We all know Building Information Modeling (BIM) is complicated. But here’s the secret: the workflow doesn’t have to be.
If your teams are constantly tripping over coordination issues or arguing about model standards, you just need a better plan. A strong BIM Execution Plan (BEP) is like giving everyone the exact same playbook. It helps your team coordinate designs smoothly and drastically reduces those annoying, budget-killing design errors.
Ready to learn what sections a BIM Execution Plan should include and how teams actually use it on real projects?
What Is a BIM Execution Plan (BEP)?
A BIM Execution Plan is your project’s playbook. It’s the single, go-to document that gets everyone working from the same plan, from designers to contractors. The telling of a good BEP? It makes sure the whole team stays consistent throughout the project by clearly outlining who does what, how communication works, and how the project will and should move forward.
A BEP usually includes:
- Pre-contract BEP: A draft created during the proposal or tender stage, focusing on capability, compliance, and initial workflows.
- Post-contract BEP: A detailed, agreed-upon plan developed after contracts are awarded. This is where the execution details are finalized.
A well-prepared BEP ensures:
- Fewer coordination conflicts
- Faster approvals
- Higher model quality
- Better collaboration across trades
Check out our BIM Implementation Services to see how Eracore does it.
Why the BEP Matters So Much
Without a BIM execution plan, even experienced teams can run into preventable problems: misaligned models, inconsistent LOD, missed deadlines, and endless back-and-forth over “who owns what.” These issues cost money.
A well-built BEP does more than document workflows. It actively:
- Reduces rework by setting clear modeling and coordination rules early
- Defines who’s responsible for what to avoid confusion
- Keeps all teams connected across trades, time zones, and project stages
In multi-trade coordination projects, like hospitals or data centers, a BEP becomes the foundation of a smooth, successful build.
Ask your BIM partner to include clearance zones and access pathways in the model. This helps avoid design conflicts with maintenance access and makes inspections and servicing much safer and smoother post-build.
For a deeper look into how we use the BEP to streamline projects, check out our BIM Coordination Services.
Pre-Contract vs Post-Contract BEP: What’s the Difference?
A BIM execution plan usually develops in two phases; one before the contract and one after. Each has its own purpose, and both are key to keeping teams aligned at the right time.
Here’s how they compare:
Here’s how they compare:
|
Aspect |
Pre-Contract BEP |
Post-Contract BEP |
|
Purpose |
Demonstrate capability and approach during bidding |
Finalize how BIM will be executed on the awarded project |
|
Prepared By |
Bidder or design team |
Appointed project team (GC, BIM manager, trades) |
|
When It’s Created |
During tender or proposal phase |
After contract is awarded and project scope is confirmed |
|
Level of Detail |
High-level; focuses on intent and compliance |
Detailed; includes modeling protocols, workflows, responsibilities |
|
Use Cases |
Used to evaluate vendors or design partners |
Used to guide actual BIM execution and coordination |
|
ISO 19650 Alignment |
Optional, but often referenced |
Expected to follow ISO 19650 standards in full |
How to Write a BEP That Prevents Rework and Disputes
A good BIM execution plan actively guides your project from kickoff to closeout. Here’s how to write one that actually works in the field:
1. Set Clear Goals and Use Cases
The first thing you got to do is identify why you’re even using BIM to begin with and what results you expect to achieve.
Is it for clash detection? Prefab planning? Facility management? Be specific.
The more clear your goals, the simpler it is to align workflows and model scopes.
2. Define Roles, Responsibilities, and Standards
Precisely label who is doing what. This includes:
- Model authors
- Model reviewers
- BIM coordinators
- BIM managers
Be sure to define all required codes, naming conventions, and standards (like ISO 19650). If the project uses scanned data, align the team early, our Point Cloud to BIM services can help with that.
3. Standardize Model Structure and File Naming
This is one of the most overlooked sections of a BEP and the first place misalignment happens. Define:
- Model breakdown by trade/zone/discipline
- LOD/LOI targets by phase
- Naming conventions for files, sheets, and elements
- File formats and version control
4. Outline Collaboration and Communication Protocols
How will files be shared? Who updates the model, and how often? Where will RFIs and markups live?
Your BEP should document:
- The Common Data Environment (CDE) setup
- Communication workflows and tools (e.g., Navisworks, Revizto, BIM Track)
- Issue tracking processes and response SLAs
This is the backbone of your day-to-day BIM operations and must be agreed on upfront.
For a deeper look into how we manage these handoffs in real projects, check out our BIM Coordination Services.
5. Define Clash Detection, Review, and Sign-Off Workflows
If coordination is part of the scope, your BEP must explain:
- Clash detection strategy (hard/soft clashes)
- Responsibility matrix for clash resolution
- Review frequency and meeting cadence
- Sign-off procedures for each milestone
To see how we help contractors stay ahead of clashes, check out our Electrical BIM Services, Mechanical BIM Services, and Plumbing BIM Services.
6. Plan for Handover and Facility Management
Define what data needs to be included in final deliverables: COBie, asset tags, warranties, etc. Also:
- List required as-built or record model formats
- Specify final LOD and export requirements
- Document how data will be shared with FM teams
Typical Sections Inside a BIM Execution Plan
A standard BEP usually contains several structured sections. While formats vary between organizations, most plans include:
- Project overview and BIM objectives
- Model uses and project deliverables
- Roles and responsibilities
- LOD and information requirements
- Coordination procedures
- Clash detection workflow
- Data exchange formats
- CDE and file management protocols
These sections ensure every team member understands how BIM will be used throughout the project lifecycle.
Who Prepares the BEP And When?
Who creates the BIM Execution Plan depends on the project stageIn the pre-contract phase, the design team or bidder usually prepares the first draft of the BEP. This version highlights capabilities, tools, and general approaches to show that the team understands the client’s BIM needs.
Once the contract is awarded, the main contractor or lead consultant creates the post-contract BEP. This version goes into much more detail and includes input from all key stakeholders — subcontractors, BIM managers, and coordinators.
At this stage, getting buy-in from every trade is crucial. If even one party isn’t aligned on deliverables, it creates friction downstream.
For clients needing help with both stages, our BIM Implementation Services offer full support from start to finish.
How BEPs Align with ISO 19650
If you’re managing a BIM project in 2025, chances are ISO 19650 is either required or expected. So how does the BIM execution plan fit into that?
Simple: the BEP is one of the core documents outlined by ISO 19650, serving as the project’s official roadmap for information management.
Here’s how your BEP should align:
- Follows the information delivery cycle laid out in ISO 19650
- Defines responsibilities using standardized terms like “Appointing Party” and “Appointed Party”
- It covers key documents like the PIR, EIR, and MIDP. It also details the workflows for model sharing, version control, and approvals within the Common Data Environment (CDE).
- Documents workflows for model sharing, versioning, and approvals in a Common Data Environment (CDE)
For public and large private projects, ISO alignment is mandatory, so every BEP we create or review follows ISO 19650 standards and terminology.
Don’t Wing It. Plan It
A strong BIM Execution Plan saves money. It keeps your project on track, teams aligned, and models accurate, preventing the need to fix avoidable issues later.
Need help writing or reviewing your BEP?
Our team offers ISO-aligned BIM Execution Services that work in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is a BEP?
It's your guide for managing BIM on a project, detailing standards, team roles, workflows, and milestones.
-
What are the two types of BEPs?
Pre-contract: Created during bidding to outline proposed workflows.
Post-contract: Finalized after award, detailing roles, tools, and processes.
-
Why is a BEP important?
It keeps everyone aligned on scope, standards, and deliverables; reducing delays, rework, and confusion.
-
Who prepares the BEP?
The design team or bidder creates the first version. After the contract is awarded, the GC or lead consultant finalizes it with input from all trades.
-
Are there standard BEP templates?
Yes. Templates following standards like ISO 19650 are available from sources like Plannerly and Autodesk.
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How does a BEP connect to ISO 19650?
An ISO 19650-compliant BIM execution plan states the required information needs, team roles, and methods of sharing data. It’s required for most ISO-based BIM projects.
