Building Information Modeling

IDM / Guide to factory planning with BIM

A clearly defined process is crucial for the efficient use of BIM methodology in planning projects. The Information Delivery Manual (IDM) defines how services are provided and how BIM methods are implemented. It specifically defines processes, roles, tasks and information and data exchange requirements. This enables a structured, model-based exchange of information for integrated factory planning - applicable to various use cases.

Linking the two planning processes using digital tools and methods, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), creates a collaborative planning approach and can significantly increase planning efficiency. BIM is already increasingly being used as a collaborative working method in building planning. BIM enables all trades involved in the construction process to work together by regularly exchanging and synchronizing relevant information. This procedure is illustrated in the figure below.

BIM is based on centrally stored, digital 3D models that are linked to non-geometric information. This allows potential problems to be identified at an early stage and increases efficiency in planning projects.

The following topics are covered in projects:

Workshops on the topic of BIM in factory planning:

• Introduction to the topic of BIM
• Determining which basics are already available at the company
• Joint development of possible BIM objectives and use cases
• Development of a company-specific BIM strategy
• Recording the current planning process and deriving a new target process for factory planning with BIM
• Definition of individual BIM goals and BIM use cases
• Research and recommendation of suitable software tools to implement the new planning process with minimal loss of information
• Analysis of the tasks for implementing the strategy and development of a roadmap

Visualization of the BIM models:

• Creation of high-quality renderings of planning statuses
• Interactive visualization of the models in VR

Contact: Anja Munzke | Fabian Bermpohl

FaBIM – Plan, build and operate factories holistically with Building Information Modeling

The FaBIM research project aims to develop and implement a holistic approach to the planning, construction and operation of factories through the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM). The BIM methodology is already being used in various ways in the construction industry, but has not yet been researched much in the context of factory planning. The project therefore focuses on the development of Open BIM-based factory planning that enables the integration of production systems and buildings. Early collaboration and coordination between the two specialist domains enables planning errors to be identified and rectified at an early stage. Interactions such as those between the supporting structure, media supply and legal requirements (e.g. escape route lengths) can be repeatedly compared and checked for consistency during the planning process. This optimizes processes, ensures improved data management over the entire life cycle of a factory and guarantees an increase in schedule and cost reliability.

More information about FaBIM

To validate our research content and results, we are creating a digitally modeled and attributed battery cell factory that will be used as an example factory as part of FaBIM. The video shows a flight through the digital model.

BIMPro – As-built digitization for the use of Building Information Modeling in existing production environments

In the already completed BIMPro cooperation project, the aim was to create digital factory models semi-automatically with the help of as-built digitization and to develop a usage concept for the models via Building Information Modeling in factory operations. To date, BIM has hardly been used in existing buildings in particular, which is due to the time-consuming digitization of existing buildings as well as the lack of usage concepts and unknown potential benefits. This is where the BIMPro project came in. On the one hand, the aim was to reduce the effort involved in post-processing the point cloud, which usually forms the basis for inventory digitization, into a BIM model by developing a functional algorithm for the automated integration of digital sub-models, such as production facilities, into point clouds. This approach was to be examined for its technical feasibility and an evaluation was to be carried out compared to purely manual model generation. On the other hand, a utilization concept for the resulting holistic model was developed and compared with a conventional approach.

More information about BIMPro