Challenges of BIM-enabled FM

The traditional procurement of FM contractors, in which FM contractors are appointed for a period generally 3 to 5 years, is also considered an obstacle for BIM for FM. Short contracts can provide less of an incentive to consider the whole life cycle of a building and the impact of their current decisions on the O&M in the future.

Changes in FM contracts can lead to improved information exchanges between FM contractors, preventing additional surveys of the existing building being undertaken to capture as-built conditions. This would make the process more cost effective, efficient and lead to reduced duplication of information. There need to be enhancements made to the workflow of handover data and the maintenance of that data throughout the life of the building.

Currently, one of the major challenges for BIM-enabled FM application is the process of updating the model with as-built information. Ownership of BIM data and how to protect it through copyright and other legislation is still to be agreed. Additionally, who is responsible for creating and maintaining the model through the life of a building remains ambiguous.

Licensing agreements are emerging in BIM policies as a feasible option that allow limited use to another party, while maintaining copyright and ultimate control with the initial creator. However, this solution does not fully appreciate the difficulties with embedded data and model validation. As a result, most contract forms still require the handover of paper documentation.

The applications of BIM-enabled FM are much less explored compared to its implementation in the planning, design and construction processes. Despite new building works making up only a minuscule percentage of the total building stock in an average year, research into BIM applications in FM has mainly concentrated on new buildings. However, this has started to shift in recent years.