FEBRUARY 2020CIOAPPLICATIONSEUROPE.COM9With the support of appropriate software (Building Information Modelling), a digital twin (3D) of the developing building is modelled together and combined with all relevant building datafor real time condition assessment of the building technology, maintenance and repair orders are automatically triggered depending on the data obtained, thus avoiding unnecessary defects as well as unnecessary service activities.Digital Processes and Digital TwinIt is not only the digital level of building technology that plays an important role. Only in conjunction with the adaptation and digitalisation of the related processes can these develop their full positive benefits. At the beginning of every construction project, the client defines the objectives. The project team (architects, civil engineers, specialist planners etc.) has to understand relatively quickly what the client needs, when, at what cost and in what quality. It is therefore essential that Facility Management already plays an important strategic role in the construction planning phase in order to define the correct data concept for later use phase and also to reduce later usage costs through active input.This is made possible by the widely used Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) principles developed by Stanford University. These describe the methods and processes of integrative unified planning. With the support of appropriate software (Building Information Modelling), a digital twin (3D) of the developing building is modelled together and combined with all relevant building data. Adjustments in the model and associated consequences (also for later use) are so easy to recognise. This digital twin accompanies the structure into the use phase and serves as a fundamental basis for various other systems in the long term.CAIFM and Big DataFacility management, which assumes the task of strategic and operational management within the use phase of the building, requires static and real-time data for this purpose. For strategic management, static data such as building space, higher-level KPIs on performance, costs and quality are required, while operational management also works with real-time data on equipment availability, equipment states, service requests, etc.In order to meet these needs, Facility Management primarily uses CAIFM systems (Computer-Aided Integrated Facility Management), which are often provided web-based by the Facility Service provider. These serve to provide the facility information and support the relevant work processes, such as budget and project planning, performance metrics, assessment information, maintenance management, move management, service management, ticketing etc. For the operative processing of the related work orders, mobile devices (such as tablets, mobile phones etc.) connected to the main system are already state of the art.In addition to the use of static building data, real-time data from the BMS/BAS (Building Management System/Building Automation System), which ensures the monitoring, control and regulation of the facilities, is usually also integrated into the CAIFM system. Currently, various system providers are also working on the integration of the digital twin. The main challenge lies in the limitation of the required data, since the model also contains a lot of data that is unnecessary for the use phase and would go beyond the scope of information. For this reason, several systems (CAIFM, BMS/ BAS, BIM) are still being used in parallel.The possibilities of digitalisation in Facility Management are enormous and far from exhausted. They already offer the possibility of controlling buildings like cars via a cockpit, with high cost-benefit transparency, more flexible use of buildings and improved services. Today's living and working environment is undergoing a fundamental change. Some of them are merging. Locations are losing importance. Buildings and thus also Facility Management will have to take on new roles in the future.
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