Comparing PLM and BIM from the product structure standpoint

Abstract

The increasing use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) across the construction industry highlights the potential for a common endpoint with manufacturing industries. Previous research work has shown that it is possible to improve BIM with the features and the best practices from Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) approach. This article provides a comparison between the PLM and BIM approaches from the standpoint of the Product Structure (PS) and the Bill of Material (BOM). It discusses the need to explicit a structuring concept in the BIM approach in order be able to switch to an information-centric management approach in construction projects instead of the current activity-based approach.