51 terms

BIM and Digital Twin glossary

BIM, LOD, LOIN, IFC, CDE, ISO 19650, Scan to BIM, digital twin: the words of the industry, explained plainly by BIMON engineers.

4D BIM: Linking the BIM model to the construction schedule.; Each model element is linked to activities in the programme. The result is a simulation of the construction sequence over time. It is used to check phasing, site logistics and conflicts between trades. Compared with actual progress, it becomes a control tool of the Construction Digital Twin.; 5D BIM 6D and 7D BIM VDC (Virtual Design and Construction)Digital Twin

5D BIM: Linking the BIM model to quantities and costs.; Quantities are extracted directly from the model and linked to cost items. The bill of quantities updates when the design changes. In Italy this often involves estimating software linked to the model or to IFC. 5D makes the cost impact of every change traceable.; 4D BIM 6D and 7D BIM IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)

6D and 7D BIM: BIM dimensions related to operation and maintenance of the asset and to sustainability.; Definitions are not uniform. UNI 11337 uses 6D for use, operation, maintenance and decommissioning, and 7D for sustainability. Many international sources reverse the order. To avoid confusion, the information requirements should describe the required uses, not just the dimension number.; 4D BIM 5D BIM Facility management UNI 11337

AECO: Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations: the built environment value chain, from design to operation.; The acronym AEC stood for architecture, engineering and construction. The O for Operations adds the operational phase, where assets generate cost and value for the longest time. Thinking AECO means designing and building with the future operator already in mind.; ConTech Facility management
AI in construction: The use of machine learning and computer vision to analyse design, site and operational data.; The most practical applications are recognising elements and hazards in images and point clouds, tracking progress, predicting failures and extracting data from documents. BIMON develops AI solutions for site safety and supervision and for analysing asset data.; ConTech Predictive maintenance Point cloud
AIM (Asset Information Model): The information model that supports the operation and maintenance of an asset in use.; The AIM, defined in ISO 19650-3, holds data on spaces, components, warranties, manuals and maintenance plans. It must be updated after every intervention to stay reliable. Linked to BMS, IoT and CAFM, the AIM becomes the basis of the Asset Digital Twin.; PIM (Project Information Model)Facility management Digital Twin CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management)
As-built: A representation of the asset as it was actually built.; The as-built model updates the design with site changes, actual positions and data on installed products. It comes from surveys, site records and supplier documentation. It is the starting point of the Asset Information Model and of the operational Digital Twin. An unreliable as-built is the most common problem we find in existing buildings.; Scan to BIM AIM (Asset Information Model)Digital Twin

BCF (BIM Collaboration Format): An open format for exchanging issues and comments on BIM models without exchanging the model itself.; Each BCF issue holds the 3D viewpoint, the elements involved, a description, an assignee and a status. It is a buildingSMART standard, available as a file and as an API. We use it to manage clashes and change requests between disciplines, with a clear record of who has to do what.; Clash detection openBIM buildingSMART
BEP (BIM Execution Plan): The document in which the project team explains how it will meet the client's information requirements.; The BEP sets roles, software, formats, modelling rules, file naming, coordination and delivery procedures. ISO 19650 has a pre-contract and a post-contract BEP. In Italy they correspond to the information management offer (oGI) and the information management plan (pGI). We write it in response to the EIR or capitolato informativo.; EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)oGI and pGI ISO 19650
BIM (Building Information Modelling): A method for designing, building and operating assets using digital models that hold both geometry and information.; In BIM every model element is an object with properties: materials, performance, cost, maintenance codes. The model becomes the shared source for drawings, quantities and checks. In Italy the reference is the UNI 11337 series; internationally it is ISO 19650. BIMON has worked in BIM since 2015 and was founded as the first BIM consulting firm in Italy.; ISO 19650 UNI 11337 openBIM Digital Twin
BIM Coordinator: The role that coordinates the models and teams of a project, discipline by discipline.; The BIM Coordinator federates models, runs clash detection, organises coordination meetings and checks models against the BEP. They are the day-to-day reference for BIM Specialists. The role is defined in UNI 11337-7. BIMON has BIM Coordinators for both architecture and MEP.; BIM Manager BIM Specialist Federated model Clash detection
BIM Manager: The role that defines and governs information management processes across an organisation or a contract.; The BIM Manager sets standards, procedures, tools and requirements, and checks they are applied. In Italy the role is described in UNI 11337-7 and can be certified. On BIMON projects the BIM Manager writes or reviews BEPs and information management plans and is accountable for the quality of deliverables.; BIM Coordinator BIM Specialist CDE Manager UNI 11337
BIM Specialist: The role that produces a discipline's information models to project standards and requirements.; The BIM Specialist models, fills in parameters, extracts drawings and quantities and resolves assigned clashes. They work in authoring software such as Revit, following the BIM Coordinator's directions. UNI 11337-7 describes the required knowledge and skills. BIMON has BIM Specialists for architecture and MEP, including on site.; BIM Coordinator BIM Manager
BIM validation (model checking): Checking BIM models against rules, standards and information requirements.; Model checking covers geometry, clashes, data completeness, naming and compliance with the information requirements. It uses automated rules, for example IDS or Solibri rulesets, alongside manual review. BIMON carries out BIM validation for clients and contractors, before deliveries or as an independent check.; IDS (Information Delivery Specification)Clash detection EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)
BMS (Building Management System): The system that supervises and controls a building's technical systems.; The BMS collects data from and controls HVAC, lighting, access, alarms and other systems, often over protocols such as BACnet, Modbus or KNX. Linked to the BIM model, the BMS becomes one of the main data sources of the Asset Digital Twin: every alarm points to a specific component in space.; IoT (Internet of Things)Digital Twin Smart building Facility management
buildingSMART: The international non-profit organisation that develops open standards for BIM.; buildingSMART International maintains IFC, BCF, IDS and the bSDD dictionary, and certifies software and professionals. It is organised in national chapters. In Italy the chapter is IBIMI buildingSMART Italia. BIMON joined it in 2023.; openBIM IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)

CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management): Software for managing the spaces, assets, maintenance and services of a property portfolio.; A CAFM holds the asset register, maintenance plans, tickets and service contracts. The challenge is often filling it with reliable data. From the as-built BIM model, via COBie or IFC, spaces, components and attributes can be transferred to the CAFM instead of being re-entered by hand.; Facility management COBie (Construction Operations Building information exchange)AIM (Asset Information Model)
CDE (Common Data Environment): The shared data environment where all project information is collected, managed and approved.; ISO 19650 describes how information containers move through the CDE: work in progress, shared, published, archived. In Italy UNI 11337 calls it ACDat, the shared data environment. A well-configured CDE gives everyone the same file version, with traceable revisions and approvals. At BIMON the CDE Manager sets up structure, permissions and workflows for each contract.; ISO 19650 UNI 11337 Federated model
CDE Manager: The role responsible for setting up and running the common data environment.; The CDE Manager defines folder structure, naming, statuses, permissions and approval workflows. They make sure the CDE stays orderly and traceable throughout the contract. It is one of the roles defined in UNI 11337-7.; CDE (Common Data Environment)BIM Manager UNI 11337
Clash detection: Automated checking of clashes between elements from different disciplines in the federated model.; There are hard clashes (a pipe running through a beam), clearance clashes (maintenance space not respected) and workflow clashes. Common tools are Navisworks, Solibri and the coordination modules of cloud platforms. Finding a clash in the model costs far less than fixing it on site. We manage results with reports and BCF issues assigned to each discipline lead.; Federated model BCF (BIM Collaboration Format)BIM Coordinator BIM validation (model checking)
COBie (Construction Operations Building information exchange): A structured format for handing over space and component data of a building to the operator.; COBie organises facilities, floors, spaces, types, components, systems and documents in tables. It can be delivered as a spreadsheet or as a subset of IFC. Developed in the United States and adopted in the UK, it is useful when the client wants to import data into a CAFM without re-keying it.; CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management)IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)AIM (Asset Information Model)
Computational design: Design that uses algorithms, scripts and parametric rules to generate and control the model.; It covers parametric modelling, generative design and the automation of repetitive tasks. Typical tools are Dynamo, Grasshopper, Python and C# with BIM software APIs. At BIMON the Automation and R&D team develops scripts for automated modelling, quality checks and data population.; Generative design Dynamo Revit API
ConTech: Short for construction technology: digital technologies applied to design, construction and operation.; ConTech includes BIM, Digital Twins, automation, robotics, IoT, cloud platforms and artificial intelligence for the construction sector. BIMON describes itself as a ConTech company: it was born out of engineering and works at the intersection of the AECO and ICT sectors.; AECO BIM (Building Information Modelling)Digital Twin AI in construction
Contracting authority (stazione appaltante): A public body, or equivalent entity, that awards works, services or supply contracts.; Under the Italian Public Contracts Code (Legislative Decree 36/2023), the contracting authority runs tenders, sets requirements and oversees execution. To adopt BIM it needs training, tools and an organisational act, and it must include information requirements in its tenders. We support contracting authorities in writing information requirements and checking the models delivered.; Legislative Decree 36/2023 EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)Digital information management

Digital information management: The structured management of an asset's information through digital models and platforms, across its life cycle.; It is the term used by the Italian Public Contracts Code and UNI 11337 for what is commonly called BIM. It includes requirements, models, common data environments, roles and checking procedures. BIMON's BIM consulting is mostly about this: setting up the process before the model.; BIM (Building Information Modelling)Legislative Decree 36/2023 UNI 11337 CDE (Common Data Environment)
Digital thread: A continuous, traceable flow of data that connects every phase of an asset's life.; The digital thread stops information getting lost at every handover: from survey to design, from design to site, from site to operation. Every piece of data keeps its source, version and owner. It is the idea behind our three solutions: Design & Planning Automation, Construction Digital Twin and Asset Digital Twin.; Digital Twin CDE (Common Data Environment)AIM (Asset Information Model)
Digital Twin: A digital replica of a building or infrastructure asset connected to real data from that asset.; A Digital Twin usually starts from an as-built BIM model and links it to live data sources: IoT sensors, BMS, maintenance systems, site progress. It is used to monitor, simulate and decide on up-to-date data. BIMON works with two phases: the Construction Digital Twin, which controls the site, and the Asset Digital Twin, which supports the operation and maintenance of the building.; BIM (Building Information Modelling)As-built IoT (Internet of Things)BMS (Building Management System)AIM (Asset Information Model)
Dynamo: An open-source visual programming environment integrated with Autodesk Revit.; In Dynamo you connect nodes instead of writing code line by line, and you can add Python scripts for more complex cases. It reads and writes Revit model elements and parameters. We use it to automate modelling, renaming and parameter population, model checks and data export to Excel or Power BI.; Revit API Computational design

EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo): The document in which the client defines what information it wants to receive, in what format and when.; EIR (Exchange Information Requirements) is the ISO 19650 term. In Italy the equivalent is the capitolato informativo (CI), defined by UNI 11337 and required in public tenders that call for digital information management. A good requirements document sets objectives, model uses, LOD or LOIN, formats and checking criteria. We support contracting authorities in writing it and contractors in responding to it.; BEP (BIM Execution Plan)oGI and pGI Contracting authority (stazione appaltante)LOIN (Level of Information Need)

Facility management: The integrated management of buildings, systems and services during operation.; Facility management covers maintenance, cleaning, security, energy, space and occupant services. Operation is the longest and most expensive phase in an asset's life cycle. An up-to-date asset information model cuts response times and errors. It is where the Asset Digital Twin applies.; CAFM (Computer-Aided Facility Management)AIM (Asset Information Model)Predictive maintenance Digital Twin
Federated model: A model that brings together, without merging, the models of a project's different disciplines.; Architecture, structure and MEP stay as separate models, each owned by its author. The federated model overlays them for coordination, clash detection and review. It is the BIM Coordinator's daily tool and the basis of coordination meetings.; Clash detection BIM Coordinator CDE (Common Data Environment)

Generative design: A method where algorithms generate and evaluate many design options from goals and constraints.; The designer defines parameters, constraints and evaluation criteria, such as area, orientation, distances and cost. The algorithm explores combinations and returns the best-scoring options against those criteria. We use it for layouts, massing studies and MEP routing optimisation, always with a final check by the designer.; Computational design Dynamo

IDS (Information Delivery Specification): A buildingSMART standard for writing machine-readable information requirements and checking them against IFC files.; An IDS file states which objects must carry which properties, with which allowed values. Checking software automatically compares the IFC model with these rules. It turns the information requirements from a document to read into a check to run. We use it in our BIM validation work.; IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)LOIN (Level of Information Need)BIM validation (model checking)EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)
IFC (Industry Foundation Classes): An open, vendor-neutral format for exchanging BIM models between different software.; IFC is developed by buildingSMART International and published as ISO 16739-1. Version IFC 4.3 extends the schema to infrastructure: roads, railways, bridges, ports. On our projects IFC is the delivery and cross-discipline coordination format, and the basis for automated requirement checking.; openBIM buildingSMART IDS (Information Delivery Specification)BCF (BIM Collaboration Format)
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of connected sensors and devices that transmit data in real time.; In buildings, IoT sensors measure temperature, humidity, CO2, occupancy, consumption and vibration. On site they monitor equipment, environmental conditions and safety. IoT data is useful once it is linked to the spaces and assets in the model. That is what we do in our Digital Twins.; BMS (Building Management System)Digital Twin Smart building Predictive maintenance
ISO 19650: The international standard series on managing information across the life cycle of built assets using BIM.; Part 1 sets out concepts and principles, part 2 the delivery phase, part 3 the operational phase. Parts 4, 5 and 6 cover information exchange, information security, and health and safety. The standard introduces information requirements (OIR, AIR, PIR, EIR), the BEP, the CDE and the PIM and AIM models. It is the reference we use on international projects.; UNI 11337 CDE (Common Data Environment)BEP (BIM Execution Plan)EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)PIM (Project Information Model)

Laser scanner: An instrument that measures distances with a laser beam and returns a point cloud of its surroundings.; There are static tripod scanners, which are very accurate, and mobile or SLAM systems, which are faster on large areas. They can also be mounted on drones or robots. In 2023 BIMON and GRS tested Spot, the Boston Dynamics robot dog fitted with a laser scanner, with Aeroporti di Roma to capture data on site.; Point cloud Scan to BIM AI in construction
Legislative Decree 36/2023: The Italian Public Contracts Code, which progressively makes digital information management (BIM) mandatory in public works.; The new Public Contracts Code was adopted in 2023 and replaced Legislative Decree 50/2016. Article 43 and Annex I.9 govern the methods and tools of digital information management in construction. For contracting authorities, designers and contractors, it makes information requirements, BIM models and CDEs a normal part of public contracts.; Contracting authority (stazione appaltante)Digital information management EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)
LOD (Level of Development): The level of development of a model element, in terms of geometry and information.; The most common international scale runs from LOD 100 to LOD 500 (BIMForum specification). UNI 11337-4 instead uses a scale from LOD A to LOD G and separates LOG, the geometric part, from LOI, the information part. LOD is set in the information requirements for each project stage. European standards now shift the focus to LOIN, the information actually needed.; LOIN (Level of Information Need)UNI 11337 EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)
LOIN (Level of Information Need): A framework for defining what information is needed, by whom, when and for what purpose.; LOIN is defined by EN ISO 7817-1, which replaced EN 17412-1. For each purpose and stage it sets the geometric, alphanumeric and documentation requirements. Compared with LOD, it avoids asking for more data than needed. We use it to write information requirements that can be measured and checked on the models.; LOD (Level of Development)IDS (Information Delivery Specification)EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)

MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing): The mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems of a building.; It includes HVAC, water and fire protection systems, power distribution, lighting and special systems. In complex buildings such as hospitals, airports and data centres, MEP is the densest part and the most prone to clashes. BIMON designs, models and coordinates MEP systems in BIM, with sizing and clash checks against structure and architecture.; Clash detection Federated model BIM Coordinator

oGI and pGI: Information management offer and information management plan: the Italian response to the information requirements.; The oGI is submitted at tender stage and describes how the bidder intends to manage information. After award it becomes the pGI, the operational plan agreed with the client. Both are defined by UNI 11337 and correspond to the pre- and post-contract BEP of ISO 19650.; BEP (BIM Execution Plan)EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)UNI 11337
openBIM: An approach to BIM based on open standards, independent of any single software vendor.; openBIM is promoted by buildingSMART and relies on standards such as IFC, BCF, IDS and bSDD. The aim is that every party can use its own tool without losing information. For public clients and asset managers it means data that stays readable in twenty years, not tied to a licence.; IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)BCF (BIM Collaboration Format)IDS (Information Delivery Specification)buildingSMART

PIM (Project Information Model): The body of information produced during the design and construction of an asset.; Under ISO 19650 the PIM includes the models, documents and non-graphical data of the delivery phase. It gains detail stage by stage, inside the CDE. At handover, the information needed for operation moves into the AIM.; AIM (Asset Information Model)ISO 19650 CDE (Common Data Environment)
Point cloud: A set of millions of points with coordinates, produced by a laser or photogrammetric survey.; Each point has X, Y, Z coordinates and often colour and intensity. Several scans are merged during registration. The cloud records the actual state with millimetre or centimetre accuracy, depending on the instrument. It is the basis for Scan to BIM and for comparing design against what was built.; Scan to BIM Laser scanner As-built
Predictive maintenance: Maintenance planned on the actual condition of components, measured with sensors and data analysis.; Instead of acting after a failure or at fixed intervals, you act when the data shows degradation. Vibration, temperature, power draw and running hours are the most common signals. In the Digital Twin, BMS and IoT data is analysed, including with machine learning models, and linked to the component in the model.; IoT (Internet of Things)BMS (Building Management System)Facility management Digital Twin

Revit API: The .NET programming interface used to extend and automate Autodesk Revit.; With the Revit API you write add-ins in C# or in Python, for example via pyRevit or Dynamo. It lets you create and modify elements, read parameters and run checks on whole models. It is the route to custom tools when Dynamo is not enough: in-house commands, standards checks, links to external databases.; Dynamo Computational design BIM validation (model checking)

Scan to BIM: The process of turning a laser scan survey of an existing asset into a BIM model.; It starts from a registered, georeferenced point cloud. The model is built over the cloud to an agreed level of detail and tolerance. It is the starting point for refurbishments, energy retrofits and Digital Twins of existing buildings. BIMON uses it both for design and for asset management.; Point cloud Laser scanner As-built Digital Twin
Smart building: A building whose systems and sensors are connected and controlled together on the basis of data.; In a smart building, BMS, IoT sensors and security systems share data instead of working in isolation. The aim is comfort, energy efficiency and better-targeted maintenance. A Digital Twin makes this data readable in space, for the people who run the building and those who use it.; BMS (Building Management System)IoT (Internet of Things)Digital Twin

UNI 11337: The Italian standard series on digital management of information processes in construction.; UNI 11337 defines, among other things, the information structure of works, LOD levels from A to G, the information requirements document (capitolato informativo), and the information management offer and plan. Part 7 describes the professional roles: BIM Manager, BIM Coordinator, BIM Specialist and CDE Manager. It sits alongside ISO 19650, adopted in Italy as UNI EN ISO 19650, and is the usual reference in Italian public tenders.; ISO 19650 LOD (Level of Development)EIR / Information requirements (Capitolato informativo)oGI and pGI BIM Manager

VDC (Virtual Design and Construction): A method that uses digital models, metrics and collaborative processes to manage design and construction.; VDC was developed at Stanford University's CIFE. It combines the BIM model with team organisation and process planning, against measurable objectives. In practice it means simulating before building: sequences, logistics, clashes, costs. At BIMON the lead role is the VDC Manager.; 4D BIM 5D BIM BIM (Building Information Modelling)

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