CAFM system designed for operating facilities

In the case of an existing facility that is already in operation, we can also benefit from the many advantages of a CAFM system. In this case, spatial data that is only partially or completely missing is determined using 3D survey technology.

How is the CAFM system set up?

As each room in the building will be measured with optimised accuracy, we will get a fully realistic result and picture when the BIM (Building Information Modelling) model is created. We will then start loading the model into the CAFM system, which can then be customised to suit individual needs.

The user will have the possibility to further build a system of their own choice, such as energy management, in which hierarchical data sets and up-to-date data from smart meters can be evaluated together.

``Facility operations staff spend around 30% of their working time searching for information and locating information.``

New foundations for facilities and asset management

Can you imagine how much time and money we could save if we could access all the technical, economic and legal information in one system, quickly and locally? Documentation based on efficient and accurate measurement technology can be an extraordinary support in all this. It can improve the use of space and resources in facilities and reduce the time spent on planning and maintenance.

This is possible by building a CAFM system based on different spatial data, 2D floor plans and 3D BIM models. Whether it is surveying and documenting power plants, factories, underground facilities, monuments, roads, railways, bridges, underpasses, overpasses or even caves, the system knows no bounds.

Construction digitalisation

Steps to digitise an existing facility

  • Data collection and processing

    The first step in the process is data collection, which involves a survey of the areas and properties concerned. This is done very accurately, but also incredibly quickly, and we can have a 3D model of the facility within a few days, as well as 2D and blueprints if required.

    The special 3D laser scanner creates point clouds with perfect accuracy. These files, created from hundreds or thousands of different measurement positions, are then integrated into the appropriate system by establishing a traditional geodetic base point network.

  • Documentation

    The final result is always produced according to the client’s request, which can be 2D documentation or a 3D BIM model. In the case of the former, a site plan, floor plan, sectional drawing and facade drawing with the required level of detail and information will be placed on the plan sheets as requested.

    In a 3D BIM model, 3D technical documentation is based on real geometries. This gives a perfectly transparent and organised output that effectively supports facility management tasks and the use of the CAFM system.

    We can choose a BIM model with different details and features according to our needs. This model contains all the information we may need now or in the future. In BIM-based CAFM software, there is a live link between the three-dimensional virtual model and the 2D and planar drawings. The model can be edited in both views and the changes made are implemented in each.

  • Implementation of the CAFM system

    The system is designed to link both elements and information to the surveyed data. It allows you to display data selected according to certain criteria, but also to perform analyses and statistical calculations. These functions can provide a wealth of valuable information, such as coordinates, building functions, equipment types, etc., which can be used as a basis for planning, renovation and operation.

Advantages of the CAFM system

Consistency and accuracy

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.

Energy support

The CAFM system can support energy management, hierarchical data sets and up-to-date data from smart meters can be evaluated together.

Efficiency

It also improves the efficiency of the division of labour and the relationship with different suppliers. We can also produce statistics, case studies or even consumer habits can be monitored.

Time and cost efficiency

We can save a lot of time and money by being able to access all technical, economic and legal information in one system, quickly and locally.
Digital twins in industry

The importance of the digital twin

A digital twin is in fact a virtual copy of a physical object. It reveals a virtual reality that encompasses every detail, thanks to the precision of 3D models and the visual richness of high-resolution panoramic images. You can track every change and find details even after a construction or renovation project is complete.

Digital twins of buildings and assets, including technical equipment, help day-to-day operations and bring huge benefits in terms of both design and documentation. Thanks to digital twins, you can find out everything about a site from anywhere with just one click.

Always up-to-date information

The design and continuous updating of the photorealistic digital twin is based on the creation of photographs, using revolutionary technology to create simple photos and videos. Whether it is a modification or a system replacement, all you need to do is take new photos and upload them. The twin will then be updated automatically. The excellent image quality that is easily achievable with commercially available digital cameras allows you to see even the edges and contours of parts very accurately and clearly in the system. The individual images are merged by the system using proprietary algorithms, so the panoramic model is absolutely dimensionally accurate. Moreover, each element is positioned in the digital world in the same way as in reality.

Real images are combined with the virtual world of data to create a photorealistic digital twin that creates a whole new type of visual access to whatever data or information is at hand.

Simpler and clearer operation

CAFM software is the perfect solution for consolidating and coordinating multiple facilities, property or service management disciplines within a single central system. This makes processes run much more smoothly, gives you detailed insight into operations and makes it easier to see everything immediately.

As well as increasing business efficiency, it can also help you automate routine tasks. You can store all the data and information you need and easily find any detail when you need it. We can also create reports to help with decision making and track expenses for cost efficiency.

BIM CAFM system

Possible applications of the CAFM system

There are many advantages to using a CAFM system. To give you a better idea of what it can do, we have highlighted a few of the ways in which it can be a great crutch, but of course the list is by no means exhaustive.

Development

The system makes it easy to calculate, for example, the surface area, wall thickness or even the amount of paint or tiles needed. But it can also help you to calculate air capacities in engineering.

Quality control

It can be used to simplify quality control processes such as a collision check, but also to produce a discrepancy statement between plans and facts. You can even use it to perform a fault map analysis for more efficient future operations.

Planned / executed comparisons

Buildings are always renovated or rebuilt. For this reason, existing plans quickly become outdated, making a site visit essential for an effective analysis. This, in turn, is extremely costly.

But with the system, everything changes, as you can conveniently carry out the above checks from the comfort of your workplace or home office. All common floor plan and model formats can be imported and then placed in the coordinate system. With just one click, any deviations can be immediately viewed and commented on.

Documentation/inventory

As the image models are simply updated with new images at regular intervals or after any changes, it is easy to get a comprehensive picture of everything. And the integrated time axis also allows you to bring up past situations. This allows you to take an up-to-date inventory at any time.

Central information service

All data can be found and accessed in the image model. All you have to do is click on the object in question and all the information is immediately displayed on the interface.

Design

The system allows scale-accurate, preliminary planning directly in the image model. This simplifies the design process and eliminates any unpleasant surprises later.

Support for maintenance

The system is a great help in ensuring that maintenance and repair measures are carried out smoothly, as all the information is available in one place. Thanks to interfaces, current measurement values as well as data from previous surveys can be directly displayed in the image model.

Training and education

Virtual reality makes it much easier to train new colleagues. Image models allow you to visualise the real environment in high resolution, full detail and to scale. This way, there is no need to interrupt workflows when training on a particular system.

CAFM modules

The system supports our work with various modules that can simplify, for example, the management of reservations, the supervision of maintenance, the promotion of energy savings, as well as possible troubleshooting. In addition, our contracts and reports will be in one place, and we will be able to see the accounting more easily. Of course, we also have many other options thanks to the modules. The CAFM modules have a powerful one-to-one file structure, easy search capabilities and a fully customized, easy-to-use interface.

Do you have a project we can help you with?

CAFM modules all have an efficient file structure, simple search options and a customised, easy-to-use interface. All this is further enhanced by the digital twin technology, which can really help you to use whichever module you choose. Thanks to the virtual and photo-realistic displays, you can easily find everything and access all the documents you need with just a few clicks.
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