When BIM meets Facility Management
Building Information Modelling provides the AEC professionals all the tools to design, construct, maintain and run a building using a singular coherent 3D model. With the buildings getting more smarter, bigger and complex the facility managers need to use the best available technologies to govern them. The digital twin technology allows the facility managers to gain accurate information quickly, identify different elements of the building, make quick repairs etc.
BIM for Facility Management:
In majority of large complex building projects, the common practice today is to use Scan to BIM Services in order to scan the building once constructed and update the existing BIM model to reflect the changes made onsite during the construction process. The 3D model can then be used for Facility Management. It is also possible to create a BIM model of any existing building according the requirements specifically for facility management.
In the current article we will be looking at the advantages of using BM for facility management:
1. Provides accurate capital planning:
With the aid of the BIM model, the health of all the elements of the building can be known making it possible to identify probability of a component failing and thereby making an informed decision regarding its replacement or repair. It can provide an analysis of what would more economical in the longer run. It can also quantify what will be the capital ramifications of upgrading one component on all interconnected components. Additionally, BIM also allows to compare costs of two components in terms of energy usage and see long term impacts.
2. Locate MEP components for quick repairs:
When it comes to MEP systems they are the lifeline of any building. Hidden behind the walls it would become difficult to locate them incase a repair is needed. With 2D Blueprints it would be extremely time consuming and difficult to locate the component then fix the same. The more time a component is left without repairs there are higher chances of water seepage, material damage etc. MEP BIM Services cannot just create a 3D model that provides the location of the components but also all the necessary information regarding the MEP components like manufacturer’s information, material details, asset codes etc. ultimately leading to an ease in repairs.
3. Increases the building’s carbon footprint:
By connecting the MEP systems like plumbing, lighting, HVAC to BIM models which are being used for Facility Management it becomes possible to monitor energy usage. It allows to measure the exact energy consumed by a given component, compare it with others similar components and make immediate changes if the usage is significantly more than average. Similarly, it is also possible to track new updates of components and compare which would provide more returns in future. New AI technology can also be connected to the BIM model to automate various energy functions throughout the building to ultimately reduce cost.
4. Facility Management beyond operations and maintenance:
Today, facility management is being used beyond operations and maintenance. In commercial buildings it can be used to achieve business outcomes and get maximum benefits out of a given space. For instance, Facility Management can be used for space management by allowing to visually analyze the place the areas which are underutilized can be identified and new design ideas can be examined.
Thus, from streamlining operations and maintenance to supporting organizations missions by delivering better workplaces and driving revenues BIM in facility management definitely provides a host of benefits.
