From Readiness to Implementation: A Framework for BIM Adoption in Facilities Management Organisations

Abstract

This study investigates the readiness of facilities management organisations (FMOs) for adopting Building Information Modelling (BIM). Data was collected from a sample of 51 facilities management practitioners in South Africa, drawn from a target population of 209 registered professionals. The Technology Readiness Index (TRI) was applied to measure levels of optimism, innovativeness, discomfort, and insecurity towards BIM. Results show a medium readiness level (TRI score of 3.15), with high optimism and innovativeness offset by significant insecurity and discomfort barriers. Key external challenges include frequent power failures, limited owner interest, and prioritisation of initial capital costs. Based on these findings, an implementation framework is developed, consisting of a four-phase structured approach: awareness, pilot, scale, and institutionalisation. This approach is specifically designed to leverage the high Optimism and Innovativeness found while systematically mitigating the core barriers of Discomfort and Insecurity identified by the TRI assessment. The resulting implementation plan outlines strategies to overcome organisational barriers and strengthen contractual provisions for BIM integration. This research provides both an empirical diagnosis of BIM readiness and a structured roadmap for systematic adoption in the South African context.

Keywords: Building Information Modelling, Facilities Management, Technology Readiness, Digital Transformation, South Africa.