Building Information Modelling (BIM) also referred to as Digital Engineering is a process of harnessing virtually coordinated models and data relating to a project or asset. By providing real-time insights into project performance and activity, a Project Information Model (PIM) the name of a project model – can deliver benefits at all stages of the project lifecycle – from pre-construction planning right through to the management of an asset, as the model is transitioned to an Asset Information Model (AIM) – the name of a model used in asset management.
One of the challenges that asset owners often face is collecting the data they need to effectively operate and maintain their facilities. If managed correctly, Digital Engineering is a powerful tool that bridges the data gap between build and operate, leveraging up-to-date and accurate information created during design and construction to be used through the asset’s lifecycle.
When BIM is integrated into IBM Maximo, it puts information-rich 3D models directly into the hands of operational technicians ̶ enabling them to visualize tasks involved with ongoing asset management. PIM data can be imported before the building is even completed, facilitating greater collaboration between the Design and Construct (D&C) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) earlier than traditional delivery models.
Increased Operational Efficiency
The integration of BIM into operations, creates a single point of truth within Maximo, facilitating more efficient coordination, visualisation and reporting. With automated data generation from the PIM during construction, O&M teams have early access to valuable asset information and 3D visualizations. They can use these to mobilize and start planning O&M activities to be ready as soon as the project is handed over.
Imagine the asset register being available in Maximo on day one of operations and it includes the results from commissioning and any details from defects that were resolved! Centralised data and streamlined data workflows allow for a managed handover to O&M. Operational teams are able to visually understand and coordinate maintenance works, limiting rework to incorporate assets into operational environments. Data is imported and stored securely, with all AIM projects being managed directly from one location for greater operational efficiency.
Improved Safety and Risk Management
BIM can be used in Maximo to plan and coordinate field tasks remotely, including virtual walk-throughs of buildings and plants for training purposes and problem resolution. Through 3D visualizations, operational staff can assess defects, view work orders, build out work packs, and plan preventative maintenance – leading to better safety outcomes and a higher quality and valuable asset.
Digital Twin Resilience
BIM delivers standardized asset registers and data sets in an open format, centered around a foundational model that is owned, stored, and built upon throughout the life of the asset. This ensures digital twin resilience into the future, including the ability to leverage and use new and emerging functionality available within the IBM Maximo Application Suite.
Significant Time and Cost Savings
The process of entering building information manually into Maximo is both time-consuming and expensive. BIM automatically populates the asset register and creates a 3D visualization of the full building model, reducing manual labor as well as the risk of costly errors.
With access to accurate asset data, O&M teams are able to free up time and maximize their resources. During handover and at the time of commissioning of a building, the schedule for transferring data is accelerated by BIM – at lower operational cost.
The benefits and efficiency gains listed can have combined and significant impact on the bottom line that continues through the lifecycle of the asset. A DBM Vircon client in the oil and gas sector generated savings of approximately $500 million over a four-year period across their portfolio of assets, through improved operational and asset management processes that leveraged their Asset Information Models (AIM)
In Conclusion: BIM Enhances the Value Delivered by Maximo
When it comes to operating and maintaining an asset, a key challenge is the lack of access to up-to-date and accurate building data. BIM integration is a powerful solution for bringing together all the information generated through the lifecycle of a facility into a 3D model.
Maximo is an industry leading and dominate player in the Enterprise Asset Management System arena, that can be configured today to include 3D models and data sets, yet for some they remain in 2D ways of working, not leveraging their Maximo investment.
With all project stakeholders having access to the same source of data truth, BIM ensures a fast, efficient, fit-for-purpose handover to the operations and maintenance teams ̶ delivering projects in a format that provides digital twin resilience, today and for the future. The end result? Extraordinary cost savings through improved operational and asset management processes, leveraging not only the project’s model but incumbent EAMS systems such as Maximo.
