PIM (Project Information Model) and AIM (Asset Information Model) are models used throughout the life cycle of a project. The PIM is used in the planning and construction phases and contains information on the construction method, scheduling and costs, while also acting as a long-term archive. The AIM is used in the operation phase and is based on the previous PIM. It contains data that reflects the actual state of the realized construction, especially for maintenance, repair and operation.
Both models can contain both structured (e.g. geometric models) and unstructured information (e.g. sound recordings). During the information management processes, a transfer of relevant information between AIM and PIM occurs at the beginning and end of a project. The PIM evolves during the delivery phase, with the level of detail (LoD) steadily increasing, and ends with the delivery of as-built models and non-graphical information.
The AIM acts as an information model for the operational phase by storing data from the PIM and supplementing it with new information that arises during the operational phase. It focuses on information for maintenance, repair and operation and forms a dual information ecosystem. The roles such as information requester and information provider are clearly defined in the information exchange process, with both roles cooperating but fulfilling different functions.
