Busting BIM Myths For Improved Facilities Management Processes
By Nigel Davies, Communities Leadership Team, UK BIM Alliance.
Whilst not new, the term BIM is still sparking confusion amongst many facilities managers, stopping them from realising a full array of benefits it offers. The advantages of BIM are not just limited to construction or architecture as many facilities management (FM) teams are increasingly adopting it for building maintenance and operational purposes. Unfortunately, the volume of misconceptions surrounding BIM could form a major barrier to a more widespread implementation in the sector. Thus, it’s time to debunk the most common myths surrounding BIM and allow facilities managers to confidently move forward with their digitalisation journeys.
Settling The Acronym Argument
For many years, BIM as an acronym has stood for building information modelling as it was originally and primarily focused on 3D models and the associated data. However, over the years, it has matured to describe the wider information management process across the lifecycle of a built asset. With this evolution comes a greater need to simplify the terminology and to give BIM the most commonly understood description that every FM team can understand. Therefore, supported by the UK’s industry-led BIM community, from now on, BIM could be considered as better information management, and associated with managing building and project information in a smarter way.
Beyond A 3D Model
When talking about BIM, the first thing that often comes to mind is a 3D model. Certainly, the old acronym of building information modelling has not helped to change the common thinking that BIM is just that. 3D visualisations are only part of a much wider process that at its heart fosters more collaborative working, seamless information sharing and easier access to data.
BIM brings architects, contractors and facilities managers together to collaborate on the building assets during construction, but it doesn’t end there. All the building information – including but not limited to a 3D design - is then shared and stored in once place so that FM teams can improve maintenance and operations. This is where better information management practices come in – to ensure full building data visibility and a single source of truth for improved decision-making.
Not Just A Software
BIM software per se does not exist. However, there are different solutions on the market that can enable facilities managers to store and share building information more effectively and conduct better asset inventories. It might be the case that teams need a range of software solutions to help them meet different needs, and it is up to the individual organisations to choose ones that will help them improve efficiencies and collaboration, integrate business administration, asset management, maintenance, renovation, refurbishment, etc. Whilst software is an important element of achieving better information management practices, BIM in itself is much bigger than just an online tool.
Short Term Vs. Long Term Cost
It is another common myth that implementing information management practices is too costly. Whilst there could be some upfront cost associated with changing legacy working processes, these will be countered by the long-term efficiencies that can be gained. The upfront costs such as software and extra training do not have to be big as there are many tools out there that are free or at a low cost. Plus, there are numerous readily available resources and reputable guidance online that can help with smoother BIM implementation.
Looking beyond the initial cost factor is key to allow FM teams to see the tangible benefits in form of reduced safety risks, improved efficiency and faster project deliveries. Implementing BIM can significantly help FM professionals make better informed decisions about space use, floor planning, equipment and asset maintenance, energy consumption, as well as diagnose problems quicker with all the service history and specifications easily available to maintenance engineers. Having meaningful, complete and accessible information – and now also an accurate understanding of BIM – can help open the doors to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty for all FM teams in the UK.
