Building Information Modelling (BIM) has changed the way the construction process is carried out, from the planning stage to its implementation. While its benefits are widely recognized, BIM’s potential extends far beyond project completion. By integrating this software into facilities management, building owners and operators can achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and cost savings throughout a building’s lifecycle.
Importance of Integrating BIM into the Building Lifecycle
Traditionally, information handover from the design and construction teams to facility managers has been fragmented and incomplete. This lack of data continuity leads to operational inefficiencies, increased maintenance costs, and suboptimal building performance. BIM addresses this gap by providing a centralized, data-rich model that serves as a single source of truth for the entire building lifecycle.
BIM for facilities management entails leveraging the digital model made during the design and construction phases to support ongoing operations and maintenance activities. It involves collecting, organizing, and monitoring building data throughout the lifecycle, enabling facility managers to make informed decisions based on real-time insights.
Key components of the BIM model database that are particularly valuable for facility management typically include:
- Type of item: Clear identification of each building component, system, or asset.
- Specifications: Detailed technical information about each item, including manufacturer, model number, and performance data.
- Operation manual: Instructions for proper operation and maintenance of each item.
- Time of next maintenance: Scheduled maintenance dates to ensure proactive upkeep and prevent unexpected breakdowns
- Time of next replacement: Estimated lifespan and replacement dates for budgeting and planning purposes.
- Warranty period: Warranty information for each item, facilitating claims and repairs if needed
Uses and Benefits of BIM for Building Lifecycle
These are some of the benefits that facility managers gain when they use BIM for their building lifecycle and facility management:
- Preventive Maintenance: Access to real-time asset data and maintenance schedules enables proactive maintenance, reducing equipment downtime and extending asset lifespans.
- Efficient Operations: BIM data allows for optimized space utilization, energy management, and resource allocation, improving overall building performance.
- Troubleshooting and Repairs: Detailed information on building systems and components enables quick identification and resolution of issues, minimizing disruptions to occupants.
- Easy Access to Supplier Information: BIM provides readily available contact details and product specifications, streamlining procurement and communication with suppliers.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Real-time data and analytics allow facility managers to make informed decisions about building upgrades, renovations, and retrofits.
Common Issues Faced Before Adopting BIM for Facility Managers
Without the use of BIM, facility managers often grapple with several challenges:
- Inefficient Maintenance Practices: Reactive maintenance approaches, driven by equipment failures and occupant complaints, lead to increased downtime and higher costs.
- Poor Building Design: Inadequate consideration of maintenance and operational requirements during the design phase can result in inefficiencies and accessibility issues.
- Difficulty Accessing and Understanding Building Documentation: Fragmented and outdated documentation hampers effective maintenance and decision-making.
Improving Efficiency Through BIM Adoption
BIM adoption can directly address the aforementioned challenges and help optimize efficiency in facilities management.
- Providing a Single Source of Truth: A centralized BIM model ensures that all stakeholders have access to the most up-to-date and accurate building information.
- Enabling Proactive Maintenance: Real-time data and maintenance schedules allow for preventive maintenance, reducing equipment downtime and extending asset lifespans.
- Facilitating Data-Driven Decision-Making: BIM data enables facility managers to analyze building performance and make informed decisions regarding operations and improvements.
- Enhancing Collaboration: BIM fosters collaboration between facility managers and design teams, ensuring that maintenance and operational requirements are considered from the outset.
Successful BIM Adoption Requires Quality Training
To successfully integrate BIM into facilities management, it’s essential to invest in quality training from experienced professionals. With BIM training, facility managers can learn how to be more proficient in interpreting building lifecycle data through BIM and extract valuable insights to make informed decisions on building maintenance.
BIMAGE offers a BIM management course in Singapore designed to equip facility managers with in-depth knowledge of various BIM software and how to effectively use these tools for their operations. Our training covers the key learning aspects of BIM adoption, including data interpretation, maintenance planning, asset management, and performance optimization.
By empowering facility managers with practical skills and expertise, BIMAGE ensures that organizations can seamlessly integrate BIM into their operations and fully capitalize on its benefits.
For more information about the power of BIM, check out these top 10 BIM-enabled construction projects.
