An informative initiative

Data has long been recognised as the key to facilities management, and the Information Management Initiative (IMI) seeks to provide a framework for organisations to improve how data is managed across the whole building and asset lifecycle. The framework requires a shift from documents and drawings to the integration of digital data, with a goal of improving decision making, efficiency, cost-saving and sustainability.

It also emphasises the use of standardised methodologies to ensure consistency across the sector, setting a clear pathway toward a unified data management strategy by 2030.

Adopting a sector-wide best practice approach will streamline the management of the built environment and open the door to applying emerging digital technologies such as IoT and digital twins.

WHY THE IMI MATTERS TO FM

The FM sector stands to gain significantly from the IMI. With 72 per cent of lifecycle value occurring during the operational phase, FM professionals are uniquely positioned to drive its success. Adopting the IMI will enable FMs to streamline operations, enhance compliance, support sustainability goals and future-proof facilities against technological and regulatory changes.

According to nima, who launched the IMI in partnership with the Construction Leadership Council, those who adopt the framework can expect between £5.10 and £6.00 of direct labour productivity gains for every £1 invested and between £6.90 and £7.40 in direct cost savings.

FM teams using computer-aided facilities management (CAFM) software will be familiar with the benefits of having centralised asset and service information, but the IMI requires a deeper investment. For example, digitising old architectural drawings, laser scanning the physical building to create an accurate scale digital copy; or replacing paper or siloed compliance check documents with integrated functionality within CAFM to ensure site-wide accessibility.

IoT and digital twins are already appearing on the FM horizon. Creating a foundation of good data management, including what is collected, how, and keeping data secure, will make the transition to these technologies and others required in the future, far smoother.

The initiative’s emphasis on data integration is particularly relevant as FM professionals face increasing pressure to address environmental commitments. By adopting lifecycle perspectives, FM teams can ensure that assets remain efficient, sustainable, and aligned with organisational goals.

LESSONS FROM SWEDEN

I’ve been heavily involved in adopting a data-centric approach for building management in Sweden and it provides a blueprint for success that we can learn from in the UK. Sweden’s emphasis on understanding how buildings are used – rather than focusing solely on compliance – has led to enhanced energy efficiency and predictive maintenance practices.

Sweden’s success has been underpinned by clear standards and mandates, such as the requirement to use ISO 19650 in public procurements. This approach ensures that data is delivered in a usable, standardised format, minimising inefficiencies and maximising value. Pilot projects have demonstrated the practical benefits of digital tools, building momentum for wider adoption.

The UK can learn from this by prioritising clear information delivery requirements and encouraging collaboration between stakeholders.

BUILDING ON BIM

The IMI supersedes the building information modelling (BIM) mandate and is based on the UK BIM Framework. As such, BIM will play a central role in enabling FMs to engage with the IMI.

As a digital representation of a building’s physical and functional characteristics, BIM creates a shared knowledge resource for all stakeholders representing a single source of the truth. When integrated with CAFM, FMs can access centralised data from the lifecycle of a building and its components. BIM provides accurate, real-time data about assets, helping FMs transition seamlessly to data-driven operations.

A four-step implementation plan:

• On-boarding
  A commitment to digitally transforming the whole of the built and managed environment through better management of lifecycle data and information. There is an emphasis on understanding data, including its purpose (to each organisation specifically), storage, how it can be shared, accessibility, security and how the data will be maintained.
• Planning and mobilisation
  Upskilling for digital literacy is central to step two, as well as establishing clear governance to manage data integrity and its use across the organisation.
• Preparing and issuing the organisation-level mandate
  Unlike the rigid BIM mandate which the IMI supersedes, the latter encourages an internal mandate which is relevant to the organisation’s specific roles and activities. Targets will be tailored to capabilities, with clear goals and training to ensure compliance and success.
• Following rules and methodologies
  Standards and guidance are provided within the framework (currently based on the UK BIM Framework and ISO 19650), providing organisations with the ability to clearly define the data needed for a project along with associated protocols; the quality and quantity of data produced to be sufficient for each project without compromising health and safety or security; and the efficient transfer of data between those involved.

A DATA-DRIVEN FUTURE

The IMI marks a potentially pivotal step forward for the FM sector. By adopting its principles, FM professionals can drive efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value. With BIM as a foundational tool, the IMI offers a clear roadmap for transitioning to data-centric operations.

By learning from best practices abroad, UK FM professionals can position themselves as leaders in the built environment’s digital transformation. The journey begins now.