The research project “IPA digital” is a cooperation between the Technical University of Dortmund and Building Information Management GLW GmbH. The aim of the project is to develop an innovative data management concept that combines the approaches of Integrated Project Management (IPA) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) in order to make building in existing buildings more efficient and transparent.

The construction industry is faced with the challenge that, especially when building in existing buildings, there is often uncertain or missing inventory data. This is where the project comes in: By developing a new BIM use case, it should be possible to generate and evaluate the data required for an IPA remuneration model directly from the BIM model. The desired result is a digital concept that enables targeted creation and efficient controlling of incentive systems within the framework of an IPA project. The focus is in particular on the development of transparent cost controlling in order to promote cooperation between those involved in the project and to ensure reliable cost and schedule security.

A central goal of the project is to develop a prototype that acts as a database solution and enables the connection of the IPA remuneration model to a BIM inventory model. This database solution will be tested and validated using a sample project – the conversion of an office property into a residential property. Particular attention will be paid to the data quality requirements and the generation methods for the relevant information in order to make the concept suitable for practical use.

The Technical University of Dortmund acts as the scientific partner and coordinator of the project, while Building Information Management GLW GmbH contributes its expertise in the implementation of the BIM methodology and the digitalization of construction processes. The partners work together to analyze the theoretical foundations, the technical implementation and the practical application of the developed concept. The research results should not only lead to a better understanding of the connection between IPA and BIM, but also provide concrete tools for practice that can be used in future construction projects.

The results of the project will be disseminated through scientific publications and conferences. In addition to developing the data management concept, the focus is also on validating the methods to ensure that the developed system works in practice and improves collaboration and efficiency in construction projects.