The management and operation of buildings have become major challenges in ensuring their performance, sustainability and profitability. With the digital transition of the property sector, BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become an essential tool. BIM Maintenance is a dynamic data repository that enables building managers to make informed decisions based on centralised, contextualised information.
In a context where operators need to optimise operating costs, anticipate maintenance and guarantee optimum energy efficiency, the integration of Building Information Modeling into the operating phase is becoming essential.
Understanding BIM Maintenance and its importance in building operations
BIM Maintenance refers to the application of Building Information Modeling to the day-to-day management of buildings, once they have been designed and constructed. Unlike the BIM used in the design phase, which is mainly used to model the structure and coordinate those involved in the works, BIM Maintenance aims to fully manage the data integrated into the model to optimise infrastructure management over the long term.
This concept is based on a centralised approach to information, in which every component of the building is precisely documented. Data from design and construction is reused in operations to facilitate maintenance, improve equipment monitoring and optimise energy consumption. Thanks to this approach, building managers benefit from a complete, real-time view of their infrastructure, enabling them to anticipate malfunctions and improve operational efficiency.
The tangible benefits of BIM Maintenance for building operations
One of the main advantages of BIM Maintenance is its ability to centralise all the technical information about the building and make it accessible to operators in just a few clicks. This intelligent database makes it possible to locate equipment quickly, consult its maintenance history and anticipate maintenance operations. When an incident occurs, managers and technicians have immediate access to technical data sheets and building plans, speeding up diagnosis and intervention.
In terms of maintenance, BIM Maintenance facilitates the implementation of a proactive approach. Rather than waiting for a breakdown to occur, the data collected can be used to monitor the condition of equipment and detect early warning signs of malfunction. Thanks to this continuous monitoring, maintenance operations can be scheduled at the right time, avoiding costly repairs and service interruptions.
Energy optimisation is also a major challenge for building management. By integrating BMS (Building Management System) data into the BIM for Operations, it becomes possible to monitor consumption in real time and identify any deviations. This interconnection makes it possible to adjust equipment settings according to actual use, limit energy wastage and improve the building’s environmental footprint.
Integrating GEM BIM with SCADA and maintenance systems
To take full advantage of BIM Maintenance, it is essential to integrate it with the systems already in place in the buildings. One of the first tools with which it can be coupled is CMMS (Computerised Maintenance Management System). By combining Building Information Modeling data with maintenance software, managers can automate interventions, plan preventive operations and optimise asset monitoring.
The connection between BIM Maintenance and the BMS/FM is also a major advantage. A BMS collects data in real time from the building’s technical equipment, such as energy consumption, air quality or the operation of heating and ventilation systems. By integrating this information with data from BIM Maintenance, it becomes possible to contextualise SCADA data, display alerts in an enriched environment and adopt a more analytical approach to improving the building’s performance.
These synergies between BIM Maintenance, BMS and CMMS are transforming the way buildings are managed. Rather than being managed reactively, they benefit from a predictive and intelligent approach, ensuring greater operational efficiency and lower running costs.
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The challenges and prospects of BIM Maintenance
While BIM Maintenance represents a major step forward in building management, there are still a number of challenges to its adoption. One of the first challenges is team training. Operating a building using Building Information Modeling requires an increase in the skills of managers and technicians, who need to learn how to manage these new tools and interpret the data they provide.
Systems interoperability is also a key point. For BIM Maintenance to be fully operational, data from maintenance, SCADA and operations software already in place must be able to be technically linked to it. Centralising data and usage is essential to ensure fluid communication between the various tools.
Despite these challenges, the return on investment from BIM Maintenance is undeniable. By optimising asset management, reducing maintenance costs and improving energy performance, it enables building owners and operators to achieve lasting benefits. As infrastructures become increasingly intelligent, BIM Maintenance is becoming an essential lever for meeting the demands of modern operations.
BIM Maintenance is a truly strategic tool for managing, operating and maintaining buildings. By centralising technical information and connecting it to SCADA systems, it optimises maintenance, improves energy efficiency and facilitates decision-making.
