BIM-based production systems

Abstract

The term "production system" is mainly used in connection with the industry of stationary production. It describes the overall system of controlling and monitoring the manufacturing of goods. Companies generally use internal software systems for their own, specific requirements. Such production systems and the related software systems cannot be transferred to construction projects since the conditions of such projects are very specific and varied; production systems are thus hardly ever used in the building sector. The BIM-based approach, which is finding its way into the construction industry, spans various fields of expertise, is geared towards cooperation and standardization and to an in-depth implementation of digitized data processing; it is therefore well positioned to overcome existing obstacles. Restrictive elements (fragmentation, temporary production facilities, unique product) can now be eliminated through the introduction of a BIM-based production system; project control can thus be improved, simplified, and rendered more efficient. At the same time, themethod of operation is standardized throughout the entire project. This approach constitutes a fundamental change to project control in the construction industry, which will shift its focus from people to information in future. This chapter deals with the purpose and conditions of the implementation of a BIM-based production system in construction projects. The relevant information and the modular structure of such systems are described in detail on the basis of practical experience gained in the implementation in various projects.