Archibus Smart Client Extension for Revit

BIM Execution Plan: Commissioning

As operating costs in properly commissioned buildings are up to 15% lower than in non-commissioned buildings, the commissioning process is a key focus for facility management.

Commissioning is often considered to be that single phase in the lifecycle of a building when it is handed over to facility management. Commissioning is more effective, however, if it is seen as a process that begins in design. The commissioning process is one of ensuring that a building fulfills its stated function. As with any other analysis or review, the earlier the feedback from commissioning, the less expensive it is to correct deficiencies, and the less work there is for all stakeholders to meet the established quality bar.

Archibus provides a number of opportunities to enhance commissioning with BIM-enabled tools.

Web Publishing Facilitates Early Review

Design firms that use Archibus can automatically publish views of their BIM models, spaces, and equipment to Archibus, and commissioning agents can view them over the Web. This review lets the commissioning agents give feedback early enough in the process that all stakeholders can synchronize with less wasted effort.

  • For instance, if the commissioning agent sees that rooms are numbered in a manner suitable for an architectural schedule but not suitable for way-finding, the architect can change that numbering early in the process, and avoid deep confusion during project handover.
  • Similarly, if the commissioning agent finds that walls and columns objects aren't properly categorized so that internal area boundaries calculate correctly to BOMA standards, the architect can modify the object properties early on.
  • Or, if the commissioning agent finds that equipment identifiers and types are not appropriate for asset management or preventive maintenance uses, again, the design team can synchronize early to the enterprise data standards with which the commissioned elements need to conform.

Benefits of early review: Aside from speeding occupancy and commissioning, early review helps ensure that the quality of the data meets the bar for lifecycle management. Early review saves changes that are expensive and often impossible once the project gets close to construction.

Consistent Standards

Archibus validates Revit model data to ensure consistent standards.

BIM Execution Plans often focus on defining what standards the handoff data must meet -- such as space standards for chargeback or equipment standards for preventive maintenance. While it is essential to define standards, doing so isn't sufficient. Unless the systems that you have automatically enforce validation standards and error checking, the data is unlikely to meet the customers' standards on handover. Towards that end, Archibus provides a direct Web-based connection from Revit to the enterprise database so that as architects create the data, Archibus can validate the data against the project standards

Benefits of using Archibus for consistent standards: Even if you use the built-in Revit Properties dialog to edit data, Archibus reacts to the data change and performs validation in order to keep the model and the enterprise data in synch.

Document Repository

You can use the Archibus Document Repository to link documents to multiple elements:

  • Some organizations store links to documents -- such as links to equipment maintenance procedures or shop drawings -- in the graphical building model itself or in a .zip file that comes with a COBIE submission. Archibus provides an alternative, which is to use the Web to upload documents directly to the Archibus document repository.
  • In Archibus, you can link documents not just to the building and equipment elements. You can also link to commissioning checklists, preventive maintenance procedures, regulations, schedules for permits and renewals.

Benefits of using the Archibus Document Repository:

  • Using Archibus lets your contractors and commissioning agents upload and review data over the Web without needing to download and load large BIM models.
  • Keeping the documents outside the model also helps keep the Revit graphical model smaller and more manageable. Archibus still maintains the link directly to the elements in the BIM model, so you never lose the links to the 3D design information. For instance, if your contractors upload Equipment Standard and preventive maintenance information over the Web, Archibus can automatically flow that Equipment Standard to all linked equipment within the Revit model.

Specific Recommendations for Commissioning Projects

Archibus can generate commissioning project checklists directly from the space and equipment objects in Revit, providing a complete set of checklists for field verification.

In your BIM Execution Plan specify that:

  • The architect will connect their design models to Archibus for wider review, and use the enterprise graphics feature to allow Web-based review of both graphical and numeric information for all stakeholders.
  • The architect will use the Archibus validation picklists for space and equipment data to ensure consistency.
  • The equipment contractors will upload specifications, commissioning tests, and certification documents to Archibus.
  • The equipment contractors will supply any schedule data, such as Equipment make, model, or serial numbers or corrections to equipment manufacturers, via the Web in Archibus.
  • The certification agents will review the design at preliminary concept design, final concept design, and after design development to give feedback that will lower effort for all stakeholders.