How to Implement BIM: A Practical Guide for Consultants

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, and 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. BIM relies on schemas such as the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) to structure information consistently across disciplines.

Is Revit BIM?

Revit is the most widely used BIM software in Southeast Asia, but it is not BIM itself. BIM is a methodology for representing building information. Other BIM software include BricsCAD, ArchiCAD, OpenBuildings, and Tekla Structures, all of which can model architectural, structural, and MEP elements.

Types of BIM Software

There are generally two broad categories of BIM software:

1. BIM Authoring Tools
2. BIM Collaboration Tools

BIM Authoring Tools

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.

Some of the most commonly used BIM authoring software used by the industry include: Revit, ArchiCAD, OpenBuildings, and Tekla Structures.

In years past, it was essential for all parties within a project to be using the same BIM software to facilitate the model exchange process. However, with a growing awareness an adoption of IFC as a vendor-neutral data exchange format, firms can build their BIM models with their authoring tool of choice, and exchange that data with other parties through IFC.

BIM Collaboration Tools

BIM Collaboration Tools provide platforms for multiple parties to share and review files. Navisworks, often paired with Revit, allows users to check for clashes in 3D models. BIMCollab offers similar functions. However, while useful for model review, these viewers may not meet stricter project data exchange requirements.

To comply with standards like ISO 19650, consultants may adopt an ISO 19650-compliant Common Data Environment (CDE). These provide robust access control, document naming standards, and enterprise features such as model worksharing.

Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) vs BIM Collaborate Pro

BIM Collaborate Pro is the core product within Autodesk Construction Cloud. It enables project teams to share, exchange, and manage files in a controlled CDE environment. The terms are often used interchangeably, but BIM Collaborate Pro is a specific tool within the larger platform.

Alternatives to ACC / BIM Collaborate Pro

While Autodesk dominates through its Revit and AutoCAD products, other ISO 19650-compliant CDEs exist, including Procore, ProjectWise, BIMCollab Twin, and BIMCloud.

Top 3 Benefits of BIM

While advanced workflows like 4D/5D/6D BIM and Digital Twins attract attention, they are more complicated to implement, and are not recommended for inexperienced firms unless working with a BIM service provider. For firms looking to reap the low-hanging fruit of BIM implementation, here's what we would suggest you start with:

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, ensuring owners receive a complete handover package. It also helps subcontractors stay on track by confirming plans and approvals are in place before work begins on site.

3. Shop Drawing Development

As an extension of the benefits of virtual clash detection, BIM enables contractors to take clash-free models forward into the Construction BIM. 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 Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)

VDC builds upon BIM to enhance project delivery. It can involve advanced workflows like 4D BIM sequencing, 5D models for cost estimation, or drone-based surveys for progress tracking. VDC may also include other advanced workflows such as using QR codes to manage site logistics or AR/VR tools for immersive project collaboration.

While these technologies add value and can improve coordination, they are typically considered good-to-have rather than essential for core BIM implementation.

How to Get Started with BIM

For firms that have not implemented BIM before, the investment in time, material, and resources to comply with BIM requirements can be overwhelming. Here's how we think that you can get your firm up to speed on BIM implementation.

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. By ensuring that your project stakeholders are on-board with BIM implementation, all parties must be willing to invest in BIM implementation. One of the key issues that deter project stakehodlers is uncertainty over the cost of BIM implementation and whether its benefits outweight the investment.

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. Besides the document control features mentioned earlier in the article, a BIM CDE would contain model worksharing and synchronization features that help multiple parties stay on track with their BIM implementation. While BIM Collaborate Pro from Autodesk is one example, there are also other BIM CDEs to consider for your project.

3. Start with 2D

The median age of a Professional Engineer in Singapore is about 45 years, reflecting the time needed to gain both qualifications and practical experience. Many of these professionals developed their expertise before BIM became standard practice, so CAD drawings often remain their preferred way of communicating design intent.

To ease the transition without disrupting active projects, it makes sense to work 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.

At the same time, investing in BIM training helps teams learn how to review and update BIM models directly. Building this internal capability ensures that the shift to BIM is smoother and more sustainable for future projects.

The Future of BIM

With growing recognition of its benefits, BIM adoption is set to accelerate across the AEC sector. Countries such as the Netherlands and Singapore are already piloting regulatory approvals and permits through BIM submissions, signalling a shift towards BIM as a standard requirement rather than an optional add-on.

Consultants and contractors who have invested in BIM capability are already seeing dividends in terms of project wins and improved delivery outcomes. For those yet to begin, the key message is clear: better late than never.