We discuss standardizing design data, but standardizing project management is equally important, particularly in BIM-based projects. Bane NOR<\/a>\u2018s Jorge Domenech<\/a> and Norconsult<\/a>\u2018s Inge Handagard<\/a> presented at the InfraBIM Open 2025<\/a> conference in Tampere, Finland, highlighting a client-initiated approach to achieving this.<\/p>\n Bane NOR is Norway\u2019s government agency responsible for operating, maintaining, and constructing railways and stations nationwide. The agency has been keen on digitalizing construction projects and has developed and implemented standards to increase data quality and consistency, automate manual work, improve security, and save time and money by reducing rework.<\/p>\n Over a decade ago, Bane NOR started requiring its suppliers to provide 3D models for their projects. In 2024, the agency launched KIM, an IFC 4.3-based BIM standard for naming model properties and attributes to make models more valuable. A few weeks ago, it also changed how it collaborates through BIM.<\/p>\n \u201cSince we implemented BIM, we have been using the tools provided by the suppliers. It\u2019s difficult for our resources working on different projects to become familiar with the different tools. There is also a lack of control over them, with limited access in most cases,\u201d Jorge Domenech explained.<\/p>\n To address this dilemma, Bane NOR implemented Novorender, a visual platform that integrates with models from multiple formats. It provides a unified interface for the client and suppliers to view and manage models throughout the asset lifecycle.<\/p>\n Jorge and Inge presented a case study of Grorud Ventespor, a construction project to pilot next-generation VDC and a single source of truth principles. The project involves creating a siding track for Oslo\u2019s Grorud station, incorporating over 15 engineering disciplines.<\/p>\n Traditionally, Bane NOR gives feedback on projects\u2019 first design deliveries once they are completed, which can lead to changes and revisions. In the new model, the agency wants to be involved in project design and solution development at an early stage. This is possible through the collaborative use of standardized BIM.<\/p>\n Consequently, Bane NOR should be able to approve 80% of all document deliveries on the first attempt and have better control of the process and costs throughout the design phase.<\/p>\n The Grorud project implements several frameworks to make collaboration and control efficient:<\/p>\n The project is divided into work packages, each with specific tasks or deliveries, and Information Delivery Milestones (IDM).<\/p>\n Inge Handagard discussed the practical implementation of the methodologies in the project. He argued that the four main elements of project execution\u2013project control, work processes, information management, and technology\u2013are often unconnected and that different persons and organizations are responsible for them. The pilot project aims to integrate these areas.<\/p>\n Inge showed how, for example, the project schedule contains the work packages, IDMs, task teams, and deliveries. The deliveries are further broken down into a timeline, with the maturity of each delivery indexed by week. Combined with KIM, this enables the monitoring of design progress through model components.<\/p>\n The CDE, Common Data Environment, incorporates BIM and GIS viewers, file-sharing capabilities, visual project plans, automation, project dashboards, and others. Every piece of data is connected to a project data model that can be visualized on dashboards. They provide an up-to-date picture of the project based on various filters.<\/p>\n Jorge concluded that Bane NOR has achieved the 80% goal for revision-free deliveries, full transparency and searchability of the information, progress monitoring, minimized sources of information, and significant cost reductions.<\/p>\n In the discussion that followed, the presenters assured that standardization is not about adding complexity or bureaucracy; it\u2019s about removing inefficiencies.<\/p>\n PS: <\/strong>In the Nordics, governments are not just mandating BIM\u2014they\u2019re maximizing its value. They set a global benchmark for how the public sector can create a more efficient, transparent, and future-proofed built environment.<\/p>\n The title image: Ari Kopra (Kreate), Jorge Domenech (Bane NOR), and Inge Handagard (Norconsult) at InfraBIM Open 2025 in Tampere on February 5, 2025.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFrom BIM mandate to standardization<\/h2>\n
Testing early involvement in a pilot project<\/h2>\n
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Key methodologies and frameworks<\/h2>\n
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The implementation<\/h2>\n
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The results<\/h2>\n