Although much of the focus of building information modeling (BIM) was initially directed towards the efficiencies it brings to the design and construction stages of projects, advocates are increasingly emphasizing its pivotal benefits during the operating phase.
Some observers contend that the chief benefits of BIM are best realized once a project is completed, because of the efficiency and operational advantages made possible by the creation of digital models of real-world facilities and infrastructure.
Companies seek to better exploit these benefits during the operating phase with the development of computer-assisted facilities management (CAFM) solutions that can integrate with BIM systems for the purpose of improved efficiency.
One example of this is Allplan Allfa, a browser-based CAFM solution for infrastructure and “technical” facility management that is capable of exchanging data with CAD or BIM systems.
Allplan Allfa aims to ensure that building data is always accurate and up to date by directly connecting to CAD software. It also provides for interdisciplinary collaboration by using BIM+ to exchange BIM models.
The solution is already been deployed on large-scale building projects in Germany.
An example of this is Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg, one of the largest savings banks in Germany, with a balance sheet total of over 9 billion euros, customer deposits of more than 6 million euros and over 10 municipal branches.
In order to improve handling of the extremely dense branch network it has established in the city of Ludwigsburg just north of Stuttgart, the bank opted to use the Allplan Allfa facility management solution after making use of CAD software platform Allplan Architecture for many years.
The use of Allplan Allfa permitted the smooth exchange of data between the CAD and CAFM systems, which translated into tremendous efficiencies during the actual process of facilities management, according to a company case study,
This data integration capability allowed implementation partner T-CAD to record and update information on the floor plans, inventories and descriptions for all properties so that it can be used for planning and facilities management purposes.
This meant that facility managers and planners had access to a detailed, up-to-date trove of information on the properties for which they’re responsible, making it far easier for them to perform their professional duties.
By means of the desktop environment, Allplan Allfa users should be able to obtain information instantaneously on everything from when a building was last renovated and whether or not it’s accessible for people with disabilities to the availability of car parks and furniture.
“With the help of Allplan Allfa, we can now access all the details for our properties reliably and quickly and assign the information to the relevant cost centers,” said Felicitas Sauter-Kockrow, architect with Kreissparkasse Ludwigsburg. “All those involved in the process therefore have reliable building information and can plan more effectively. We also save time searching for information.”
Kreissparkasse now plans to install the Web-based solution Allplan Allfa Web in order to further improve building management by providing other employees with access to the database system.