Enhancing BIMFM integration in O&M stage of public commercial buildings: insights from Sichuan, China

Purpose This study seeks to enhance the implementation of building information modeling for facility management (BIMFM) in public commercial buildings within Sichuan Province, China, focusing on the operation and maintenance (O&M) stage. Despite BIM’s proven benefits in lifecycle data management, predictive maintenance and energy efficiency, its adoption during O&M remains limited. The study investigates the key requirements, prevailing challenges and strategic strategies for effective BIMFM integration. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative research design was used, using semi-structured interviews with facility managers and technicians involved in two public commercial projects in Sichuan Province, China. The collected data were thematically coded using NVivo software, followed by cross-case analysis to identify key requirements, challenges and develop practical optimization strategies for BIMFM integration. Findings The findings reveal that Sichuan Province encounters several critical challenges in implementing BIMFM, including inadequate technical infrastructure, inconsistent data standards and insufficient professional expertise. Notably, ineffective data handover between the design and operation-maintenance phases often results in BIM models losing their practical value during the O&M stage. Furthermore, cultural and organizational barriers, coupled with the persistence of traditional management practices, contribute to managerial skepticism regarding the benefits of BIM adoption. Originality/value Through in-depth case analyses, this study advances existing BIMFM frameworks using empirical evidence. Unlike prior conceptual studies, it compares real-world practices with established models to identify implementation gaps. It further provides context-specific solutions and practical guidance to improve BIM adoption in facility management, particularly during the O&M phase.