The Building Information Model (BIM) (or: building data modelling) is not an invention of the digital age - it has come up as early as in the 1980s. It describes a complete digital (virtual) model of a building project; this goes far beyond the CAD model (3D model), because the time dimension (project phases, ideally: entire life cycle) and the cost dimension are also added. Result: A model with 5 dimensions (5D). This can ideally be accessed by all parties involved in a construction project: The planning office, the property developer, the construction companies, carpenters, plumbers, the operators and the client.
A variety of features and functional areas are relevant: 2D drawings, 3D models, document management, scheduling, collaboration, tracking of conflicts, change management, mobile access and the like. This is where different software solutions collaborate: CAD software, software for the digititation of product information for BIM models, planning features, tools for efficient communication between general contractors and manufacturers and much more.
