What are DROP POINTS in a BIM project?
A drop point is where a BIM data exchange occurs. It’s the output of information from one BIM process as input for another BIM process. Drop points should reflect BIM actors’ real needs, seeking to give each one the precise set of information they need right when they need it.
Note that once you define the drop points for a BIM project, they can serve as a type of “burndown chart” to track the project’s progress.
Information drop points should be defined with reference to the project stage in which they occur and the intended BIM use for the information. Category codes for stages and uses can be used. A recommended annotation format is ~STAGE.BIM-USE.DROP-NUMBER.
Here are some examples:
Drop Point Description
~S2.DO.01 stage two / cost estimation / first drop
~S2.DO.02 stage two / cost estimation / second drop
~S3.DO.01 stage three / cost estimation / first drop
~S4.DE.__ stage four / scheduling / __ drop
~S7.DO.∞ stage seven / cost estimation / ∞ drop
