Building information modeling, more commonly known as BIM, has been instrumental in bringing about positive changes in the construction industry during various phases. BIM tools usually work in the cloud, so they facilitate easy collaboration and help people quickly access information when needed. 

However, people have more recently explored the potential of applications related to facilities management and BIM. Although BIM for facility management is a newer option, it’s well worth exploring.

1. BIM for Facility Management Supports the Preconstruction Phase 

Facility managers were traditionally called upon at or near the end of a building’s construction. That meant they had little or no insights into the type of assets used or their placements. BIM can change that by providing valuable information to managers. Those professionals can use the information to make informed decisions about running the facility smoothly and effectively. 

Facility managers need accurate data about a space’s dimensions. BIM for facility management can provide it before and during construction, making the building more likely to be maximally productive. 

Similar benefits become possible when facilities managers give input about remodeling existing buildings. Such projects often involve equipment upgrades or new furnishings. Professionals with the precise dimensions of a space and everything in it will find it easier to purchase new assets that fit the facility, both in size and functionality. 

Some applications of facilities management and BIM also involve running scenario tests to check for conflicts between different objects in the environment. A BIM platform allows people to see the effects of certain changes before they occur in real life. For example, how does changing the location of a wall or an industrial air conditioning system impact nearby objects? 

The BIM tool can show potential conflicts, letting facility managers work with planning team members to proactively resolve those issues before construction starts. Besides keeping costs down for the people overseeing the building project, BIM prevents the operational expenses that can occur when facilities are not adequately designed for their intended purposes.

2. Facilities Management and BIM Tools Enable Faster Information Distribution 

Facilities management professionals have the challenging task of ensuring that all relevant parties have the details they need to do their jobs well. That may mean giving maintenance technicians access to service records or providing the documentation required to authorize specific repair requests. Overall productivity increases across the facilities management team and other involved parties when the necessary information is readily available and easily accessible. 

An academic paper highlighted the possibilities of storing work order information in a digital facility database. The researchers suggested linking work order details to BIM information. People could then quickly access specifics such as the type of work performed, where in a facility it occurred, who did the job and how much it cost. 

It’s easier for facilities managers to make careful and confident decisions when everyone has the information they need. Suppose an electric motor starts performing poorly. In such a situation, it’s usually necessary to determine if it’s more cost-effective to replace or repair it. Evaluating factors such as the availability of parts and the problem’s root cause help shape such judgments. 

Suppose the repair or replacement necessitates closing an entire building or parts of the facility while work occurs. In that case, a facilities manager may need to confer with other parties, such as the owner, before reaching a decision. Having all the pertinent details in the BIM system makes it easy to share such information without delays. 

The efficient distribution of information is also helpful when key facilities management team members are out sick or otherwise unavailable. They’ll still need to do some formal handovers but can rest assured that the person filling in has all the information they need through the BIM. Similarly, data stored in the BIM can aid in the efficient but thorough onboarding of new facilities management employees.

3. BIM Tools Centralize Information Storage for Better Recordkeeping 

Using BIM for facility management also enhances recordkeeping strategies. That’s a vital benefit since staying up to date with information could prevent complications. BIM tools can also support other technologies. For example, many of today’s facilities utilize connected sensors that aid predictive maintenance. They can save people 8%-12% more than preventive upkeep strategies. 

Consider a case where a facilities manager gets data from a sensor that tells them an industrial boiler may fail soon. That person could access the BIM information to see when that equipment was installed and how often it received servicing throughout its life cycle. The BIM tool may include warranty details if the asset is newer, allowing people to make claims faster and easier. 

The platform’s details also make less-involved types of maintenance more manageable. The data can confirm the precise shade and supplier if a facilities manager needs to repaint a room or replace the carpeting. 

In some countries, federal officials recognize the potential of combining facilities management and BIM. For example, Australia’s construction tech adoption rate has historically been slower than average. However, things are starting to change, and the differences could extend to BIM for facility management. 

The Victorian government funded a Virtual Buildings Information System (VBIS) through the Future Industries Fund’s Section Growth Program. It has three primary objectives: 

• * Provide a simple way for facilities managers to maximize existing information to facilitate capital and operational planning, performance benchmarking and contract management 

• * Create a practical pathway for BIM applications in facilities management 

• + Facilitate the easy adoption of technology in cases where facilities managers already have and utilize commercial, off-the-shelf solutions 

The VBIS also supports requesting information in natural language. For example, a person could format a query such as “Show me all drawings associated with the climate control system in the Sydney Opera House.” Facilities managers with detailed records at their fingertips will be empowered to excel in their work and help colleagues follow suit.

Abundant Potential in BIM for Facility Management 

These three areas show why it makes good business sense to pursue facilities management and BIM together rather than separately. Such approaches are relatively new, and it will take some time to iron out the best applications. However, figuring out the most beneficial strategies could help facilities managers save time and money while enjoying better informational visibility.