BIM for the Optimisation of Facilities Management: A Case Study Review

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a tool that enables a holistic approach to the design, construction and management of the facilities used in the built environment.

At present, the focus for implementation of BIM within a project is the construction phase, with design and engineering teams utilising three-dimensional, real-time modelling software to analyse geometry, spatial relationships, geographical information and properties of building components.

There is, however, the potential to incorporate operational information within the model from the earliest stages of design, allowing end users to maintain an asset through a singular, centralised database. This would mean building management would be taken as a realistic consideration throughout the complete process of construction, and not in the latter stages before handover.

BIM will assist building operators in making existing asset management processes and data collection more efficient, having the conclusive effect of improving maintenance procedures and whole-life costing evaluations.

In order to build upon the experience of the industry as they progress towards the UK Government’s 2016 BIM Mandate, it essential that we collate lessons learned and publish them in an open and honest manner.  The Birmingham City University development case study researches not only the necessary levels of detail at each stage of the project lifecycle, but also the supply chain’s adaptive journey of collaborating within a BIM environment.

See more at http://www.fgould.com/uk-europe/articles/bim-optimisation-facilities-management/