【Definitive Edition】10 Best Practices for CIM Operations｜Supervised by LRTK

Introduction

In the construction industry, digital technologies to improve productivity have become an urgent need in recent years due to chronic labor shortages and long working hours. One of the initiatives drawing attention as a trump card is CIM (Construction Information Modeling). CIM is a method that uses 3D models to centrally manage information from design through construction to maintenance, and it has been rapidly spreading— the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism began its principle application to public works from fiscal year 2023, for example. However, introducing and operating CIM requires new technologies and internal organizational arrangements, and many may be unsure where to start. This article presents 10 best practices for successfully operating CIM as a definitive guide, aimed at clients, design firms, general contractors, local governments, surveying companies, and others across the construction industry. We explain with concrete examples easy to understand even for beginners, so please use this as a hint for utilizing CIM.

1. Clarify the purpose and benefits of introducing CIM

First, clearly define the purpose of introducing CIM. If you introduce CIM blindly, you may not feel its effects. It is important to firmly decide before introduction what you want to achieve with CIM for your company or project. For example, the following effects can be expected from introducing CIM:

• Improved business efficiency (reduction of rework and shorter working hours)

• Cost reduction (eliminating waste through mistake prevention and optimization)

• Quality improvement (improved design accuracy and reduced construction errors)

• Risk management (avoiding trouble through pre-simulation)

• Faster information sharing (always sharing the latest information among stakeholders)

• More efficient maintenance and management (using models for post-completion inspections and renovations)

• Compliance with public works bidding (meeting procurement requirements and gaining proposal points)

Which benefits you prioritize will change how you operate and where you focus your efforts. For example, if the aim is to improve on-site productivity, you need to plan to focus on using models for construction management; if you prioritize maintenance, you should design the model to retain information useful for future renewals. The first step to success is to share from management to the field “what the company wants to improve by introducing CIM” and proceed while measuring that goal with indicators after introduction.

2. Establish organizational structure and top management commitment

To establish a new technology, organizational structure and strong backing from top management are indispensable. When top management understands the usefulness of CIM and clearly declares promotion of its introduction, a positive atmosphere for implementation will spread to the field. Commitment from management is also necessary to secure budget and personnel. In addition, appoint a person responsible for promoting CIM or establish a specialized team within the company, and create a structure that enables cross-departmental collaboration (design, construction, information systems, etc.). For example, a specialized department should lead the creation of information-sharing rules and operational support, and create a feedback loop to improve based on input from the field. The combination of top-down directives and bottom-up field knowledge is the driving force that embeds CIM into company culture.

3. Develop internal standards and guidelines

To operate CIM effectively, it is important to create unified rules within the company. If each person creates models in different ways, data cannot be integrated and confusion will result. Therefore, prepare internal standards and guidelines for CIM in advance. Specifically, define the model coordinate system and scale unification, naming conventions for layers and attribute information, component classification methods, criteria for model Level of Detail (LOD), file naming rules, and methods for managing revision histories. Refer to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “BIM/CIM Implementation Guidelines” and industry-standard data formats (such as IFC), and formulate rules tailored to your business.

Having standardized rules maintains data compatibility across multiple projects and with external partners, enabling smooth use of CIM. Also, make sure these guidelines are well communicated internally and reviewed periodically so they remain practical and aligned with site needs.

4. Build a Common Data Environment (CDE) to streamline information sharing

A key to successful CIM operation is providing a common information infrastructure that allows all stakeholders to access the latest data. This is called a Common Data Environment (CDE): essentially building a cloud platform where project stakeholders can centrally share and manage model data, drawings, and documents. Exchanging files via email or storing data separately by company can lead to version mismatches and information leaks.

By always sharing the latest models and related documents on the CDE, clients, designers, constructors, and subcontractors can all work with the same information. For example, when there is a design change, update the model, upload it to the CDE, and the site personnel can immediately view it on a tablet and reflect it in construction—this is the ideal flow. With permission settings, you can appropriately share only necessary information, making confidentiality management easier. Prepare the CDE as the project’s “single source of truth” and strengthen the information-sharing infrastructure.

5. Select tools and technologies suitable for your company

Selecting the software and hardware used for CIM is also an important step. There are various products today—design software compatible with BIM/CIM, point cloud processing tools, cloud services, and more—so choose ones that match your company’s needs and budget. A powerful tool that is too complex for field personnel to use defeats the purpose, while a tool that is too simple and lacks necessary functions will not produce results. Consider the following points when evaluating options:

• Fit to purpose: Verify that the tool has functions suitable for your CIM introduction purpose (design support, construction management, maintenance, etc.)

• Usability and learning curve: Assess whether the UI is intuitive for field personnel and whether training costs are acceptable

• Data compatibility: Check if it supports standard formats for data exchange with other companies or systems (e.g., IFC export)

• Implementation cost: Confirm that license fees and hardware purchase costs, as well as cloud operation and maintenance costs, fit the budget

• Scalability: Determine whether additional modules or customization are possible when expanding usage in the future, and whether vendor support is sufficient

For example, small- to medium-sized companies may opt for cloud-based CIM services that allow a low initial investment and evaluate effectiveness before full-scale introduction. Consider your company’s technical capabilities and personnel situation, and choose tools you can use comfortably and long-term.

6. Start small with pilot projects

When introducing CIM, it is wise not to roll it out company-wide at once but to start in a small scope and expand gradually. Begin by piloting CIM in one project or department to build success cases. Smaller projects limit risk, and if troubles arise the impact is minimized. Use lessons learned from pilot projects to improve operational rules and tool settings, and gradually expand the application scope to smoothly deploy internally.

For example, you might start by using 3D models within the design department, then coordinate with construction sites, and finally expand to maintenance. Small success stories also make it easier to demonstrate effects to other staff and reduce resistance to adoption. Utilizing national or industry association demonstration projects and subsidy programs for trials is another option. Start small without overreaching, accumulate tangible results, and root CIM in your company.

7. Invest in human resource development and digital skills

To master CIM, invest in developing personnel. Sites that traditionally relied on 2D drawings often lack people skilled in 3D modeling and ICT. First, plan training for existing employees. Support skill upgrades through software operation training, attending external seminars, and vendor-run workshops. Also consider hiring professionals who can contribute immediately or, if necessary, engaging consultants knowledgeable in BIM/CIM.

Often younger employees are familiar with digital tools, so it can be effective to center projects around them or appoint digitally skilled staff as key persons in each department. At the same time, choose tools that are as user-friendly as possible and create an environment that is intuitive even without specialized knowledge. Build education and systems so employees feel “I want to try it” and “learning this will make my work easier,” and alleviate personnel concerns.

8. Build a cooperative framework with all stakeholders

To maximize the benefits of CIM, it is essential to build a cooperative framework not only within your company but with all project stakeholders. Ensure that clients, design firms, contractors, subcontractors, and even future maintenance teams can use the CIM model as a common platform and share information. From a client’s perspective, clarify the policy for CIM use and the required deliverable formats to designers and constructors from the early stages of the project, and share the expected outcomes. Contractors should obtain the model from the design stage and use it in construction planning, or share parts of the model with subcontractors to coordinate construction sequences.

Holding regular joint meetings to review 3D models together is also effective. CIM acts as a “common language” that facilitates communication among stakeholders. Even parties with different perspectives can share concrete completion images and issues on the model, reducing misunderstandings and fostering a sense of unity in progressing the project.

9. Realize true benefits by using models on-site

CIM models demonstrate their full value when used on actual sites, not just in the office. Using models for on-site construction management and surveying (as-built verification) can further improve efficiency and quality. For instance, if site personnel constantly refer to the latest 3D model on a tablet during construction, they can detect discrepancies with the design that are hard to notice on paper drawings and correct them immediately. For post-completion as-built inspections, overlaying measured point cloud data on the design model and displaying it with color-coding enables immediate identification of construction deviations. Tasks on site that previously relied on the skills of experienced craftsmen—such as measuring dimensions and setting out positions—can be performed accurately by anyone using digital tools linked to the model.

Recently, AR technology can overlay the model onto a smartphone or tablet camera view to visually confirm the positions of underground utilities or check on-site whether structures are installed according to design. Combining GNSS (satellite positioning) and 3D scanning technologies can complete the process from local topographic surveying to model reflection in a short time. By linking the site and digital models in real time in these ways, CIM becomes more than a design tool and contributes to a productivity revolution on site.

10. Measure effects and continuously improve with PDCA

CIM operation does not end with introduction; it is important to continuously improve while verifying effects. Evaluate quantitatively and qualitatively how much the objectives and goals set at introduction were actually achieved. For example, verify numerical targets where possible, such as “rework on drawing revisions decreased by X%” or “time required for on-site as-built inspections was reduced by Y%.” Also collect feedback from site personnel on usability—what functions were helpful and what issues remain.

Based on those results, update internal guidelines and operational flows, and, if necessary, consider adding tools or different usage methods. By running the PDCA cycle (Plan→Do→Check→Act) and improving the quality of CIM operations, you can achieve long-term adoption and further effect creation. Technology evolves rapidly, so stay tuned to industry trends and new solutions and be flexible in incorporating them into your company’s CIM utilization.

Conclusion

We have introduced 10 best practices for successful CIM operation. CIM is a powerful tool supporting DX in construction, but to realize its full value it requires comprehensive efforts beyond mere tool implementation. Starting from purpose setting, building organizational structures, developing rules, nurturing talent, and applying models on-site—advancing each step steadily will maximize the benefits of CIM introduction.

Policy support such as the government’s principle application of BIM/CIM to public works is also a tailwind, making this an ideal time to tackle CIM.

In particular, on-site acquisition of 3D data (surveying), which forms the basis of CIM, is indispensable. However, expensive surveying equipment and specialized skills can be barriers. By using solutions such as [Simplified surveying using LRTK](https://www.lrtk.lefixea.com/), anyone can easily perform high-precision surveying with a smartphone. A pocket-sized device can be attached to a smartphone, and with the push of a button you can measure ground elevation and the positions of structures in centimeters (in), and that data can be shared to the cloud instantly. By adopting such new technologies, linking the site and CIM models becomes smoother and further efficiency gains can be expected.

Please refer to this article when introducing and operating CIM in your company or project. We hope that CIM utilization will further advance productivity improvement and workstyle reform across the construction industry.