used to get a better understanding of the physical spaces of the construction.
Line 28:		Line 28:
	Due to the limited development of the personal computer and the fact, that the construction industry has a reputation for being very slow/reluctant to adopt change<ref name=CONrep>http://www.bimpanzee.com/about-building-information-modeling--bim-.html/</ref>, the further development of BIM was slowed down, and it was not until the first launch of Revit in 1999, the evolution of BIM started accelerating<ref name=Revitlaunch>https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/first-version-of-revit/td-p/1544647</ref>. 3D modelling software such as ArchiCAD was already on the market, but Revit revolutionized the industry, with a new way of modelling. Where ArchiCAD-models were created by coding, the Revit-models were created by modelling each component in a more WYSIWYG kind of user interface. The use of the program was more intuitive, than it's predecessors, which meant that more people were keen on learning how to use it.		Due to the limited development of the personal computer and the fact, that the construction industry has a reputation for being very slow/reluctant to adopt change<ref name=CONrep>http://www.bimpanzee.com/about-building-information-modeling--bim-.html/</ref>, the further development of BIM was slowed down, and it was not until the first launch of Revit in 1999, the evolution of BIM started accelerating<ref name=Revitlaunch>https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/revit-architecture-forum/first-version-of-revit/td-p/1544647</ref>. 3D modelling software such as ArchiCAD was already on the market, but Revit revolutionized the industry, with a new way of modelling. Where ArchiCAD-models were created by coding, the Revit-models were created by modelling each component in a more WYSIWYG kind of user interface. The use of the program was more intuitive, than it's predecessors, which meant that more people were keen on learning how to use it.

	The use of BIM has expanded during the last decade and in 2016, and as illustrated on Figure 3 from the NBS <ref name=BIMuse>http://www.bauen-digital.ch/assets/Medienmitteilung/1603-NBS-International-BIM-Report.pdf\|/</ref>, 81% of the respondents in Denmark were using BIM. Furthermore, the report from NBS showed how Canada is in front, with Denmark, as 71% the respondents were using BIM, whereas Japan and the UK had responses of only 49% and 50% respectively and the Czech Republic was far behind with only 30% of the respondents using BIM.		The use of BIM has expanded during the last decade and in 2016, and as illustrated on Figure 2 from the NBS <ref name=BIMuse>http://www.bauen-digital.ch/assets/Medienmitteilung/1603-NBS-International-BIM-Report.pdf\|/</ref>, 81% of the respondents in Denmark were using BIM. Furthermore, the report from NBS showed how Canada is in front, with Denmark, as 71% the respondents were using BIM, whereas Japan and the UK had responses of only 49% and 50% respectively and the Czech Republic was far behind with only 30% of the respondents using BIM.

	However, in spite of the scattered results of present use of BIM in the five participating countries, all of them seems to believe, that BIM is the future, as 85-95% of all five countries believe, that they will be using BIM within five years.		However, in spite of the scattered results of present use of BIM in the five participating countries, all of them seems to believe, that BIM is the future, as 85-95% of all five countries believe, that they will be using BIM within five years.


	== Definition of BIM ==		== Definition of BIM ==

RikkeWitten at 17:49, 26 September 2016

2016-09-26T17:49:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:49, 26 September 2016
Line 81:		Line 81:
	'''Operational management (6D + 7D):'''		'''Operational management (6D + 7D):'''
	: The model can be used for estimating energy consumption for the entire lifecycle of the building, and can be used after erection by the Facility Manager for maintenance and for further remodelling or extension of the building.		: The model can be used for estimating energy consumption for the entire lifecycle of the building, and can be used after erection by the Facility Manager for maintenance and for further remodelling or extension of the building.


	== Use and Benefits ==		== Use and Benefits ==
Line 136:		Line 137:

	Also the duration of the design phase has potential to be reduced, as the research has found that the use of BIM resulted in up to 80% reduction in time taken to generate a cost estimate.<ref name=Benefitdata/> This reduction is caused by the detailed bills of quantity, which can be directly extracted from the model, which used to be counted manually from the 2D drawings.		Also the duration of the design phase has potential to be reduced, as the research has found that the use of BIM resulted in up to 80% reduction in time taken to generate a cost estimate.<ref name=Benefitdata/> This reduction is caused by the detailed bills of quantity, which can be directly extracted from the model, which used to be counted manually from the 2D drawings.


	== Tools ==		== Tools ==
Line 185:		Line 187:

	As the economical benefits of BIM are not as upfront and visible as the added expense of using BIM are, Project managers are still reluctant to spend the extra cost in the beginning of a project, even though studies has shown how the use of BIM is advantageous for the outcome of construction projects.		As the economical benefits of BIM are not as upfront and visible as the added expense of using BIM are, Project managers are still reluctant to spend the extra cost in the beginning of a project, even though studies has shown how the use of BIM is advantageous for the outcome of construction projects.


	== Annotated Bibliography ==		== Annotated Bibliography ==
Line 233:		Line 236:

	This document is used as a guide when creating the IFC-contract. It contains detailed guidelines for handling of documents and naming of files and drawings for a streamlined communication.		This document is used as a guide when creating the IFC-contract. It contains detailed guidelines for handling of documents and naming of files and drawings for a streamlined communication.


	== References ==		== References ==

RikkeWitten at 17:48, 26 September 2016

2016-09-26T17:48:33Z

@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 As I have worked as a Technical Designer on construction projects (based on 2D drawings in AutoCAD) since 2005, attended several BIM courses on DTU and is now working on implementing the BIM process in a small Electrical Engineering company, some parts of this article are based on experience.
@@ Line 42: / Line 59: @@
 : After the construction phase has ended, and the building is finished, the detailed and information packed models can be used for facility management, as the Facility Manager then has the detailed information (such as price, supplier, material etc.) about every component in the building - all stored in one single model.
 == Application ==

RikkeWitten: /* Limitations */

2016-09-26T17:46:26Z

Limitations

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 26 September 2016
Line 172:		Line 172:


	::'''Education/Modelling skills'''		'''Education/Modelling skills'''
	:: As BIM requires 3D modelling done for all engineering fields (e.g. water, plumbing, ventilation, construction and electrical) in order to gain the most value in terms of clash-testing, the modelling skills of the individual person and the cost of the 3D modelling software, can be limiting for smaller projects and companies. It is possible for companies to purchase project specific modelling assistance, however, the decision to spend the extra money, highly depends on the size and complexity of the project in question.		: As BIM requires 3D modelling done for all engineering fields (e.g. water, plumbing, ventilation, construction and electrical) in order to gain the most value in terms of clash-testing, the modelling skills of the individual person and the cost of the 3D modelling software, can be limiting for smaller projects and companies. It is possible for companies to purchase project specific modelling assistance, however, the decision to spend the extra money, highly depends on the size and complexity of the project in question.

	::'''Cost of software'''		'''Cost of software'''
	::The commercial 3D software solutions, such as Revit and ArchiCAD, are very expensive, causing the smaller companies to delay the adoption of BIM. In addition to the 3D modelling software, the aspects of CCS coding and cost estimation, requires add-ins, which also are relatively expensive.		:The commercial 3D software solutions, such as Revit and ArchiCAD, are very expensive, causing the smaller companies to delay the adoption of BIM. In addition to the 3D modelling software, the aspects of CCS coding and cost estimation, requires add-ins, which also are relatively expensive.

	::'''Added time in design phase'''		'''Added time in design phase'''
	::A detailed model can be more time consuming to create, than a project based on 2D drawings, however the time gained with the optimized communication and the fact that e.g. sections of the building can be created automatically instead of having to be drawn from scratch, which is the case in 2D, might outweigh the extra time spent. And it can of course be argued that a skilled and experienced modeller, can create the model even faster than a drawer can produce the same amount of drawings in 2D.		:A detailed model can be more time consuming to create, than a project based on 2D drawings, however the time gained with the optimized communication and the fact that e.g. sections of the building can be created automatically instead of having to be drawn from scratch, which is the case in 2D, might outweigh the extra time spent. And it can of course be argued that a skilled and experienced modeller, can create the model even faster than a drawer can produce the same amount of drawings in 2D.

RikkeWitten: /* Application */

2016-09-26T17:45:45Z

Application

RikkeWitten: /* Application */

2016-09-26T17:45:17Z

Application

RikkeWitten: /* Use and Benefits */

2016-09-26T17:41:58Z

Use and Benefits

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 26 September 2016
Line 81:		Line 81:

	== Use and Benefits ==		== Use and Benefits ==
	[[File:BIMbenefits.png\|thumb\|right\|400px\|Figure 4: The advantages of BIM <ref name=BIMbenefits>Translated and redesigned by RikkeWitten. Original figure from: https://www.google.dk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjox_qBgKXPAhVSKywKHTPeBxoQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmth.dk%2F~%2Fmedia%2FCampaign%2FManKanGodt%2FCase%2520Virtuelt%2520byggeri%2FDocuments%2FEn-staerkere-byggeproces-BIM-i-teori-og-praksis.ashx&usg=AFQjCNEBrkmJVxDdl855kXt_o_LrCFZykA&sig2=mVkD7sRsiJWwB9Vq6WIDuQ</ref> (click to zoom)]]		[[File:BIMbenefits.png\|thumb\|right\|400px\|Figure 4: The advantages of BIM <ref name=BIMbenefits>Translated and redesigned by RikkeWitten. Original figure from: [https://www.google.dk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjox_qBgKXPAhVSKywKHTPeBxoQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmth.dk%2F~%2Fmedia%2FCampaign%2FManKanGodt%2FCase%2520Virtuelt%2520byggeri%2FDocuments%2FEn-staerkere-byggeproces-BIM-i-teori-og-praksis.ashx&usg=AFQjCNEBrkmJVxDdl855kXt_o_LrCFZykA&sig2=mVkD7sRsiJWwB9Vq6WIDuQ]</ref> (click to zoom)]]

	[[File:Building-information-modeling.jpg\|\|thumb\|400px\|Figure 5: Illustration of the improved communication from 2D to BIM<ref name=3Dwithclash/> (click to zoom)]]		[[File:Building-information-modeling.jpg\|\|thumb\|400px\|Figure 5: Illustration of the improved communication from 2D to BIM<ref name=3Dwithclash/> (click to zoom)]]

RikkeWitten at 17:41, 26 September 2016

2016-09-26T17:41:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:41, 26 September 2016
Line 7:		Line 7:
	As the illustrated in Figure 1, one single model can be the digital platform where in multiple information is stored, and thus limiting the human factor for error, as all changes are updated automatically in all views and documents. Already in 1975, this road to transparency was shortly illustrated by the "Father" of BIM, Charles M. Eastman with the following quote:		As the illustrated in Figure 1, one single model can be the digital platform where in multiple information is stored, and thus limiting the human factor for error, as all changes are updated automatically in all views and documents. Already in 1975, this road to transparency was shortly illustrated by the "Father" of BIM, Charles M. Eastman with the following quote:

	''“A model can represent all three dimensions of a composition directly, while a drawing can represent only two unambiguously. Thus it takes two drawings to represent the information provided by a single model.”'' - Charles M. Eastman<ref name=Eastman1975>Charles M. ~~Eastman~~, The Use of Computers Instead of Drawings In Building Design~~, AIA Journal, March 1975~~</ref>		''“A model can represent all three dimensions of a composition directly, while a drawing can represent only two unambiguously. Thus it takes two drawings to represent the information provided by a single model.”'' - Charles M. Eastman<ref name=Eastman1975>Eastman, Charles M., AIA Journal, March 1975, "The Use of Computers Instead of Drawings In Building Design"</ref>

	The purpose of this Wiki is to illustrate how the relatively new technology of Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be used in a Project Management regime. This will be done by listing and elaborating the benefits of BIM as a management tool/process in correlation to some of the Project Management focus areas, such as ''Communication'', ''Stakeholders'', ''Risk'', ''Cost'', ''Quality'' and ''Time''.		The purpose of this Wiki is to illustrate how the relatively new technology of Building Information Modelling (BIM) can be used in a Project Management regime. This will be done by listing and elaborating the benefits of BIM as a management tool/process in correlation to some of the Project Management focus areas, such as ''Communication'', ''Stakeholders'', ''Risk'', ''Cost'', ''Quality'' and ''Time''.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 26 September 2016
Line 64:		Line 64:

	'''3D visualization of buildings:'''		'''3D visualization of buildings:'''
	:: A 3D models have been used for visualization of project for a long time, which is why many users and developers often stop at this application of BIM.<ref name=Burger/> However, the Building Information Models are so much more than a visualization tool, as illustrated in the following points of application.		: A 3D models have been used for visualization of project for a long time, which is why many users and developers often stop at this application of BIM.<ref name=Burger/> However, the Building Information Models are so much more than a visualization tool, as illustrated in the following points of application.

	'''Change management (clash tests, revisions):'''		'''Change management (clash tests, revisions):'''
	:: By using a shared server (e.g. Revit Server) a central model can be created, for all the discipline models to be linked into. By linking the models together, changes in one model, are automatically changed in all views (in contrary to the 2D way of working, where e.g. new architectural drawings would have to be manually imported to all electrical-, ventilation-, water- and plumbing drawings as external references (xrefs), leaving many steps for failure).		: By using a shared server (e.g. Revit Server) a central model can be created, for all the discipline models to be linked into. By linking the models together, changes in one model, are automatically changed in all views (in contrary to the 2D way of working, where e.g. new architectural drawings would have to be manually imported to all electrical-, ventilation-, water- and plumbing drawings as external references (xrefs), leaving many steps for failure).
	:: The 3D models from the architects and all the engineering disciplines can be tested for clashes between the models.		: The 3D models from the architects and all the engineering disciplines can be tested for clashes between the models.

	'''Construction simulation (4D):'''		'''Construction simulation (4D):'''
	:: The time estimation can be visualized with adding the time-aspect to the 3D model by combining it with a time schedule of the project. In the simulation software (see "Tools" for further information), each object in the 3D model is connected to a task in the schedule, in order to simulate the construction from start to finish. An example of the result of a simulated construction is illustrated in the video from Autodesk on the right.		: The time estimation can be visualized with adding the time-aspect to the 3D model by combining it with a time schedule of the project. In the simulation software (see "Tools" for further information), each object in the 3D model is connected to a task in the schedule, in order to simulate the construction from start to finish. An example of the result of a simulated construction is illustrated in the video from Autodesk on the right.

	'''Data management (5D):'''		'''Data management (5D):'''
	:: The BIMs of today, can contain large amount of information, that are automatically shared along with the model itself.		: The BIMs of today, can contain large amount of information, that are automatically shared along with the model itself.
	:: Bills of quantities can be automatically created from the information, stored in each object in the model (e.g. windows, doors, lighting fixtures etc.). In addition to the built-in bills of quantity in e.g. Revit, each object can be provided with a unique code (in Denmark CCS (Cuneco Classification System) is used), making it possible to make unique references from the model to the descriptions from each engineering discipline. This direct and unique code is based on a standard system (CCS) and further described in the ICT contract (Information and Communication Technology contract) of the specific project, wherefore everyone working in the model, are using the same type of coding-system and all codes in the model are guaranteed to be unique. The coding can be done manually, but additional software can be used to generate these codes, based on object type, -placement etc. (see section "Tools" for list of software or "Annotated Bibliography" for additional information)		: Bills of quantities can be automatically created from the information, stored in each object in the model (e.g. windows, doors, lighting fixtures etc.). In addition to the built-in bills of quantity in e.g. Revit, each object can be provided with a unique code (in Denmark CCS (Cuneco Classification System) is used), making it possible to make unique references from the model to the descriptions from each engineering discipline. This direct and unique code is based on a standard system (CCS) and further described in the ICT contract (Information and Communication Technology contract) of the specific project, wherefore everyone working in the model, are using the same type of coding-system and all codes in the model are guaranteed to be unique. The coding can be done manually, but additional software can be used to generate these codes, based on object type, -placement etc. (see section "Tools" for list of software or "Annotated Bibliography" for additional information)

	'''Operational management (6D + 7D):'''		'''Operational management (6D + 7D):'''
	:: The model can be used for estimating energy consumption for the entire lifecycle of the building, and can be used after erection by the Facility Manager for maintenance and for further remodelling or extension of the building.		: The model can be used for estimating energy consumption for the entire lifecycle of the building, and can be used after erection by the Facility Manager for maintenance and for further remodelling or extension of the building.

	== Use and Benefits ==		== Use and Benefits ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:45, 26 September 2016
Line 63:		Line 63:
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQkDRXo7tLM\|400\|right\|Example of simulated construction using Navisworks<ref name=video>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQkDRXo7tLM</ref>.\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQkDRXo7tLM\|400\|right\|Example of simulated construction using Navisworks<ref name=video>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQkDRXo7tLM</ref>.\|frame}}

	::'''3D visualization of buildings:'''		'''3D visualization of buildings:'''
	:: A 3D models have been used for visualization of project for a long time, which is why many users and developers often stop at this application of BIM.<ref name=Burger/> However, the Building Information Models are so much more than a visualization tool, as illustrated in the following points of application.		:: A 3D models have been used for visualization of project for a long time, which is why many users and developers often stop at this application of BIM.<ref name=Burger/> However, the Building Information Models are so much more than a visualization tool, as illustrated in the following points of application.

	::'''Change management (clash tests, revisions):'''		'''Change management (clash tests, revisions):'''
	:: By using a shared server (e.g. Revit Server) a central model can be created, for all the discipline models to be linked into. By linking the models together, changes in one model, are automatically changed in all views (in contrary to the 2D way of working, where e.g. new architectural drawings would have to be manually imported to all electrical-, ventilation-, water- and plumbing drawings as external references (xrefs), leaving many steps for failure).		:: By using a shared server (e.g. Revit Server) a central model can be created, for all the discipline models to be linked into. By linking the models together, changes in one model, are automatically changed in all views (in contrary to the 2D way of working, where e.g. new architectural drawings would have to be manually imported to all electrical-, ventilation-, water- and plumbing drawings as external references (xrefs), leaving many steps for failure).
	:: The 3D models from the architects and all the engineering disciplines can be tested for clashes between the models.		:: The 3D models from the architects and all the engineering disciplines can be tested for clashes between the models.

	::'''Construction simulation (4D):'''		'''Construction simulation (4D):'''
	:: The time estimation can be visualized with adding the time-aspect to the 3D model by combining it with a time schedule of the project. In the simulation software (see "Tools" for further information), each object in the 3D model is connected to a task in the schedule, in order to simulate the construction from start to finish. An example of the result of a simulated construction is illustrated in the video from Autodesk on the right.		:: The time estimation can be visualized with adding the time-aspect to the 3D model by combining it with a time schedule of the project. In the simulation software (see "Tools" for further information), each object in the 3D model is connected to a task in the schedule, in order to simulate the construction from start to finish. An example of the result of a simulated construction is illustrated in the video from Autodesk on the right.

	::'''Data management (5D):'''		'''Data management (5D):'''
	:: The BIMs of today, can contain large amount of information, that are automatically shared along with the model itself.		:: The BIMs of today, can contain large amount of information, that are automatically shared along with the model itself.
	:: Bills of quantities can be automatically created from the information, stored in each object in the model (e.g. windows, doors, lighting fixtures etc.). In addition to the built-in bills of quantity in e.g. Revit, each object can be provided with a unique code (in Denmark CCS (Cuneco Classification System) is used), making it possible to make unique references from the model to the descriptions from each engineering discipline. This direct and unique code is based on a standard system (CCS) and further described in the ICT contract (Information and Communication Technology contract) of the specific project, wherefore everyone working in the model, are using the same type of coding-system and all codes in the model are guaranteed to be unique. The coding can be done manually, but additional software can be used to generate these codes, based on object type, -placement etc. (see section "Tools" for list of software or "Annotated Bibliography" for additional information)		:: Bills of quantities can be automatically created from the information, stored in each object in the model (e.g. windows, doors, lighting fixtures etc.). In addition to the built-in bills of quantity in e.g. Revit, each object can be provided with a unique code (in Denmark CCS (Cuneco Classification System) is used), making it possible to make unique references from the model to the descriptions from each engineering discipline. This direct and unique code is based on a standard system (CCS) and further described in the ICT contract (Information and Communication Technology contract) of the specific project, wherefore everyone working in the model, are using the same type of coding-system and all codes in the model are guaranteed to be unique. The coding can be done manually, but additional software can be used to generate these codes, based on object type, -placement etc. (see section "Tools" for list of software or "Annotated Bibliography" for additional information)

	::'''Operational management (6D + 7D):'''		'''Operational management (6D + 7D):'''
	:: The model can be used for estimating energy consumption for the entire lifecycle of the building, and can be used after erection by the Facility Manager for maintenance and for further remodelling or extension of the building.		:: The model can be used for estimating energy consumption for the entire lifecycle of the building, and can be used after erection by the Facility Manager for maintenance and for further remodelling or extension of the building.