Three surprising ways the constructible process impacts owners and facility managers

“Constructible models drive smarter workflows.”

The Constructible Process has a marked impact on the estimating, detailing, fabrication, and building stages of any construction project. The benefits revolve around the use of constructible content, which provides a common language that carries through all iterations of the models used by professionals throughout these phases of the project. Because all these professionals and the models they work with are seamlessly connected, the benefits of The Constructible Process can be attained quickly and efficiently - even as the reality of construction brings to light necessary changes. 

But structural, concrete, and general contractors building the asset are not the only ones to benefit from this. The constructible models developed as part of the Constructible Process also improve pre- and post-building phases. This greatly benefits the building owner and even the facility manager responsible for ongoing maintenance and optimization of the asset after handover. 

Let’s dive a little deeper into how smarter workflows based on constructible models can save time and money long after a building’s construction is complete.

1. Maintenance and optimization

Generally speaking, a facility manager is not going to be involved at all in the planning or construction of the building. However, the building data produced and used throughout the pre-building and building phases can be invaluable sources of information that makes the facility manager’s day-to-day responsibilities easier and more successful. 

A core responsibility of the facility manager is the routine maintenance of all the building’s internal systems. Under “normal” circumstances, these activities involve a lot of investigative work to ensure system components are effectively monitored and serviced. When repairs or proactive replacements become necessary, time and effort must be invested in locating and sourcing the right replacement parts. And what if the in-house maintenance team is unfamiliar with the part in question? This could require additional time to get up to speed on how to perform the repair, or time and money to bring in an outside party. 

In certain instances, time and money can be saved simply by having access to data. Data available in as-built models can include things like part specifications, manufacturer information, and even installation instructions, all organized and accessible when needed. This means that if something is hidden in walls or above ceilings, for instance, facility managers can find things faster. This allows facility managers and their maintenance teams to attack routine maintenance and repairs with confidence, speed, and efficiency. In the future, a constructible model could even make preventive maintenance possible. 

Likewise, the facility manager is interested in optimizing the use of the facility as well as the operational costs the building requires. Optimizing energy usage and how building spaces are used can have a tremendous impact on the structure’s usefulness, longevity, environmental impact, and cost.

Especially in coordination with other building management applications, such as automated HVAC controls, building analytics engines, and space management solutions, facility managers can take advantage of all the data contained in constructible models to develop and execute proactive optimization plans. Doing so reduces the need for costly trial and error and allows facility managers to achieve results faster. 

2. Remodels and reconfigurations

As a building ages, tenants come and go, and the space’s needs can change. Planning for and carrying out necessary remodels, upgrades, and space reconfigurations can be a daunting task, especially if the details of the as-built environment are unknown or inaccurate. 

That’s why the data embedded in the structure’s constructible models makes these future projects faster, less expensive, and more successful. The data and specifications for every aspect of the existing building are already there, and available for instant review. Using the right technology, such as augmented reality or other modern solutions, can make reviewing and manipulating these models simple and powerful, leading to more successful remodeling projects that are completed faster and with less waste.

3. Resale value

Finally, when it comes time for the owner to sell the property, a comprehensive set of building information, including accurate models with robust detail and maintenance records, becomes a valuable addition to the sale. As-built 3D models have the same time and cost-saving benefits for the prospective buyer and the new facility manager as for the original owner of the built asset. 

Without a doubt, facility managers and building owners can rely on constructible models produced during the planning and construction phases to save countless times and money for the life of the building. That’s why constructible models drive smarter workflows. The value of these models goes far beyond the detailing and building of a steel and concrete structure, extending into every aspect of a building’s life cycle, and improving every phase. 

Learn more about BIM for true constructibility 

This article was originally published in constructible.trimble.com