BIM based CAFM planning | CAFM Solution

CAFM digital building design

(CAFM pre-design)

The deployment of a CAFM system to support a facility can begin before the construction itself starts. This requires Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is completed during the building design process. The model created is perfectly suited to the task, replacing a building that does not yet exist in reality.

BIM models in the CAFM system

The BIM model provides an accurate and precise basis for a CAFM system. It can be loaded up with alphanumeric data and even help you to make decisions between different scenarios for the future building. For example, it can be used to see how an office building should be allocated, or to plan a cleaning protocol in advance.

BIM can simulate and optimise building design and construction processes using comprehensive digital models. This includes, of course, the life cycle of buildings, as well as the various operational details. Thanks to BIM models, detailed information on any building component can be obtained at any time.

Why is all this good for pre-designing the facility management?

The BIM model provides a perfect basis for the design and can be loaded into the CAFM system with alphanumeric data. This is a great facilitation for all users. Work processes can proceed faster and more smoothly. It offers clear and transparent ways to ensure that the right solutions are chosen correctly before planning and decisions are made.

Once the BIM model is created and loaded into the CAFM system, it can be fully customised, personalised and adapted to your own designs.

``When it comes to large-scale and complex industrial investments and the construction of facilities, it is no longer enough to try to keep things under control with conventional means, especially if we are thinking about economical implementation.``

Additional benefits of combining BIM and CAFM

BIM, and the CAFM system built on top of it, offers the possibility to facilitate the different processes with the information needed for design, construction and operation. We are thinking here of design, prefabrication, engineering and quality control, construction coordination, digital handover and facility management itself.

In fact, there is a link between three-dimensional virtual models and planar drawings in BIM-based software. Whether in 2D plan views or 3D model views, we can edit the models. Any changes we make are made in all views.

Simpler workflows based on photos

For modifications, new installations or design processes, professionals always rely on accurate measurements and information on local conditions. However, existing plans can often be outdated, or incomplete and new surveys can be costly.

The system helps you create scale-accurate 3D models from simple photographs. With just a few clicks, surface and volume models can be created directly from the images, and special objects such as walls, windows, doors or pipes can be created from the catalogues. Thanks to integrated interfaces, the models can also be exported for further processing. Measurements on individual objects are also easy to perform.

High level cost efficiency

Generally speaking, BIM modelling reduces the cost of building construction by about 10% compared to conventionally designed houses. This means that already during the construction phase – within a year or so – the additional cost of a digital ecosystem project is doubled by the additional cost of BIM design. This is effectively the same as the total design cost.

In addition, buildings designed with BIM models are at least 20-30% cheaper to operate. As a result, the additional investment in design can pay for itself up to 20 times over the lifetime of the building. Thus, the total construction cost of the facility can be recovered by adding up the fees that we do not have to spend during operation.

But let’s take a concrete example to further illustrate the high cost-effectiveness of this opportunity! For a building worth 10 billion HUF, designed and operated in a BIM ecosystem, the design costs 500 million HUF more than in a conventional case. This amount is doubled in the first year, which is practically equal to the total design fee. In the following 20-30 years, the full construction cost will be recovered.

In addition, there are other benefits to this possibility. For example, an office building built and operated under the above-mentioned scheme can be offered to the market at a much more competitive rent. It can therefore generate much higher profits. In the case of a factory, the same means cheaper product costs, more reliable production, faster and simpler operation and less energy consumption.

The benefits of combining BIM and CAFM

All information in one place

BIM, and the CAFM system built on it, offers the possibility to facilitate the different processes with the information needed for design, construction and operation.

Easier decision-making

The system is also a great help when you have to decide between different scenarios for the future building.

Fast and quality work

It results in a high degree of speed and precision in both design and construction. It also makes it easier to keep track of changes. The amount of extra work is reduced and there is less stress.

Cost-effectiveness

On the one hand, the investment cost is reduced, while the quality remains the same, and on the other hand, the cost of operation is orders of magnitude lower and faster.

Digital twin technology can be used in the design

The digital twin combines the accuracy of 3D models with the visual richness of high-resolution panoramic images to create a fully accurate, virtual replica of the facilities and assets.

It makes it easy to keep track of all the changes without having to constantly go to the site. Even after the building has been handed over, it can be a crutch if you need to trace back a process. Digital twins of buildings, tools and technical equipment can help with day-to-day operations, but they can also be a major asset during the planning and documentation phase.

It all starts with data collection

The very first step in the process is always data collection. First, existing data is checked, then new information is added and organised. The survey can be carried out with high-resolution cameras, laser scanners or drones, depending of course on the size of the construction. The resulting data, as well as floor plans and other descriptive data provided by the client, are processed and finally sorted into a database.

If BIM models are available, they can be integrated into the CAFM system and linked to the photos and all the data they contain can be extracted. The cost of creating a digital twin can be reduced by up to 90% using photographs and a combination of intelligent IT and artificial intelligence.

For development projects, where everything takes place in existing buildings, simple plans or models are very limited in their ability to reflect the conditions. The system remedies this too, as the scale-accurate, preliminary design can be seen directly in the image models. On the one hand, this makes the design process easier and more transparent, and on the other hand, it helps to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Additional benefits with the digital twin

Visual construction documentation helps to make it smooth and easy to keep track of changes and deviations that occur during any construction project. Dimensional image models – which can be panoramas, mobile phone or drone images – always show accurate information about the current position of the site. Thanks to the integrated timeline, not only can the construction process be documented, but past conditions can also be retrieved and reviewed. Hidden installations such as underground pipelines can also be made visible again.

Photo-realistic digital twins provide a completely realistic representation of the locations and processes. With just 2 clicks, users can visit any place and look around. Thanks to information points, all relevant data, information and documents can be found directly in the system. This way, users always have access to all information and there is no need for time-consuming searches.

Layout planning

The most effective and simplest way to plan the layout of rooms and areas is to use plans as a template. However, it is difficult for the end-users to imagine the environment based on these plans. This is also where the system can help.

It shows real ideas at an early stage and supports change management. Furniture and various fittings can be integrated as 3D objects in the image models, which can then be superimposed on the screen or in virtual reality. Of course, the actual design is still done in 2D, but the 3D visualisation is automatically generated from it. The finished designs, including equipment, can then be transferred to the CAFM system.

Training with the system

Effective training of new staff is essential, especially if they will be working in complex technical systems. In many cases, training must also be conducted on the systems in question, which can mean disruptions to normal operational processes.

With virtual reality, this is much easier. Image models allow you to visualise the real environment in high resolution, full detail and to scale. You can even see small things on the model, such as a nameplate or a sign. In addition, every detail can be accompanied by instructions, information or descriptions. To make the experience even more immersive, we can use digital twins to create a virtual representation of reality. It is certain that no training has ever been so easy and smooth!

Design and customisation of the CAFM system

At CAFM Solution, we provide ongoing support from project inception to long-term, ongoing customer support. This of course includes training in the use of the systems.

Facility management with CAFM

Thanks to CAFM, we can save a lot of time and money, as all technical, economic and legal information is easily accessible in a single system. The documentation, based on efficient and accurate surveying technology, allows for a quick and accurate overview, and therefore improves the space and resource utilisation of the facilities and reduces the time spent on planning and maintenance.

And thanks to the digital twin, it only takes 2 clicks to view any location as if you were there. The information points make it easy to find all the information or even documents you need. This definitely makes it barrier-free and easier to operate.

CAFM modules

The CAFM system is made even better by various modules that greatly simplify our work and the control of important processes. Examples include the energy management, maintenance, reservations, and asset management modules. In addition, we can rely on simplified management of reports, contracts and accounting. Each module has a highly efficient file structure, simple search facilities and a fully customised, easy-to-use interface.

Do you have a project we can help you with?

Each of the CAFM modules has an efficient file structure, easy search capabilities, and a customized, easy-to-use interface. In addition, their application is further enhanced by digital twin technology, which can really be a great help in use, no matter which module we are talking about. Virtual and photorealistic displays make it easy to find everything and access all the documents you need with just a few clicks.