Many companies spend over 50 percent of their installation real property maintenance funds on maintenance and repair (M&R) of buildings. It is difficult to allocate these funds optimally without structured, objective condition rating and functionality rating procedures, component remaining service life determinations, and easily developed short- and long-range work plans based on a sound investment strategy and prioritization criteria. Also, key components may not be inspected adequately and deficiencies are often overlooked. The total result is that work cannot be planned, programmed, and budgeted efficiently. The large number of buildings on installations increases the difficulty of budgeting effectively and allocating funds to areas that most urgently need attention. In addition, it is difficult to establish effective preventive maintenance programs, or to even set work priorities. Without objectivity in work planning, cost-effective M&R programs cannot be sustained. Mission- support capabilities, quality of life, and past investment in facilities are jeopardized.

BUILDER is a Windows®-based software application (Sustainment Management System) for buildings that is being enhanced into a network-based multi-user system with increased capabilities. BUILDER technologies and methods include an inventory of building major components; photo imaging; checklist-style, pen-based inspections; condition indexes; functionality ratings; condition prediction capabilities; revised remaining service lives based on condition; seismic and other building compliance ratings; budget planning procedures; prioritized long-range work-planning procedures; presentation graphics, linkages to AutoCad; Microstation and other building drawings; a built-in Geographical Information System (GIS) viewing capability; an ability interface to an external GIS. BUILDER allows users to manage buildings individually or in groups. Historic, housing, health/environment, and safety/code issues can be effectively managed. Projects can be BUILDER-generated or initiated externally from customer requests.

BUILDER consolidates a variety of building-related management issues into a single decision-support package. The system will give managers and decision-makers instant access to data about their building inventory, the current condition of individual buildings, a fact-based prediction of future condition, current and potential regulatory compliance issues, and so on. Users will be able to develop multi-year M&R strategies and plans based on site-specific information and imposed budget constraints. M&R costs will be saved, mission capabilities will be sustained, and quality of life will be enhanced for building occupants. BUILDER enhances the role of the facility manager by providing new, sophisticated analysis procedures that were not previously possible.