Issue Management
July 4, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Task and issue management is critical in any project, but in BIM projects, it’s even more essential. Why? Because during the design phase, thanks to the detailed 3D environment, significantly more issues are identified compared to traditional 2D projects.
An effective issue management process means every issue is recorded, assigned to a responsible person, given a deadline, and – most importantly – tracked until resolved. That’s the theory. In practice? I’ve seen tasks managed via emails, WhatsApp chats, Excel spreadsheets, and meeting minutes. The result – confusion, missed issues, and inefficient communication.
This is where issue management tools come in. While there are many such tools out there, most were originally built for software development workflows. But BIM projects have their own specifics – mainly the 3D model and the need to link issues directly to it.
That’s why specialized tools tailored for BIM are so valuable. There are different types of solutions available:
- Dedicated issue management tools – like Revizto or BIMCollab.
- Tools with built-in issue tracking features – such as Solibri or BIMCollab Zoom.
- Common Data Environments (CDEs) – like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Trimble Connect, or Dalux, which offer issue tracking as part of a broader data management platform.
I’ve worked with all of these, and here are my key takeaways:
- BIM projects without issue management tools quickly descend into chaos – time gets wasted and problems remain unresolved.
- Tools not directly integrated with the models are often less effective.
- CDEs with integrated issue tracking are a good solution, but each platform has its technical specifics – one might work great with Autodesk formats, while another may lack direct model integration.
And the most important thing – issue management is a process that needs leadership. Clearly defined steps – how to create issues, how to assign responsibility, how to monitor progress, and how to close them – are crucial for successful project delivery.
Issue management tools not only bring clarity and structure to the team but also offer transparency for the client. In fact, I know at least one case where data from an issue management platform was used as evidence in a legal dispute.
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