Structural engineers have been working with 3D analysis programs well before BIM models. But this crucial part of the structural engineers task-visualizing and analyzing the building in "real" 3D-was behind the scenes, part of the "production core" of engineering firms. BIM has brought this backroom exercise to the direct attention of the client early on in the process, and with it improvements to the design and analysis process. A key attribute of BIM models is the ability to transfer data to structural analysis programs, perform lateral and vertical, seismic, wind and other analyses, and then transfer the improved data back to BIM models, automatically updating design data, such as structural member dimensions. While there's significant benefit for the owner, architect, and entire team to analyze a wider range of options, this process forces much more upfront design and decision-making and requires a well experienced BIM team to balance the changes from a traditional design process.