Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building. It is an advanced digital process that creates a 3D virtual representation of a building, complete with all of its components and systems. It enables the creation, integration, and management of data throughout the entire life cycle of a project.
BIM modeling is beneficial during the design and construction phases of a building project and can also be used for facility operation and maintenance. This blog guide will showcase how incorporating BIM into facilities management allows owners and managers to optimize operations, save money, and enhance productivity over time. Let’s explore these advantages in further detail.
What is Facility Management?
Facility management is a professional practice encompassing physical properties’ maintenance, operation, and optimization. It involves the coordination of multiple disciplines, such as engineering, architecture, and operational technology, to ensure proper functioning and maintenance requirements are met.
The efficient operation of the asset and its content is the main objective. With proper facility management, including business administration, asset maintenance, contract governance, and enhancement activities, the building will function at its best.
How can BIM Aid in Facility Management?
BIM is an effective way to boost operational efficiency in various ways, such as:
1. Asset Management
With a clear understanding of assets, floor plans, and space requirements, facility professionals can minimize wasted space and save on real estate costs. BIM provides the necessary information about room sizes and areas which is key to successful space management.
BIM modeling services offer comprehensive insights into how a building’s space is currently being used, allowing facility professionals to utilize their spaces most efficiently. With this knowledge, it is simple for them to plan, monitor, analyze, and regulate every aspect of the operation of their facilities, resulting in optimal efficiency.
2. Organizing Maintenance Work
Scheduling preventive maintenance is an efficient way to develop a program and keep track of assets, structures, mechanical components, electrical systems, and plumbing. By carefully entering the essential details for each category into our system, you can simplify keeping your items current with minimal effort.
Facility managers can gain access to useful data that enables them to proactively plan maintenance, repairs, and replacements by warranties, service requirements, and manufacturer instructions by utilizing BIM. BIM models are a priceless repository of knowledge about building equipment and can save months of effort if used to populate maintenance records for each element.
3. Utilization of Energy Efficiently
Efficient energy use can significantly save operating expenses while having a hugely positive influence on the environment. Implementing BIM is essential for facilities and owners to gain the necessary data to make informed decisions about cost-effective, eco-friendly options that use less energy. This information allows them to analyze alternatives and find the most suitable solution with minimal effort.
Not only does BIM provide the necessary data for tracking building performance over time, including factors like comfort level and resource consumption such as water and electricity, but it can also help create alternate proposals if needed. Also, it makes it simple for us to create a strategy for cost-effective energy efficiency.
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4. Reconstruction, Restoration, and Refurbishments
By utilizing as-built architectural BIM modeling services, facility managers and owners can easily make well-informed decisions regarding renovations, retrofits, or refurbishments. Not only is the entire process streamlined, but they can also create a basis of reference that minimizes cost impacts in the long run.
By providing abundant detailed information, Building Information Modelling (BIM) drastically cuts the cost and complexity of building renovation and retrofit projects. Not only this, BIM has the power to eliminate any potential incidents between the mechanical electrical plumbing disciplines, which can cause irreparable destruction as well as cost a fortune.
5. Improvements to Lifecycle Management
The lifespan and replacement cost of building components are essential for precisely anticipating when replacements will be required, as well as the corresponding capital investment. The ability to analyze potential investments that might involve a one-time cost but produce long-term benefits throughout their building’s lifespan is provided by including this data in a BIM model for facility managers and owners.
By providing contractors and owners with an accurate understanding of the replacement cost and the life expectancy for materials used in a project, they can make smarter decisions to save money on overhead costs.
Final Verdict
BIM is useful for owners and facilities management. It can be utilized to analyze data about building performance, plan preventive maintenance activities, save on energy costs, optimize renovations or refurbishments, and improve lifecycle management.
All this leads to a substantial reduction in the cost of operations while increasing the productivity of their building. Ultimately, BIM can drive tangible returns for owners and facility managers. With CAD & BIM services available, these professionals can make educated decisions that result in substantial savings.
