BIM Reading - Week 4

            The BIM Handbook reading compares several different BIM design systems.  They are distinguished by user interface, drawing generation, ease of developing custom parametric objects, scalability, interoperability, extensibility, complex curved surface modeling, and multi-user environment.  The strengths and weaknesses of both well-known and uncommon systems are discussed.  More powerful tools require a steeper learning curve to unlock their full potential.  The user interface is perhaps the most important aspect of a design system because a more intuitive user interface reduces the learning curve.  

            I also read the article “BIM for Facilities Management” which discusses the integration of facilities management tools with different BIM products.  The article describes the history, capabilities, and case studies of the FM software.  FM:Interact is a suite of products that directly integrates with Revit to provide BIM data from the model to the facilities management and operations.  ArchiFM is another directly integrated tool, working with an ArchiCAD BIM model as a source for data and graphical reporting.  Bentley Facilities is a suite of products for different applications that features web-based integration for Bentley drawing and BIM products.  The Onuma System is a cloud-based tool for facilities management that keeps model and spreadsheet data neutral for use in different applications.  EcoDomus is another tool that can integrate with multiple BIM products, working with FM systems, BIM models, geographic information systems (GIS), and building automation systems (BAS).  The future of facilities management as projected in the article involves BIM models providing spatial, asset management, and maintenance information for facility managers from the start of the project.

            BIM for FM will be slow to grow, as BIM use in general has been slowly expanding, but the growth will accelerate in upcoming years.  Examples of successful applications of this technology include ArchiFM managing the building portfolio for Hungarian Oil Co. and EcoDomus integrating NASA’s existing asset management software with BIM for the new Langley headquarters.  Large clients including the General Services Administration (GSA) are pushing the capabilities of BIM for FM technology forward.  BIM is still not commonplace in design and construction, but when it becomes commonplace, BIM for FM technology will soon follow.  This technology will significantly improve building management by increasing efficiency and reducing waste.