Best Practices: Extending The Value Of BIM Through The Building Lifecycle

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Executive Summary

Since the early 2000s, Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems have become widely used in the design and construction phases of a building’s life cycle. Using BIM in this way cuts costs, improves collaboration, minimizes project risks and shortens project timelines. But with 85% of a facility’s lifetime costs occurring post-construction, there is a clear incentive to investigate how BIM could be used through the life cycle. Leveraging BIM for maintenance and operations (M&O) can improve building operations, but there are few real examples of firms using BIM in operations. This report provides facilities managers, building owners and heads of real estate with best practice advice on how to extend the use of BIM systems into the operating part of the building life cycle. To capture the best practice insights, Verdantix examined existing literature and case studies, as well as insights from executive interviews. We find that multiple different stakeholders can get clear value from BIM, provided they overcome a number of cultural barriers and create better aligned incentives.

Table of contents

What Is BIM And How Is It Used?  
At Its Core, BIM Is A System For Managing Building Information And Enabling Collaboration
BIM Is Mostly Used By Architects, Designers And Project Managers

BIM Shows Clear Value Potential For Building M&O  
Facility Management Executives Can Benefit From Increased Worker Productivity When Using BIM
BIM Can Have A Clear Positive Impact At All Stages Of The Building Cycle After Construction
The Use Of BIM In Infrastructure Management Should Open Up Ideas For Real Estate Stakeholders

Planning Requirements And High Costs Are Barriers To Leveraging BIM For M&O  
The Lack Of Information And Skills Block Firms From Leveraging BIM During Occupancy
The Challenge Of Misaligned Incentives And The Economic Model Is Not Yet Solved

Best Practices For The Successful Use Of BIM During M&O  
Establish BIM Responsibilities Pre-Building Occupancy And Review The Model After Each Stage
Develop An IT Strategy And Ensure FM Teams Use The Model

Table of figures

Figure 1. BIM Levels Defined By The UK Government Construction Strategy 
Figure 2. BIM Levels Of Development Definitions 
Figure 3. The BIM Dimensions From 3D To 7D 
Figure 4. Sources Of Value From Using BIM In Building M&O 
Figure 5. Barriers To Leveraging BIM During M&O 
Figure 6. The Best Practices To Leveraging BIM Start Three Life-Cycle Stages Before Operations  

About the authors

Joy Trinquet

Senior Analyst
Joy is a Senior Analyst in the Verdantix Smart Buildings practice. Her current research agenda focuses on integrated workplace management systems/connected portfolio intelligence platforms (IWMS/CPIP), building systems integrators, and space and workplace management solutions. Joy joined Verdantix in 2019, having previously worked at BNP Paribas Asset Management as a business development intern. She earned a BA degree in Economics with a concentration on policy, as well as dual minors in computer science and business studies, from New York University.

Rodolphe d’Arjuzon

MD and Global Head of Research
Rodolphe co-founded Verdantix in 2008 and directs the firm’s research strategy across all practice areas. Rodolphe has over 20 years of experience in technology research and strategy consulting. He previously worked for Barclays Bank and L.E.K. Consulting. Rodolphe holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Cambridge.

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