BIMINAM EDUCATION WORKSTREAM MEETING, 16-02-2026
Date: 16 Feb 2026
Purpose of the session
This session focused on improving the usefulness of asset and handover information for schools, with an emphasis on how information produced during design and construction can be structured so it is actually usable by operational teams (caretakers, FM providers, contractors). The group is working incrementally toward practical outputs and templates that align with DfE requirements while addressing real operational needs.
Core themes from the transcript
1. Handover information is produced but not used
- Schools often receive data-rich models, COBie and O&M packs, yet operational teams rarely use them.
- This creates frustration for delivery teams who invest effort producing structured digital information that has little operational value.
- The group aims to identify what schools actually need at handover and how information should be structured for practical use.
Key issue:
Information is created for compliance rather than operational usability.
2. Need for a practical “minimum usable information” structure
- Participants proposed creating a standardised template or structure for handover information tied to lifecycle events (e.g., handover).
- This would define:
- what information is required
- how it should be structured
- how it supports operations
Care must be taken not to conflict with existing DfE information requirements, but instead complement them by focusing on operational needs.
3. Use operational data to define requirements
Analysis of thousands of help-desk tickets across buildings showed:
- Most issues are simple, recurring faults (doors, toilets, plumbing, etc.).
- These everyday failures should inform what information is prioritised at handover.
- If teams know:
- asset location
- type
- spares
- warranties
they can resolve issues faster and cheaper.
This supports a shift from theoretical information requirements to evidence-based priorities.
4. Major disconnect between design/construction and FM
Repeated observations highlighted:
- Design information is structured by systems.
- Construction information is structured by work packages.
- FM requires system-based and location-based information.
- This mismatch creates operational inefficiencies and cost.
Better classification and taxonomy could bridge this gap and allow information to be reorganised for FM use.
5. Data quality, integrity and ownership issues
Key operational concerns:
- Information is often lost, poorly entered or not updated after handover.
- Responsibility for maintaining asset information is unclear.
- Without ownership, information quickly becomes unreliable.
Lack of accessible drawings and asset data can cause major delays (e.g., hours to locate a pipe or isolate systems).
6. Business-case and cultural barriers
Even when data exists:
- Organisations may not use it because they don’t see value.
- Digital asset management requires:
- roles
- processes
- investment
- culture change
- Without a clear business case, adoption remains slow.
7. Alignment with emerging DfE framework
The new DfE schools framework still requires COBie-based delivery but:
-
- Use of information during operations is not fully defined.
- Future asset information standards are expected.
- This working group can help define what “good” operational information looks like.
Key points from the chat file
- Suggestion to run case studies on live or completed school projects to test the proposed framework.
- Interest in linking operational data to manufacturers and performance feedback.
- Examples of projects already moving away from COBie toward CAFM-aligned outputs.
- Recognition that handover data is rarely updated during operations.
- Calls for guidance for maintainers and building users.
Overall conclusion
The session confirmed a widespread industry problem:
Information delivered at handover does not match what operational teams need to run buildings.
The workstream is moving toward:
- defining practical information requirements based on real faults and tasks
- aligning design/construction outputs with FM systems
- establishing common data structures and language
- building a clear business case for usable asset information
The goal is a practical, sector-aligned approach to handover information for schools that supports day-to-day operations, compliance and long-term asset management.