Exploring Different Information Needs in Building Information Modelling (BIM) Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)

Managing information for construction projects has been a crucial task where information technology (IT) was employed to tackle this issue. Building information modelling (BIM) is considered to be the first truly global digital construction technology; it is a process that aims to inform and communicate project decisions through creating and using an intelligent 3D model. BIM is claimed to be an effective tool for information exchange, which involves digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of the building. However, the involvement of interdisciplinary stakeholders within a construction project implies different data requirement, thus various information needs. The complexity of information and data required to deliver this information in construction projects is an on-going issue, thus understanding the nature of this complexity is needed. This paper aims to investigate different information needs from multiple perspectives, and raise awareness towards data requirement that BIM can incorporate. CATWOE as one of the analytical tools of soft systems methodology (SSM) will be used to demonstrate different data requirement. The data is obtained using interviews conducted on facility management team and end-users from newly operated building. The paper concludes with a proposed road map suggesting different required data from design to operation. Further work is needed to check BIM capabilities in terms of integrating this data, and whether interoperability issues would require additional tools to support BIM process. This paper provides essential awareness towards information needed from BIM, thus resulting in a more productive building.