BIM: The Revolution in the Virtual Replica of Relevant Information for your Projects

Jun 16, 2025

BIM: The Revolution in the Virtual Replica of Relevant Information for your Projects

BIM is a way to design, build and manage a project using a shared digital model.

It is not only 3D. It is also information.

When BIM is done well, teams coordinate earlier, reduce clashes, and avoid costly changes on site.

Contents

What BIM is (simple definition)

BIM stands for Building Information Modelling.

It is a working method where a project is represented by a digital model that combines:

  • Geometry (where things are and what they look like in 3D)
  • Data (what each element is, its reference, dimensions, properties and notes)

This is why BIM is more useful than a “nice 3D view”.

The model becomes a shared source of truth that can be used from design to handover and operation.

Is BIM the same as a “digital twin”?

The terms are related, but they are not always the same.

In many projects, BIM is the digital model used to design and coordinate before construction.

A “digital twin” often describes a model that is linked to a real built asset and updated during operation.

In practice, a good BIM model can be the starting point for a digital twin.

Why BIM matters in real projects

Most project problems are not caused by bad intentions.

They are caused by missing information, late changes, or poor coordination between disciplines.

BIM helps because it makes coordination easier and more visual.

Typical problems BIM helps solve

  • Services fighting for the same space (HVAC ducts vs cable trays, beams vs trunking).
  • Equipment placed with no access for maintenance or safe operation.
  • Wrong quantities in the bill of materials because drawings were not updated.
  • Last-minute changes on site because the design was not coordinated early enough.
  • Handover documents scattered across emails, PDFs and folders.

Benefits you can measure

  • Fewer clashes found on site, because they are found in the model first.
  • More reliable quantities, because schedules come from the model.
  • Clearer decisions, because stakeholders understand the design faster.
  • Better planning, because teams can link model elements to time and cost.
  • Cleaner handover, because key data is stored with the asset.

How BIM works in practice

BIM is teamwork.

Each discipline creates and maintains its part of the project.

Then the parts are combined and reviewed together.

A simple way to think about BIM

  1. Model: each team models its scope (architecture, structure, MEP, electrical).
  2. Combine: models are brought together into a shared view (often called a “federated model”).
  3. Coordinate: clashes and issues are found, assigned, and resolved.
  4. Update: the model is kept in sync with decisions and changes.
  5. Deliver: drawings, schedules, quantities and handover data are generated from the model.

Roles you will often see in BIM projects

  • BIM Manager: defines the rules and checks the overall process.
  • BIM Coordinator: coordinates one discipline (for example MEP or electrical).
  • Modellers / Designers: build and update the model elements.
  • Contractor / Installer teams: use the model to plan, build and verify.
  • Client / FM team: uses the information at handover and during operation.

Common Data Environment (CDE): what it is

A CDE is the shared place where the team stores and manages information.

It can be a dedicated platform or a structured cloud folder system.

What matters is that everyone uses the same rules for:

  • File naming and version control
  • Who can publish, approve or change files
  • How issues are tracked and closed
  • How information is shared with external parties

Tip: In many BIM failures, the software was not the problem. The process was.

A basic, well-run CDE often beats a complex tool used inconsistently.

BIM formats you will see (IFC, BCF, RFA, COBie)

BIM is multi-tool by nature.

This is why file formats matter.

Key formats explained

  • IFC: open format to exchange geometry and data across platforms.
  • BCF: a lightweight way to share issues (viewpoint + comment) without sending large models.
  • RFA (Revit Families): parametric objects used in Revit, often provided by manufacturers.
  • COBie: structured asset data used for handover and facility management workflows.

When to use what

Need Typical choice Why
Work in one authoring tool Native model Best for modelling and live coordination inside the same ecosystem.
Share across different tools IFC Open exchange that reduces vendor lock-in.
Send issues to the team BCF Fast issue sharing without emailing big files.
Use manufacturer components in Revit RFA Parametric objects with manufacturer data.
Handover structured asset data COBie (or equivalent) Supports operations and maintenance use cases.

3D, 4D, 5D, 6D: what those “D’s” mean

You will often hear BIM described by “dimensions”.

These “D’s” explain what extra information is linked to the model.

  • 3D: geometry and coordination (the base level).
  • 4D: time and sequencing (programme linked to model elements).
  • 5D: cost (quantities and cost items linked to elements).
  • 6D: sustainability and performance (analysis linked to the model).
  • 7D: operations and maintenance (asset data for FM).

Tip: You do not need every “D” to get value from BIM.

Many teams get strong results by doing 3D coordination well and adding simple quantity workflows.

BIM for electrical design and installation

Electrical design often changes late.

Routes shift, loads change, and space becomes tight as other disciplines evolve.

This is exactly why BIM is valuable for electrical work.

What BIM changes for electrical teams

  • You model systems in 3D, so space and access problems appear early.
  • You coordinate with structure and MEP in a shared view, not in separate drawings.
  • You generate schedules and quantities from the model, not from manual counting.
  • You can link manufacturer product data to the installation elements.

Examples of electrical coordination that BIM improves

  • Distribution boards and enclosures: wall space, door opening clearance, safe access zones.
  • Cable trays and trunking: routing above ceilings, crossing beams, avoiding ducts.
  • Penetrations: openings through walls and slabs planned and approved earlier.
  • Equipment rooms: layout, access, maintenance and safety clearances.
  • Phasing: temporary supplies, staged energisation, and handover sequencing.

Traditional CAD vs BIM for electrical work

Area Traditional approach BIM approach
Documentation 2D drawings per discipline Coordinated model + outputs generated from it
Error detection Often found on site Found earlier through clash checks
Quantities Manual counting Model-based schedules and take-offs
Changes Hard to keep all drawings aligned Changes ripple through views and schedules
Handover Many PDFs and folders Asset data linked to elements

What a good BIM object should include

A BIM object is more than a 3D shape.

It is a digital representation of a real product.

Minimum content (what you should expect)

  • Correct dimensions (so it fits in the real space).
  • Clear category and type (so it schedules correctly).
  • Basic parameters (reference, description, manufacturer, key technical notes).
  • Simple, clean geometry (so the model stays light and usable).

Helpful extra content (when it adds real value)

  • Connection information (entry points, knockout zones, mounting zones).
  • Clearance and access zones (safe operation and maintenance space).
  • Links to documentation (product sheet, installation guidance).
  • Classification codes (when a project standard requires it).

A simple “good object” balance

Too little data makes the object less useful.

Too much detail makes models heavy and slow.

The goal is useful information with efficient geometry.

LOD / Level of Information: how much detail is enough

Projects often fail when teams model too much, too early.

Or when they model too little and cannot coordinate properly.

That is why BIM teams use LOD-style thinking.

It is a way to agree what detail is needed at each stage.

Example: what changes across stages

Stage What you model What you avoid
Early design Approximate locations, sizes, zones Fine details, tiny parts, high-poly geometry
Detailed design Real product sizes, access, coordination with other services Unnecessary internal components that do not affect space
Construction Installation-ready layouts and verified product choices Over-modelling that makes site use harder
Handover Asset data needed for operation and maintenance Data that is never used and cannot be maintained

Tip: Agree the required level of detail in the BIM Execution Plan (BEP).

It saves time and prevents disputes later.

A simple BIM workflow for electrical projects

This is a practical workflow that many teams follow.

It works for residential, commercial and industrial projects.

1) Start with the rules

  • Define file naming and versioning.
  • Agree modelling rules (units, levels, grids, shared coordinates).
  • Agree what information is required for schedules and handover.

2) Build the electrical model for coordination

  • Place key equipment early (distribution boards, risers, plant equipment).
  • Reserve space for major routes (trays, trunking, risers).
  • Check access, doors, and working clearances.

3) Coordinate with other disciplines

  • Run clash checks on major routes and rooms.
  • Resolve issues with clear ownership and deadlines.
  • Update the model and re-check until stable.

4) Produce outputs from the model

  • Plans, sections and details.
  • Schedules (boards, enclosures, accessories, key quantities).
  • Installation views and coordination drawings.

5) Prepare handover information

  • Verify product references and key parameters.
  • Link or attach product documentation when required.
  • Freeze a handover version and archive it properly.

Common BIM mistakes (and how to avoid them)

BIM issues are often predictable.

Here are the mistakes we see most often, with practical fixes.

Mistake 1: modelling too much detail

High-detail objects can slow the model and make it hard to work.

Fix: use efficient objects. Model what affects space, access and coordination.

Mistake 2: poor naming and inconsistent parameters

If names and parameters are inconsistent, schedules become unreliable.

Fix: define a simple naming rule and stick to it. Use shared parameters where needed.

Mistake 3: unclear ownership of clashes

Issues remain open when nobody owns them.

Fix: assign each issue to an owner, a deadline, and a clear resolution status.

Mistake 4: no version control

Teams waste time because they are not sure which model is current.

Fix: run a strict publish cycle in the CDE. Use a clear revision history.

Mistake 5: “BIM for BIM’s sake”

If BIM does not support real decisions, it becomes overhead.

Fix: define use cases. For example: clash reduction, quantities, and clean handover data.

How to use Solera BIM files (.RFA)

Using manufacturer BIM objects improves accuracy.

It also saves time, because you do not need to build every component from scratch.

Solera provides BIM files for its products in .RFA format.

You can access them in the BIM docs section and download them as a ZIP file.

Download here: BIM docs (Solera)

What you can do with Solera BIM objects

  • Place enclosures and boards with real dimensions.
  • Keep product references and descriptions linked to elements.
  • Create cleaner schedules and more reliable take-offs.
  • Coordinate access and wall space early in the project.

Step-by-step: load Solera families into Revit

  1. Download the ZIP from the BIM docs page.
  2. Unzip the file in a shared library folder (so the team uses one source).
  3. Open your Revit project and go to Load Family.
  4. Select the required .RFA files and load them.
  5. Place the objects and check they align with levels, grids and project coordinates.

Tip: Keep a dedicated “Manufacturer Library” folder in your CDE.

It prevents team members from loading different versions of the same product.

Where Solera objects are commonly used

  • Residential: flush boards and compact solutions for apartments and homes.
  • Tertiary: visible installations where finish and access matter.
  • Industrial: enclosures and equipment that must cope with demanding environments.

Explore product ranges often used in BIM electrical projects

How to choose the right objects for your model

Not every project needs the same detail.

Choose objects based on what the model must achieve at that stage.

Use simpler objects when you need speed

  • Early design studies
  • High-level coordination
  • Space planning and routing

Use more specific objects when you need accuracy

  • Final coordination before construction
  • Precise quantities for procurement
  • Access checks and maintenance zones

What information to capture for electrical elements

Teams often ask: “What parameters should we store?”

It depends on the project, but a simple baseline works well.

Recommended baseline parameters (practical and lightweight)

Parameter Why it matters Example
Manufacturer Consistent scheduling and procurement Solera
Reference / Product code Order accuracy Project-specific reference
Description Readable schedules and documentation Distribution board, flush-mounted
Dimensions Coordination and fit W x H x D
Location / Zone Handover and maintenance Level 2, Electrical riser
Notes Project-specific requirements Access clearance required

Tip: Only capture data you can keep updated.

Outdated parameters reduce trust in the model.

Practical BIM tips for electrical coordination

Keep routes clear and buildable

  • Avoid unnecessary bends and level changes.
  • Leave installation space for supports and fixings.
  • Coordinate crossings early (especially above ceilings).

Respect access and working clearances

  • Ensure board doors can open fully.
  • Keep safe working space in front of equipment.
  • Check that maintenance tasks are physically possible.

Separate what is fixed from what may change

  • Fix key equipment early (distribution boards, risers, plant).
  • Allow flexibility for minor devices until coordination stabilises.
  • Use model phases or options if the project requires them.

Practical checklist before you issue your model

Use this checklist before sharing a model with the wider team.

It reduces back-and-forth and avoids confusion.

  • Coordinates: shared coordinates and levels are correct.
  • Clashes: major clashes reviewed and closed or clearly marked.
  • Naming: file name, revision and status match the CDE rules.
  • Parameters: key parameters filled in (manufacturer, reference, description).
  • Model health: model is not overloaded with unnecessary detail.
  • Views: main coordination views and sheets are readable.
  • Scope: model scope is clear (what is included and what is not).

Conclusion

BIM is a practical way to reduce risk and improve coordination.

For electrical teams, BIM helps protect space, improve access, and generate clearer documentation.

If you want to model with real product dimensions and reliable data, use manufacturer objects.

Download Solera BIM files (.RFA): BIM docs

FAQ

Do I need Revit to use Solera BIM files?

Solera provides BIM files in .RFA format.

This format is designed for Revit workflows.

Is BIM only for large projects?

No.

Smaller projects can still benefit from better coordination and clearer quantities.

The key is to keep the process simple and focused.

How do I stop BIM from becoming too complex?

  • Define a small set of use cases (clashes, quantities, clean handover).
  • Model only what is needed at each stage.
  • Keep objects efficient and avoid unnecessary detail.