Chen, J. H.; Su, M. C.; Lin, W. J.; Yu, T. and Wu, K. Y. (2026) Establishing smart system for building operation and maintenance using somcm algorithm. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(5), pp. 3975-3995. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – The research objective is to establish a smart system for building operation and maintenance using self-organizing map-based cluster merging (SOMCM) algorithm. Design/methodology/approach – The process begins with a thorough literature review to establish the interface framework, followed by its design. An empirical study in Taoyuan City's industrial park, involving 46 buildings and 3, 526 maintenance records, informed development. By integrating the "Shared Facility Management System Equipment Repair Module" and the "Maintenance Management System for Existing Facilities, " 21 enhanced interface components were created. All work orders are stored in a database for aggregation, statistical analysis and clustering using the algorithm SOMCM, aiding repair decision-making. Findings – The outcomes stemming from the proposed methodology culminate in the identification of seven patterns that can significantly enhance the efficiency of maintenance operations: (1) simplify current self-repair to outsourcing; (2) modify the current traditional contract type to open contract type; (3) adopt massive procurement for major facilities (e.g. air conditioning); (4) schedule power supply systems in a systematic and efficient way; (5) establish maintenance patterns as suggested to eliminate warehouse for spares; (6) reallocate maintenance resources in a seasonal cycle; (7) set up a standby team to resolve emergency repairs. The findings can reduce a significant amount of time and cost for the investigated industrial park. Originality/value – Maintenance work has faced delays, aging equipment has caused component damage, and park structures no longer meet operational needs. Addressing these challenges, the study introduces a novel SOMCM approach for smart building operation and maintenance. This approach emphasizes creating a user-friendly, practical system pivotal to platform success. By integrating demand-driven strategies, it enhances traditional maintenance processes and offers innovative solutions to operational and management issues, ensuring alignment with modern requirements and improved efficiency.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building maintenance; cluster merging; clustering; maintenance pattern; SOM |
| Index terms: | management issue, platform, self-organizing, database, building maintenance, maintenance management system, empirical study, efficiency, statistical analysis, air conditioning, outsourcing, smart building, module, facility management system, repair, methodology, building operation, strategy, literature review, decision-making, clustering, operation and maintenance |
| Subjects: | maintenance engineering, data management, sociology, data analysis and analytics, performance management, decision analysis, data science, architectural elements, digital design, research methods, environmental engineering, management, construction type, business, information systems |
| Topics: | Procurement, Business Strategy, Construction Technology, Sustainability, Risk Management, Organizational Design, Design Practice, Quality Management, Research Practice, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here