A Practical Guide for Consultants to BIM & IDD Implementation

With more projects mandating BIM as part of their deliverables, firms that fail to adapt risk losing a growing share of work. Beyond compliance, firms that adopt BIM in their project delivery often report higher productivity compared to traditional 2D workflows.

There are many overlapping terms in the industry. In this article, we address common points of confusion to help you focus on what really matters for BIM implementation.

What is BIM?

BIM stands for Building Information Modelling. It is a process of capturing an asset in 3D with standardized classification of building elements.

While architects may be familiar with 3D tools like SketchUp, these are not BIM tools. The key difference is that BIM relies on schemas such as the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) to structure information consistently across disciplines, enabling true interoperability and data exchange.

Revit is not BIM

Autodesk's 80%+ market penetration has led to a common misconception: that Revit and BIM are the same thing. They're not.

Revit is simply one BIM authoring tool among many. Other options include BricsCAD, ArchiCAD, OpenBuildings, and Tekla Structures.

Types of BIM Software

There are generally two categories of BIM software that facilitate BIM & IDD implementation:

1. BIM Authoring Tools
2. BIM Collaboration Tools

BIM Authoring Tools for Model Development

BIM Authoring tools are used to develop 3D BIM models. They support specialized modelling of walls, ducts, pipes, and structural elements. Most include CAD drafting capabilities, allowing shop drawings to be generated directly from the BIM. This often eliminates the need for separate CAD software.

The most commonly used BIM authoring tools include Revit, ArchiCAD, OpenBuildings, and Tekla Structures.

In years past, it was essential for all parties within a project to use the same BIM software to facilitate model exchange.

However, with growing awareness and adoption of IFC as a vendor-neutral data exchange format, firms can now build their BIM models with their authoring tool of choice and exchange that data seamlessly with other parties.

BIM Collaboration Tools for Data Exchange

BIM Collaboration Tools provide platforms for multiple parties to share and review files. These are often referred to as a BIM Common Data Environment (CDE). Unlike typical file storage systems like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Sharepoint, a BIM CDE contains advanced features that provide robust access control, document standardization, and enterprise features such as model worksharing.

By onboarding the entire project team within a BIM Common Data Environment, consultants and contractors can ensure everyone has access to the latest project files and stays updated in real-time.

About the Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)

The Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) is the most widely recognised CDE, largely due to the AEC industry's familiarity with AutoCAD and Revit. With seamless integration for Autodesk-native formats like .rvt and .dwg, it's a natural choice for most consultants.

BIM Collaborate Pro (previously BIM 360) is a product within the ACC ecosystem that facilitates model and document sharing. The ACC platform also exposes a set of APIs for consultants to create custom workflows that are tailored to their project delivery process.

ACC Alternatives

While Autodesk dominates through its Revit and AutoCAD products, other ISO 19650-compliant CDEs exist, including Procore, ProjectWise, BIMCollab Twin, and BIMCloud. These platforms have document and model management features that allow consultants to comply with standards like ISO 19650. However, these products may not have as strong support for the Revit or DWG format that is proprietary to Autodesk.

Nonetheless, if a project does not mandate the use of Autodesk products, and is open to adopting IFC as a means of information exchange, these CDE alternatives can be suitable.

Benefits for Design & Construction

While advanced workflows like 4D/5D/6D BIM and Digital Twins attract attention, they're more complicated to implement. We don't recommend them for inexperienced firms unless you're working with a BIM service provider.

For firms looking to reap the low-hanging fruit of BIM implementation, here's where to start:

1. Clash Detection

By coordinating early, architects, civil engineers, and MEP engineers can resolve clashes before construction. For example, BIM can reveal conflicts such as an ACMV duct passing through a structural column, allowing teams to reroute through a non-structural wall instead of making costly late-stage changes.

2. ISO 19650 Document Compliance

Large-scale projects demand strict information delivery standards, often defined in the Employer Information Requirement (EIR) or BIM Execution Plan (BEP). With countless PDFs, CAD drawings, 3D models, and survey scans in circulation, manual tracking isn't practical.

A BIM Common Data Environment (CDE) keeps audit trails, document transmittals, and variation orders in one place. This ensures owners receive a complete handover package and helps subcontractors stay on track by confirming plans and approvals are in place before work begins on site.

3. Shop Drawing Development

Beyond clash detection, BIM enables contractors to take clash-free models forward into the Construction BIM phase. Most BIM authoring tools also include CAD drafting features, making it possible to add the level of detailing expected in traditional drawings—such as typical sections, connection details, and fabrication notes.

When design variations occur, BIM models can significantly reduce rework by streamlining drawing updates. In many cases, the time spent revising 2D documentation can be cut by as much as 30%.

BIM vs VDC vs IDD

VDC (Virtual Design & Construction) and IDD (Integrated Digital Delivery) build upon BIM to enhance project delivery. These advanced 4D/5D/6D workflows require 3D models as a foundation. Examples include:

4D BIM for Construction sequencing

Consultants combine BIM models with project schedules to create a 4D BIM model. This allows them to visualize complex build sequences and mitigate unanticipated project risks on site. Teams often enhance this with VR/AR tools for immersive project visualization.

Progress Tracking with Lidar

Surveyors can create periodic lidar scans of the project site as work progresses. These scans are then compared with the BIM model to generate deviation reports. This ensures build quality meets project specifications and can also facilitate contractor payment claims.

BIM Digital Twins for FM

At project completion, the design model is updated to reflect as-built conditions. Using the COBie format, BIM teams can easily incorporate asset information into the model for handover to the project owner. This 6D BIM model can then be integrated with IoT sensors to facilitate maintenance workflows throughout the asset's operating lifecycle.

How to Get Started with BIM

For firms new to BIM, the investment in time, resources, and training can feel overwhelming. Here's how to get your firm up to speed:

1. Find Willing Partners

No project is executed independently. The architecture, structural, and services layers of a building need to be integrated with one another. This means all project stakeholders must be on-board and willing to invest in BIM together.

One of the key barriers is uncertainty over implementation costs and ROI.

This is why Bimeco has developed a BIM Cost Calculator to help consultants & contractors to generate ballpark estimates of BIM implementation costs.

2. Invest in a BIM CDE

Investing in a CDE is equally important. Beyond the document control features mentioned earlier, a BIM CDE provides model worksharing and synchronization capabilities that help multiple parties stay aligned throughout implementation. While BIM Collaborate Pro from Autodesk is one option, several other CDEs are worth considering for your project.

3. Start with 2D

Many experienced engineers developed their expertise before BIM became standard practice. For them, CAD drawings often remain the preferred method for communicating design intent.

To ease the transition without disrupting active projects, consider working with a BIM Service Provider who can convert CAD drawings to BIM. This allows project teams to immediately benefit from clash detection, shop drawing production, and improved coordination—without waiting for full internal adoption.

Meanwhile, invest in BIM training to help teams learn how to review and update BIM models directly. Building this internal capability ensures a smoother, more sustainable transition for future projects.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

BIM adoption is accelerating rapidly across the AEC sector. The Netherlands and Singapore are already piloting regulatory approvals and permits through BIM submissions, signalling a clear shift toward mandatory BIM requirements.

As more tenders specify BIM & IDD implementation as a deliverable, building internal capability isn't optional—it's essential. Firms that fail to stay ahead of the curve risk losing out on increasingly valuable opportunities.

The time to start is now.