Building information modelling (BIM) adoption in the built industry is on the up rise. This can be slowed down drastically, if the client, owner or developer does not know what BIM means for them; let alone what BIM means in general. I have covered the latter in my previous article, 7 things to know about BIM. BIM for the client, is a process defined within integrated project delivery (IPD). In a BIM project, owners focus their efforts on defining processes they own while using deliverables that influence processes that they do not own. A combination of great process definition, along with highly defined deliverables, creates a workflow that benefits the owner and drives the best practice. This way, BIM allows an owner to think about a building as a product thus apply product management tools such as prototyping by building virtually.
There are two major benefits of BIM for the client: redefined project delivery and improved facilities management (FM).
Redefining Project Delivery
Project work for the client is more to do with the post-construction lifecycle of the building. Currently, consultants in the industry cannot meet the owner’s information needs after handover. There is a major lag of information transfer from one party to another, with no guarantee of information accuracy. These delays and errors lead to repetition of work and endless effort. This is largely due to limitations in talent, standards and arguably software. In an ideal BIM project, an owner’s BIM is a combination of the designer’s, contractor’s and project manager’s BIM model. This integrated model contains information about the built structure, from commissioning to handover. This model is not just a virtual representation of what is on ground, but it is also a database containing all the information about the structure. This information includes installations, spaces, furnishings, equipment and all critical warranties, in graphical and nongraphical format.
Improved Facilities Management (FM)
Most of the information gathered in a project lifecycle is used in the operations and maintenance phase. Traditionally, owners and facilities managers receive piles of manuals and warranties post-construction. This is where BIM for the client best fits in. The client’s BIM model is an electronic version of the building’s manual and warranties. This one difference offers a critical advantage to the client and facilities managers, they do not have to sort through piles of data to gather information. Furthermore, this information can be fed into a facility management software, allowing for leaner processes such as:
• Maintenance and operations: with all the information digitised, maintenance can be automatically scheduled and linked to the equipment in the building. In the event of a failed system, warranties and manufacture’s information can be quickly puled up, saving time and money.
• Renovation and expansion: in the event of space renovation, digitised facilities management information provides an accurate representation of the existing space. This allows for optimisation of the renovation process, reducing time and costs in planning and physical damage during the construction phase.
• Selling the building after years of occupancy: BIM for facilities management provides a non-visual assessment of the building to potential buyers. This is by providing up-to-date inventory of various systems and components of the building. An accurate representation of the current status of the building allows the buyer to know if the it satisfies their logistical and operational needs, while leveraging the seller to better market their product, the building itself.
