We were approached by WestConnex with the challenge to make BIM work inside AIS. This problem was defined in four key areas:

1. Asset identification and classification - We needed to firstly make sure there was a unique identifier and 1:1 relationship between model objects and the asset register. In a 3D model can be disorganised, so the first challenge was to determine the identifier and direct relationships of assets vs picture, this then needed to be further classified within hierarchies, families and logical organisation structures.
2. Built Assets vs BIM Objects - The second challenge was in grouping the objects. When looking at a 3D model there could be 50 objects that make up the asset, however not all components are part of the maintenance schedule. E.g. A bus stop, we may maintain the bus stop, but not the chair, or sign, so we needed to identify, classify and make sure the relevant objects that make up the asset were grouped.
3. Built Assets Data Deliverables - The third problem to overcome related to the concept of graphical data vs non-graphical data. We needed to determine where the data was coming from, and which data needed to live within the 3D model vs maintenance tool, to make it as data light as possible and manageable in a work execution environment.
4. Operate & Maintain (O&M) vs Design & Construction (D&C) Models - Looking at a design and construction model, there was an expansive and intricate level of detail, which isn’t valuable or relevant in O&M. Our challenge was to determine these intricacies and turn this into an O&M model that focused on the key asset elements and remove the irrelevant ‘noise’ from the picture.

The challenge we faced was how can we make BIM work inside asset management system. This was uncharted waters. Finding a solution to this challenge had never been done before, so we approached it by thinking about the technicians and asset managers, putting the end users real-life problem front of mind, and how we could design a solution that they would benefit from – essentially reverse engineering a solution from technicians perspective of work execution.

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We had a lot of dead ends, naysayers and non-believers, and had to ignore a lot of the standards. We adopted the mindset to throw out the rulebook, challenge the status quo and prove the naysayers wrong.

Three key takeaways;

• The earlier O&M and D&C can talk the better
• Always have the end user in mind. Know your ‘why’ of building it. What is the benefit to the end user? E.g. the technician
• There is no rulebook. Be bold and confident that what your building may not confirm to the prescribed rules and standards of the past. This is where the change starts.