Use of Building Information Models and related business processes can save municipal code enforcers time and money according to a FIATECH study summarized here. These processes can be tied to energy savings that help governments save measurable amounts of money.

1. FIATECH Activities Address the “Last Mile” of BIM
Code Enforcer Study Engages Key Building Industry Professionals
March 2012
Source Link:
http://fiatech.org/images/stories/techprojects/project_deliverables/Updated_project_deliverables/AutoCodesPOCFINALREPORT.pdf
BIM Education Co-op Summary:
Code enforcement agencies can gain dramatic cost savings by adopting Building Information
Model business processes according to a 24-page study by building industry association
FAITECH. Conclusions of the study indicate that municipalities can use Building Information
Model business processes to manage their workflows in a highly effective manner.
Key Extracts:
“In general, the application and use of rules for automated code checking were received
extremely well with little or no negative feedback or trepidation from the Authorities Having
Jurisdiction.”
“The comments and feedback were overwhelmingly positive, with particular excitement about
the ease of use of the interface and the simplicity of the workflow.
“Other than a few who expressed concerns about training time required, the Authorities
Having Jurisdiction (contacts) did not convey any concerns about technology and automated
code checking negatively impacting their processes or turnaround times, and in fact
acknowledged the great potential for improvements in time requirements, processes and
procedures.

2. “Now that the project has gained traction and momentum, it will be an ongoing requirement to
continue to promote, inform and educate any and all who are members of the regulatory
ecosystem.
“This is a long-term requirement to ensure that all impacted parties clearly understand what is
involved to move from a paper-based, inefficient and extremely inconsistent process to a
hybrid (2D and BIM), consistent and efficient workflow.
“It should be noted that the Project Team did not underestimate the magnitude of the ultimate
task at hand—a process transformation that will impact thousands of cities, companies and
individuals.
“1. Not all models are equal - Essentially, a model must be authored with consideration given
to the type of facility and what analysis is planned for the model, once created (e.g. energy
analysis, circulation, safety or access).
2. There is a huge requirement for change.
3. Reporting is an important consideration.
4. There is an opportunity, and perhaps a need, to establish confidence within the Authorities
Having Jurisdiction as the model becomes more central to the code checking process.
5. The Authorities Having Jurisdiction have been left out of the BIM discussion, as well as the
workflow.
“In conclusion, the AutoCodes Phase 1 Project has provided the necessary foundation for the
Committee’s continuing effort to establish a more comprehensive Digital Review Process that
streamlines regulatory review and delivers consistent, verifiable code-check results.”
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The BIM Education Co-op believes that these FIATECH activities constitute the
“last-mile” of Building Information Model Implementation on a global scale. It is
not until code officials can effectively use Building Information Model processes
and software that proven benefits can be gained on a large-scale by focused
communities.
FIATECH, a building industry association dedicated to building industry
profitability improvements using advances tools and processes, is expanding
it's AutoCode initiative with exploration of accessibility, life-safety and egress
issues at healthcare facilities. See the following chart, which is included in the
full report.
Target is to be commended for it's leadership in the FIATECH Regulatory
Streamlining Committee that prepared the report.
See: www.fiatech.org

3. Phase 2: Widen Vertical Industry and AHJ Participation, Expand Code Classes
“Kaiser Permanente, a recognized leader in the healthcare services market, will contribute
resources for the development of technology and processes relating to Accessibility, Egress
and Fire & Life Safety codes applied to healthcare facilities.”
BIM Education Co-op Conclusion: Involvement with the buildingSMART alliance, which
already exists through Kaiser Permanente's BIMStorm activities, will greatly benefit the
excellent FIATECH work that is already in progress.