Integration of PLM Solutions and BIM Systems for the AEC Industry

Abstract

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions have been serving as the basis for collaborative product definition, manufacturing, and service management in many industries. They capture and provide access to product and process information and preserve integrity of information throughout the lifecycle of a product. Efficient growth in the role of Building Information Modeling (BIM) can benefit vastly from unifying solutions to acquire, manage and make use of information and processes from various project and enterprise level systems, selectively adapting functionality from PLM systems. However, there are important differences between PLM's target industries and the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry characteristics that require modification and tailoring of some aspects of current PLM technology. In this study we examine the fundamental PLM functionalities that create synergy with the BIM-enabled AEC industry. We propose a conceptual model for the information flow and integration between BIM and PLM systems. Finally, we explore the differences between the AEC industry and traditional scope of service for PLM solutions.

Comparing PLM and BIM from the Product Structure Standpoint

“…Moreover, the complexity and the large uncertainties of the collaborative environment in the construction industry suggest great caution. In the same period, Aram & Eastman [8] proposed a discussion on the improvement of BIM with PLM functionalities. They noted that it should be necessary to modify and adapt many aspects of current PLM technology before being able to apply it in construction due to the major differences between the construction and the PLM's traditional target industries [8].…”

“…In the same period, Aram & Eastman [8] proposed a discussion on the improvement of BIM with PLM functionalities. They noted that it should be necessary to modify and adapt many aspects of current PLM technology before being able to apply it in construction due to the major differences between the construction and the PLM's traditional target industries [8]. Jupp and Nepal [7] explored how BIM and PLM have impacted the professional practices in construction and manufacturing industries.…”

“…While early studies focused on interoperability issues and other technological improvements, it appeared quite soon that the great value of BIM lay in collaboration and optimization of information flows throughout the project life cycle: unfortunately the source for most of the current limitations of the BIM approach. Recent research [6][7][8] suggests improving BIM based on best practices from PLM.…”

Building Lifecycle Management System for Enhanced Closed Loop Collaboration

“…Such a building lifecycle's vision is depicted in Fig. 2, where research efforts are increasingly focused on "closing the loop" to foster collaborative processes, shared resources and decision-making [2]. Although some challenges remains to be addressed in BoL, the major challenge in the context of 'closed-loop' information starts from the delivery of the building, where BIM and other BoL models fall into oblivion.…”

Is BIM Big Enough to Take Advantage of Big Data Analytics?

“…Following a comparison between Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and BIM [31], the latter could be extended in the direction to become a tool or environment of development and management of product models. It is the path of the current philosophy of the BIM.…”