Search Results (92)

Despite the operational phase being the most cost-intensive in a building’s lifecycle, Facility Management (FM) resource optimization continues to face challenges due to fragmented and low-structured data. Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers a centralized data environment, but interoperability gaps persist between design-oriented BIM models and operational Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMSs). This paper presents a scalable, standards-based methodology for BIM-CMMS integration based on the extension of Industry Foundation Classes (IFCs) and the enrichment of FM data. The proposed Python-based application leverages the open-source IfcOpenShell library to inject custom, FM-specific Property Sets (Psets), including asset condition, criticality, and maintenance schedules, directly into IFC entities. The approach transforms standard IFC files into data-rich Asset Information Models (AIMs) without relying on proprietary middleware. The methodology was validated through two residential building case studies. IFC models were successfully checked through the buildingSMART validation service, providing full interoperability across multiple IFC-compatible platforms. Integration with OpenMAINT automatically generates a complete asset database, minimizing manual data entry and reducing inconsistencies. The results confirm the feasibility of a repeatable open-standard workflow. The future development is the definition of a functional/cognitive DT, with the scope of improving the lifecycle BIM model quality and enhancing the efficiency of facility operations. Full article

Emerging technologies are transforming Facilities Management (FM), enabling more efficient and accurate building inspections and maintenance. Mixed Reality (MR), which integrates virtual content into real-world environments, has shown potential for improving operational performance and technician training. This study presents the development and evaluation of an MR-assisted system designed to support facility operations in academic buildings. The system was tested across three case scenarios, namely plumbing, lighting, and fire sprinkler systems, using Microsoft HoloLens^®. A mixed-methods approach combined a post-use questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with twelve FM professionals, including technicians, inspectors, and managers. Results indicated that 66.67% of participants found the MR interface highly effective in visualizing systems and guiding maintenance steps. 83.33% agreed that checklist integration enhanced accuracy and learning. Technical challenges, including model drift, latency, and occasional software crashes, were also observed. Overall, the study confirms the feasibility of MR for FM training and inspection, offering a foundation for broader implementation and future research. The findings provide valuable insights into how MR-based visualization and interaction tools can enhance efficiency, learning, and communication in facility operations. Full article

Organizational learning refers to the systematic development, exchange and dissemination of knowledge throughout the organization. Organizational learning processes in construction are disrupted by the decentralized flow of information and the temporary, short-term nature of project teams. The emergence of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has significantly enhanced the ability to capture and disseminate construction project knowledge within the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management (AEC-FM) sector. Despite this progress, existing research has predominantly focused on the technical aspects of BIM, with limited evidence on its effects on organizational learning capabilities. This study addresses this gap by examining how BIM shapes organizational learning mechanisms within AEC-FM contexts. Employing a systematic literature review (SLR) approach, 104 articles from the Scopus database were analyzed using scientometric and thematic analyses. The systematic review of the literature was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. The SLR provided a comprehensive examination of BIM’s contribution to strengthening the three core organizational learning mechanisms: experience accumulation, knowledge articulation, and knowledge codification. The thematic analysis revealed seven BIM-enabled organizational learning factors that are expected to strengthen learning mechanisms in AEC-FM organizations: agility of thinking and reasoning skills; enhanced decision-making; interconnected stakeholders’ relationships; integrated business processes; BIM-facilitated project knowledge sharing; BIM-supported project knowledge retention; and BIM-supported project knowledge extraction. Findings suggest that BIM significantly facilitates learning mechanisms within AEC-FM firms. A conceptual model of BIM-supported learning mechanisms was developed to highlight opportunities for enhancing organizational learning capabilities in the BIM environment. Full article

This paper introduces a digital framework that integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Facility Management (FM) to enhance the lifecycle performance of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). Addressing the limitations of traditional drainage such as poor resilience and fragmented maintenance, the framework consists of the following four layers: BIM-based 3D asset modeling, sensor-driven monitoring, FM-integrated operations, and climate-informed adaptive planning. Grounded in systems engineering and aligned with International Standard ISO 19650 standards, it enables a dynamic digital twin to support continuous feedback and predictive maintenance. Illustrated through diagrams and comparison, the framework promotes adaptability and long-term sustainability in urban water infrastructure. Full article

Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) is rapidly emerging as a pivotal technology for advancing Facilities Management (FM) toward smart and sustainable buildings. This systematic review, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, critically evaluates 3DP applications, benefits, and challenges across core FM domains—construction, maintenance and repair, supply chain management, and specialized applications—through analysis of 179 studies. To our knowledge, this represents the first comprehensive, FM-specific systematic review of 3DP implementation frameworks. Evidence synthesis reveals that 3DP enables on-demand, localized manufacturing of bespoke components, with documented inventory cost reductions in maintenance applications, substantial production cost decreases for complex geometries, and significant lead time improvements from traditional procurement cycles to rapid on-demand fulfillment for spare parts applications. However, quantitative evidence remains limited and context-dependent, particularly regarding economic feasibility and scalability. 3DP adoption in FM faces significant barriers: quality assurance protocols, workforce readiness, BIM/IoT integration challenges, and regulatory uncertainty. This review identifies the absence of validated decision-making frameworks to guide FM professionals on 3DP implementation versus traditional alternatives, a fundamental research and practice gap. Through structured quality assessment and stakeholder analysis, we propose strategic recommendations emphasizing cross-sector collaboration, standardization development, and workforce upskilling. A novel conceptual decision framework supports practical implementation decisions. These findings position 3DP as potentially transformative for sustainable building operations while highlighting critical research priorities for systematic FM sector deployment. Full article

The Facility Management (FM) sector is often hampered by data fragmentation and poor interoperability, hindering operational efficiency. To overcome these challenges, Semantic Web Technologies (SWTs) offer a robust framework by enabling machine-readable data integration. However, the application of SWTs in FM is underexplored. Therefore, this study systematically analyzes the structure, evolution, and emerging trends of SWT applications in FM to provide a clear research roadmap. A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis were conducted on a final dataset of 107 academic articles using co-citation and keyword co-occurrence analysis. The results reveal that research in this domain has experienced exponential growth since 2021, with publications concentrated in high-impact journals. While a core group of influential authors has emerged, international collaboration remains fragmented. Thematic analysis identified a clear evolutionary trajectory from foundational concepts like BIM and ontologies toward applied Digital Twins and, most recently, advanced automation using Knowledge Graphs. This study provides a comprehensive roadmap for future inquiry, highlighting the need to mature technology integration, advance applied digital twins, and develop domain-specific ontologies to create more intelligent facilities. Ultimately, this study provides managers and policy-makers with a data-driven reference for strategically prioritizing investments in digitalization to achieve sustainable facility operation. Full article

Current practices in the construction industry could negatively affect the long lifecycle of building management due to the lack of information and stakeholder management. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of integrating BIM models into facility management systems (FMS). This paper conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with industry experts in the FM sector. It used a structured questionnaire to identify the hierarchy arrangement of the identified CSFs using statistical analogies. The findings demonstrated a robust consistency with significant correlation, alongside a strong correlation established using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and strong agreement using Kendall coefficient. Additionally, the Relative Importance Index (RII) was employed to prioritize factors according to the professionals’ assessments, yielding the subsequent impact ranking: (1) define the OIR, AIR, and FM information requirements; (2) acquire correct files, data, and formats; and (3) update of information requirements during the defect liability period (DLP). These findings would help in assisting the management of information during FM operations by establishing clear guidelines to be added into the EIR in the early project initiation stages for a successful integration of BIM-FMS for more efficient life cycle management, operation, and maintenance by the FM. Full article

Building maintenance decisions are complex and often influenced by various factors. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods have been widely applied to address this complexity, yet guidance on selecting the most appropriate method for specific problems remains limited. Considering these, the purpose of this study is to provide a guidance for the nexus of MCDM methods and facilities management (FM) and building maintenance with the aim of supporting the selection of the most appropriate MCDM method for a specific problem. To achieve this, the study first offers a comprehensive overview of MCDM applications in FM and building maintenance through a systematic literature review guided by the PRISMA framework combined with scientometric analysis. This approach identifies key trends, reviews the methods most frequently employed, and outlines future research directions. From an initial pool of 4291 records retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science between 2000 and 2024, 107 studies were further analyzed. Using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, the review maps the application of MCDM methods in FM and building maintenance over this period. As a major outcome of the study, a contextual MCDM Method Selection Matrix is developed, linking specific FM and maintenance problems to the most suitable MCDM methods. The findings reveal growing adoption of hybrid MCDM methods and highlight persistent challenges, including subjectivity, uncertainty, expert qualifications, methodological gaps, and technology integration in the decision-making process. By providing structured guidance on method selection, the contextual MCDM Method Selection Matrix supports researchers and practitioners in achieving consistent, data-driven, and context-sensitive decision-making, ultimately enhancing the longevity, efficiency, and sustainability of the built environment. Full article

Interoperability between Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Facility Management (FM) depends on open, vendor-neutral standards. Yet, operational uptake remains constrained by fragmented workflows, incompatible schemas, and non-standardized delivery. This critical review synthesizes OpenBIM pathways—within the buildingSMART ecosystem (Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), Construction–Operations Building information exchange (COBie), Information Delivery Specification (IDS) v1.0, buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD)) and the Level of Information Need (ISO 7817-1:2024)—across technical, managerial, and strategic dimensions. We searched major databases and used guided snowballing to screen a core corpus. Technically, persistent semantic inconsistencies and limited real-time, bidirectional exchange remain; open standards enable machine-checkable deliverables and API-friendly serializations. Managerially, weak Organizational Information Requirements (OIR) → Asset Information Requirements (AIR) → Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) alignment and unclear acceptance criteria undermine FM readiness. Strategically, procurement and risk management should mitigate vendor lock-in. We highlight gaps in FM ontologies and BIM–IoT synchronization and outline an agenda for Digital Twins, automation, and verifiable FM data quality within OpenBIM ecosystems. Full article

The confluence of financial constraints, climate change mitigation efforts, and evolving user expectations has significantly transformed the concept of facility management (FM). Traditional FM has now evolved to enhance sustainability in the built environment. Sustainable facility management (SFM) can add value to companies, organizations, and governments by balancing the financial, environmental, and social outcomes of the FM processes. The systematic literature review revealed a limited number of studies developing a performance measurement framework for SFM in office buildings and/or other building types in the literature. Given that the lack of this theoretical basis inhibits the effective deployment of SFM practices, this study aims to fill this gap by developing a performance measurement framework for SFM in office buildings. Accordingly, an in-depth literature review was initially conducted to synthesize sustainable performance measurement factors. Next, a series of focus group discussion (FGD) sessions were organized to refine and verify the factors and develop a novel performance measurement framework for SFM. Lastly, consistency analysis, the Bayesian best worst method (BBWM), and sensitivity analysis were implemented to determine the priorities of the factors. What the proposed framework introduces is the combined use of two performance measurement mechanisms, such as continuous performance measurement and comprehensive performance measurement. The continuous performance measurement is conducted using high-priority factors. On the other hand, the comprehensive performance measurement is conducted with all the factors proposed in this study. Also, the BBWM results showed that “Energy-efficient material usage”, “Percentage of energy generated from renewable energy resources to total energy consumption”, and “Promoting hybrid or remote work conditions” are the top three factors, with scores of 0.0741, 0.0598, and 0.0555, respectively. Moreover, experts should also pay the utmost attention to factors related to waste management, indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and H&S measures. In addition to its theoretical contributions, the paper makes practical contributions by enabling decision makers to measure the SFM performance of office buildings and test the outcomes of their managerial processes in terms of performance. Full article

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of higher education (HE) buildings significantly impacts the built environment sector. This research aimed to optimize learning environments and enhance student comfort, especially post-COVID-19. The study adopts the principles of Post-occupancy Evaluation (POE) to collect and analyze various quantitative and qualitative data through environmental data monitoring, a user perceptions survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals. Although the environmental conditions generally met existing standards, the findings indicated opportunities for further improvements to better support university communities’ comfort and health. A significant challenge identified by this research is the inability of the facility management to physically manage and operate the vast and complex spaces within HE buildings with contemporary IEQ standards. In response to these findings, this research developed a BIM-based prototype for the real-time monitoring and automated control of IEQ. The prototype integrates a BIM model with Arduino-linked sensors, motors, and traffic lights, with the latter visually indicating IEQ status, while motors automatically adjust environmental conditions based on sensor inputs. The outcomes of this study not only contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable building management, especially post-pandemic, but also demonstrate an advancement in the application of BIM technologies to improve IEQ and by extension, occupant wellbeing in HE buildings. Full article

This study addresses a critical deficiency in real estate management by examining how contractual arrangements between property owners and facility managers (FMs) can mitigate reputational damage arising from third-party liability incidents. While Spanish regulations impose comprehensive conservation and maintenance duties on property owners, current contractual frameworks inadequately protect owners from reputational risks when damages occur due to FMs’ negligence or operational failures. This conceptual study employs a systematic analysis of 16 Spanish regulations governing real estate conservation and maintenance duties, complemented by an examination of the statutory contract law and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis to evaluate the proposed solutions. The analysis reveals four distinct liability attribution blocks, ranging from quasi-objective owner liability to full objective installation holder liability. Current service contracts between owners and FMs provide insufficient reputational protection, as civil liability remains with the property owners regardless of the FMs’ performance. This study identifies specific contractual mechanisms—combining statutory work contracts with representative mandates and installation ownership transfers—that effectively redirect tort liability from owners to FMs. While this study focuses on Spanish regulatory frameworks as a methodologically necessary foundation for theoretical development, the conceptual framework provides transferable mechanisms for adaptation to other civil law jurisdictions. This study constitutes the first comprehensive analysis bridging legal architecture and facility management to propose novel liability transfer mechanisms within established frameworks. Full article

Integrating building information modeling (BIM) with Internet of things (IoT) technologies significantly enhances facility management (FM) by enabling advanced real-time monitoring of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). However, technical complexity, proprietary limitations, high software costs, and unclear long-term benefits hinder practical adoption. This study suggests a way to combine BIM and IoT using open standards like IFC and JSON, simple programming tools like Node-RED, and secure cloud services. A case study of a six-story office building showed that real-time IEQ sensor data can be combined with organized BIM information, helping to make better decisions about maintaining, replacing, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. This integration offers essential data needed for using advanced analysis techniques, specifically tackling issues with compatibility, ease of use, and organizational challenges, which is especially advantageous for small-to-medium-sized office buildings. Nevertheless, this study faced limitations due to restricted real-time data access from existing building management systems and preliminary predictive analytic capabilities, highlighting a need for improved direct data integration and robust analytical methods in future implementations. Full article

The real estate sector is increasingly recognizing facility management (FM) as a key driver of asset value. Among emerging technologies, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Management Systems (BMSs) stand out for their potential to enhance FM efficiency by integrating design data with building operations across the entire lifecycle, from construction to maintenance, performance monitoring, and renovation. While their technical applications have been widely studied, the financial impact of these tools on FM remains underexplored. This paper addresses that gap by estimating the economic value generated by implementing BIM and BMS in real estate facility management. Based on thirteen semi-structured interviews with professionals from the Italian real estate sector, we identified and quantified cost-saving factors and challenges related to digital adoption. These cost efficiencies, when recurring and quantifiable, can improve net operating income (NOI), thereby supporting higher asset valuations under income-based real estate appraisal methods. The results show that integrating BIM and BMS in facility management may generate average annual cost savings of 5.81% relative to asset value, with coordination improvements alone accounting for up to 3.28% per year. Based on a 30-year simulation, these savings correspond to a positive Net Present Value (NPV), supporting the financial viability of digital FM adoption in real estate. This study offers empirical evidence to support investment decisions in digital FM technologies and contributes to bridging the gap between innovation and financial evaluation in the real estate sector. Full article

Effective asset management in the architecture, engineering, and construction/facilities management (AEC/FM) industry is crucial for improving asset performance and lifespan, as well as reducing downtimes and maintenance costs. Current asset management practices mostly rely on outdated paper-based approaches that are prone to data loss, security attacks, and missing information. Emerging technologies, such as digital twins, are being proposed to solve existing asset management problems in the AEC industry. However, the industry perspective is often missing in the evaluation of such technology-led approaches regarding actual applications and implementation challenges. This study seeks to understand the potential of digital twins in solving current asset management issues and challenges within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) context. To achieve this aim, structured interviews were conducted with 14 industry experts to capture their understanding of current digital technologies and existing issues in asset management. The findings of this study underscore the transformative potential of digital twins as a tool for optimizing asset performance and decision-making throughout the asset lifecycle. Full article