Adopting 7D BIM means organizations can make sure their buildings are built efficiently and kept in top condition long-term. This next level of Building Information Modelling brings together lots of building data in one place, creating a complete digital model.
It’s like having a digital twin of the building, a dynamic replica that lets facility managers monitor performance, predict maintenance needs and make proactive decisions throughout the entire lifecycle of the asset. In this article, I will explain everything about 7D BIM, including the definition, benefits, workflow, and software that we can use.
What is the 7D in BIM?
7D BIM is the ultimate dimension of building information modelling because it provides all the info you need to keep things running smoothly, from maintenance needs to asset conditions and future requirements. In short, it adds facility management to the mix.
3D BIM to 7D BIM, how does it work?
While 3D BIM focus on visual, 4D, 5D, 6D, and 7D BIM add extra element or dimensions that makes the model complete and more useful.
4D BIM includes scheduling and planning data, which helps project teams see the construction sequence and spot any potential issues. That’s why, for more details on 4D BIM, kindly read “4D BIM: Definition, Benefits, Workflow.”
5D BIM adds cost info, which helps you budget and control costs more accurately. If you want to know more about BIM 5D, please refer to our article, “What is 5D BIM? Definition, Features, Benefits, & Applications in Construction.”
On the other hand, 6D BIM is all about sustainability, with energy analysis and environmental performance data built in. You can get more detailed info here: What Is 6D BIM: Definition, Benefits, Software.
Then there’s 7D BIM, which covers the whole building lifecycle, including operation, maintenance and even demolition. As the shifting of BIM 3D to 7D, we’ve seen a shift towards a more data-rich and holistic approach to infrastructure management.
What are the Benefits of 7D BIM?
7D BIM is a great solution for a lot of reasons, including making things more efficient, cutting costs, and being more sustainable. By putting all the building info in one place, 7D BIM makes it easier to plan and carry out maintenance.
As Alcínia Zita Sampaio, Inês Domingos, and Augusto Gomes point out in “The 7D BIM Model Used in the Estimation of the Useful Life of Façade Materials,” the 7D BIM facilitates the “archiving, retrieving and reusing a great volume of data that is normally required in the context of the activity.”
The BIM dimensions 7D are also a big part of making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. That’s why the 7D BIM includes all the details about the building components and systems, so it can accurately predict what maintenance tasks and budgets are needed.
On top of that, 7D BIM can help cut energy use and save money on running costs. By looking at how a building works and how much energy it uses, facility managers can spot where there’s room for improvement and put energy-saving measures in place.
7D BIM Implementations
There are lots of ways you can implement 7D BIM facility management, depending on what you need for your project. For instance, in a healthcare facility, 7D BIM can keep track of when to maintain critical medical equipment.
7D BIM gives you real-time access to data like equipment warranties, operational history and expected service intervals. This means you can make sure that life-saving machines are always up and running.
In residential or multi-family buildings, 7D BIM is used to manage energy use and cut utility costs. The digital model lets facility managers look at how energy is used and spot where there’s room for improvement.
This can result in the introduction of energy-saving measures, such as upgrading HVAC systems, improving insulation, or adjusting lighting schedules to reduce electricity consumption.
As Rhijul Sood and Boeing Laishram explain in their paper, “Challenges in Implementation of 7D-BIM for Infrastructure Asset Management,” the 7D BIM can be used for all sorts of things, like identifying building components, planning maintenance and improvements, and even doing operational energy analysis during the design phase.
This shows how 7D BIM can be used in lots of different ways to manage different parts of a facility.
In a multi-family complex, 7D BIM can help you manage energy consumption and cut utility costs.
At the end, we can say that the great thing about 7D BIM is how versatile it is. It can be adapted to suit the specific needs of any facility.
7D BIM Software
There are lots of different software platforms out there that support 7D BIM implementations. Each one has its own set of tools that are designed to help with different parts of facility management.
Autodesk Revit
Autodesk Revit is a well-known BIM software that offers features for asset tracking, maintenance scheduling, and energy analysis.
Bentley Systems AECOsim Building Designer
Bentley Systems AECOsim Building Designer is another solid platform that supports 7D BIM. This 7D BIM software helps facility managers get the best out of their buildings and keep on top of maintenance.
Graphisoft ARCHICAD
This software also has 7D BIM capabilities, which help you create data-rich models and analyse them to make better decisions.
Dynamo
Sampaio, Domingos, and Gomes talk about how Dynamo, a visual programming tool, for enhancing BIM-FM integration. Dynamo lets you create scripts to automate tasks and pull specific data from the BIM model. You can even use it to predict how long building materials will last.
This shows how 7D BIM software can be used in different ways to suit different needs and applications. Ultimately, though, it all comes down to the specific requirements of your project, your project budget, and what your project team prefers.
So, How to Get the Best 7D BIM Effectively?
7D BIM facility management software should be selected based on its ability to support the desired functionalities and integrate with existing systems. However, a major issue with adopting 7D BIM is a lack of in-house resources or expertise.
Building a dedicated team is also time-consuming and requires a significant investment in training and technology. That’s why we at Interscale offer a full range of BIM management services.
Have a look at our Interscale BIM Management support page, read our case studies, and see how we’ve helped other AEC companies overcome their challenges. We’d also love to catch up – maybe over a coffee and a croissant?
Let’s talk about the BIM issues you’ve been facing and see how we can help you resolve them.
In Closing
7D BIM modelling is a great way to manage a building from start to finish. While there might be a few hurdles to overcome when it comes to 7D BIM, the potential benefits are huge.
Shifting from BIM 3D to 7D can lead to better building performance and lower operational costs. That’s why we’d love to hear what obstacles you’re facing in adopting 7D BIM facility management. Why not grab a coffee and a croissant and share your thoughts with us?
FAQ about 7D BIM
How does 7D BIM benefit facility management?
7D BIM benefit facility management by providing detailed information about building components, maintenance schedules, and warranties, enabling efficient asset tracking, proactive maintenance, and reducing long-term operational costs.
Who typically uses 7D BIM?
7D BIM is used by facility managers, asset managers, and building owners who need to manage and maintain a building over its lifecycle, as it provides detailed insights into maintenance needs and operational efficiencies.
Industries like healthcare, education, hospitality, and large-scale commercial developments, which involve complex facility management needs and long-term asset upkeep, benefit significantly from 7D BIM.
What software tools are commonly used for 7D BIM?
Various BIM software tools support 7D BIM, including Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, and Bentley Systems, which offer specific modules for asset management, lifecycle cost analysis, and maintenance tracking.
