BIM-Based Management of Building Operations

Numerous researchers have investigated various aspects of building information modeling (BIM), uncovering many important issues in its development and application. However, there has been inadequate investigation of the value to be gained from the integration of BIM in the facilities management (FM) phase of a building's lifecycle, despite its considerable potential. The purpose of this paper is to explore the value inherent in the deployment of BIM in FM. It identifies key FM operations that lend themselves to BIM, reviews the enabling technologies, and explores the potential value of BIM/FM integration to the building owner's organization. The associated challenges are also explored. Three case studies of university FM departments and their applications of BIM within FM practice are used to illustrate the key issues and highlight important considerations. Salient aspects of BIM/FM integration and the concomitant effects on productivity, performance, workforce engagement, business processes, economic efficiency, and organizational culture, are also discussed. The paper concludes that strategic BIM deployment in FM is critical to realizing the full potential of BIM use in a building's lifecycle. It is also considered vital in demonstrating the business value of BIM in facility operations and management.