In recent years, governments and industries around the world have placed a strong emphasis on building information modelling (BIM) as an essential tool for construction projects. BIM has been proven to improve collaboration, increase efficiency, and reduce costs in the construction process. However, one aspect that is often overlooked but equally important is the implementation of BIM in maintaining the golden thread and managing facilities after construction.
This is where the concept of "golden thread" comes into play. Golden thread refers to the digital traceability of information throughout a building's lifecycle – from design, construction, handover, operation and maintenance. It ensures that all relevant information about a building or facility is captured and easily accessible for the stakeholders involved.
But how can we demonstrate golden thread assurance on construction projects and facilities?
Establishing a Common Data Environment
A Common Data Environment (CDE) is a centralised platform that enables collaboration, coordination and management of project information throughout its lifecycle. This includes all documents, models, and data related to the project. By implementing a CDE, all stakeholders involved in a construction project have access to the same information, ensuring consistency and accuracy throughout.
From years of experience, EDocuments finds that the project information will exist within many platforms and separate software products and may well be duplicated and inconsistently named and managed.
The EDocuments platform has been specifically designed to produce Operation and Maintenance manuals (O&Ms). To do this the platform is a large database that extracts data from many different sources and software products such as other databases, CDEs, 3D models, Revit files, Microsoft Office Documents, COBie and many more. The EDocuments platform, then using templates, workflows and rules, combines all this data into a consolidated digital O&M.
Utilising BIM Execution Plans
BIM execution plans (BEPs) are crucial documents that outline the specific processes, standards, and goals for using BIM on a particular project. The BEP typically includes details such as the project's BIM goals and objectives, the roles and responsibilities of the project team members, the BIM software, and tools to be used.
EDocuments can be used to hold and maintain the BEP, and importantly the platform uses the Asset Information Requirements (AIR) to control the gathering of information.
Understanding and Implementing Asset Information Requirements (AIR)
Asset Information Requirements (AIR) is another key component of the golden thread in BIM. Essentially, AIR refers to the data and information needed to manage the built asset during its operational phase. It outlines what information is needed, when it is needed, and who is responsible for providing it.
The process of defining AIR should begin at the earliest stages of a project, and it should be regularly reviewed and updated as the project progresses. The information captured in AIR must be precise, thorough, and standardized to ensure that it is useful for the facility management team in the long run. Thus, a well-defined AIR is a crucial aspect of ensuring the golden thread's continuity, from the project's inception to the built asset's operational phase.
The EDocuments platform uses the AIR and specifically the level of information (LOI) and classification sets (such as Uniclass) to control what information is required and to define the validation rules for all data that is contained within the platform.
The Level of Information (LOI)
The Level of Information (LOI) defines the level of detail and accuracy required for the information within Asset Information Requirements (AIR). LOI attributes specify the extent of information needed, including parameters such as graphical representation, non-graphical data, and performance criteria. It helps in ensuring that the right level of information is provided at each stage of the asset's lifecycle, supporting effective decision-making and efficient facility management.
The EDocuments platform imports the LOI rules into its database and then uses these rules to control what attributes are required at a given stage and to validate the data.
The EDocuments Platform Golden Thread
The EDocuments platform records the changes that are made to information over time. One of EDocuments platform key advantages is that it holds all data in a granular form, and therefore provides a very detailed view of changes to the information. Whenever information is created or edited, the changes are logged into a transaction log with details of who was responsible for the update.
To make the gathering of information more efficient, the platform automatically gathers information such as files, 3D models, Assets, from other CDEs and software platforms such as Autodesk’s BIM360, ACC, Revit models, IFC files and many more.
When the platform automatically gathers information, it makes an entry each time into its golden thread transaction log.
EDocuments Golden Thread and COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange)
COBie defines a common structure for organising data.
COBie is a key part in the “golden thread linking”, giving us a consistent data-structure when we exchange data between other software platforms, such as BIM and Facilities Management (FM).
COBie was developed to simplify the process of capturing and recording project information, including equipment lists, product data sheets, warranties, spare parts lists, and preventive maintenance schedules. It helps reduce the costs of handing over information to the client and the facility manager and ensures that critical information is available for the operation, maintenance, and asset management of the facility.
When we exchange data between systems, we often talk about performing a data drop. COBie data drops are structured data sets of the project information that are delivered at different stages of the project. Thus, COBie facilitates the process of delivering the right project information to the right people at the right time. COBie therefore assists us to maintain the golden thread across the project's lifecycle.
Edocuments is built to import and export COBie and uses COBie as its underlying data structure which ensures data is as accurate as possible. It also makes it simple to build software connections between the platform and any other software system that understands the COBie schema. EDocuments has already developed connections to many other 3rd party software platforms and CDEs. Customers may also develop their own connections to the platform using the application interface (API) which software developers can use to build bespoke data solutions.
Testing the Golden Thread for Validity and Accuracy
To verify that the golden thread is both valid and accurate, it is essential to conduct regular audits and reviews throughout the lifecycle of the project. These audits should be aimed at ensuring that all information is being properly recorded and updated in the platform.
One effective method is to use the automated validation tools. These tools automatically check the data and models against predefined rules and standards, identifying any inconsistencies or errors. They can test the completeness of the data, its compliance with the BIM Execution Plan, and whether it meets the Asset Information Requirements.
Another technique involves conducting random sample checks of the data. This process involves manually reviewing a selection of the data to ensure it accurately represents the built asset and that it aligns with the project's standards and requirements.
Finally, external audits can provide a valuable third-party perspective. These audits, conducted by external information experts, ensure objectivity, and can reveal potential oversights or areas of improvement that may be overlooked by the project team.
In conclusion, testing the validity and accuracy of the golden thread requires a combination of automated tools and manual checks, alongside regular reviews, and external audits. This rigorous approach helps ensure that the information remains accurate, up-to-date, and useful for all stakeholders throughout the project's lifecycle.
References:
- “Construction To Operations Building Information Exchange Standard” by United States Congress
(https://nationalbimstandard.org/) - “Understanding the golden thread“ by UK Government
(https://buildingsafety.campaign.gov.uk/)
