UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT
A building information model can support handover, but a detailed visual model is not automatically a usable asset register. Operations teams need reliable identifiers, locations, equipment relationships, manufacturer details and links to accepted documentation. Define the required information and exchange format early. COBie is one established approach for organizing facility information for operational use; whether it is required, and which version applies, depends on the project's information requirements.
Map model objects to maintainable assets deliberately. A model may contain many objects that do not need individual maintenance records, while one equipment package may require several linked assets. Test a sample import before final handover, checking identifiers, units, classifications and document access. Validate information against installed equipment and approved changes. Assign responsibility for unresolved fields and future updates, so the handover becomes the beginning of a maintained information record rather than a static archive.
Questions to take back to your team
- Which objects require maintainable asset records?
- Are identifiers and required fields tested in the receiving system?
- Who owns missing information and post-handover updates?
Further reading
Explore the primary references below. Requirements and applicability depend on your organization and jurisdiction.
