FM newsroom – BIM. Facility Management is a complex field that involves managing and maintaining different aspects of a building, from its physical structure to its technical systems. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is changing the facility management landscape by providing a digital platform that streamlines operations and maintenance. Here is how facility managers can turn BIM to their advantage.
What is BIM?
BIM is a digital platform that allows architects, engineers, and construction professionals to create 3D models – a digital twin – of a building and its components. It provides a comprehensive view of the building’s design, construction, and maintenance, which can be accessed by all stakeholders involved in the project – Archgyan, the architecture podcast starts from the basics.
BIM can streamline facility management operations by providing a centralized platform for managing all aspects of a building. The 3D model can be used for maintenance, energy optimization, and cost management, or even to simulate and analyse scenarios like equipment failure allowing facility managers to make informed decisions. With the digital twin the real-time status of equipment can be tracked and certain maintenance tasks can be automated
Maintenance and cost optimization
By providing accurate and up-to-date information on the status of equipment and systems, such as HVAC or lighting, BIM can help optimize maintenance schedules and processes, prevent equipment failure and reduce downtime.
A building’s energy consumption can also be modelled to identify where energy (and money) can be saved, and even the impact of different energy-saving measures, such as upgrading equipment, installing renewable energy sources, and improving insulation can be simulated.
This centralized platform for managing all aspects of a building can also help reduce administrative costs associated with facility management.
Implementing BIM
Implementing BIM in your organization can be a complex process, but it can provide significant benefits for facility management. Archgyan also provides useful strategies to consider beforehand:
- Define your goals and objectives for using the platform before implementing BIM. This can help you identify the specific areas where BIM can provide the most value for your organization.
- There are many BIM software options available. Choose the one that meets your specific needs and can integrate with other systems and platforms used in your organization.
- BIM requires a new way of thinking about facility management. Train your staff on the use of the platform and the new workflows and processes that come with it. It may be challenging to do everything at once, this is why it is better to start small and focus on specific areas.
- As BIM requires collaboration between various stakeholders establish clear communication channels and workflows to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.
