What is BIM?
Project and asset information, documentation and data will need to be electronic for all new construction projects, which will enable each part of the supply chain, from architects, through to construction and facilities / maintenance management, to share the same data. As a result, companies using BIM will derive significant cost savings, increased value and improved energy performance through the use of open sharable asset information, which will result in optimum building performance. Many companies are now using BIM to achieve great benefits. There are four levels of BIM, see the definitions of each level here.
Using BIM in Facilities Management
BIM offers the opportunity to export asset data which is already held within building and construction specifications. Via an industry standard interface, known as COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange), asset data, such as model, manufacturer and its location within a building, can be imported into QFM facilities management software to create and pre-populate a comprehensive asset register and streamline planned and reactive maintenance management. This improves the quality and accuracy of data and delivers significant time and cost savings in terms of data collection.
Information which is not relevant for FM, such as architectural and structural detail is not captured, whilst essential data, including equipment lists, manuals, warranties, and spare parts, is automatically recorded in QFM to enable the creation and ongoing management of efficient maintenance schedules from inception. If a change is made to asset information within QFM, the two-way interface pushes this update back to the BIM model to retain a current and accurate picture of a building and its components.
BIM for PPP Projects
PPP (Public Private Partnership) projects can be also be managed effectively via BIM and QFM integration. In addition to streamlining FM by populating details of a building’s assets and physical attributes, it can assist in PPP projects where there is no maintenance element. The BIM / QFM interface enables property developers to provide their clients with a ready-configured facilities and space management software system, based upon the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) drawing that they have used to design and build the infrastructure. This allows clients to ensure optimal building management from day one.
Request a copy of Service Works’ complimentary white paper, Deriving Meaningful Data from FM Software & BIM Integration, for more information about BIM and the opportunities that it offers to facilities management.