Building Lifecycle Management (BLM) involves “adaptation of product lifecycle management – like techniques to design, construction, and management of buildings.” It requires a standardized ontology and the integration of disparate competencies, technologies, and processes.[1]
In other words, BLM is “the practice of designing, constructing, and operating a facility with a single set of interoperable data.” [2] It is operationalized through a robust Product Lifecycle Management system, which creates an efficient environment for coordinating complex Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) data.
Building Lifecycle Management requires accurate and extensive Building Information Modeling (BIM). BLM adopts a BIM Level 3 approach that enables a highly efficient collaborative process based on manufacturing industry best practices.
BLM enables BIM Level 3 and improved construction predictability, long-term value for owners and AEC profitability. The core benefits of employing BLM are:
improved productivity, sustainability and quality
reduced waste, risk, and cost
These benefits are achieved through BLM’s ability to eliminate rework, reduce Requests For Information (RFIs), centralize data, contextualize information, and near-accurately predict outcomes.
BLM Enables Improved Productivity
Centrally managed data helps remove version control issues, chances for human error, and even the need to manage files.
Rework, redundant drawings and iterations can be drastically reduced when all users access a single live database via web services
Inefficient RFIs, submittals, and change orders can be reduced or eliminated with users proactively resolving issues in real-time using a BLM system.
BLM enables Increased Quality and Value from Suppliers
Using BLM, designers can make better decisions within a richer data context and maintain greater control over the quality of the finished product.
Collaborating in a BLM environment can help construction firms and building systems manufacturers develop a greater understanding of project requirements.
With reliable data, builders and suppliers can improve coordination, execute more quickly, and accurately realize the design intent.
Building Lifecycle Management also offers built-in governance and traceability, improving accountability across the disciplines.
BIM enables Reduction of Waste, Risk, and Cost
BLM is designed to reduce waste by more accurately predicting outcomes, identifying potential points of conflict, and optimizing processes.
BLM also reduces risk to the project schedule, worker safety, and overall construction budget.
BIM Helps Gain a Competitive Advantage
The potential opportunity for AEC firms to gain a competitive advantage is to adopt BIM Level 3 approach early, before the market calls for further mandates.
Getting ahead of the curve with a BLM system enables a team to become more efficient than competitors, deliver higher quality, gain the loyalties of owners and design partners, and retain a healthier profit margin.
In addition to Building Lifecycle Management services, Zero/Six Consulting also provides related services like Building Lifecycle Cost Analysis. For more details, Read about Building Lifecycle Cost Analysis
Bill is the managing and founding partner of W.H. Coltzer International (WHCI), Zero/Six Consulting, LLC (an architecture and exterior building envelope consulting firm), Z6 Commissioning, LLC (a performance testing firm), and Coltzer Company, LLC (construction company). As the son of a general contractor, Bill grew up participating in the family construction business and after graduating from Texas A&M in 1984, became a licensed Architect in 1993. Since the creation of Zero/Six Consulting, LLC in 2003, Bill has participated in the remediation, design, and testing of numerous facilities across the Nation ranging in values of a few million dollars to over a few hundred million. The combination of construction knowledge, architectural training, and real-world experience gives Bill a unique perspective in the dispute resolution process.
Jeff is the Director of Engineering of Zero/Six Consulting, LLC (an architecture and exterior building envelope consulting firm). After graduating from The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Jeff has used his expertise in the field with roofing, waterproofing, and fenestration inspections, as well as in the office with computer-aided drafting, modeling, and engineering analysis. He has been deeply involved in the testing aspects of building envelope commissioning serving as the Quality Control Manager to ensure the Z6 ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory and team are strictly following international test standards to accurately, objectively, and impartially report on the integrity of building materials and products to certify that the installed systems interface as intended. Jeff has been Appointed Qualified Inspector by The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).