How can you ensure BIM durability for facility engineering?

1 Define BIM objectives and requirements

Before starting any BIM project, you need to have a clear vision and strategy for what you want to achieve and how you will measure it. You need to define the BIM objectives and requirements for each phase and stage of the facility life cycle, such as design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. You also need to identify the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder and the level of detail and information they need to provide and access. Having a well-defined BIM execution plan can help you align the expectations and deliverables of all parties involved.

2 Adopt BIM standards and protocols

To ensure BIM durability, you need to follow consistent and reliable standards and protocols for creating, managing, and exchanging BIM data. You need to use common data formats, naming conventions, classifications, and metadata schemas that can be understood and used by different software applications and platforms. You also need to establish quality control and assurance procedures to check and validate the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of BIM data. Additionally, you need to comply with the relevant codes, regulations, and guidelines that govern the facility engineering industry and practice.

3 Implement BIM collaboration and integration

BIM durability depends on the effective collaboration and integration of different disciplines and domains within the facility engineering process. You need to use collaborative platforms and tools that enable real-time and seamless sharing and updating of BIM data among all stakeholders. You also need to integrate BIM with other systems and technologies that support facility engineering, such as geographic information systems (GIS), computer-aided facility management (CAFM), building automation systems (BAS), and internet of things (IoT). By doing so, you can enhance the interoperability, functionality, and performance of BIM and the facility.

4 Update BIM data and models

BIM durability requires constant updating and revision of BIM data and models to reflect the changes and modifications that occur during the facility life cycle. You need to have a clear workflow and protocol for capturing, documenting, and incorporating the as-built and as-operated conditions of the facility into the BIM data and models. You also need to have a secure and accessible data storage and backup system that can preserve and protect the BIM data and models from loss, damage, or corruption. Moreover, you need to have a periodic review and audit process to evaluate and improve the quality and relevance of BIM data and models.

5 Train and educate BIM users

BIM durability relies on the skills and knowledge of the people who use BIM for facility engineering. You need to provide adequate training and education for the BIM users, such as facility engineers, architects, contractors, operators, and owners. You need to ensure that they have the necessary competencies and capabilities to use BIM effectively and efficiently. You also need to foster a culture of learning and innovation that encourages the BIM users to explore and adopt new and emerging BIM trends and technologies that can enhance the facility engineering process.

6 Monitor and evaluate BIM outcomes

BIM durability is not only about the process, but also about the outcomes. You need to monitor and evaluate the impact and value of BIM for facility engineering. You need to collect and analyze data and feedback from the BIM users and stakeholders to measure the performance and benefits of BIM in terms of time, cost, quality, safety, sustainability, and user satisfaction. You also need to identify the challenges and opportunities for improvement and optimization of BIM for facility engineering. By doing so, you can demonstrate and communicate the return on investment and the best practices of BIM for facility engineering.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?