FMJ.CO.UK BIM FOCUS
BIM PROJECT SERVICES Overview of BIM Project Services O ered by FSI
AUGUST 2019 31
FROM BIM TO CAFM
The transfer of data from the BIM model into a CAFM
system is not complicated with the right support. It
can be broken down to these four steps:
Define asset management rules. This is where
the CAFM system is configured to filter in only the
relevant data from the BIM model to operate and
maintain the building.
Import and plan. The filtered data is imported
into the CAFM system, and a plan is developed for
tasks relating to each asset and area.
Add, review and verify. Once the data is
imported, this is reviewed to ensure nothing has
been missed to support the management of the
building.
Maintain. The CAFM system automatically
generates the maintenance schedule to support
the operation of the building.
The process is examined in greater detail in
our white paper, ‘Optimising BIM for facilities
management’ (2). It’s important to note that
the earlier FMs are engaged in this process,
the greater the cost and time management
benefits down the line. However, the
powerful data contained in a BIM model
can be retroactively applied if it was not
considered in the formative stages.
Once this transfer is complete, the
CAFM system will be teeming with data
relevant to the operation of the building
in question. And, in addition to supporting
plans for maintenance and repairs,
FMs can use this platform to track and
analyse if assets are matching their expected
performance or energy-e iciency levels. This
makes them more agile in spotting ine iciencies
and recommending improvements across the
building’s lifecycle.
Furthermore, BIM o ers a way to start
bridging the gap between design and
construction teams and FMs. A BIM model
presents a single, collaborative, cloud-based
space. This means everyone involved in the
design, building and operation of the structure
can o er their professional insight at an early
stage, so it can be run e iciently, cost e ectively
and in as straightforward a fashion as possible.
BIM is the platform giving a stronger voice to
FMs. Rather than having to make do with what
has been presented to them on handover by the
construction team, which may or may not be fit for
purpose, BIM’s collaborative space empowers FM
professionals to proactively influence the long-term
future of their building.
THE IMPACT OF BIM
The benefits described above are just a snapshot of
how BIM can support the work of FM professionals.
We hope that opening the window into its
technology and advantages will help break the
knowledge barrier that is preventing many FMs from
REFERENCE NOTES
(1) www.thenbs.com/knowledge/national-bim-report-2019
(2) www.fmj.co.uk/optimising-bim-for-facilities-management/
(3) www.bimplus.co.uk/news/bim-benefits-reportgovernment
could-save-400m-yea/
reaping the benefits of BIM in their day-to-day work.
But that is not the only barrier standing in the way
of universal BIM adoption. Another is the cost. The
initial cost of BIM can be daunting for companies
due to the lack of education and understanding
of the savings this o ers over time. Especially for
smaller companies, not being clear on the long-term
financial savings BIM delivers can make it appear
a non-essential luxury rather than the way of all
projects going forward. The NBS survey suggests
that only 56 per cent of practices with 15 employees
or fewer have adopted BIM, compared to 80 per
cent of practices with more than 15 sta .
It’s important that we continue to
emphasise how BIM is not a perk exclusive
to larger organisations. The technology can
be scaled up or scaled down depending
on the needs of the client. This flexibility
means smaller firms don’t need to reach
too deep to enjoy the e iciency benefits
the BIM process o ers.
This perceived risk over investing in BIM
can be abated by a greater demonstration of
the return on this investment. Until recently,
it has been di icult to adequately quantify the
cost savings presented by BIM. However, last year
PwC developed a methodology to quantify the
financial benefits of BIM level 2 (3). Its analysis
of an o ice refurbishment in Victoria Street,
London, revealed that BIM-enabled savings
equated to £676,907. Of this, £492,669 was for
the building’s expected operation over 12 years
– that’s nearly 73 per cent of the overall savings
BIM provided attached to the management and
maintenance of the building.
It’s crucial that we as an industry continue to
highlight examples like this going forward to keep
tearing down the barriers preventing BIM adoption
by FMs. The industry needs to recognise that
improving the cost-e ectiveness of a building’s
entire lifecycle (20-30 years) greatly outweighs the
design and construction stage (five to 10 years).
And for this, BIM is a fundamental tool.
By off ering a clearer
visualisation of the connections
between assets and their
speciƛ cations, the crossover of BIM
with CAFM improves the transition
from a structure’s construction or
refurbishment to its continued
operation.”
/national-bim-report-2019
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