BIM-Based Method to Inform Operation and Maintenance Phases through a Simplified Procedure

The use of BIM in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) industry is becoming increasingly widespread. Nevertheless, interoperability with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) remains a significant challenge in the domain. Furthermore, available applications require high expertise to correctly implement the data export, don’t allow incremental database updates and are overall non-cost-effective, moreover in the case of small and medium-sized structures. At the same time, given the need to invest in a more sustainable built environment, it is necessary to consider the whole lifecycle of constructions, including the operation and maintenance phase, while designing. In the framework of this scenario, the paper presents a research work which defines a method to implement interoperability between BIM and CMMS software by using the IFC open standard, to allow an easier management of buildings, from design to decommissioning. This method, devised to be as feasible as possible, combines an operational procedure and a practical tool. The work was supported by the software house Prometeo Srl and the Facility Management company GEMMO SpA. The method was developed based on the Feltre Hospital (Italy) and results, that were technically validated through an ad hoc BIM model, can be used by other practitioners to further implement the method in other research.