Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is a non-proprietary data format standard that facilitates the transfer of critical building information from the construction phase to the operations and maintenance phase.
While Building Information Modeling (BIM) focuses primarily on the 3D model geometry and design data, COBie captures and organizes the non-graphical asset information essential for facility management after construction is complete.
COBie information typically takes the form of spreadsheet files containing data about installed equipment, products, spaces, warranties, spare parts and preventive maintenance requirements. This structured asset data can be seamlessly integrated into the owner's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
The key purpose of COBie is to streamline the handover process from the construction team to the owner/operators. By delivering comprehensive operational data in a standardized format at project completion, COBie eliminates the need for manual data entry and rework, saving significant time and cost.
COBie was developed as a complementary component to BIM methodologies. While the rich BIM model contains the physical and spatial representation, COBie extends its usefulness by providing the supplemental non-geometric asset information required for efficient facility management over the building's full lifecycle.
In essence, COBie capitalizes on the data-rich BIM process by distilling and formatting the most relevant information for facility operations into a structured, usable schema to enable a smoother digital handover and transition to the operations phase.
