What is the Asset Information Model (AIM) in BIM?

The Asset Information Model (abbreviated as AIM) is the unique set of necessary information brought together from different sources and collated to facilitate asset management and decision making in BIM (Building Information Modeling).

Asset Information Model is generally built in the later stages during the operations and follows the Project Information Model that is typically elaborated and created during the design and construction phase.

What Kind of Information AIM Provides?

AIM or Asset Information Model generally offers insights and explanations into three types of information:

• Original design intent of the project
• 3D BIM models and other records related to construction design
• Details about asset owners, survey channels, conditions, restrictions, performance attributes, and project deliverables

What is the Importance of Asset Information Model in a BIM Project?

Asset Information Model allows project teams to get all the important project information that is built on fully populated asset data to enhance collaboration and decision making throughout the process. This helps data administrators and process managers collate all types of inputs and take detailed inferences for making more cohesive, accurate and informed decisions.

AIM comprises models that offer a systematic and seamless pool of asset information that can be accessed in a common data environment. This brings together different project professionals like data managers, administrators, and technicians to collaboratively extract and process data to derive meaningful information across asset lifecycle and act upon it for ongoing management and overall project success.

This model works as a supporting platform for the information management process of a construction project that involves various assets and resources that are part of the operational framework. This involves different types of information models that deal with different data resources across operational phases. This allows the team to organize the scattered project data by identifying, validating, combining, and processing it through a single information source.

AIM is also known to facilitate project maintenance activities in the latter part of the project. It provides a complete system to track and assess performance, need for repair and replacement, regulatory changes, procedural and material configuration, and process compliances.

With this, AIM-driven project workflows allow proactive and reactive maintenance of construction projects. This ensures smooth operations while reducing process lags and risks and elevating project output at scale.

Points to Consider While Framing AIM Strategy for Your Project

While planning to implement Asset Information Model in your project and aiming for the best value out of it, a fool-proof strategy should be appointed towards key actionable parameters and practices. Here are a few key tactical areas to address:

The Integrity of Asset Information Model Must be Assured

Project information processing and resource sharing in a common data environment may raise concerns of data discrepancy or loss. As AIM is essentially dependent on highly volatile CDE operations, it should be duly appraised for integrity, authenticity, and accuracy through PASS 1192, which is an Information Management Process (IMP). This can be taken care of by a data administrator, a data manager, or a data technician as a team or at a sole capacity as the situation demands. Here, these experts may be involved to authenticate the entire system for statutory compliance and technical consistency or may validate a phase-based data transition in the model to assure integrity in the system.

Data Collection and Validation Should Follow a Pre-defined Path

It is important to have a pre-defined system and a clear path to collect and validate data. To be able to arrive at the proper plan and identify a compliant system with the way data should be collected and validated, the project team should establish clarity over the format and approach that will be the part of the process. This step is crucial for ensuring hygiene and quality of the data to be used further in the process and duly taken to the next stages of the BIM project.

Have a Backup Strategy For Smooth Execution

AIM as a construction management tool offers a single-point data repository to deliver proactive input for the design, construction, and operational phases. This requires a continuous processing and movement of data for asset information management and performance evaluation. These may require a hefty data action and may have a risk of losing or compromising data to mishandlings, malpractices, or breakdowns. Therefore, it requires a fool-proof data backup strategy and disaster recovery plan to make sure the project data and the confidential information is intact and safe against any situation in the worst case scenario.

Wrapping Up

The Asset Information Model (AIM) in BIM is a powerful tool for managing asset lifecycle data. By integrating design, construction, and operational insights, AIM ensures informed decision-making, enhanced asset performance, and efficient maintenance. It empowers stakeholders to achieve cost-effective, sustainable outcomes and maximize value throughout the asset's lifecycle.

FAQs

What is the relationship between the Project Information Model (PIM) and the Asset Information Model (AIM)?

The PIM evolves into the AIM during the operational phase of a project. While the PIM focuses on design and construction, the AIM manages all data and graphical elements related to the physical asset during its lifecycle.

How does AIM provide real value to asset owners and managers?

AIM consolidates data from virtual construction models, design intent models, and survey work, enabling performance evaluations, maintenance planning, and reliable decision-making for space configuration and asset management.

What kind of data is managed within an AIM?

The AIM includes both graphical and non-graphical data, such as federated building information models, space configurations, maintenance schedules, and performance metrics, ensuring efficient management of single assets or entire portfolios.

How does AIM enhance collaboration and data security?

AIM allows granular permissions for business collaborators, ensuring secure access to information gathered. It integrates with software products and other systems to maintain industry standards and overall responsibility for asset management.

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