Perspective towards the Perceived Benefits and Challenges on Building Information Modelling - Facility Management (BIM-FM) Integration at an Early Stage of BIM Projects

Abstract

Building information modelling (BIM) is the most recent facility management (FM) technology adopted in Malaysia. However, management and information technology (IT) system improvements are required for the adoption of this technology. Incorporating BIM and FM at an early stage of a project has the potential to yield significant benefits but may also increase project risk. Through a survey, this study aims at investigating the prospective benefits and challenges of BIM-FM integration in the early phases of a BIM project. 109 (55.6%) of the 196 facility management companies in Klang Valley answered a questionnaire survey that was sent to them. To determine the perceived benefits and obstacles of the integrated BIM-FM process, mean scores and standard deviations were computed. As a result, respondents perceived positively that integrating BIM-FM in the early phase of the BIM project will increase performance, improve collaboration and communication, increase FM business values, and reduce costs and time. In the meantime, all respondents agreed that organizational, process and technological factors influence the early adoption of BIM-FM integration in the Malaysian construction industry. This study substantially contributes to the current understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of BIM-FM integration in the early stages of BIM projects in Malaysia.