How Can Scan to BIM Services Benefit Building Operations and Management?
The emergence of technology has revolutionized the building design and construction process, bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds. Scan to BIM services is one such process born along the way to revolutionization and it reimagines the way structures are conceptualized, designed, and executed. Scan to BIM is an approach to documenting an existing structure involving a digital planning methodology referred to as Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Scan to BIM services use high-density point cloud data of the as-built structure captured using 3D laser scanners. The collected data is then used to develop a BIM model that reflects the ‘as-in’ conditions of the project.
The Scan to BIM services involve scanning technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) or Photogrammetry to capture accurate, real-world data of the existing structure.
Models created with point cloud to BIM services are significantly beneficial for making comparisons against original plans, site analysis reports, topographic registration, and much more.
Scan to BIM services for Facility Management
The combination of BIM and scanning technology in the Scan to BIM process is beneficial for effective remodeling and construction of already existing structures. The process assists in documenting the as-built site conditions precisely and provides efficient solutions for facility operations and management.
The as-built documentation of a complicated project enables the design team to address the flaws in 2D deliverables and incorrect asset data, simplifying the management of costs and time. After the handover, BIM integration into a project gives access to comprehensive asset information models to the client.
Construction Operation Building Information Exchange (COBie) data structure filters the building data for facility management. COBie’s file includes drawings, specifications, bill of quantities, and other significant details for the entire lifecycle of the building.
Process of Scan to BIM services for Facility Management
Integrating BIM modeling services into facility management requires extensive research and details about every nuance of the project. Facility management teams are more concerned with non-geometric data rather than geometric data. The Scan to BIM workflows for facilities managers are as follows:
- Developing a BIM model with a high Level of Detail
BIM modeling services play a crucial role in the efficient operation and maintenance of existing structures. It is also important to identify the dependable Level of detail for accurate operation and maintenance. The combined use of LOD 500 and COBie provides precise, comprehensive, and three-dimensional representation with streamlined asset tracking, maintenance planning, and seamless integration of new technologies. All these characteristics are imperative for ensuring optimum performance throughout the project’s lifecycle.
- Element Source of Maintenance (ESM) enables Data Identification
Element source of maintenance in a building is a crucial part of various degradation mechanisms to ensure the effective flow of operation and maintenance data between worksheets and the BIM model. Autodesk Revit software combines these components into families with common instances, types, and parameters. These components are grouped hierarchically to optimize the maintenance process.
- Generate a link to access the maintenance data
Every BIM model has an ESM maintenance sheet with data required throughout the building’s lifecycle. This data can be accessed by generating a link using an API and then processed further with Revit software. The processed data is documented as maintenance activities in Excel spreadsheets and an external database. Every ESM is accessible through a link and has a unique connection and compatibility.
These procedural steps discuss how the maintenance data can be infused into a BIM model, simplifying the process of extraction and completion of sheets as per the nature of the maintenance.
Benefits of using Scan to BIM services for Facility Management
Scan to BIM services used for facility management provide a structured set of information that facilitates the creation of a database with precise building specifications. Let’s look at the various benefits of these services for building operations and management:
- Enhanced Visualization and Data Accessibility
BIM modeling services function around a central database that provides easy access to detailed building insights. Facility management teams can retrieve maintenance schedules, warranty information, equipment details, and other necessary details. BIM organizes building data in a structured way, eliminating the need for searching for details through paper documents and scattered files.
The BIM model infused with building data makes it easier to explore various building components in a digital space and identify potential issues. The visualization services foster collaboration among the facility management team, stakeholders, and contractors, resulting in effective decision-making.
- Synchronized Work Order
Operations and management of large and complex structures can be a tedious job and challenging to execute. BIM modeling services with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) simplify this challenging process, simplifying tracking and work order management.
The facility management team can assign tasks, manage resources, and track progress using the CMMS interface. Its real-time update feature allows the stakeholders and management team to stay informed about work order status, facilitating seamless communication and coordination.
- Better Space Utilization and Management
Space utilization and management are a significant benefit of Scan to BIM services for facility management, providing accurate occupancy data, room dimensions, and utility patterns to the management team.
With accurate and precise data about every aspect of the structure, management teams can make optimum use of space by efficiently using every square foot of the building. The project team can suggest space reconfiguration strategies and utilization schemes for the optimum use of the available resources.
- Building Performance and Sustainability Analysis
The current era of construction is significantly impacted by the sustainability quotient of the building, becoming a priority for the building owners and designers. BIM modeling services support the energy and building performance analysis, allowing the management teams to identify appropriate opportunities for energy savings. By simulating various energy-efficient strategies, project teams can suggest suitable processes for upgrade and retrofit that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
- Cost and Lifecycle Optimization
Efficient use of capital is a crucial aspect of successful project execution and management. BIM allows the stakeholders to track operational costs and run budget analysis by integrating cost data with asset information. Decisions based on reliable building data can govern resource allocation and allow the management teams to prioritize tasks based on their impact on the building’s life cycle.
BIM creates detailed asset tags with relevant and comprehensive data, including maintenance records, manufacturer details, warranty information, and more. The planning and scheduling of maintenance tasks minimize downtime and extend the lifespan of building assets, leading to cost savings and life cycle optimization.
Conclusion
As the AEC sector embraces technological advancement, it is imperative to consciously integrate Scan to BIM services for building operations and management. The management teams should leverage the potential of BIM to unveil its significant benefits and enhance the future of building management practices. With the use of these services, the management team can obtain precise and comprehensible asset information for building maintenance and future project planning. BIM is a powerful tool that drives the AEC sector towards an efficient, innovative, and user-centric future.
