The Management of Sharing, Integrating, Tracking, and Maintaining Data-Sets, is a New and Rather Complex Task

Abstract

With the improved uptake of Building Information Modelling (BIM) new issues are emerging. Prime in these tasks is how it is presented to the various stakeholders, in tailor made views to reflect their demands and requirements. In this fragmented sector strong in the concept of phased handovers new methods of feedback loops need to be developed, and other stakeholders outside the procurement process need to be included to progress and manage the practice. Within this scenario is the role of the facility manager, who currently operates separately to the procurement stakeholders. Bridges need to be built to bring them closer together especially in light of life cycle costing and sustainability if the buildings operations and maintenance issues are to be addressed in the design phase. The model's ability to host work phases or stages opens up a method to co-inhabit the model to accommodate both sets of stakeholders. This filtering of the model has both tremendously positive aspects but conversely larger issues of ownership and custodianship have not to date been satisfactorily resolved. There is a major role for proper management here, which has not been appropriately identified. Initially there was a clarion call to architects to adopt this role and a few years ago this seemed to return the lead role to this noble profession. But patently they are neither prepared nor keen to take on this role. Constructing architects however do seem to want this discipline which can raise their profile and possibly lead to professional recognition and prestige.