How to make better use of data gathered during design and construction to produce and maintain smart and sustainable facilities

by Aaron Peterson and Andrew Arnold

A shift to data-driven technology is changing almost every aspect of our economy. The availability and affordability of cloud computing is driving the ability to consume, analyze and package data into shareable blocks of information. Sensors can communicate with computing systems in real-time. Artificial intelligence (AI) reasoning based on the availability of data allows computers to assist, intervene and control an increasing number of functions.

In the AEC industry, virtual design and construction (VDC) and the creation of a building information model (BIM) have improved collaboration, the ability to simulate building performance, and the use of robotics to automate job and manufacturing plant functions. The age of paper drawings and pdf files during design and construction is growing obsolete. The same could be applied to the operation and maintenance of facilities.

What if the data collected during design and construction could be easily accessed to efficiently and effectively operate and maintain facilities? For this level of data integration, there are three stages that need to be considered:

• Data standards development. Before a project starts, owners must survey the systems used on their other facilities to allow them to develop the data standards (e.g., what assets need to be managed, what data is required, etc.) that will be collected and used for the future.

• Start with the end in mind. For a new project, the data and FM specifications need to be determined during design so that FM requirements are reflected in the final design and the proper data captured during construction. A BIM Execution Plan as part of the construction contract will help ensure that the right data is inputted as it becomes available, and it is properly named and classified with the necessary attributes associated with each asset. The data from the BIM becomes the starting point for owner-managed systems such as maintenance management, space management and building automation.

• Data maintenance. After project turnover, the data model that describes the building and its assets and spaces needs to be maintained. If this is not done properly, the model will quickly degrade as the building is modified and its assets are replaced, repaired, etc.

In conclusion, the proper use and visualization of data can lead to significant FM advantages for building owners. Imagine faster and more accurate identification of building problems and their resolution, faster responses to regulatory agencies, longer equipment lives, lower energy use and better building performance for users. It’s time to turn building data into building intelligence to produce smart and sustainable facilities.

Authored by Aaron Peterson (left) and Andrew Arnold of VueOps, a data integration platform that helps owners access information to better operate and maintain their facilities. VueOps connects project documents, asset data, models and spaces and integrates with lifecycle management tools to help ensure facilities are run optimally.

For more information visit www.vueops.com