INTRODUCTION
Today, most contracts require the handover of paper documentscontaining equipment lists, product data sheets, warranties, spare part lists, preventive maintenance schedules, and other information. This information is essential to support theoperations, maintenance, and the management of the facilities assets by the owner and/or property manager.
"Normally it takes us 3 years to get as-builts after the financial closeout of a project. Now I can get a pre-built equipment list before the building even breaks ground? Outstanding!"
– Deputy Director, Department of Public Works
Gathering this information at the end of the job, today's standard practice, is expensive, since most of the information has to be recreated from information created earlier. COBie simplifies the work required to capture and record project handover data.
The COBie approach is to enter the data as it is created during design, construction, and commissioning, see Figure 1. Designers provide floor, space, and equipment layouts. Contractors provide make, model, and serial numbers of installed equipment. Much of the data provided by contractors comes directly from product manufacturers who can also participate in COBie.
