Digitization of FM - Experiences from Norwegian Property Managers

Purpose: Explore how Norwegian property managers practise and organize their Operation & Maintenance (O & M) tasks, and study their attitudes and experiences with Digitalization Technology (DT) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the O & M tasks. Methodology: A descriptive approach is used, conducting a brief literature review to identify the benefits and challenges of the digitization of property management and 14 semi-structured interviews among a selection of Norwegian public property managers. The benefits and challenges are analysed and discussed with the topics “Organization & Competences” and “DT and BIM in O & M”. Key findings: The findings indicates that when new construction projects use BIM in the construction phase, a BIM version adapted for the operational phase is likely to be developed. The hospitals studied show that they are developing new in-house competences among the property managers, as they have already been highly involved in both the design and execution phase. The findings underpin the importance and value of their involvement to influence the decision-making of the details for the enrichment of the BIM for the operational phase. They also enhance the benefit of increased collaboration across the disciplines of the health-care staff through the use of DT for a better demonstration of the use for the space and requirements of O & M. However, there are also challenges among the hospitals when transferring information from the Building Automation Systems (BAS) into BIM. The Norwegian municipalities report that they use DT, but mainly BMS/BAS (2D systems) for the O & M tasks, because many of the O & M tasks are working well in 2D. Even so, they have many different databases and systems that do not necessary convert well. Other DT, such as sensor technology and hand-held devices, are more widespread. A major challenge reported is to approach the existing building stock that does not have “digital twin” representation. Yet, this is expected to develop in the future, as the literature underscores that the application and availability of FM products will increase, which is also confirmed by the FM suppliers. Originality/value of the study This study show the value of organizing competences in teams, rather than the traditional way of doing property management. This study confirms the value of a collaborative approach, and that DT assists in better understanding the possibilities and the use of the facilities. This study can motivate other municipalities and public owners to integrate BIM into FM, and become involved in the enrichment of the “digital twin”.