In part 1 of this series, we looked at the “what” of asset management, the data infrastructure that serves as the skeleton for connecting BIM data into the real world. Today, we’ll look at the “how” of asset management today.
The “M” in BIM stands for “Management”, not “Model”. So how does one go about managing (integrating and connecting) the digital data into real life? Data streams are analogous to the water cycle: rain collects on mountains, flows down through specific channels, before forming rivers and depositing into oceans.
First, every object that requires asset management must be scheduled, counted, and located by floor / room / space in the BIM model. During the design phases, each BIM object works as a container for the data; it does not need to have every nut and bolt built out in 3D. It simply needs to exist as a container to associate the asset to a room / space and organize the data. In Revit, this is usually the GUID or the Element ID # serving as a unique “key” by which all other parameters will be mapped.
Second, every component should be set up with a comprehensive list of shared parameters like room location, uniclass / omniclass / masterformat code, warranty information, and maintenance requirements. Third, standardized architectural and engineering drawings and specifications that live as excel / word / PDF files should be thoroughly collected, perused, and scanned. Lastly, the data is infused into each BIM object - these buckets of data are poured into a database for asset management with a unique identifier for every object.
One way to approach the infusion process is an excel based table document; each category of object is given a dictionary that maps specific Revit parameter values onto the selected objects via customized plugin. This way, the specification data can be collected into a singular table that is then used to map the content of each cell into the respective asset data by object category.
This is where BIM shines above all the traditional pen and paper working methods. Having the BIM allows the design team to provide accurate counts and locations of each asset. Each asset serves as a container for easy export into standardized formats like Cobie.
Standardized database formats like Cobie provide consistency to the importing process of the data into asset management platforms like Hexagon, Maximo, or other.
in essence, one way to approach the asset management looks like the following:
The process described above sets up the “skeleton” for the technologically integrated building. Once the data has made it fully downstream to the Enterprise Asset Management platform, it is in the hands of the facilities managers to execute and maintain and replace the building’s “skin” for the long term. Warranties and insurance tracking is another area to consider tracking throughout the building’s lifecycle for the goal of building longevity and value retention.
The average lifespan and warranties of most modern building materials are 30 years, if not 10 years. Consider that buildings and construction are one of the biggest contributors to global climate change. Asset management can help give longevity to buildings, reduce carbon emissions, and provide building efficiencies that will help to counteract global climate change. Those in the AEC industry must do their part to counteract the biggest group project of our generation.
Part 3 of this series will look at the role of digital twins.