by Shane Henson — November 18, 2013—According to a recent survey conducted by the U.K.’s Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), there is a general lack of understanding among facilities professionals on how building information modeling (BIM) can be effectively used within the built environment.
The results of the BIM4FM survey showed that 35 percent of the FM professionals surveyed were not familiar with BIM or its uses. In light of these findings, RICS is concerned the FM industry is missing out on the added value BIM can bring to the smooth running of buildings, it says.
Of those aware of BIM, 50.5 percent cited the initial investment and maintenance costs associated with implementing BIM as a main concern. However, by investing in BIM at an early stage, FM professionals will have access to more accurate and reliable data about the properties they manage, RICS points out. This will reportedly deliver significant returns on investment and position BIM-enabled practitioners as operating at the top of their profession.
As part of the BIM4FM group, RICS is working with the wider industry and its own membership to encourage greater awareness and ultimately adoption of BIM by FM professionals. RICS is also working to influence government policy to encourage investment and understanding from the sector.
