Demand matrix for BIM

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very broad term that describes the process of creating a model containing digital information about a built asset.

Projects that incorporate Level 2 BIM identify the decisions and information deliverables required at each stage of the project. This ensures that appropriate information is created and shared in a suitable format at the right time so that better decisions can be made throughout the delivery and operation of a built asset.

The Employer's Information Requirements (EIR) define the information that will be required by the employer from both their own internal team and from suppliers throughout project. It should identify the file formats required, and how and when information should be exchanged in the project lifecycle. Relevant extracts from the Employer's Information Requirements will be included in procurement documents for the appointment of each supplier appointed directly by the employer, which may include; advisors, consultants, contractors and so on

Employer's Information Requirements describe the expected information deliverables in terms of the documents, model files and information (structured data in a COBie format). Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is a non-proprietary data format for the publication of a subset of building information models focused on delivering asset data rather that geometric information.

If the employer is experienced, the level of information required for COBie format information may be clarified in a demand matrix. This is an output of the employer's information requirements setting out what is required and when. Systems, types, spaces and elements are organised following the Uniclass classification and properties listed as attributes are marked with the stage by which they are expected.

A demand matrix can be produced by the nbs toolkit, a government sponsored toolkit supporting the production of Employer's Information Requirements.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Building information modelling.
• COBie.
• Employer's information requirements.
• NBS BIM toolkit.
• Requirements management application.