CAFM and BIM: How the combination of digital twin and facility management optimizes building operations
- Greta Mager
- Aug 12
- 4 min read
Digitalization is making facility management easier. The focus here is on two key technologies: Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM). Together, they enable the management of buildings and their operation. In this blog post, we explain how the combination of BIM and CAFM works, how it can improve building operations and the benefits of integrating the system.
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What is Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM)?
Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM) is software that helps facility managers to plan, control and monitor all activities relating to the management of buildings and workplaces. This includes tasks such as space and relocation management, maintenance, maintenance planning and room reservations. The software provides a large-scale overview of resources and helps to standardize and improve processes.
By using CAFM software, facility managers can, for example, plan the utilization of rooms and facilities, carry out maintenance work in good time and optimize the management of space and budgets in the long term. This supports operations and aligns resources with the needs of the company.
The digital twin: The BIM model as a central source of information
A BIM model serves as a digital twin of the building and depicts all relevant information - from the building structure to technical systems and maintenance cycles. This model represents the central source of information (single source of truth) and is the basis for facility management work.
For surveyors, this means that they must ensure that all necessary data is integrated when creating or updating a BIM model. This makes maintenance easier and enables the entire life cycle of a building to be managed seamlessly.
"Collaboration is essential in facility management, and BIM offers transparency and data integration to make it possible."
(Source: Chris France, Director at Arup (Arup Insights))
Synergies between CAFM and BIM: Tasks in practice
The integration of CAFM software and BIM data provides daily access to a comprehensive data set that is necessary for managing the building. The CAFM software uses the data from the BIM model and makes it clearly available so that tasks such as space management, maintenance planning and maintenance work can be carried out.
The software also integrates CAD drawings. These are used for processes such as space planning, flexible workplace solutions and technical management. Adherence to CAD standards ensures that the drawings are correct and can be regularly updated with the CAFM data. This means that the overview of building management always remains consistent.(Click here for our Scan2BIM LOD definition)
The importance of an up-to-date BIM model
For a CAFM system to perform to its full potential, the underlying BIM model must always be up-to-date. This means that structural changes, the replacement of systems or technical adjustments should be immediately transferred to the digital twin. This is the only way the CAFM system can use the right data to support facility management.
Cross-industry application possibilities
The combination of BIM and CAFM offers cross-industry benefits, e.g:
Industrial buildings benefit from efficient management of technical equipment and machinery.
Healthcare facilities, schools and office buildings use the systems to efficiently manage space and optimize energy consumption.
Resources are also better controlled in energy management, which not only saves costs but is also more sustainable.
Efficiency gains and transparency in operations
The integration of BIM and CAFM ensures greater transparency and efficiency in building operations. All information that was previously stored in separate systems or by individual employees is now centralized in the CAFM software. This speeds up decision-making processes and enables facility managers to react immediately to changes. The rapid availability of graphical and alphanumeric information, which can be called up at any time, is particularly helpful.
Thanks to the combination with CAD drawings, information such as room utilization, space allocation or technical installations can be displayed visually. Modern CAFM solutions also offer viewers with which this data can be displayed on various end devices - even on cell phones. This means that employees and technicians can access up-to-date building information at any time.
Application of BIM and CAFM
The implementation of BIM and CAFM follows a clearly structured process:
Create BIM Model: The model is created during the construction phase or updated during ongoing operations.
Data Integration into CAFM: The BIM model is integrated into the CAFM system, often using standards like the IFC format.
Adjust and Supplement Data: Regular updates of the BIM model are made, for example, when there are structural changes or the integration of new systems.
Use CAFM Software: Automated management of tasks such as maintenance and upkeep is carried out based on BIM data.
Regular Updates: The BIM model is continuously updated to reflect the current state of the building.
Tailored Solutions for Every Company
Implementing a CAFM system in combination with BIM requires expertise and experience. Each company has specific requirements that must be taken into account when selecting and customizing the software. Comprehensive consultancy in facility management is crucial to ensure that companies maximize the benefits of these technologies.
Conclusion
The integration of CAFM and BIM offers significant advantages for facility management. Through the use of a digital twin, information is centrally managed, and processes are optimized. The use of up-to-date data helps to streamline building operations, saving time and reducing costs. The future of facility management is digital, and the combination of BIM and CAFM shows how modern technologies can make operations more flexible and sustainable.
Are you interested in 3D modeling (BIM) and would like to find out more or do you have specific questions? We look forward to exchanging ideas with you!
Michael Danklmaier,
Miviso Co-Founder
E-Mail: michael.danklmaier@miviso.com
Tel.: +43 512 931824 200
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