Future of product modeling and knowledge sharing in the FM/AEC industry

This paper describes a technology foresight study performed in co-operation with Stanford University (CIFE) and VTT Building and Transport. The main aim of the project is to provide information for decision-makers about the future of interoperability and product modeling. Information was collected about technologies and their use, conditions affecting the use of the technologies and development trends. The project had two main phases: state-of-the-art and scenario building. Different methods were used for collecting data for the state-of-the-art phase. A two-round Delphi survey complemented interviews and literary study. Scenario planning and technology roadmapping were used to formulate alternative pictures of how product modeling and use of interoperable software might affect the industry. The scenarios are based on two main forces seen as the ones most likely to shape the business environment: the adoption non-proprietary approach in developing software and the adoption of value-adding approach in providing services during the life cycle of facilities. Based on the survey and data, the most wanted scenario is identified as well as different roadmaps toward most wanted scenario.