Identifying Motivators and Challenges to BIM Implementation Among Facilities Managers in Johannesburg, South Africa

The use of technology such as building information modelling (BIM) during the operational and management phase of a building helps to improve facilities and asset performance. However, the slow uptake of building information modelling (BIM) in the facilities and asset management industry diminishes the value derivable from properties and assets in general. The current study examines the motivation to adoption of BIM in the facilities and asset management industry and identifies barriers or challenges to BIM implementation in the sector. A field questionnaire survey was used to collect data among facilities management firms in Johannesburg South Africa. Empirical data from 17 participants were analysed to output frequencies on the challenges of BIM implementation. Findings revealed that competitive advantage, innovativeness, peer-push, as well as organisational image and objectives were motivators for adopting BIM in facilities management. The challenges of BIM implementation were mostly a lack of knowledge (trained personnel) on how to use BIM in facilities management, data management quality, lower data management standards (quality) at the operational stage, inadequate data provision for maintenance and management of facilities. Other issues included limited coordination or cooperation from team members and stakeholders on projects, absence of guidance on best practices to ensure performance optimisation and facilities management support using BIM, and financial commitment and infrastructure involved. © 2020 The Authors. Published by Budapest University of Technology and Economics & Diamond Congress Ltd Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2020.