BAM is partnering on a pioneering research project to bring building information modelling (BIM) into facilities management.

Buildings across the UK, from offices to universities, stand to benefit from a significant step forward in the use of technology.

A ground-breaking research and development project is set to bring the benefits of building information modelling (or BIM) – which is still cutting edge construction software - into the way that facilities are managed after a building is completed. The result should be buildings with fewer faults and lower operating costs.

The project is being pioneered by FSI, Autodesk and BAM Construct UK, which develops, designs, builds and manages buildings - who initiated it.

The process involves pulling information from 3D BIM models into a building’s facilities management workflow systems, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the way clients can manage their assets.

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Kath Fontana, Managing Director of BAM FM, said: "Imagine you are an owner, manager or developer who has just been handed the keys to a new building. You have no option: every square metre has to be maintained. Now imagine that you have no easily available data to tell you where all your new assets are, how many there are, what type they are, or who the suppliers are. Making sound decisions about when to repair or replace assets like this without good information about them to start with is a surprisingly common problem.

"There are enormous gains for clients in being able to use the data in the 3D building model as it develops over the construction cycle. It enables early, speedy and accurate compilation of the building’s asset register. It will provide detailed, accurate and real-time information on which clients can plan the management and maintenance of their building. These allow them to set-up and deliver their facilities management services with on-going confidence in the operating information.

"While there is a lot of debate about the benefits of BIM for asset management, BAM is putting the theory into practice. The market-leading strides we have made in developing and applying BIM in our design and construction activities enable us to take this next step."

(CD/GK)