CAFM & IT
it is to use BIM software outside of its normal application - to design new buildings. The software cannot cope with the complexity of existing buildings, like the one at Greenwood. We lacked knowledge of a computing language to add this data to our model. Organisations facing the same difficulties may need to consider consulting a specialist.
Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) software is used to hold information about buildings, infrastructure and facilities specific to the organisation. This can include Building Information Modelling (BIM), but can be a simple as Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings. Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) are slightly different in that they describe the functions and activities being performed for the purpose of facilities management. CAFM should not be looked on as a system control; it is the data that will enable you to control your facilities.
OpenStudio offers a superb suite of software. It is open-source, and its large international development community have considered almost every application. You can specify building materials, both surface and subsurface, people, lights, plug loads, gas loads, steam loads, water usage, ventilation requirements and light infiltration. You can then define thermal zones, design the HVAC system, add in boilers and appliances, and model daylighting. The beauty of this approach is that you can model and re-model any element of the design. This means that you can model everything from a window being left open, through to complete replacement of your HVAC system. This means that it has considerable theoretical value to either contribute to or form the basis of a CAFM system.
It is very unlikely that you would wish to use BIM software such as EFEN or OpenStudio in isolation. In order to implement a fully-integrated CAFM you would need to also have a mechanism for tracking assets (computers etc.), booking rooms, controlling stock and procedures for planned maintenance, and other
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business activities. You can purchase basic applications with these threshold requirements already built- in. Some facilities managers will even opt for software that creates security control zones, and other advanced features. Others too will view that their existing systems are already suitable for communicating CAFM information (consider CRM or Outlook Calendar) these managers may choose to integrate a BIM software package with basic word-processing programmes that can provide forms or records, at very little cost.
The UK Government have already made BIM a mandatory technology in all new public buildings. The potential of this technology is only just being realised by facilities managers. Choosing software can be a hit and miss affair, but for the adventurous in our industry. BIM presents great opportunities in developing a CAFM system.
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