Paul Thompson, Head of Specification and Openings Studio for ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions, discusses BIM within the ever-evolving landscape of facilities management, with a focus on the importance of QR codes and asset tagging…
Ensuring ongoing maintenance and compliance of assets within the built environment is a multifaceted and complex challenge, The stakes are high, and failure to comply with fire safety legislation can mean facilities managers are at risk of fines and criminal charges, but most importantly, it could result in the loss of life.
Modern software systems are revolutionising the way buildings are managed, with an increase the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) solutions. The latest NBS Digital Construction Report found 70% of respondents use BIM, with a further 18% planning to adopt it in the next five years.
BIM not only streamlines operational processes but also enhances compliance with standards like BS 8644-1 Digital management of fire safety information, providing a comprehensive digital solution for managing facilities effectively.
BS 8644-1 sets out guidelines for the digital storage and retrieval of information related to a building’s assets. The integration of BS 8644-1 into BIM models enhances the effectiveness of facilities management practices.
By digitising door information and linking it directly to the BIM environment, it can help to streamline data retrieval and facilitate proactive maintenance planning, ensuring that door systems remain functional and compliant over time.
BS 8644-1 promotes data exchange between different stakeholders involved in door management. Whether collaborating with manufacturers, maintenance contractors, or regulatory authorities, facilities managers can rely on this standard to ensure consistency and accuracy in door-related information exchange.
Unlocking insights with QR codes and asset tags
The integration of QR codes and asset tags into BIM models has highlighted a shift in asset tracking and maintenance operations. These digital identifiers serve as a bridge between the physical components of a building and their corresponding digital representations within the BIM environment.
By assigning unique QR codes to each door set, it allows facilities managers to access pertinent information instantly with a simple scan. These QR codes can be affixed to doors, frames, hinges, locks and other critical components, providing quick access to maintenance records, installation manuals and warranty information.
In the event of a maintenance issue or security concern, facilities managers can use their mobile devices to scan the QR code, enabling them to identify the door set, access its maintenance history, and initiate corrective actions promptly. In turn, enhancing operational efficiency, minimise downtime, and ensures compliance with maintenance protocols for door sets.
Similarly, asset tags play a huge role in asset management and maintenance within the BIM ecosystem, particularly concerning door sets. These physical tags, affixed to door frames or other components during construction or retrofitting, contain unique identifiers that link directly to their digital counterparts in the BIM model.
As building managers navigate the built environment, they can easily locate door sets and access relevant information by scanning the corresponding asset tags. Whether conducting routine inspections, performing preventative maintenance, or addressing security concerns, asset tags streamline asset identification and data retrieval, allowing decisions to be made quickly and effectively.
Introducing Openings Studio
With this in mind, ASSA ABLOY Openings Solutions offers Openings Studio, a comprehensive platform that integrates detailed product data sheets and certification information. This integration equips facilities managers with a tool to verify that each specified component in their building meets current standards and regulations.
The application provides visual representations of not only the bespoke product but also indicative imagery of product in-situ within the 3D model. Each asset carries all relevant technical and design data, and as this is a live working environment it captures and logs progressive design changes throughout design and construction.
Every door logged in Openings Studio is automatically assigned a unique asset tag, which can be affixed to the door as either a QR code or RFID Tag, enabling direct access to the door details, including installation, inspection, and service history.
The asset tag functionality enables direct access from the Mobile App to information such as product specification, hardware schedule, product information, inspection reports, digital images, and change management tracking.
The integration of QR codes and asset tags into BIM software for door sets represents a significant advancement for facilities/building managers. Through digital identifiers, they can optimise maintenance operations for these door sets. As technology evolves, the relationship between BIM and QR technology only promises to drive efficiency, compliance, and security within a range of environments.
