An Integrated Facility Management System (IFMS), supported by the Virtual Design and Construction Framework (VDC)
Research Team




Our Motivation:
“Laboratories usually handle an enormous amount of information due to the high frequency of scientific tests and the delicate equipment that requires periodic maintenance. The present work proposes the integration of the product, organization, and process for the maintenance activities of an engineering laboratory through the implementation of an integrated facility management system based on the Virtual Design and Construction methodology. ”

Research Contribution
Propose an integrated facility management system based on the VDC Framework.
Validate the applicability of VDC methodology in the maintenance activities of critical laboratory equipment.
Share the proposed system and contribute to the facility management industry.

Problem
Practical Problem
Delays and cost overruns in facility operation and maintenance due to challenges in managing updated equipment information.
Untrustworthy as-built information
Poor communication between the parties
Deficiencies in the follow-up and execution of equipment maintenance
Unskilled technical support to carry out equipment maintenance

Solution
Develop an integrated facility management system to manage laboratory activities by linking them with the available equipment, the required processes, and the work teams.

Added Value For The Industry
A facility management system links the equipment with the planned activities to improve the performance of facility operations.
Promote integration between Facility Management and Virtual Design & Construction
Application of VDC methodology in operation and maintenance of equipment

Timeline
Date |
Activity |
Outcome |
---|---|---|
Year 2021 |
Research became awarded: "An Integrated Facility Management System (IFMS) supported by the Virtual Design and Construction Framework (VDC), applied to Engineering Laboratory" |
|
June 2021 |
The University of Lima gives its support to the project |
University of Lima press release of the project: Civil Engineering Students Win Stanford Research Contest | University of Lima |
Aug. 2021 |
Research conducted on facility management background |
Bibliographic review |
Sep. 2021 |
Definition of main objectives to be achieved in the research |
Main research objectives |
Oct. 2021 |
Development of the proposed |
Research Methodology |
Year 2022 |
Research ongoing: "An Integrated Facility Management System (IFMS) supported by Virtual Design and Construction framework (VDC), applied to Engineering Laboratories" |
|
Apr. 2022 |
Development of a questionnaire for the facility management coordinators |
Interview form |
Jun. 2022 |
Interview the laboratory coordinators of the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Lima |
The precise definition of the problematic and the source of variability in the equipment maintenance activities |
Aug. 2022 |
Develop the Integrated Facility Management System (IFMS) with VDC for engineering laboratories. |
VDC framework with client and project objectives, production objectives, and controllable factors for the IFMS implementation in engineering laboratories. |
Sep. 2022 |
Submission of the final report |
Final research report and summary |
If you want to participate in the project please reach out to Alexandre Almeida del Savio (aalmeida@ulima.edu.pe).