Standard method and procedure SMP for BIM

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a very broad term that describes the process of creating and managing digital information about a built asset such as a building or other facility such as a bridge, highway, tunnel and so on.

A crucial part of the successful implementation of building information modelling is that project team members contributing or managing digital information adopt the same methods and procedures for its preparation, enabling it to be used and re-used without needing to be changed or interpreted.

According to PAS 1192-2:2013: Specification for information management for the capital/delivery phase of construction projects using building information modelling, (now replaced by BS EN ISO 19650) the term 'standard method and procedure' or SMP refers to a:

',,,set of standard methods and procedures covering the process whereby information is named, expressed and referenced.'

PAS 1192-2 suggests that SMP should be set out in the post-contract bim execution plan (BEP) (on large or complex projects this may be within a project implementation plan) prepared by suppliers and should define:

• The volume strategy.
• PIM (project information model) origin and orientation (which may also be geo-referenced to the earth's surface using a specified projection).
• File naming convention.
• Layer naming convention, where used.
• Agreed construction tolerances for all disciplines.
• Drawing sheet templates.
• Annotation, dimensions, abbreviations and symbols.
• Attribute data.

However, an experienced client, of one that may already use building information modelling may wish to set out their own SMP, at least in part, and this may be included in the Employer's Information Requirements.

The common data environment (CDE) is the single source of information for the project, used to collect, manage and disseminate documentation, the graphical model and non-graphical data for the whole project team. Information should not be issued to the 'shared' area of the common data environment until compliance with the standard method and procedure has been checked. The information manager is a procedural gate-keeper, policing the common data environment to ensure that it follows the agreed protocol and that the data is secure.

NB the BIMe Initiative sugges that: “Standard Methods and Procedures (SMP)s are set in the BIM Execution Plan, Project Implementation Plan or Employer’s Information Requirements. The SMP typically refers to all necessary conventions to be followed by the project team - including file naming, layer naming, construction tolerances, annotations, abbreviations and symbols.' Ref BIMe Initiative, “BIM Dictionary,” https://bimdictionary.com/

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• BIM execution plan.
• BIM.
• Common data environment.
• Employer's information requirements.
• PAS 1192-2.
• Project implementation plan.
• Volume strategy.