Integrating resource production and construction using BIM

This paper presents the outcomes of a research and development project carried out at the University of Maribor, Construction IT Centre, with regard to the introduction of a building information model (BIM) and a model based construction process into the operational environment of a construction company. The initiative for the project came from the industry and was performed as a joined effort of the research organization and the construction company. Work was performed in the scope of an industrialized construction environment, with the main aim to integrate mass production prefabrication processes with construction site activities. BIM was used as a link between an enterprise resource planning (ERP) information system that supports manufacturing process and construction object related information, mainly handled by CAD tools. The benefits of this link are presented with regard to project progress monitoring and material flow management. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.