BIM Integrator Role versus BIM Manager Role

[crullier]

Hey guys, on Friday one of my co-worker who is reading a book shared a chapter with me on BIM just get my feeback and exchange ideas.
As I am reading I came across the BIM Integrator roler - mostly from a construction manager pov. I have never heard of that role before (yes I live under a rock some times).

Based on what I read it sound sort of like a BIM manger not quite. I want to understand the differences from a real life scenario and discern if they are maybe the same persona or not.

All thoughts are welcomed.
Thanks

[david_peterson]

You're not alone. I haven't heard of that one yet either.
If I had to guess it's the person that would be in charge of getting the team (or maybe just the CM) up to speed on the process of using BIM on a project.
Usually the term I've seen used was CVS (Construction Visualization Specialist) or VCS (Virtual Construction Specialist).
This would be the person in charge of the Construction Model from the CM's side.
I usually think of BIM integration as the process of starting to use BIM in your process, no matter if it's the Design side, the Construction side or the FM side.

Just my thought.

[crullier]

yes it sound its the person driving the BIM efforts on a project. But then again I thought that is what a big manager would do. It almost seems as if the BIM manger deals more with the "drafting/modeling" practices whereas the BIM integrator is concerned more with the entire process, its implementation and execution? I wonder if the integrator would also provide training and mentoring.

[Brian Myers]

The title BIM Integrator is likely one they made up, so it gets difficult to define. That being stated, we can break it down based on the title. To "integrate" is to bring the data into existing processes. In terms of construction, that sounds a lot like an aspect of project controls. Project controls are the data gathering, management and analytical processes used to predict, understand and constructively influence the time and cost outcomes of a project or program. So to integrate BIM into that you would be creating models and integrate information (such as Omniclass/Assembly Code data) that can be leveraged in the construction process.

While this individual could be managing standards / training (like a BIM manager) I would be more inclined to consider an individual with this title a VDC coordinator, with perhaps skills in other non-modelling software such as Vico and Assemble. So not BIM management, instead a role closer to construction administrator / BIM modeler. In other words, a supporting branch of the project controls process.

[crullier]

^ thanks for your response. Makes a lot of sense.
It seem then in this scenario, this person can co-exist with a BIM manger and it supported by a BIM manager.

[Brian Myers]

Exactly. It's possible this individual may report to a Director of Project Controls or Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Each of those are the construction equivalent of a very high level BIM manager or the person the BIM manager reports to.

[crullier]

Exactly. It's possible this individual may report to a Director of Project Controls or Director of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). Each of those are the construction equivalent of a very high level BIM manager or the person the BIM manager reports to.

You last sentence is pretty interesting. How do you differentiate a High level BIM manger (on the design side) from the VDC Director in construction. Is there an equivalent tittle?
I see you carry the title of MEP technology Director. Are you a High level Bim manager?

[Brian Myers]

"High Level" is difficult to define, but let me give you an example.

Two companies hire a BIM manager. The first company hires a person with a 2 years degree, 3 years of working experience, age 24, at a relatively low wage. They plan to "grow" them as an employee. The second company hires an individual with 15+ years of experience, an advanced college degree, a rather high wage, and age 40. Both individuals are BIM managers, but the age 24 employee is likely inexpensive labor leveraged to keep everyone else productive. That's their perceived value within the organization.

The age 40 employee was likely hired to use their experience to be a leader within the organization. It's also likely the 40 year old will be given a heavier level of responsibility with more value to the organization. Why? Because they have been doing this work for years and they were hired as an expert (no need to train them to be one). Much like you would hire a "senior level" engineer / designer and expect a certain level of expertise and professionalism, the same with a "high level" BIM manager. At that level they are usually trusted mentors that have worked with clients directly and can aid (and direct) both management and less experienced staff.

So "high level" does not mean the guy that knows all the software and does what they are directed to do. They are somewhat self managed, work closely both with management and production staff at all levels, may be directly involved in making marketing / production decisions, may have a staff members reporting to them, etc. Those roles are somewhat rare as it takes an organization of a certain size to support the role, but they are widely sought after.

In a construction environment it would mean that they may help with everything from marketing to how the technology is managed. They wouldn't be a "techie". OK, they may be, but that's not why you hire them. They would be an individual that understands the industry and makes decisions / recommendations that can affect the bottom line. They manage people (even if indirectly), projects, data, and are leaders in their areas of expertise.

I should add, that's why when I read the title BIM Integrator I don't think BIM Manager. If your role is "integration" you are performing a vital task, but that doesn't make you a manager of people or a leader in your area of expertise. You can be, but that's not necessarily a direct requirement of the role.

[Brian Myers]

Oh, and to answer your question directly: BIM Manager, VDC Director, etc.... they are all just titles. Once you have the skills to qualify for those roles you start to read the job descriptions to see if they are a match for your talents.

That's why I gave the long post above, because it's more about what you bring to an organization than the title.

[crullier]

Oh, and to answer your question directly: BIM Manager, VDC Director, etc.... they are all just titles. Once you have the skills to qualify for those roles you start to read the job descriptions to see if they are a match for your talents.

That's why I gave the long post above, because it's more about what you bring to an organization than the title.

Thank you for the detailed insight Brian.