Successful overall BIM coordination: Quality control as the key to error prevention in practical application
by Arne Müller | October 15th, 2025
Everyone is talking about BIM and digital planning. But what happens when all the specialist models come together? This is exactly where overall BIM coordination comes in. It is the control center of modern construction planning. However, when many participants and data come together, pitfalls can arise: missing models, overworked coordinators, or chaotic communication. In this article, you will learn about the problems that typically arise in overall BIM coordination and how well-thought-out quality control keeps projects on track.
What is Building Information Management (BIM) and what are the problems associated with its application?
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is considered a key technology for the future of construction. The method promises more efficient planning, fewer errors, and significantly greater transparency across all project phases. By digitally connecting all parties involved, construction projects are to be realized more quickly, cost-effectively, and sustainably.
However, practice paints a different picture: there is often a significant gap between aspiration and reality. While architectural, structural, building services, and other specialist models are to be brought together in a common coordination model, the first difficulties quickly arise. Different software standards, poor data quality, and unclear responsibilities often lead to misunderstandings and duplication of work.
Missing or incorrect information, overloaded models, or imprecise interface descriptions are not the exception, but rather a bitter reality in many projects. Especially in complex large-scale projects, this can quickly lead to significant delays and cost increases.
To ensure that the digital theory of BIM does not end in planning chaos, clear processes, unambiguous communication channels, and above all, consistent quality assurance are required. Only through regular model checks, coordinated data structures, and transparent project organization can the full potential of BIM be exploited along the entire value chain.
What exactly is BIM overall coordination?
Overall coordination is at the heart of BIM planning. It ensures that all specialist models are regularly merged, checked, and coordinated. The aim is to create a consistent, transparent, and collision-free overall model that serves as a common basis for all project participants.
A key objective is to identify conflicts at an early stage. If, for example, a pipe runs through a beam, this problem can be identified and resolved in the digital model before it leads to costly surprises on the construction site.
Equally important is the creation of consistency. All participants work with the same data, which reduces misunderstandings and makes processes clearer.
In addition, overall coordination contributes to transparency. Builders and users are given the opportunity to better understand the planning and actively participate in shaping it.
Another advantage is the acceleration of decision-making processes. Instead of gut decisions, project participants can rely on verified and validated data.
Clear basic principles are needed to achieve these goals. Close cooperation instead of isolated working methods, the early involvement of clients and users, the use of open standards such as IFC or BCF to overcome software limitations, regular model merges, and clearly structured coordination rounds are crucial.
Typical problems in practice
So much for theory, but what about practice? Many projects show that overall coordination fails at the same points.
The most common pitfalls
- Missing or delayed models
Deadlines are not met. If specialist models are delivered late or not at all, the entire coordination process comes to a standstill. Decisions are delayed and the next coordination meeting loses its significance. - Overloaded or faulty models
Some models are overly detailed, down to individual screws. This may be technically impressive, but it adds no value and instead overloads the overall model. Conversely, other specialist models lack crucial geometries or attributes that would make it possible to check them in the first place. - Software incompatibility
Not all software “speaks” the same language. When exporting to IFC, geometries can be lost, attributes can be missing, or models may not be read correctly. The result: time-consuming rework and coordination problems. - Lack of expertise
BIM is not a sure-fire success. Not all project participants are familiar with standards, tools, or processes. This deficit leads to faulty modeling, misunderstandings, and considerable time losses. - Unclear responsibilities
Who maintains the overall model? Who documents conflicts? Who decides on solutions? Without clear roles and responsibilities, tasks end up in no man’s land and remain unresolved. - Chaotic communication
Conflicts or problems are identified but not systematically documented. Without priorities, deadlines, and clear documentation, issues pile up and urgent problems remain unresolved. - Lack of standards
When each trade models according to its own rules, inconsistencies arise. Different levels of detail (LOD) make comparisons difficult, and inconsistent component structures lead to misunderstandings. - Lack of resources
Coordination takes time. But in many projects, it is done “on the side” – without sufficient capacity for review, documentation, and communication. The result: coordination falls by the wayside.
The consequences: Collisions in the model, unnecessary additional work, frustration in the team – and ultimately rising costs.
Quality control as a game changer
How can chaos in overall coordination be prevented? The answer lies in consistent and well-thought-out quality control. This not only makes BIM coordination more efficient, but also ensures confidence in the overall model.
Technical testing
Technical quality assurance is a key component. This includes automated collision checks that reveal conflicts between trades before they lead to costly problems on the construction site. Attribute checks are equally important—for example, for fire protection classes, materials, or component assignments. This ensures that the models are not only geometrically correct, but also contain technically accurate information. The whole process is supplemented by geometry checks that verify the completeness and plausibility of the components. Only when all parameters are correct can the overall model serve as a reliable basis.
Organization and processes
However, technology alone is not enough. Without clear organizational structures, even the best audit will be ineffective. That is why it is crucial to clearly define responsibilities from the outset: Who conducts the audits, who documents the results, and who ultimately makes the decisions? In addition, a common data environment (CDE) is needed—a central platform where all data is collected, structured, and made available in real time. Regular coordination meetings round off the process. Short, focused meetings with a clear agenda and documented results ensure that everyone involved remains on the same page.
Communication and collaboration
Another key factor is the way in which communication takes place. Problems must not only be identified, but also clearly documented and tracked. Uniform BCF issues offer a proven format for this, enabling standardized processing. In addition, visual aids such as screenshots or 3D views facilitate understanding—especially for those involved who do not work with specialist models on a daily basis. Equally important is the early involvement of clients and users. Actively involving them in the planning phase reduces the need for later adjustments and ensures that decisions are made on a solid basis.
A confusing jumble of models becomes a reliable planning tool that creates real added value for everyone involved. Instead of damage control after the fact, clean quality control enables a smooth planning process that protects deadlines and budgets.
Conclusion: Overall BIM coordination as the key to project quality
Overall BIM coordination is not a sure-fire success. When many models, data, and participants come together, chaos can quickly ensue: delayed submissions, unclear responsibilities, software problems, or communication gaps.
But the good news is that this risk can be managed with clear processes, clean standards, and consistent quality control. Investing in training, standards, and structured processes early on not only prevents costly mistakes but also unlocks the full potential of BIM.
In the end, this pays off twice: for planners, who can work more efficiently, and for builders, who receive a transparent, resilient, and future-proof model of their project.
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