Currently, the application of BIM in China is primarily focused on the design and construction phases. Due to the unique characteristics of China’s construction industry, owners often outsource operation and maintenance tasks to third parties with minimal involvement. This approach makes it challenging to implement BIM during these later stages. Additionally, inadequate data management for equipment and facilities in the early stages of construction creates barriers to applying BIM Technology in operation and maintenance. However, this does not mean BIM’s role in domestic operation and maintenance should be overlooked. In this article, the author will explore the reasons for integrating BIM into operation and maintenance management.
For most people, the focus tends to be on immediate benefits, often overlooking the costs that will arise later. While the building construction process is well established, ongoing maintenance is frequently neglected. As a result, buildings often lack comprehensive management systems for their facilities, making it difficult for managers to access accurate information about the equipment over time. This oversight can indirectly impact users, as failures or poor maintenance of facilities may expose them to risks, resulting in accidents or injuries that threaten personal safety and property.
Throughout the entire lifecycle of a building—from planning, design, and construction to use, maintenance, and eventual demolition—the operation and maintenance phase is the longest. This phase requires extensive repair and sometimes renovation work. Therefore, establishing effective maintenance and inspection tools not only creates a comfortable and convenient environment but also significantly improves management efficiency and cost control. The ideal time to integrate facility management is at the early stages of building design and planning. Notably, there is often a gap in understanding building operating costs between owners and management companies.
Moreover, when management companies change, incomplete transfer of original facility and equipment data, combined with variations in management processes, often leads to decreased efficiency in facility management. Effective building facility management should focus on ensuring consistent operational processes specific to the building itself, rather than relying solely on the procedures of different management companies. This approach helps prevent management gaps caused by changes in service providers.
Facility management involves supervising and controlling the proper functioning and maintenance of both software and hardware systems within a building. Its goal is to provide users with a high-quality living environment while preserving the building’s maximum value for its owners. With the rise of high-rise, large-scale, and technologically advanced buildings, the demand for professional and sophisticated facility management has grown. In many developed countries, comprehensive management systems are in place, with specialized personnel assigned to manage, repair, and maintain various building facilities. Ensuring the normal operation of these facilities is the foremost responsibility of facility management.
In conclusion, the author’s discussion on applying BIM in operation and maintenance management aims to clarify the benefits BIM can offer in this phase. By analyzing the current state of operation and maintenance, this article highlights the growing need for BIM integration in facility management. It is hoped that readers will find inspiration and insight from this exploration.
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