BIM2FM®/BIM4OPS

Information models

“Digital information models” are useful during the entire lifetime of the building, from the initial draft design to the construction phase, and through to various facility management applications once the building has been completed. The objective of applying the BIM methodology is to support high quality, efficiency, safety and compliance with the principles of sustainable development throughout the entire building lifecycle. Information technologies such as BIM should be evaluated under cost

versus benefits aspects. When real estate is created, managed or sold, its value is assessed based on strategic objectives such as ownership, management, procurement of services, long-term quality goals etc. In addition, investments in information systems are evaluated with regard to start-up costs, user-friendliness, availability of customer services, data updates, operating costs etc.

The operator model

One of the essential prerequisites for a successful BIM-based information model for operations (so-called Asset Information Model, AIM) is the availability of plausibility-checked, accurate as-built information (revision history). Because of the realities surrounding the documentation culture in the building industry, the quality of data supplied today is frequently inadequate. Eliminating these quality deficiencies causes significant extra work for the building operator if the operator model includes the responsibility for documenting building geometry.

This means that new concepts and strategies are needed so the builder-owner or operator can successfully enforce its right to proper documentation. Process-based, compulsory mechanisms are indispensable for efficient, sustainable and consistent information flows free of media breaks. Relevant alphanumeric and geometric data for the future graphical Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) system should be collected from the beginning of the implementation phase. This will enable a smooth transition to the operation stage at the end of this phase.

The right strategy

Working closely with the builder-owner, we develop strategic guidelines to elaborate the options, processes, technologies and resources needed to achieve the corporate and project objectives for the operator processes. The BIM2FM strategy concept defines the intentions and objectives for BIM implementation while identifying and assessing the BIM requirements as the starting point for definition of all further information requirements (guidelines, performance specifications etc.). The strategic concept comprises integration of the BIM method into the builder-owner’s existing internal processes as well as the approach that will be taken to incorporate BIM into the operational management of the building.