Value of BIM-enabled FM

The BIM process and GSL identifies the need to engage those involved in the operational phase of a building during the design process and insures that the needs of the end users are specified within the brief. This process of requirement gathering has been identified as Organisational, Asset and Employers Information Requirements (OIR, AIR, EIR) in the BIM process. This aims to ensure that the correct information is handed over.

Adopting BIM could facilitate the future involvement of facilities managers at a much earlier design stage. This will allow for key operational issues to be highlighted earlier on in the process, eliminating potential O&M problems and allowing for facilities to be run more efficiently. Collaboration between key people involved in the design, construction and operational phases of a building allows for knowledge to be captured and exchanged, promoting a better understanding of the whole life cycle of a building. This encourages a longer-term mentality and understanding, which in turn helps to reduce the overall cost of the building.