Your buildings may be your biggest asset, but as every Facility Manager knows, there’s also a long list of tools, equipment, systems and even vehicles that are critical to the smooth, daily operation of those buildings. Keeping track of all these assets, let alone maintaining them, is a daunting task. Why not keep things simple and manage your building and all of the critical assets from one single place?
Enter Building Information Modeling (BIM):
Simply defined, BIM is an intelligent, computer-based 3D model that can be used as a tool to efficiently design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure. Emphasis here on manage.
BIM has transformed how buildings are designed and built. But the real benefit of a BIM model is its ability to provide accurate, timely and relevant information, not just during design and construction, but also throughout the full life-cycle of the building. This means being able to manage the building and everything inside.
Modeling of Existing Facilities
A BIM model of an existing facility could start very simply. For example, the location and maintenance history of life-safety equipment could provide the starting point to create a simple model. That model could be shared with the inspection technician to highlight the specific fire extinguishers that need maintenance and where exactly in your facility they are located.
Beyond that, other systems could be added to your BIM model, including HVAC and electrical equipment, shop equipment, furniture and finishes, and even movable assets like fleet vehicles. BIM models also have the ability to connect with a vast number of existing Computer Aided Facility Management (CAFM) software tools. Connecting with a CAFM application would allow you to leverage information you are already tracking, and visually display it in a 3D model. The more information you put in, the more useful your model becomes.
BIM Beyond Asset Management
In addition to helping you identify and manage the assets within your building, a BIM model could also help you with the following:
- Documentation and Record Keeping
- Space Management
- Preventive Maintenance
- Energy Efficiency Analysis
- Disaster Planning
Using a BIM model as a management tool for your facility could help you minimize operational downtime, limit unexpected costs and also empower a proactive approach to facility management. To learn more about BIM for asset or facility management, please get in touch. We’d love to learn more about your facility to see if Building Information Modeling would be a good fit.
