Leveraging building modeling technology for more resourceful facilities management
July 7, 2010
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By Mike Laurie
The world’s most sophisticated computerized building modeling technology has not only made AutoCAD virtually obsolete, but it has suddenly given remarkably powerful and adaptable tools and innovative solutions to property managers to save them time and money and minimize liability.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is an architectural and design software platform that provides the user with a 3D virtual model of their actual building. The BIM becomes an interactive visual and graphic representation, complete with an easily updatable database that is an entire library of information about everything from the specific types of materials used in the original building construction to the current as-built floorplans and their exact dimensions.
Instead of looking up information about the building in tables, files, or blueprints, for instance, the facility manager just looks at the model and intuitively selects an item – just as they would find it by walking through the actual structure. The BIM becomes the brains of the facility, accessed from any computer and easily shared or converted into professional report format.
The model can show the accurate square footage of each unique space, for example, while giving a complete picture of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure plus a profile of the current tenants.
Select a room to see, for example, its breaker panels, water valves, window dimensions, or sprinkler system and the exact location of fire extinguishers – plus info regarding the last date that those extinguishers were inspected and serviced.
Update occupancy reports, calculate areas for space charge-backs, link to lease agreements, or retrieve the service manual for an obscure piece of equipment purchased years ago.
Digitally distribute and communicate design information or update and electronically submit fire plans or insurance related information. Publish plans or files and send them by email to clients and successfully manage diverse data coming from different architects and contractors.
Generate colour diagram room reports and customized floorplans – without having to consult the architect. Manage space classification, condition assessments, occupancies and allocations, and scheduled work orders or preventative maintenance.
With revolutionary BIM technology, it is possible to try out various room layouts and floorplan configurations, change the decor, or experiment with energy saving green technology – all within a highly realistic virtual environment.
With BIM, it is even possible to toggle floorplan options on and off in the model for visualization during the design process. Move a doorway, a wall, or a window and it shows up on the BIM model, for example, and BIM gives the user the same perspective and view that one gets when walking through the actual building.
Multiple designers and contractors can contribute to the model – without even having to be on-site – so BIM also improves communication and coordination across diverse teams.
Upon completion of the BIM model, the owner or manager inherits one single and easy to navigate digital file that can be added to and changed for the lifetime of the building. So BIM is potentially an ideal repository of empowering information for property managers.
All of the BIM capability is within a few mouse clicks of the computer, too, and the model becomes a reliably accurate and interactive digital miniature of the actual building. The compatible interface behaves much like a remote control to give the property manager an entire menu of customizable tools based on parametric building information modeling.
Property managers can then begin to realize an entirely new dimension of cost savings, auditing and reporting power – plus project versatility and flexible asset management.
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