Information management guideline for asset operational phase

Aim of this research is to draw up a proprietary BIM guideline to help buildings owners in managing their assets using BIM models in connection with databases, so to solve two recurring issues: a) many people in the maintenance and operation supply chain are unable to use or do not have access to BIM authoring tools; and b) difficulties in storing life cycle data in a BIM model. After analyzing the current maintenance management procedures and the documents management system of the client, the BIM adoption procedure has been planned. This consists of some steps: a) analysis of organizations requirements (OIRs) and of owner’s database of maintenance operations; b) setting up a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to identify building or system components; c) listing data required for each object in the WBS starting from what collected in point a) and using COBie guides as a background base; d) digitalization of all client information about building asset. The connection between high Level of Information BIM models and a database allows the client to manage complex activities like, for example, scheduling and recording maintenance operations, store and update technical documents (pictures, datasheets, warranties, etc.) and setting up automatic alerts for recurring control activities. Due to the extent of the topic, there is a great variety of stakeholders and professionals involved, so the guideline must be able to cope with different requirements, input and output, while keeping data updated and consistent. Many different scenarios have been analysed so to avoid ambiguity and personal users’ choices (in opposition to organization’s ones). The application of the developed procedures and tools has been made using Autodesk Revit and Microsoft Access because these are among the most used BIM and database software tools in Italy and because the connection between the BIM model and the database is very reliable when using these tools.