Adoption of BIM by Owners

In response to a thread on Linked In about the future (and current state) of BIM in FM:

I'm always interested when I hear someone say "They don't want..., He doesn't need... or She couldn't use..." when it comes to something that gives more that what's traditional.  I this case I am talking about using a BIM for FM.  I've heard the same argument in other conversations as well.

When we get to the heart of things, what's most often meant is "That's too expensive." or "It will bog me down, it's not fast enough."  Sometimes these opinions are not fact based, only assumptions.

But, assumptions or arguments backed up by hard fact, they express genuine concern about CHANGE. I don't think someone can truly say Owners/FM/Maintenance staff wouldn't want a data rich, 3D BIM... if it cost the same, and was easier to use than their current solution.

Unfortunately I haven't seen proof of the existence of a solution that even allows the maintenance tech to access the data in a BIM.  But when that solution becomes available it WILL be used.

There's the paradox. Which comes first? The chicken or the egg? The expression of need or the solution? This is why disruptive change is EVOLUTIONARY to start. Until the Tipping Point is reached. Then the REVOLUTION happens.  Viva la revolution!

Don’t be afraid of the Big Bad BIM-FM, join the Revolution

BIM Texas 2010

My man on the scene reports that BIM Texas 2010 is well attended by representatives from all sectors of the AECO (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Owners) industry.

This year’s theme is “Understanding the Gap: What Owners want v. what Contractors can deliver.”

I have a feeling that good things will come from this event and it will inspire at least a few posts on this blog.

Thank you to Texas A&M and TEXO for sponsoring this event to get Contractors and Owners talking about what BIM means to them.

Gig ‘em!

Why would Owners want BIM?

In response to a discussion at a Group I belong to on Linked IN  (BIM for Owners)  I got a little lengthy.  I'm not sure that those without Linked In accounts can view the discussion, so I have re-posted it here.
I think the “Why” of BIM is directly related to where it is applied in the building lifecycle.
In the early design stage the owner benefits from 3D visual communication of the designer’s ideas. Being visual creatures, we can conceptualize a condition much easier when presented with a 3D image. Now if you can exam that condition in 3D from all angles easily, well, all the better. This benefits the Owner by creating a common language (visual language) that everyone involved can comment on. Owners and Designers both will know they are “on the same page.”
In the Late design/ Pre-Construction stage visualization helps as well. Again everyone can understand a particular condition better when they can exam a virtual model of that condition. Models can also be investigated semi-automatically for Spatial Coordination issues involving the Building’s Systems (Clash Detection.) The Owner Benefits at this stage in Cost and Schedule. If we can immediately agree what a condition is through the model (whether it is right, wrong, or indifferent) then we can move to the real discussion of Constructability and how it relates to Design intent. We don’t have to spend time sketching and having “deep discussions” (OK Arguing) about what we “think” the condition is. That churn effects schedule. If Contractors have a more clear idea of Design intent due to a well built model, the Owner saves money (and time) with a reduction of RFIs and Change Orders.
At handoff, the Owner benefits when the BIM contains data such as O&M, Specs, and Warranties. When that happens we eliminate the “boxes and boxes” of handoff docs and provide a model that can serve as a repository for all of that information.
The model can then serve as a start for a FM database. Currently that information is usually exported to a “traditional” FM database, but there are solutions to allow that information live on in the visual environment of the BIM. As we develop more and better solutions that allow Owners and Operators to access data in a rich visual environment, then Owner’s will see dramatic returns in efficiencies and quality.