BIM and FM

In the past three years, building information modeling (BIM) has emerged as a revolutionary new technology in the building industry. It provides accurate, timely, and relevant information that is centralized, giving everyone access to the same data and greatly improving communication and collaboration for all stakeholders. But while BIM has certainly proven its value in building design and construction, can it support the facility management phase of a building's lifecycle? YES.

Benefits of BIM for Facility Managers

• Improved space management

  By integrating building data with HR data, organizations can reduce vacancy and ultimately achieve major reductions in real estate expenses.

• Efficient use of energy

  BIM can help facilitate the analysis and comparisons of various energy alternatives to help facility managers dramatically reduce environmental impacts and operating costs.

• Streamlined preventive maintenance

  Information about building mechanical equipment stored in BIM models can be valuable in creating a database needed for ongoing preventive maintenance.

• Economical retrofits and renovations

  A "living" BIM model provides an easier means of representing three-dimensional aspects of the building. Better information about existing conditions reduces the cost and complexity of building renovation and retrofit projects.

• Enhanced lifecycle management

  Some building design professionals are embedding data on life expectancy and replacement costs in BIM models, thereby helping an owner understand benefits of investing in materials and systems that may cost more initially but have a better payback over the life of the building.