Facility information model

A facility information model is like a digital toy house that helps people make decisions about how to build and operate buildings.

When architects and engineers design a building, they create a digital model that shows what the building will look like and how it will work. This model includes information about things like the size and shape of the rooms, where the doors and windows are, and how the heating and cooling systems will work.

This model is called a facility information model, or FIM for short. It's like a toy house because just like you move furniture in a toy house, architects and engineers can move pieces of the FIM around to see what works best.

Using the FIM, architects and engineers can test different designs and configurations to see how they will impact things like energy efficiency, comfort, and safety. They can also use the FIM to plan how the building will be constructed, including how long it will take and how much it will cost.

Once the building is constructed, the FIM is still useful. Building operators can use it to manage things like heating, cooling, and lighting, and to plan maintenance and repairs.

So, an FIM is like a digital toy house that architects and engineers use to make decisions about building design and operation. It helps them test ideas and plan for the future.