Strategic Scope of Facility Management with BIM: Asset Management, Planning, and Control
Facility Management (FM), or asset management, has become a strong discipline in the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure, especially in the context of maintenance and sustainable asset management. Facility Management was notably enhanced by its integration with Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodology.
FM services cover a wide spectrum of activities that require periodic control and detailed planning. BIM provides the database and three-dimensional model that transforms how these tasks are approached.
The Structure of FM Services Enhanced by BIM
The management of real estate assets and their associated services demands a multidisciplinary approach. Facility Management services fundamentally rely on four support areas: the legal pillar, which is regulatory and contractual compliance, and which can be more easily audited and managed if the relevant information is linked to BIM models; the finance pillar, where BIM can help generate more accurate cost estimates for operations and maintenance, based on the detailed information in the model; the documentation management pillar (manuals, warranties, as-built drawings), which can be directly linked to the model elements, centralising information and facilitating access; and finally, the human resources pillar, referring to task planning and staff allocation, optimised through the spatial analysis offered by BIM models.
The Influence of BIM on FM Financial Management
Management and planning in Facility Management materialise through two major categories of expenditure and activity. BIM significantly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of both.
OPEX (Operating Expenses)
- Conservation and Maintenance: BIM models provide the exact location of assets, access to technical specifications, and operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals linked to each element. This facilitates the planning of preventive maintenance and response to corrective maintenance. Formats like COBie are key for transferring information from the BIM model to Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
- Operation and Services: The management of services benefits from a better understanding of space and asset distribution thanks to the BIM model.
- Space Optimisation: Having a model is a powerful tool for space analysis and management, allowing for the visualisation of layouts and the efficient optimisation of space utilisation.
- Supplier Contracting: BIM models can offer a clearer and more detailed scope of work for service providers.
CAPEX (Capital Expenditures)
- Renovation: When planning renovations, the “as-built” model serves as an accurate base, helping to reduce costly surveys and minimising design errors. Furthermore, a BIM model allows for the simulation of different scenarios in advance.
- Relocation: Relocation projects or large spatial reorganisations greatly benefit from the planning and visualisation offered by BIM models, minimising disruptions.
New Results-Based FM Services Enriched by BIM
The evolution of FM has led to specialised services that directly benefit from BIM information and capabilities. Among these is Commissioning, where BIM acts as a facilitator of the commissioning process by allowing for the verification that systems have been installed according to the design. Facility Planning, which, based on the use of BIM models, allows for better visualisation and analysis of scenarios for space adaptation and long-term service planning. We also have Audit and Due Diligence services, where a well-managed and updated BIM model becomes a reliable and easily accessible source of information for technical audit and due diligence processes, streamlining the review and improving transparency.
BIM and FM is a Growing Market
It is important to highlight that the combination of knowledge in Facility Management and BIM creates a relevant source of employment. It allows professionals who participated in the design and construction of the asset (designers, construction managers, BIM Managers) to continue their work as ideal experts on it, providing invaluable value in the operation and maintenance phase. The ability to manage and exploit BIM model information for FM is an increasingly valued skill.
Facility Management is a comprehensive discipline whose effectiveness and scope are significantly expanded by the BIM methodology. BIM not only optimises traditional OPEX and CAPEX tasks but also enhances specialised services, providing a visual and information-rich database for smarter decision-making, more efficient asset management, and a sustainable extension of the lifespan of buildings. There is no doubt that the BIM-FM synergy is the future of built asset management.