Mobile 2D Barcode/BIM-based Facilities Maintaining Management System

Yu-Cheng Lin, Yu-Chih Su, Yen-Pei Chen

Department of Civil Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, No.1.Chung-Hsiao E. Rd., Sec.3, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Abstract. This research utilizes the application of integrated 2D barcode and BIM (Building information modeling) to enhance facility management processes. Managing facility management effectively is extremely difficult owing to various environments. Furthermore, one of the difficulties is performance of 2D graphics regarding to facilities locations. With the advent of the BIM, BIM digitally contains precise geometry and relevant data needed to support the facilities to describe 3D object-oriented CAD. This paper proposes a new and practical methodology to apply facility management by using BIM approach. Using 2D barcode and BIM technologies, this study proposes 2D Barcode/BIM-based Facility Management (2DBIMFM) System for facility staffs in the maintenance phase. The 2DBIMFM system is then applied in selected case study of a commerce building in Taiwan to verify our proposed methodology and demonstrate the effectiveness of facility management practice in Taiwan. By developing 2DBIMFM system, maintain staffs can track and manage 3D BIM models with related maintenance record in a digital format. The combined results demonstrate that, a 2DBIMFM-like system can be an effective visual facility management tool by utilizing the BIM and 2D barcode technologies. The advantage of the 2DBIMFM system lies not only in improving facility maintenance work efficiency for facility staffs, but also in facilitating easy facility maintenance updating and transfer in the 3D CAD environment.

Keywords: Facility management; Information management system; Building information modelling; BIM; 2D barcode; Mobile; Maintenance

1. Introduction Facility management represents one of the fastest growing sectors in real estate and construction and has

become an important subject for research and academic study. To benefit most, organizations need to understand that they must be informed clients in managing their facilities and properties. Therefore, controlling and managing facility management effectively are extremely difficult owing to the involvement of various participants. Real time monitoring and controlling for facility management may be necessary and helpful in control and manage effectively the maintenance service work of service in the infrastructure. With the advent of the Internet, web-based information management solutions enable information dissemination and information sharing among related participants. Facility managers and staffs generally handle various types of information, including drawings, specification, checklists and reports. Facility managers and staffs generally use sheets of paper and/or field notes. Consequently, a time and space gap exists between the facility location and the office, which reduces efficiency and creates a lack of data and data confusion.

This study utilizes the 2D barcode and web technology to enhance the maintenance progress and effectiveness in construction facility management problem. This portal is controlled by the management division, and provides maintaining staffs with real-time facility-related information-sharing services, enabling them to dynamically respond to the entire facility management chain network. This study develops 2D Barcode/BIM-based Facility Management (2DBIMFM) system to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness of facility management, improve practical communication among participants, and increase flexibility in terms of service delivery and response times. 2DBIMFM system is a web-based system for effectively integrating facility managers, facility staffs and suppliers, to produce and distribute facility services in the appropriate quantities, to the right locations and at the right times. Smart phones with digital cameras can extend 2DBIMFM system to facility locations. Data collection efficiency can also be enhanced using 2D barcode-enabled tablet to enter and edit data on the facility location. By using 2D barcode technology, BIM approach and mobile devices, the 2DBIMFM system for the management division has

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tremendous potential to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of information flow, thus streamlining maintenance processes in facility management.

2. Related Research Studies McCullouch and Lueprasert (1994) illustrated how the 2D barcode technology could be applied in the

construction industry. Meanwhile, various researches on the application of barcode models have focused on the integration of other technologies [1]. Bell and Williams (2003) combined the barcode with GIS technology to manage statewide roadside signs [2]; Navon and Berkovich (2005) used barcode and RFID technologies for automated data collection to assist with materials management and control [3]; Shehab and Moselhi (2005) illustrated the use of barcode technology to develop an automated system for engineering deliverables such as drawings, reports and specification [4]; Saeed et. al. (2010) integrated GPS with RFID and 2D barcode technologies to provide the solution for pedestrian users accessing information [5].

Much previous research pertains to BIM issues in construction. Tse et al. (2005) presented the core barriers and recommends using BIM technology for construction industries [6]. Vanlande et al. (2008) proposed an extension of BIM technology to manage information during the entire lifecycle of an AEC project [7]. Goedert and Meadati (2008) extended BIM technology into the construction process to create a single repository of facility data for the owner [8]. Succar (2009) explored publicly available international guidelines and introduced the BIM framework, a research and delivery foundation for industry stakeholders [9]. Barlish and Sullivan (2012) developed a methodology to analyze the benefits of BIM to quantify outcomes and impacts on project efficiency [10].

3. Key Technologies The technology explored for accurate and reliable real-time inspection information in the facility

management is the 2D barcode system. The 2D barcode system also has ability to deliver any information, which may include text, audio, and video on location. Barcode technology was invented in 1950 and developed rapidly during subsequent years. The maximum capacity of one-dimensional barcode is only 28-bit. Due to the increasing of requirements and information quantity, one dimension cannot satisfy usage demands, the 2D barcode technology was researched. The major characteristics of the 2D barcode are its capability of representation of data content, and the arrangement of a specific geometrical diagram in a matrix area that can record quantities of data in a small area. The 2D Matrix Code was composed by the distribution of black-white picture elements (square, dot or other type) in a square area in relative matrix position. Representative types of Matrix Codes include Code One, Maxi Code, QR Code and Data Matrix.

BIM is a new technology in the field of CAD, which contains not only geometric data, but also a great amount of engineering data through the lifecycle of a building [11]. BIM is a digital tool that supports continual updating and sharing of project design information [12].

4. System Development Recently, 2D barcode and tablets have become very popular in Taiwan. With the advancement of mobile

technology, many mobile phones are equipped with cameras and enabled the 2D barcode scanning function. When a barcode reader program is installed, the user can quickly access product descriptions, a web address, or e-mail address by scanning the barcode. For example, a mobile phone with the Google Android system can read one or two dimension bar codes like EAN, ISBN, or QR Code after installing the Zxing bar code scanner software. Tablets equipped with a camera enable the application of 2D barcode scanning to facilitate maintenance management of building equipment and facilities. Therefore, this study integrates BIM and 2D barcode technologies to enhance maintenance work and provide detailed information communication. An integrated web platform can link all information on building equipment and facilities to improve the effectiveness of the maintenance process.

The BIM approach, which is applied to retain equipment and facilities information in a digital format, facilitates easy updating information of equipment and facilities management in a 3D CAD environment. The 2DBIMFM system has three main components, a Tablet, 2D barcode label and a portal. Significantly,

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both the mobile device and 2D barcode label components are located on the client side, while the central portal is on the server side. All facilities-related information acquired by maintenance staff within the 2DBIMFM system is recorded in a centralized system database. All staffs can access required information via the central portal based on their access privileges.

BIM is used as an information model in the 2DBIMFM system. One purpose is to extend BIM to the operation phase and create a single repository for facility information for maintenance management. The BIM is applied in the 2DBIMFM system to capture and store facility basic information, including facility basic descriptions, parameter-related facility information, maintenance records, and interface reports. Autodesk Revit Architecture and Revit MEP were used to create BIM model files. Autodesk Design Review was used to read BIM models of equipment and facilities. Information integration with the 3D interface maps was achieved using the Autodesk Revit Application Programming Interface (API) and Microsoft Visual Basic.Net (VB.Net) programming language. The 2DBIMFM system was developed by integrated the 3D BIM models of equipment and facilities and maintenance-related information using the Autodesk Revit API.

4.1. 2D Barcode of 2DBIMFM System Most people in Taiwan have personal smart phones and can easily access 2D barcode information. The

case study uses QR Code as the 2D barcode system since the QR Code reader software is popular in Taiwan and provides the most suitable functionality for facilities and equipment maintenance management. QR Code also conforms to the ISO/IEC 18004 standard, has the largest data capacity and read speed, is very secure, can be read in different orientations, and has high tolerance for corrupted labels. Because the environment of a construction building or facilities on a construction site is always dusty, the label may be dirtied or corrupted. The QR Code label has high fault tolerance and its anti-corruption capability will contribute to longer usage and better identification. One of the major advantages to using the 2D barcode is there is no extra cost required to buy software, since there is much free 2D barcode scanning software for smart phones. Furthermore, all 2D barcode labels can be made in a PC printer.

4.2. Mobile Devices of 2DBIMFM System There are two mobile devices used in the 2DBIMFM system. The tablet system adopts a Samsung

Galaxy Tab as the 2D barcode-enabled tablet hardware. The Samsung Galaxy Tab tablet is operated on Windows 8. All data in the tablet module are transmitted to the server directly through the web. Internet Explorer 8 was chosen as the web browser in the 2D barcode-enabled tablet hardware system. The notebook adopts a HP Pavilion notebook as the 2D barcode-enabled notebook hardware. All data in the tablet or notebook are transmitted to the server directly through the web via Wi-Fi or 3G.

The 2DBIMFM system is based on the Microsoft Windows 2008 operating system with an Internet Information Server (IIS) as the web server. The system prototype was developed using ASP.NET, which is easily incorporated into HTML and JavaScript technologies, to transform an Internet browser into a user-friendly interface. The 2DBIMFM system server supports four distinct layers, each with its own responsibilities: interface, access, application and database. The following description is the implementation of each module in the 2DBIMFM system.

4.3. Facility Information Module: The module provides maintenance staffs with detailed information on equipment and facilities used in

the construction building. This module enables all maintenance staffs to refer to information about a facility quickly and easily by scanning the 2D barcode label using a tablet. Basic information about a facility also is recorded in the BIM/2D Barcode label itself.

4.4. Inspection and Maintenance Module: Maintenance staffs can download the most up-to-date maintenance schedule from the Internet and enter

facility maintenance results directly via a tablet or notebook. Additionally, Tablets display the checklist for every facility maintenance task. Maintenance staffs can record information such dates, conditions, inspection results, descriptions of problems that have arisen during maintenance and recommendations. Furthermore, maintenance staffs can also check tasks that don’t pass the inspection and select relevant tasks from lists in

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the Tablet or smart phone. The module has the benefit that maintenance results and records can be transferred between the Tablet or notebook and 2DBIMFM portal by real-time synchronization, eliminating the need to enter the same data more than once.

This study is applied to a school building in Taiwan for the polite test. This study utilizes a 2DBIMFM system in the management of facility maintenance in school building (see Fig. 1). The overall result implies that the 2DBIMFM system is considered to be well designed, and could enhance current time-consuming facilities maintenance processes. Table 1 show the comparison of current approach and proposed system.

5. Conclusion This study presents the 2DBIMFM system that incorporates BIM and 2D barcode technologies to

improve the effectiveness and convenience of maintenance management in a construction building. The 2DBIMFM system not only improves facilities maintenance management efficiency, but also provides a real time service platform during the facilities maintenance process. In the case study, 2D barcode readings increased the accuracy and speed of BIM models searches, indirectly enhancing performance and productivity. Maintenance staffs used 2D barcode-enabled tablets to seamlessly enhance maintenance work processes at facility locations, owing to the system’s searching speed and ability to support related information collection and access during the process. Based on the polite test, the application of the 2DBIMFM system helped to improve the process of inspection and maintenance work for the school in Taiwan. Based on polite test results, this study demonstrated that BIM technology has significant potential to enhance inspection and maintenance work in facilities management. The integration of BIM technology with 2D barcode technology helps maintenance managers effectively to track and control the whole inspection and maintenance processes. Compared with current methods, the combined results demonstrate that a 2DBIMFM system can be a useful 2D barcode/BIM-based facilities management tool in the 3D CAD environment.

6. References [1] McCullouch, B. G. and Lueprasert, K. (1994), 2D Bar-Code Applications in Construction, Journal of Construction

Engineering and Management, ASCE, 120(4), 739-752.

[2] Bell, L. and Williams, B. 2003. Resources and Field Technology for Sign Management System Implementation, Proceedings of Construction Research Congress 2003, ASCE, March 19-21, held in Honolulu, Hawaii.

[3] Navon, R. and Berkovich, O. 2005. Development and on-site evaluation of an automated materials management and control model, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 131 (12), pp. 1328-1336.

[4] Shehab, T. and Moselhi, O. (2005). An Automated Barcode System for Tracking and Control of Engineering Deliverables, Proceeding of Construction Research Congress 2005, April 5-7, held in San Diego, CA.

[5] Saeed, G., Brown, A., Knight, M., and Winchester, M. (2010). Delivery of pedestrian real-time location and routing information to mobile architectural guide, Automation in Construction, 19 (4), pp502-517.

[6] Tse T. K., Wong K. A. and Wong K. F. 2005. The Utilisation of Building Information Models in nD Modelling: A Study of Data Interfacing and Adoption Barriers, ITcon 10: 85-110 [accessed 16 May 2011] Available from Internet: < http://www.itcon.org >.

[7] Vanlande, R., Nicolle, C., & Cruz, C. 2008. IFC and building lifecycle management. Automation in Construction 134(7): 70–78.

[8] Goedert, J. D. and Meadati, A. G. F. 2008. Integrating Construction Process Documentation into Building Information Modeling, Journal of Construction Engineering and Management 134 (7): 509–516.

[9] Succar, Bilal 2009. Building information modelling framework: A research and delivery foundation for industry stakeholders. Automation in Construction 18(3): 357-375.

[10] Barlish, K. and Sullivan, K. 2012. How to measure the benefits of BIM-A case study approach, Automation in Construction 24: 605-613.

[11] Xudong, Z. and Jie, T. 2007. Building information modeling based on intelligent parametric technology. Frontiers of Architecture and Civil Engineering in China 1 (3): 367-370.

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[12] Gould, Frederick, Joyce, Nancy E. (2008). Construction Project Management. Prentice Hall; 3 edition.

Figure 1. The Application of 2DBIMFM System in the Polite Test

Table 1. Comparison of Current Approach and Proposed System

Item

Proposed Approach

Method Method

Mart the problems at the facility location

Mart the problems on paper-based sheet

Scan the attached 2D barcode label and mark problems in BIM models

Find the BIM models during maintenance process

Manual search from data files list Scan the attached 2D barcode label and read BIM models

Relevant history maintenance information review

Refer paper-based maintenance list and report

Scan and read history maintenance information from tablet directly

Maintenance information updating

Identify instrument in checklist, record results on paper, then re-entry at the office

Real-time data entry via the tablet maintenance process

Find history maintenance information for reference

Review maintenance data by paper-based sheet

Access maintenance records directly using the tablet

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