BIM (Building Information Modeling) is the efficient management of the life-cycle of the built environment supported by digital technology.
It’s important to not that “3D” or “3D visualization” is not include in this core definition of BIM.
BIM can provide huge benefits to the stakeholders in all phases of the building process – Planning; Design; Construction; and Operations and Maintenance. The most significant benefit is total-cost-of-ownership management throughout the life-cycle of a physical asset. Improvements in this area optimally allocate resources towards meeting the physical and functional requirements of physical buildings and other structures. The Operation & Maintenance (O&M) phase spans a very long period. O&M costs far exceed those of any previous phase, averaging 70% to 80% of total life-cycle costs.
The adoption of digital processes and methodologies supported by a robust and reliable information systems within common data environments and the associated integration of LEAN processes for planning, procurement, and project delivery, enable significantly improve financial and physical performance outcomes. Overall productivity and user physical asset performance are measurably improved.
To do so, however, it needs to operate in shared common data environment based on LEAN and other process management practices that fully exploit the best available technologies.
The main issue is the need for greater leadership and competency on the part of real property owners. Fortunately all the tools and support services are readily available to owners that are ready to engage in LEAN processes and integrate People, Process, Information, & Technology in new ways.
