Integrated Digital Delivery: Conducting ICE Sessions with BIM
ICE meetings are collaborative sessions that use digital technologies like BIM, cloud-based platforms, and virtual reality tools to facilitate information exchange.
What are ICE Meetings in the context of Construction Project Management?
ICE meetings are collaborative sessions that use digital technologies like BIM, cloud-based platforms, and virtual reality tools to facilitate information exchange and alignment of project objectives in Construction Project Management.
They help resolve issues and improve project efficiency by overcoming barriers such as fragmented information, involvement of various stakeholders, and challenges in ensuring equal access to project information. IDD outlines BIM data exchange requirements to ensure effective sharing throughout the project lifecycle.
Best software tools for conducting ICE Meeting
Software tools like Synchro, BIM 360, Bluebeam Revu, Assemble Systems, Microsoft Teams, and Aconex allow for effective ICE meetings. They enable real-time collaboration, document management, and project communication, helping to overcome barriers like fragmented information and remote participation. These tools streamline workflows, improve communication, and ensure that everyone has access to the same information, leading to better ICE meetings.
With so many options in the market which is the best for me?
It really depends on your use case. However, for companies in Singapore looking at recent tenders, Synchro by Bentley Systems is the solution specified by contract owners such as LTA. One example is the Cross Island Line (CRL) tender where it is stated for:
"All 4D BIM Deliverables shall be submitted in Bentley Synchro 4D."
Synchro for Singapore tender ICE meetings.
Taken from Synchro Construction Youtube
Synchro is used during Singapore tender ICE meetings. The software helps stakeholders identify potential delays, resource conflicts, and other issues that may impact timely project delivery. With the parallel use of Synchro 4D Pro and its child application Synchro Control, both macro project management and micro task team management could be achieved.
How does Synchro support ICE meetings-based Project Management?
Synchro 4D Pro can be used to manage macro-project actions such as manage project changes, tracking issues, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring progress.
While Synchro Control can be used on micro-scale team actions such as project stakeholders can generate reports on project progress, issues, and other related matters to stay informed.
1. Synchro 4D Pro to visualize macro progress
Taken from Synchro Construction YouTube Playlist
Planned vs Actual Progress Tracking can be represented visually using SYNCHRO 4D Pro. This same visualization can be shared among various stakeholders to have a more graphic representation of the site progress status.
2. Synchro Control to track micro details
Taken from Synchro Construction YouTube Playlist
Synchro Control is also part of the Synchro 4D Pro Application used more on team management during project discussions such that information dispersed would be situated in a Common Data Environment (CDE) to avoid any confusion in tasks assigned.
- Tasks are assigned with specific start and end dates for various parties to agree and update other stakeholders of progress updates
Synchro Control 1- Assign Responsibilities and Due Dates
Taken from Synchro Construction YouTube Playlist
For delays/issues, Synchro Control Form Management can be used to assign additional responsibilities to a specific stakeholder with due dates in the work module thumbnail view.
As such each action is clearly defined by the party responsible for completing it, ensuring accountability which avoids confusion.
These instructions are illustrated as clear sets of actions to be taken in order to implement the decision. As such, different stakeholders could ensure that progress is being made and that the project stays on track.
Synchro Control 2- Centralized Location to store documents
SYNCHRO Control Folder system provides a centralized location to store minutes from internal meetings, facilitating easy tracking and access to key information.
- Minutes of an internal meeting can be stored within the SYNCHRO Control Folder system for easy tracking.
Synchro Control 3- Creating a Digital record of decisions
Taken from Synchro Construction Youtube Playlist
It is recommended that all decisions made during ICE (Integrated Concurrent Engineering) meetings be digitally recorded, making it easier to access and share the information to ensure that everyone involved is on the same page. Additionally, it is advisable to include lower-tier engineers in the decision-making process to promote collaboration and maximize the benefit of all team members' expertise.
Therefore...
ICE meetings are collaborative sessions that facilitate information exchange and alignment of project objectives in Construction Project Management. Synchro Control by Bentley Systems is a popular solution which is also specified in recent Singapore tenders that enables real-time collaboration, document management, and project communication, helping to overcome barriers like fragmented information and remote participation. Synchro 4D Pro can manage macro-project actions, while Synchro Control can track micro details, ensuring accountability and avoiding confusion. Synchro is used during Singapore tender ICE meetings to identify potential delays, resource conflicts, and other issues that may impact timely project delivery.