The MPS is a language that owners, designers, and builders can use to define every element and task in the building construction process.  It serves as a coordination point for information about the building, what is being modeled, and to what level of detail it is being modeled, estimated, and scheduled.  It provides the efficient framework for the project stakeholders – a written checklist that matures from a very schematic level of detail to a high level of detail in terms of 3D geometry, cost, and time.

The MPS assumes the premise that as the level of detail increases during the design process, the estimated cost and schedule becomes more and more accurate.   For example, at LOD 100 we know that the cost of a foundation structure is an average of 30 dollars per square foot and that the building needs a foundation structure. Neither dimensions nor production method are known at this level of detail.  At LOD 200 we might know the rough location and indicative dimensions of the foundation elements.  At LOD 300, the structural analysis results are known, which means that the actual dimensions of the foundation elements can be determined and that a decision regarding the production method to be used (cast in place or prefab?) can be made.

Data and Uniformat in the example used with permission from CSI and Webcor.

With the MPS in place, you can map your activities directly to the most efficient business process to achieving your program goals.  Moving from one project phase to the next is translated as increasing the level of detail in one or more sections of your model specification. The ‘Owner’ concept allows for effective management of work required to complete the required work. Standardized and repeatable, the MPS can be redeployed on multiple projects (because while each component is unique, the progression on specificity remains mostly the same).

The Vico Services Team can help you roll out an MPS for your next BIM project:
•    Step 1: Analyze your organization and current process to determine typical
     deliverables and process steps;
•    Step 2: Define a framework and definitions based on which your 5D process will
     be implemented and managed;
•    Step 3: Collect data from knowledge databases and the experience of your
     project team members;
•    Step 4: Build standard 5D content and deploy on a project.

To learn more, take advantage of these online resources:
•    AECBytes article MPS for BIM
•    Fridays with Vico archived webinar: Webcor and the MPS
•    Fridays with Vico archived webinar: Orchestrating BIM the Vico Way

•    Fridays with Vico archived webinar: Connecting the Conceptual Estimate to the MPS

We also have a video describing the level of detail necessary for a collaborative IPD project.

You can also register to receive a collateral packet with even more MPS information
•    Model Progression Specification Whitepaper by Jim Bedrick at Webcor