Value considerations of adopting BIM in FM

Abstract

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is expected to streamline the key processes of construction, and promote innovation throughout the building/product life cycle. Since most buildings have been designed for long lifecycles, the facilities management (in-use) phase is significant. Therefore, use of BIM in facilities management (FM) offers the promise of much benefits to project stakeholders. Even though strategic level benefits of BIM to FM are recognised, limited attempt has been made to understand its application at operational level. This paper aims to establish the “value” of BIM in FM. The study explores the key aspects of value theories through a thorough literature review and empirical data from 15 interviews to identify the human value consideration of BIM in FM. The background of this paper discusses the nature of built environment by bringing evidence for the value factor embedded in buildings beyond price. Wider benefits of BIM in facilities management are noted, however its implementation within FM phase is limited. The findings of research explain the critical value considerations for BIM in FM by considering the value of BIM at operational level. The research contributes to the current knowledge by presenting the key link of basic human values with operational level BIM expectations.