A BIM-Based Framework for Managing Handover Information Loss

The construction project information for FM team control and maintenance is vital. However, current practices indicate significant data drops during the handover stage, leading to rework during FM systems integration of inaccurate, delivered information. Although challenges in BIM implementation are well studied, there is a current lack of best practices from FM industry experts highlighting challenges with a specific focus on the areas of the data drop. Therefore, the aim is to develop a framework that can reduce data loss and improve data management. The objectives include robust literature review on challenges of information loss during handover phase, management and frameworks; Adopting case study and workshops to identify information loss challenges, framework development and validation with industry experts. This paper adopted a grounded theory approach to explore literature and conducted case studies, including a series of semistructured interviews and a workshop with FM industry experts. The findings show the areas and causes of information loss and how to manage them through the developed information loss management framework (ILMF).

With the start of any type of project, planning and establishing rules from the beginning facilitates the smooth transition between different phases. Similarly, in construction projects, this research provides guidelines on how facility managers can manage information loss when exchanged through projects’ stages. Furthermore, with the continuing advancements in the construction world, the facility management should be equipped with management and leadership guidelines as presented in the proposed framework to reduce data loss during handover. However, there are cost and contractual issues that prohibit any involvement of the facility manager in early project stages. The results of this study provide an identification of professional practices do’s and do not’s that facilitate the management and development of projects with the support of the latest technologies in the market. Ultimately, developing a guide that adapts international standards. The study’s contribution to knowledge includes the development of a new information loss management framework that adopts BIM and ISO standards after exploring the existing data management frameworks in the literature that lack data loss management as a focus. The framework works as a guide for various stakeholders such as designers, contractors with a focus on FM to facilitates data coordination and management to reduce information loss, its creation and validation were conducted in collaboration with industry experts. Furthermore, its novelty lies in integrating FM role, information management, information loss, address project life cycle, and adopts the ISO 19650 series.