In the bustling world of construction, where every bolt and beam tells a story of progress, a groundbreaking development is unfolding. Dania K. Abideen, a researcher from the University of Manchester’s Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE), has introduced a tool that could revolutionize how we manage buildings, especially in the critical operations and maintenance (O&M) phase.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has long been hailed as a game-changer, promising enhanced project deliveries and improved building performance. Yet, despite its potential, many construction firms struggle to fully harness BIM’s capabilities, particularly when it comes to O&M. The challenge lies in understanding what information is crucial for efficient management and how to prioritize it. “One of the fundamental reasons behind this challenge is the lack of empirical understanding of what information should be collected to support efficient and effective operation and maintenance management,” Abideen explains.
To tackle this issue head-on, Abideen and her team have developed a BIM and O&M Maturity Assessment Model (BIM and O&M MM). This innovative tool, published in the journal ‘Developments in the Built Environment’ (translated to ‘Built Environment Developments’), draws on the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) concept and utilizes the Delphi technique and maturity grids. The model assesses the integration maturity of built assets based on a five-level maturity scheme across 21 information requirements (IRs).
The tool is designed to be practical and effective, as evidenced by its assessment by 22 experts. “The results indicate its ability to succinctly measure the maturity level of BIM and O&M integration, thereby enabling construction managers and asset owners to identify areas of strengths and deficiencies for prioritising capital investments,” Abideen notes.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. Enhanced data consistency and optimized long-term asset management could lead to significant cost savings and improved operational efficiency. The tool’s ability to guide data-driven decision-making could pave the way for more sustainable and energy-efficient buildings, aligning with the sector’s growing focus on sustainability.
The BIM and O&M MM not only addresses real-world O&M challenges but also ensures stakeholder alignment, a crucial factor in the complex world of construction projects. By providing a clear framework for assessing and improving BIM integration, this tool could shape future developments in the field, driving innovation and excellence in building management.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, tools like the BIM and O&M MM will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of modern building management. With its focus on empirical understanding and practical application, this research offers a beacon of progress, guiding the industry towards a future where buildings are not just structures, but intelligent, efficient, and sustainable entities.
