BIM applications should not be confined to the design phase alone. Instead, BIM can be leveraged throughout the entire project life cycle. At every stage, implementing effective management, maintenance, and upkeep strategies supports the operation and management of the completed building, ensuring quality and extending its service life.
However, a common issue today is that BIM is often limited to simulating only the main structural elements. It has yet to fully integrate backend maintenance engineering fields such as water and electrical systems, comprehensive cabling, and other infrastructure components. This limitation hinders the full realization of BIM’s benefits in building management.
To address this challenge, consider the following two key recommendations:
1. Expand BIM Application from Design to Engineering Management
Planning, execution, benefit evaluation, and supervision are critical stages within overall project management. Therefore, the facility information platform should encompass building, infrastructure, and equipment management systems. This enables managers to monitor projects either individually or holistically and to generate decision analysis reports that optimize investment returns, reduce equipment asset costs, and improve both productivity and profitability.
Linear scheduling is especially effective for highly repetitive projects such as bridges, tunnels, high-rise buildings, and factory designs. Its visual scheduling capabilities can enhance competitiveness, particularly in regions like Taiwan where labor costs are high. However, challenges remain during model development because the designer and the PCM BIM manager are often different individuals, requiring frequent communication and adjustments throughout the process.
2. Adopt Continuous Facility Management After BIM Construction
Facility management in the current Taiwanese market still has significant room for improvement. Once a building is completed and handed over to the user, it enters a long period of use. Over time, facilities and related equipment naturally wear down and age. Without proper maintenance, failures are likely to occur.
Therefore, regular maintenance is essential to ensure that all facilities and equipment are properly serviced. This not only extends their service life but also reduces operating costs and minimizes the risk of hazards.
In summary, these points emphasize why BIM must extend beyond the design phase. The true value of BIM lies in its application throughout the entire project lifecycle, especially in supporting building sustainability. Limiting BIM efforts to the design stage risks wasting time and resources without delivering meaningful benefits.
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