TOPIC 2 - BUILDING INFORMATION

SYSTEM
Sr Huraizah binti Arshad, MRISM,
Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Architecture Planning & Surveying
UiTM PERAK
 LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Ability to grasp the concept of Building Information

System

2. Ability to differentiate various components of

building information system
 INFORMATION SYSTEMS (IS)
• An information system (IS) is a
computerized database
designed to accept, store,
process, transform, make useful,
and analyze data and to report
results, usually on a regular,
ongoing basis.

• It is often construed as a larger

system including not only the
database and the software and
hardware used to manage it but
also including the people using
and benefiting from it and also
including all necessary manual
and machine procedures and
communication systems Hevner
et al. (2004).
• According to O'Brien, J A. (2003) defined information system is
a form of communication system in which data represent and
are processed as a form of social memory.

• An information system can also be considered a semi-formal

language which supports human decision making and action.
 NEW TECHNOLOGY
• IT technology is a very important component of a
modern Building Information System.

• These may be itemized as follows:

a) Knowledge-based Expert Systems
b) Computer Aided Design
c) Robotics and Vision Technology
d) Data-base Management Systems
e) Hypermedia
 Knowledge-based Expert System
(KBES)
• A branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Assists in the diagnosis of building defects and
implementation of management policies and
priorities.
• KBES must provide explanation facility as an
important design tool.
• Used in problem areas where knowledge is
constantly changing, non-procedural and requiring
human instincts (heuristics).
• KBES must enable all levels of user expertise to use it
to ensure defects are correctly diagnosed.
Moisture meter/Humidity Meter
Crack Meter (Gauge)
 Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• CAD systems provide comprehensive information in
magnetic form about the as built physical features of a
building.
• CAD system’s best feature is its ability to create many
different layers including:
a) Site plan
b) Structural grid – piping, tunnel, transformer
c) Air-conditioning ducts
d) Water supply
e) Waste disposal system, etc
• Upon completion and handing over, additional layers
such as maintenance requirements may be super
imposed on the original design.
 Robotics and Vision Technology
• A branch of AI.
• Used in modern construction sites and for inspection
works.
• Can recognize crack patterns.
• Vision technology used in combination with
diagnosis features of KBES may produce accurate
diagnosis of defects and reducing misdiagnosis
costs.
• Robotics technology significantly reduces human
casualties in challenging maintenance sites.
 Database Management Systems
(DBMS) & Hypermedia
• DBMS is a form of proprietary software on PCs.
• Used in property management for accounting
purposes.
• Hypermedia integrates CAD with DBMS, audio,
video and still pictures to produce an integrated
information system.
• Users retrieve information in a CAD environment.
 Technology
_______

Real Estate Industry

STRATEGIC INFORMATION DATABASE
[Building Maintenance Management]

• A dynamic system employing maintenance

history of the building, management policies,
strategies and priorities; combined with heuristics
and expert knowledge to respond to
maintenance requirements and aid property
management decision-making.
• The system may be integrated with new
technological systems to best serve user needs.
• Example: Maintenance Control System (MCS).
- Maintenance programmes
- Maintenance activities
 BUILDING INFORMATION SYSTEM
(BIS)
Introduction
▪ Information is crucial in management/building maintenance
due to:
✓ Many users with different requirements
✓ Used in many different ways
▪ Property management and building maintenance operations
require and generate large amounts of data.
▪ It is therefore critical that this data be collected and
processed into management information.
▪ Information is a function of data, a process and the needs of
users.
▪ A comprehensive information communication system is best
stored and used from a well-designed and competent
computer-based system.
▪ However, not all buildings employ state-of-the-art technology;
some still use manual systems.
▪ Maintenance and IT systems must be integrated and applied
in line with the maintenance policies, objectives and criteria.
 COMPONENTS OF THE INFORMATION
SYSTEM

• Information management involve the design of a system in

which data is collected and processed into management
information.

• Issues:
i. Raw data is converted into management information and
may sometimes generate new data;
ii. Data may be collected or generated within the system; or
may exist as external entity;
iii. Information systems exist to serve user needs which are
undefined thus an appropriate system must be designed
to produce appropriate information to those needs.
Information system in terms of input and output
 COMPONENTS OF THE INFORMATION SYSTEM

Management
information

technology
technology

Data operations
technology technology

Data internally or externally

derived
 STAGES/GENERATION IN BUILDING
INFORMATION SYSTEM
1. Record and filling systems were manual.
2. Early computerization was used to replace existing manual
system – account department and processing department.
3. Cross boundaries of application – duplication and
proliferation in an unstructured manner.
4. Need for an integrated approach and a more formal and
effective information system.
5. Computer-based system used for monitoring and control
resources. Accelerated by a move towards user-friendly
hardware and software, and simpler data processing.
6. Database concept were developed – storage in a common
filing system.
7. Natural evolution in network and mini-system.
8. Efficient information flow – dominant force.
 BENEFITS OF BUILDING INFORMATION
SYSTEM
• Information is the key to efficient property and building
maintenance.
• The process of filling and retrieving information when required
has been changed dramatically by the introduction of
computer hardware and commercially available software,
the latter with flexible management programs for every
aspect of the process.
• Benefits of BIS :
➢ Managing the workload
➢ Virtually eliminating the incidence of mistakes in all records
➢ Spreadsheet capacity enhanced the ability to show
detailed financial information, apportionment of service
charge and other fees – automatic calculation.
➢ Help in routine activities by using various
programs/software.
 FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENT OF BUILDING
INFORMATION SYSTEM
1. User friendly - users
2. Robust, reliable and supported – hardware and software
3. Flexibility – design of the system
4. Comprehensive and adaptable – latest changes
5. Cost effective – value for money
6. Compatible - changes
 COMPUTERIZED MAINTENANCE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
• A CMMS software package maintains a computer
database of information about an organization’s
maintenance operations - is the heart of an effective
preventive maintenance program.

• A CMMS has the capability to provide maintenance

management and staff with an automated tool
capable of scheduling inspections, preventive
maintenance, managing inventory, work orders and
retrieval of recorded asset history.
• Functions –

i. Asset management – add, view and manage

your assets
ii. Documents management – documents
reporting, statistics, and contract linking
iii. Expenditures – capital planning and expenses
iv. Reporting – report maintenance and inventory
v. Work orders management – scheduling tasks,
preventive and proactive maintenance at your
fingertips
 BUILDING DEFECTS REPORTING
SYSTEMS
• The inspection is one of the routine activities in
maintenance works.
• The paper-based form wasted a lot of time, effort and
materials – required an efficient management – reduce
budget.
• Defect complaint – complaint form online – types of
facilities, defects and location in details.
• The technician will monitor the complaint received from
users – ‘immediate repair’, ‘need a spare part’, ‘need
external contractor/supplier’, ‘not economical to repair’.
• Status of the works (user’s view) – ‘not repaired’, ‘being
repaired’ and ‘repaired’.
• Analysis of works – monthly to yearly accurate
information in maintenance planning.
Information system in terms of input and output
 Management
information

technology
technology

Data operations
technology technology

Data internally or externally

derived

Components of the information system

 References
1. Douglas Scarrett. (2011). Property Aset Management.
Routledge. E & FN Spoon.
2. Chanter, B. and Swallow, P. (2007). Building Maintenance
Management. UK. Blackwell Publishing.
3. Wood, B. (2009). Building Maintenance. UK. Blackwell
Publishing Ltd.
4. Mathur, K. (1995). ‘Building Management Information
Systems’. In Building Maintenance Technology in Tropical
Climates (Ed. Briffett, C.), Singapore. Singapore University
Press.
END