A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction

Companies in the UK

Ali Ghaffarianhoseini1, [email protected]

Attiq Ur Rehman1, [email protected], [email protected]
Dat Tien Doan1, [email protected]
Tongrui Zhang1, [email protected]
Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini2, [email protected]
Nicola Naismith1, [email protected]
John Tookey1, [email protected]
1
Department of Built Environment Engineering, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical
Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
2
Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia

Abstract
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a new found reality by construction industry towards
a Digital Built Envelope (DBE). Realizing its potential, UK government has made
achievement of BIM Level 2 mandate essential for all publicly procured projects by 2016.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which form the backbone of UK construction industry
are in perplex transition state as most of them are working on traditional project
management workflows involving 2D drawings and production and possess silos oriented
approaches. The push of government has forced the non BIM SMEs to transform and adopt
the technology for long lasting results. The purpose of the research is to carry out an up to
date analysis of recent BIM adoption state of UK construction industry SMEs, evaluate
opportunities & challenges, and identify a suitable maturity assessment & implementation
Strategy to upgrade their present skills and competencies. Both primary and secondary data
is used in this paper. For primary data, UK construction SMEs professionals are the targeted
groups of the survey questionnaire comprising 60 questions. For secondary data, the
extensive literature review is obtained to gather considerable information. A case study of
BIM implementation of Baxall Construction Company is also analyzed to glean into right
maturity assessment and implementation strategy for a suggested template for wider SME
organizations. The research employed questionnaire survey and interviews of top UK
Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) practitioners and up-to-date literature
review along with a case study revealed that almost 75% SMEs are non BIM. SMEs still
need to upgrade their staffs and skills (43%), quality assurance systems (80%), and IT
software/hard ware systems (60%). As a yard stick construction industry needs to follow
Integrated Design and Delivery Solution (IDDS) as a holistic BIM readiness criteria towards
coherent BIM implementation strategy.

Keywords: Building Information Modelling (BIM); Small and Medium Enterprise (SME); Digital
Built Envelope (DBE); Virtual Design and Construction (VDC); Integrated Design & Delivery
Solutions (IDDS).
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

1 Introduction
Construction industry in UK is at the throes of a quantum leap towards a Digital Built
Environment (DBE). Britain has a significant competitive edge in construction sector which
has phenomenal growth potential especially in the backdrop of global construction market
growth forecast of over 70% by 2025 (UK Government 2013). In order to remain at the
forefront, UK Government has set out clear goals of 33% reduction in construction
expenditure, 50% reduction in green house emission, faster delivery of assets and
improvement in exports by 2025. The Government needs a complete collaborative 3D BIM
throughout the life cycle of projects associated with digital formats by 2016, as an essential
requirement for BIM Level 2 compliance on all centrally procured public projects (UK
Cabinet Office 2011). This strategy has a phenomenal effect on UK Construction industry
where companies are in a race to reach the mandate (Smith 2014).Traditionally, the
construction industry has a poor reputation in adopting new technologies & innovation and
possess a silo oriented approach (Gelder 2013). Construction contributes almost £ 90
billion to the UK economy in value added comprising 280,000 businesses and 10% of total
UK employment, being one of the largest in Europe (Rees 2013). Despite UK’s leading
edge in advance construction technologies, its trade index in construction is not impressive
with a trade deficit and shrinking of output by 4.5 percent year-on-year in March 2016 (ONS
2016). As per BSI (British Standard Institution) statistical release, SMEs make around 99%
of all enterprises in the UK and also manage 59% private sector employment (Ward &
Rhodes 2014). SMEs are at quite low levels of innovation capability due to fragmentation,
limited collaboration and risk averse attitude (Goodridge, Haskel, & Wallis 2015) and break
through can only be achieved through BIM (MGH 2014). Though technology transfer in
smaller construction firms may be considered as a daunting task as compared to large
companies, research study indicates that it is more viable and easier as these firms can
assist the overall business at a faster pace with tangible results working (Barrett, Sexton, &
Ghassan 2006). However, it must be recognised that most of the Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) in UK are BIM Infant; the terminology first highlighted by Jayasena
(2013), as these have yet to start their journey towards BIM transformation. Moreover, most
of the maturity models available in the literature might be less relevant to BIM infant
companies and using an inappropriate BIM assessment & adoption strategy might result
into waste of valuable time & resources. These aspects requires a knowledge based
technology transfer BIM implementation Strategy which suits complex & continuous human
interaction with the project teams (Barrett et al. 2006). Despite UK’s leading edge in
advance construction technologies like BIM, its trade index in construction is not impressive
with a trade deficit of £8 billion in 2015 (Reuters 2015).
Around 48% of UK Construction industry is not using BIM and there is a major gap
between confidence in potential advantages benefits of BIM and an understanding of BIM
needs and how these can be transformed in their business processes (Kell, Champan,
Waterhouse & Manning 2015). Moreover, presently less research is available in assessing
organizational BIM Maturity in a BIM Infant SMEs, and how to bring significant changes to
implementation by reinventing workflows, learning software’s, training staff & assign
responsibilities (Arayici, Cates, Koskela, & Kagioglou 2014). Existing Literature proposed
various methodologies for embedding BIM into construction processes such as BIM
protocol (AEC UK), and Mervin Richards’ BIM standard framework, BIM implementation
planning guide suggested by Pennsylvania State University, and RIBA outline plan of work
(Sackey 2013). However, the challenge is that most of SMEs do not fall into any BIM
Maturity level.
This study would identify & review various Maturity protocols & models and highlights
the reasons why these models fail to address a BIM infant organisations. The study would
then develop an appropriate theoretical implementation framework of execution into BIM
Infant SMEs while considering enabling environment. The proposed research framework
shall serve as a roadmap for embedding BIM technology in SMEs.

2 Research Methodology
The research study is designed as a practice oriented project with the purpose of chalking
out a structured BIM implementation Plan template for overall BIM novice SME companies in
Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

UK besides finding out a BIM Maturity Assessment tool for such organisations. In order to
steam line the thought process for formulating a BIM enabling mechanism a multi-method
data collection technique incorporating combination of qualitative and quantitative
approaches was preferred to support the objectives of research and identify the maturity of
SMEs. Data collection is resorted by surveys or questionnaires in a desk study approach.
Within this research context, the questions of ‘what’ and ‘how’ are explored. Case study
have been analytically studied to enable a right implementation strategy for a suggested
template for wider SME organisations. The primary data is obtained from major construction
industry practitioners through interviews, as well as archival records case study organization.
A BIM questionnaire comprising 60 questions and holding 8 semi structured interviews both
open and closed ended questions was circulated to fill in the gaps between the research
studies.The key persons in UK construction SMEs were chosen as a selected sample
representatives. Among these sample respondents included Chairman BIM Hub London,
Managing Director Baxall Construction, BIM Manager Baxall Construction, BIM Manager
O+W, BIM Manager WDR & RT Taggart, BIM Implementation Manager Kilcawley
Construction, BIM Manager & KTP Associate Pentagon solutions and key appointment
holder Queen University Belfast, UK.

3 Building Information Modelling (BIM) – Concept & Significance

In today’s era BIM is being considered as a revolutionary change and harbinger of
modernization of construction industry. BIM is a digital platform and described as bringing
‘revolution in building design & technology’ (Osan, Hule, & Gaitan 2012). A single, concise
definition of BIM, in its ever evolving service might be difficult. Since most of the construction
industry is BIM infant and yet to grasp its true potential, any attempt to craft a precise
definition might lead to an omission. Notwithstanding, BIM handbook defines it as computer
aided modelling technology for managing & generating building information, with the related
processes of producing, communicating, and analysing building information models
(Eastman, Teicholz, Sacks, & Liston 2008). The BIM thus forms an essential tool for real
time decision making as it is spatial, measurable, comprehensive, and accessible that can
be analysed (AGC 2006). BIM potential benefits in complete life cycle of a facility can be
summarised in design, construction and operation disciplines and Capability sets into
people, process and technology (Succar 2014). BIM stages of maturity can be described as
pre BIM / BIM infant (Jayasena et al., 2013), object based, model based and integrated
shared modelling management. Wang and Leite (2012) identifies use of BIM & Virtual
Design and Construction (VDC) is improving management efficiency during design process.
Avramides (2012) highlights the gradual shift of contractors towards initial design stage to
harness benefits of BIM and significance of the nexus BIM, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
and Target Value Design (TVD) emerges which propagates earlier collaboration, integration
(Anon 2009).

3.1 Enabling Requirements – Level of Definitions

UK is taking lead from Bew and Richard (2008) approach towards BIM implementation at
each stage of deployment. It is augmented by a maturity matrix, which identifies the degree
of capability required at each stage with particular standards and their employability (BIS
2011). The identification of stages from 0 (non BIM) to 3 serves the purpose of technical and
collaborative workflows and BIM linkages with processes, tools and techniques to ensure
clear and concise understanding of project members (COMIT 2015). In 2014/15 UK
Government further refined its requirements based on eight (HM Government 2013)
Publically Available Standards (PAS) including: PAS 1192 - 2:2013, BS 1192 – 4:2014, PAS
1192 – 5, BIM, GSL
(Government Soft Landings) and Digital Plan of Work (DPoW).

3.2 BIM Maturity Capability Models

BIM Maturity describes a ranking system encompassing all areas of effective modelling
process to deliver the expected BIM product or service (Succar, Underwood, & Isikdag
2010). It not only serves a stepping stone towards installing the entire edifice of BIM
implementation plan, but it calls for a wholesome review of several competencies,
Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

capabilities and readiness criteria’s and devising it appropriately on case to case basis.
There are number of BIM Maturity

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

Models like CMMI, (PM) ², SPICE, BEACON, VERDICT, iCMM and BIMMi etc (Haron,
Amanda, & Aouad 2011). BIM Maturity Models are based on people driven, process driven
and product driven (Giel 2014). Succar (2010) suggested model measures organisational
BIM readiness by analysing & assimilating several models consisting of 5 level of maturity
(Initial, Defined, Managed, Integrated, Optimised) and 3 key maturity category areas namely
Technology, Process and Policy. NBIMS-US summarizes the BIM Maturity and performance
measurement Models in terms of their intended users, rating context, evaluation style,
measurement categories, and maturity levels. Six most common areas of evaluation in all
models include BIM planning and Strategizing efforts, the use of technology/tools, BIM
personnel’s experience, competency and culture, BIM Management practices, BIM
processes and operational use, Information requirements and geometric requirements see
Table 1 for comparison of Maturity Models (BuildingSMART alliance 2015).

Table 1 Digital Comparison BIM Maturity Models Evaluation Criteria

(BuildingSMART et al., 2015)

Details NBIMS BIM BIM BIM BIM VDC Owner Owner’s

USTMI- Comptency Maturity Profici Quick Scorecard/ Maturity BIMCAT
CMM Index (BCI) Matrix ency Scan bimScore Matrix
Succar (BIMMM) Matrix Van Giel and
NIBS (2013) Succar IU Berlo et Kam et al. CIC Issa
(2007) (2010) (2009) al. (2012) (2013) (2012) (2013)
BIM Planning and
Strategizing
Efforts
Use of
Technology and
Tools
BIM Personnel:
Mentality,
Culture and
Individual
Competency
BIM Management
Practices,
Infrastructure
and
Administrative
Policies
Processes and
Operational Use
of BIM
Information
Requirements
Geometric
Requirements
Evaluation Context Used
Models Individuals Organization/Project teams Owner Organizations

3.3 Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions (IDDS)– A Holistic Approach

It is introduced by International Council of Research and Innovation in Building and
Construction (CIB) (Owen, 2010).The foundation of IDDS rest on Collaborative processes,
enhanced skills, integrated information and automated systems and knowledge
management.
3.3.1 Collaborative Processes
A BIM infant organisation with better collaboration has more capability to enable BIM as
compared to the one with poor collaboration. Owen (2010) recognizes that silo mentalities
and cultures beside document based information in the construction industry has made new
set of working under BIM where there is heavy reliance on computer technologies almost
redundant. Thus BIM Maturity Assessment framework need to look for immediate potential
for collaborative process in non BIM organisation.

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

3.3.2 Enhanced Skills

The project teams need to have integrated skills in a new set of technologies and capabilities
for collaboration. In a common data environment, the profession required enhanced skills in
terms for integrated performance analysis, linking CAD with GIS data, computer aided
visualisation, modelling, constructions sequencing, manufacturing, logistic planning and
virtual prototyping. (Amor & Owen 2011).
3.3.3 Integrated Information and Automated Systems
Owen et al. (2010) supports IFC based interoperability instead vendor specific BIM tools and
suggested project teams with special qualifications in each organisation to manage transfer
of data. The professional need to have a vision to understand technology than the tools. A
study by van Berlo (2012) also supports the same preposition where interoperability
manager need to chalk out a framework for smooth and seamless transfer of data (Jayasena
et al. 2013).
3.3.4 Knowledge Management
Most of the firms have limited knowledge management capabilities and tend to hide the
issues than to resolve (Storck & Hill 2000). Maintenance of archives and lesson learnt are
non- existent. In IDDS terms, knowledge management is the key including codifying,
updating, upgrading work processes & awarding the workers.

Figure 1 IDDS and its Impact on Industry, Technology & People (Owen et al., 2010)

4 Case Study – Baxall Construction

Baxall Construction is a Contractor SME Company based in Kent since 1964. The Company
delivers new build, refurbishment and build solutions to public & private clients in London &
South East (Baxall, 2016). It is a tier 2 contractor having 52 Employees with a projects
turnover of £20M. Baxall Construction commenced its BIM journey few years back in order
to increase profitability, customer satisfaction, competitiveness and to remain in line with
Government Construction Strategy 2025. In 2015, the Company was winner of the best
newcomer category at the BIM4SME Award Ceremony held at Westminster Yacht Base
(BIM4SME, 2015). Adoption of BIM assisted the company in driving out waste in design and
to increase profitability and sustainability. Among various BIM projects, Holborough Lakes
Primary School and Hakam Primary School projects indicates key implementation strategies.
Hakam Primary Schoold is a design and build project in Pevensey, East Sussex, was
commissioned to create modern teaching, classroom and welfare facilities. Baxall delivered
a large two-fold extension including two classrooms, school hall, toilets, storage and a link
was developed to join the existing school building, creating a new reception area. Awarded
under the Sussex Cluster Framework, the original specification proposed a 42 week
programme using traditional build methods. Later, an opportunity was realised for significant
value engineering gains through the adoption of BIM & lean construction. Baxall construction
after winning the bid offered the school a sustainable solution by off-site fabrication using the
company’s partner STREIF (Sustainable building design) system (STRIEF UK, 2015), an
approach to significantly reduce the time to 6 weeks, budget (£250,433/ 18.6%) and whole
life cost savings besides delivering
Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

more sustainable and energy-efficient school facilities. A diverse early stage meetings and
workshops took place between all contract parties to develop a robust strategy for the design
and delivery of the school. Workshops were held with the delivery and STREIF teams to
maximise the benefits of off-site construction and key sub-contractors to reduce clashes and
benefit from the shorter on site construction times. Lean construction was achieved through
utilising a ‘Last Planner’ system and incorporating training sessions with key sub-contractors
on modern methods of construction. The project was benchmarked and monitored against a
set of internal and Framework KPIs including the Construct CO² initiative.
Table 2 A Financial Layout – Hakam Primary School (Baxall et al., 2015)
Details Value Valued Engineered Services
Feasibility Budget £1,344,000
Baxall Contract £1,102,295 £241,705
Budget
Baxall Final Account £1,309,567 £250,433 (18.6% savings overall )
Reduction in time form 42 weeks to 36 weeks
and 31.5 % Zero Carbon Emission Travel

5 Data Findings, Analysis and Results

5.1 SMEs BIM Maturity Assessment

Out of the SMEs surveyed, research analysis indicated that mostly SME Companies (75%)
in UK are at BIM infant level, as their business processes involve 2D workflows, generally
using AutoCAD, have some knowledge of BIM and have yet to start their BIM journey.
Among them only 25-27% are using BIM Software and are knowledgeable about BIM.
However, it is also visible that due to Government push, the management is aware of BIM
level 2 targets and is committed towards implementation. From the interviews, findings
remains the same as one of the respondent replied “BIM is still in its infancy, so delaying
implementation may not be a bad idea as BIM legalities, contracts, model ownerships,
insurance, standards, collaborating soft wares are all being developed and are updated.

5.2 BIM Readiness Criteria for BIM Infant SMEs

The BIM Readiness Criteria identified in line with IDDS (Integrated Design and Delivery
Solution) is summarized in table below:

Table 3 BIM Readiness Criteria (Research derived from Owen et al. 2010)
BIM Maturity
Readiness Stages Readiness Criteria Company
Elements
Baxall
Collaborative Process Change Redesign of Business Process Workflow √
Processes Working on Project to Project √
Open & Liberal Communication √
Incentives √
Implementation Regime BIM Implementation Plan √
Change Control Mechanism √
Resource Utilization √
Policy Change Documents & Contract Amendments √
Knowledge BIM Strategy BIM Objectives Formulation √
Management BIM Market Evaluation
Documentation of lessons learned √
Management Awareness BIM Knowledge & Awareness √
Continuous Commitment √
Leadership Vision & Motivation √
Top down approach √
People – Roles & Responsibilities BIM Manager/Coordinators √
Enhanced Design & BIM Team √
Skills Giving Authority √
Skills Enhancement Proficiency on BIM Modelling skills
Continuous Learning & Research √
Training & Education Formal & informal Training √
On job Training √

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

Integration Hardware BIM Residing Capability √

information &
Automated
Systems
Technical Support Continuous IT Support/ Cloud √
Software Review & Updation √

5.3 Perceptions, Awareness & Understanding

The survey identifies that SMEs Companies are generally aware of BIM standards, UK
Government enabling requirements and work methodologies, however are somewhat
hesitant to put it in practice besides not having understanding of implementation strategies.
Approximately 60% SMEs have tailored their projects according to RIBA Plan of work using
CAD format but yet to transform these on BIM processes. During an interview one of the
respondent replied, “Basically there is BIM confusion, ignorance and half-truth…” other
respondents supported the findings by saying that, “PAS 1192 level 0 would involve an
analysis of company & its external stakeholder…”, “PAS 1192 suggests number of roles…
role of information manager..”, “It requires change in attitude to implement BIM”.

5.4 SMEs BIM Implementation – Opportunities & Challenges

The results of survey questionnaire indicates that 60% SMEs firms are willing to be BIM
enabled since essential ethos embedded in their organisations with half percentage divided
over the seamless integration of BIM training curriculum and roles & responsibilities .It
supports the findings that still SMEs lacks standard operating procedures & implementation
strategy to streamline the execution methodology The results augments the findings that
SMEs still needs to upgrade their staff skills (43%), Quality Assurance systems (80%), and
IT software/hard ware systems (60%). Mostly Common data environment being used is
Union Square which is a non BIM environment and is only regarded as data management
system.

Table 4 BIM Maturity Assessment – A Sample Format of Questions & Analysis

Which of the following describes your current role in your organization?

Quantity Surveyors 2 9.1%

Contract Manager 1 4.5%
General Manager 1 4.5%
9.10% 4.50%
Commercial Manager 0 0%
4.50%
Administration/Information Data Management 0 0%
0%
Site Managers 2 9.1% 0%
Building Surveyor 0 0% 45.50 9.10%
% 0%
Civil Engineers 3 13.6%
13.60
Health & Safety 0 0% %

Procurement 0 0% 0%
M & E Coordinators 2 9.1% 4.50% 0% 9.10% 0%

Architect 0 0%
Design Coordinators 1 4.5%
Other 10 45.5%

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

If you have used CAD or BIM Software in the past, how experienced do you believe you are?

No Experience 0 0% 4.50% 0% 9.10%

Limited Experience 2 9.1%
No Experience
Some Experience 6 27.3% Limited Experience
22.70% Some Experience
Experienced 8 36.4% 27.30%
Experienced
36.40% Very Experienced
Very Experienced 5 22.7% NA

NA 1 4.5%

Which BIM/CAD Software did you use in the past?

AutoCAD 10 47.6%
Revit 3 14.3% AutoCAD
0%
Revit
Navisworks Manage 2 9.5%
23.80%
Bently 1 4.8% 0% 47.60% Naviswork
s Manage
Tekla 0 0% 4.80% Bently
Archicad 0 0% 9.50%
Tekla
14.30%

5.5 Implementation Challenges, KPIs & Suggested Way forward.

AEC industry respondents felt that major challenges in BIM implementation in UK include
high initial investment, lack of knowledge, lack of time, information retention across multi-
software platforms, security issues, cultural change, lack of collaboration and extensive
management skills. During review of archival records of Baxall Construction, the key
challenges identified include resistance to change which the respondent said that, “we
overcome by bespoke workshops, training, presentations and demonstrating our business
case of working more efficiently”, internal understanding & engagement of staff which he
replied that, “ it was handled by highlighting the importance of BIM to staff, then following the
NFB (National Federation of Builders) Learning Program, software training and engaging two
BIM Hubs i.e. East Sussex and Kent” and the Clients lacking clear understanding of what
they want, which he said was overcome by “effectively working with clients to work out
Employers Information Requirements (EIRs)as set out in Publically Available Standard (PAS
1192), development of BEPs (BIM Execution Plan) and linking soft landings with the whole
process”. Most of the respondents were unaware about the BIM KPIs (Key Performance
Indicators) and few replied that these must be developed to measure the performance.

6 Broad Contours – BIM Implementation Strategy

6.1 Internal Persuasion, Brainstorming & Marketing

In order to enable BIM technology in a SME firm, brainstorming and internal marketing is
mandatory. Then a deliberate maturity assessment is done to identify right skills &
competencies among workforce. BIM implementation Champions having requisite
enthusiasm to bring change in organisation need to be identified in each department,
followed by BIM steering and advocate groups aiming to achieve buy in of the top
management & rest of the staff thorough workshops, seminars & posters.

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

6.2 Developing a BIM Strategy

Developing a clear BIM Strategy assists in achieving vision and allow interoperability of BIM
workflows for different departments besides setting long & short term goals for the
departments (Panaitescu, 2014). It should guide towards implementation process. A Guide
to UK standard BS 1192-2007 can serve as a general template for developing a strategy.

6.3 Constituting BIM Strategic Steering Group

Since the transformation process would take a long time, a BIM Strategic Steering Group
needs to be formalized by consensus comprising strategic appointment holders in the
Company to steer the enabling process as set out in BIM Strategy. This group should
periodically monitor and steer the implementation at Company level.It should work in close
harmony with BIM Advocate Group to initiate actions at tactical level including creating the
shared object libraries, model storage and common structures besides mandated to allocate
resources

6.4 Enabling BIM Champions

Top management supported by BIM Advocate Group should identify individuals who are
dedicated, committed and have a positive attitude during internal marketing campaign
(Panaitescu 2014). One person should be selected at tactical level – a project team member
and one person (a senior manager) from operational level with an experience on working
with BIM software. The main role of department BIM Champions is to enable BIM in their
respective departments taking lead from Strategy & BIM Steering Group including
centralizing BIM knowledge, collaborating intensively and doing internal marketing to
convince colleagues of the benefits of BIM.

6.5 Making BIM Business Process Mapping & Developing Business Model
In most of the SMEs, the immediate BIM Benefits are not proportional similar to investments
done in new technology during the transformation stage. Keeping in view, the Company’s
BIM Strategy, each department needs to develop a business process model on change
workflows, reinvent the design process, install software and train project teams. Business
model must analyze the extent of implementation costs, how BIM integrates with business
structure, required skills to compete in the market and required knowledge of BIM for
competing demands of contracts such as Design Bid, Design Bid Build and Integrated
Project Delivery. It needs to be correlated with PAS 1192-2 and RIBA Plan of Work 2013.

6.6 Setting up Department BIM Implementation Plan

For a BIM novice SMEs, a BIM Implementation Plan down to each department level be
formulated in coordination with BIM Advocate and Steering Groups including following steps
in Table 5.
Table 5 BIM BIM Implementation Plan – Key Tasks & Activities

Key Tasks Activities

Establish BIM Appointing BIM Manager/Coordinator and delegating responsibility for BIM Adoption,
Management ensuring all stakeholder are engaged including procurement.
Alignment Plan Defining of data and information requirements as laid down in BIM Standards including
with UK level 2 Response to EIRs, pre & post contract BIM Execution Plan, BIM Protocol, Implications
BIM Compliant for PI Insurance, Digital Plan of Works, Project Information Manage Requirements
to PAS 1192
Aligning People Human Resource Development Plan, defining of new roles & responsibilities of project
team members, shaping teams with adequate BIM modelling skills, assessing supply
chain and roll out of appropriate training. Human capability should be build up in stages
(working in small groups, working on pilot project or involving ½ or full workforce).

Aligning Setting up your internal company procedures and standards, managing of Common Data
Processes Environment, developing template documents, object libraries, coding & classification
according to ISO 16739:2013, Compliance with BS 1192-4 use of COBie and model
checking procedures.

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

Aligning Development of Technical Resource Plan incorporating BIM Software & tools,
Technology hardware, establishment of project interoperable data base BIM and object libraries in
coordination with IT specialists & BIM Steering Group

7 Conclusion
BIM is the way forward towards a digital built environment. It increases efficiency in projects,
optimizes the construction delivery & hand over cycle and reduces waste & carbon imprint.
BIM has established its roots in UK Construction Industry and its adoption rate is steadily
increasing especially in the backdrop of BIM Level 2 enabling requirements 2016. The
mandate is serving as a catalyst to increase competitiveness in UK Construction industry.
The Government has given a holistic set of guidelines & standards for transformation of the
Industry from CAD to BIM. However, findings identify that around 75% of construction SMEs
which form the backbone of construction market are non BIM. The SMEs which have already
transformed to BIM, are far ahead than others. Integrated Design and Delivery Solution
(IDDS) is a holistic model to check the maturity and present skills/competencies of the
project members. Since this model not only looks at the initial non BIM maturity level of
organisation but also holistically manage future readiness criterion as it matures. SMEs are
facing challenges in terms of investments required, needed skills & competencies, slow
return on investment, security of model and a mechanism to enable a BIM implementation
Plan. Without a vision, strategy, business process mapping in line with PAS 1192 & RIBA
Plan of Work 2013 and a structured implementation plan it is not possible to achieve BIM
Level 2 mandate in UK.

References
AGC. (2006). AGC Contractor's Guide to BIM. Retrieved August 15, 2015, from https://www.agc.org/
Amor, R., & Owen, R. (2011). Beyond BIM - It's Not the End of the Road. Retrieved October 5, 2015
from http://www.aecbytes.com/viewpoint/2011/issue_58.html
Anon. (2009). Experiences in Collaboration: On the Path to IPD, AIA California council
Arayici, Y., Cates, P., Koskela, L., & Kagioglou, M. (2014). BIM Adoption and Implementation for
Architectural Practices. University of Salford, Manchester: C.Usher & K.O'Reilly. Retrieved July
3, 2015, from
http://usir.salford.ac.uk/13046/2/BIM_Adoption_and_Implementation_for_Architectural_Practi
ces_Published_version.docx.pdf
Avramides, M. (2012). The Battle for Innovation: A Reverse Strategy Engineering News-Record, vol.
268
Barrett, P., Sexton, M., & Ghassan, A. (2006). Motivating Small Construction Companies to adopt new
technology. Building Reserach & Information, 34(1), 11-22. doi: 10.1080/09613210500254474
Baxall Construction. (2015). Building Built on 50 years of Teamwork. Retrieved October 10, 2015,
from http://www.baxallconstruction.co.uk/index.html
Bew, M., & Richards, M. (2008). BIM Maturity Model, Retrieved Feburary 12, 2016, from
http://www.bimtaskgroup.org/bim-faqs/
BIM4SME. (2015). Press Release RICS BIM4SME Award 2015. RICS. London: Retrieved October
15, 2015, from http://www.bim4sme.org/media/1109/rics-bim4sme-awards-2015-150626-pr.pdf
BIS. (2011). BIM Working Party Strategy Paper. London: The Department of Bussiness, Innovation
and skills.
BIS. (2013). SMEs: The key Enablers of Business Success and the Economic Rationale for
Government Intervention. Department of Business Innovaiton and Skills. Retrieved August 11,
2015, from
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/266304/bis-13-
1320-smes-key-enablers-of-business-success.pdf
BSI. (2014). Business Populaiton Estimates For the UK and Regions. Department of Business
Innovation and Skills. Retrieved March 23, 2016, from
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/377934/bpe_2014_
statistical_release.pdf
BuildingSMART Alliance. (2015). National BIM Standard - United States® Version 3 - 5.2 Minimum BIM
– Second Edition. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from Nation BIM Standard:
https://www.nationalbimstandard.org/

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

COMIT. (2015). Current industry BIM thinking. Retrieved August 18, 2015, from BIM Basics:
http://www.comit.org.uk/#!bim-basics/ckyx
Eastman, C., Teicholz, P., Sacks, R., & Liston , K. (2008). BIM Handbook: A Guide to Building
Information Modelling for Owners, Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Contractors. New
Jersey: John Wiey & Son.
Gelder, J. (2013). Removing barriers to collaboration in the built environment. Retrieved January 15,
2016, from
http://www.thenbs.com/topics/designSpecification/articles/removingBarriersToCollaboration.asp
Giel, B. (2014). Minimum BIM - NBIMS V3. Building Innovation 2014. Oklahama: The Whiting - Turner
University of Oklahama.
Goodridge, p., Haskel, J., & Wallis, G. (2014). UK Innovation Index. NESTA. Retrieved July 25, 2015,
from http://www.nesta.org.uk/sites/default/files/1407_innovation_index_2014.pdf
Haron, A., Amanda, & Aouad, G. (2011). BIM: Literature Review on Model to Determine the Level of
Uptake by Organisation. University of Salford, UK. Retrieved September 2, 2015, from
http://usir.salford.ac.uk/16622/3/CIB_Salford_Building_Information_Modelling_Literature_Revie
w_on_Model_to_Determine_the_Level_of_Uptake_by_Organisation.pdf
HM Government. (2015). Digital Britain Level 3 BIM - Strategic Plan. Crown Copyright. Retrieved July
8, 2015, from
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/410096/bis-15-155-
digital-built-britain-level-3-strategy.pdf
Jayasena, H., & Chitra, W. (2013). Assessing the BIM Maturity in BIM Infant industry. The Second
World Construction Symposium: Socio - Economic Sustainability in Construction, (pp. 61- 69).
Retrieved July 05, 2015, from http://www.suranga.net/publications/2013_bim_maturity.pdf
Kell, A., Champan, I., Waterhouse, R., & Manning, R. (2015). NBS National BIM Report 2015.
Retrieved July 10, 2015, from http://www.thenbs.com/pdfs/NBS-National-BIM-Report-2015.pdf
McGraw Hill Construction. (2014). Business Value of BIM for owners. Retrieved July 1, 2015, from
http://i2sl.org/elibrary/documents/Business_Value_of_BIM_for_Owners_SMR_(2014).pdf
NBIMS. (2007). National Building Information Modelling Standards: Overview Principles, and
Methodologies. Retrieved July 11, 2015, from https://www.nationalbimstandard.org/faqs
ONS. 2016. Online Retrieved on June 5, 2016 from
http://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/nationalaccounts/balanceofpayments/bulletins/uktrade/previousR
eleases
Owen, R. (2010). Integrated Design and Delivery Solutions. CIB.
Panaitescu, R. M. Building Information Modeling: Towards a structured implementation process in an
engineering organization. Diss. TU Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2014.
Rees, A. (2013). UK Construction: An economic analysis of sector. Department of Bussiness,
Innovation and Skills. Retrieved August 11, 2015, from
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210060/bis-13-
958-uk-construction-an-economic-analysis-of-sector.pdf
Reuters, T. (2015). UK trade deficit narrows in May as ship imports fall. Retrieved August 13, 2015,
from UK Reuters: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/07/10/uk-britain-trade-
idUKKCN0PK0PS20150710
RICS. (2015). RICS BIM4SME Awards 2015. Retrieved from RICS: http://www.rics.org/uk/news/news-
insight/press-releases/rics-bim4sme-awards-2015-recognises-sme-achievements-in-bim-for-
first-time/
Sackey, E., Tulli, M., & Dainty, A. (2013). BIM Implementation : from capability maturity models to
implementation strategy. Sustainable Building Conference Conventory University. Retrieved
July 6, 2015, from http://www.coventry.ac.uk/Global/Faculty%20events/SB13/SB13-21-BIM-
implementation-from-capability-maturity-models-to-implementation-strategy.pdf
Smith, P. (2014). BIM Implementation - global strategies. Procedia Engineering(85), 482-492.
doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2014.10.57
STRIEF UK. (2015). STRIEF Sustainable Building Systems. Retrieved September 17, 2015, from
strief: http://streif.co.uk/
Succar, B. (2012). BIM Deliverable & BIM Stages. Retrieved April 13, 2016, from
http://www.bimthinkspace.com/bim/
Succar, B. (2014, Jan 08). BIM framework. Retrieved May 16, 2016, from
http://www.bimframework.info/2014/01/bim-capability-sets.html
Succar, B., Underwood, J., & Isikdag, U. (2010). In BIM Maturity Matrix-Handbook of research on
building information modelling and construction informatics pp. 65-103. IGI Publishing.

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia
 Ali et al. 2016 A BIM Readiness & Implementation Strategy for SME Construction Companies in the UK

UK Cabinet Office. (2011). Government Construction Strategy. Retrieved July 05, 2015, from
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/61152/Governme
nt-Construction-Strategy_0.pdf
UK Government. (2013). Construction 2025. HM Government. Crown copyright 2013. Retrieved July
08, 2015, from
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210099/bis-13-
955-construction-2025-industrial-strategy.pdf
Wang, L & Leite, F. (2012). Toward Process-aware Building Information Modelling for Dynamic
Design and Management of Construction Processes, proceedings of the European Group for
Intelligent Computing in Engineering, P Borrmann, et al. (eds.), Herrsching, Germany.

Proc. of the 33rd CIB W78 Conference 2016, Oct. 31st – Nov. 2nd 2016, Brisbane, Australia