How important is the availability of the As-built model for facility management?
TRADITIONAL WAY OF FACILITY MANAGEMENT
In the traditional method, the facility management team gets a set of documents including as-built drawings, 2D plans, specifications, manuals, and perhaps a 3D building model at completion for facility operation and maintenance. But, many times, the documents are incomplete and so hard to understand. Moreover, they may not be compatible with FM software.
If the information is uninformed into a record model of the as-built facility using the 3D building models for design, analysis, construction planning, 4D coordination, and fabrication, this model can support the day-to-day operations and planning. Thus the facility management team can ensure reliable and efficient operation.
RISE OF NEW GENERATION SYSTEM – BIM
The solution to the common issues in FM is a new generation of systems and processes, which is called Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is not a mere drawing and labeling tool like a CAD system. There are many tools, processes, and methodologies in this new system. As it provides a three-dimensional representation of a building with all database storage mechanisms for properties about every element of the building, it is beneficial for everybody in the industry including architecture, engineers, constructors, etc. Even though the migration from CAD to BIM may take time and effort, the benefits are many like tome-savings, cost, and information retention.
EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OF 6D BIM IN FM
BIM facilitates increased teamwork and collaboration during the design and construction stage. It also results in significant cost reduction and dramatic productivity increase. BIM can also influence facility management at a big level. Facility management includes many things like asset management and allocation, facility maintenance and operation, etc. BIM can present a simple centralized facility management data solution in a relational database. It links 3D geometric building data to its function and uses and thus eliminates redundant information.
“As-Built” Modeling
“As-built” BIM model documents the built reality. We can maintain the model updated during construction by incorporating design modifications.
- The “as-built” BIM model is used as a basis for 6D technical facility management, as it helps to include all the necessary data for management tools in the building service model. Since it helps exactly position conducts, pipes, devices, and other elements, it saves time and materials.
- “As-built Modeling helps identify existing construction materials and structural elements as well as the exact positioning of devices like pipes and conducts. So it is also time and resource-saving assisting in project management and alteration works.
- 6D real estate management allows all types of operations and the exact positioning of spaces and their characteristics.
IMPORTANCE OF AS-BUILT MODEL FOR FACILITY MANAGEMENT
The updates “as built” BIM model is a valuable resource for facility managers. It is an efficient tool for controlling operation and maintenance tasks. It provides all important information about building service components including serial numbers, model names, tech sheets, warranties, maintenance manuals, schedules and service logs, etc. BIM models can also be constructed from the existing, as-built models. Even though there is no as-built record, we can easily capture dimensional information using 3D laser scanning devices and convert them from Scan to BIM. Several facility managers use this method to capture as-built information and create a BIM model.
