Short answer
Prioritize the use of open standards in the development and implementation of BIM workflows to ensure data interoperability and long-term usability for facilities management.
- Field
- Modelling
- Source
- Automation in Construction (2020)
- Method
- Grounded Theory and Design Science Research methodologies, iterative interviews with industry experts, and pilot demonstrations.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
A framework and Common Data Environment (CDE) built on open standards can effectively manage and validate Building Information Models (BIM) for facilities management, addressing the current challenges in data integration and usability. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Automation in Construction. Using Grounded theory and design science research methodologies, iterative interviews with industry experts, and pilot demonstrations., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the use of open standards in the development and implementation of BIM workflows to ensure data interoperability and long-term usability for facilities management.
Open Standards Framework Enables Seamless BIM Data Transfer for Facilities Management
A framework and Common Data Environment (CDE) built on open standards can effectively manage and validate Building Information Models (BIM) for facilities management, addressing the current challenges in data integration and usability.
Automation in Construction · 2020
Key Findings
- 01A framework and CDE based on open standards can successfully deliver, validate, and utilize BIM information models for facilities management.
- 02The integration of existing technologies with open standards is feasible for implementing BIM for FM processes.
- 03Additional requirements for BIM for FM processes were identified during verification sessions.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize the use of open standards in the development and implementation of BIM workflows to ensure data interoperability and long-term usability for facilities management.
How to apply
When designing or specifying BIM systems, advocate for and integrate open standards to create a Common Data Environment that supports facilities management needs.
Project actions
- 01Consider how your design data will be used beyond the initial design and construction phases.
- 02Explore the benefits of using open standards for data exchange in your design projects.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Employs established research methodologies (Grounded Theory, Design Science Research).
- +Focuses on practical application through a prototype CDE and pilot demonstrations.
Limitations
The prototype was tested in a specific use case and may require further adaptation for different types of assets or facilities management scenarios.
Reliability & validity
The use of iterative expert interviews and pilot demonstrations contributes to the validity of the findings by grounding them in industry practice. Reliability would be enhanced by replicating the pilot demonstrations with different datasets or in varied operational environments.
Think critically
How might the reliance on existing technologies, as mentioned in the research, limit the potential for future innovation in BIM for FM, even when using open standards?
Design Principles
"Interoperability through open standards is crucial for seamless data flow across the entire asset lifecycle."
This research provides a practical solution for bridging the gap between design/construction data and the operational needs of facilities management. By leveraging open standards, it promotes interoperability and reduces reliance on proprietary systems, making BIM data more accessible and actionable throughout an asset's lifecycle.
What This Means for Your Design
This research shows that by using common, open ways of sharing digital building information (like BIM), we can create a central system that helps manage buildings better after they are built, making maintenance and operations easier.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the importance of data management and interoperability in your design project, particularly for the operational phase of a product or system.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the critical role of a well-defined framework and a Common Data Environment (CDE) in facilitating effective Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Facilities Management (FM). By emphasizing the use of open standards, the study demonstrates a feasible approach to overcome current challenges in data integration, validation, and utilization during the operational phase of assets. This underscores the importance of designing systems with interoperability in mind to ensure data continuity and accessibility throughout a product's lifecycle.
Source
Automation in Construction
BIM for facilities management: A framework and a common data environment using open standards
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about open standards framework enables seamless bim data transfer for facilities management?
- Prioritize the use of open standards in the development and implementation of BIM workflows to ensure data interoperability and long-term usability for facilities management. Evidence: Automation in Construction (2020).
- Why does "Open Standards Framework Enables Seamless BIM Data Transfer for Facilities Management" matter for design?
- This research provides a practical solution for bridging the gap between design/construction data and the operational needs of facilities management. By leveraging open standards, it promotes interoperability and reduces reliance on proprietary systems, making BIM data more accessible and actionable throughout an asset's lifecycle.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize the use of open standards in the development and implementation of BIM workflows to ensure data interoperability and long-term usability for facilities management.
- What were the main findings?
- A framework and CDE based on open standards can successfully deliver, validate, and utilize BIM information models for facilities management.. The integration of existing technologies with open standards is feasible for implementing BIM for FM processes.. Additional requirements for BIM for FM processes were identified during verification sessions.
- What research method was used?
- Grounded Theory and Design Science Research methodologies, iterative interviews with industry experts, and pilot demonstrations..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2020 journal from Automation in Construction.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing or specifying BIM systems, advocate for and integrate open standards to create a Common Data Environment that supports facilities management needs.
- What are the limitations?
- The study identified additional requirements for BIM for FM processes that were not fully addressed in the prototype, suggesting areas for further development.