COBie (short for Construction-Operations Building information exchange) is a structured spreadsheet (usually in Excel format) that gives you all this important info in one place.

In simple terms, COBie is like CSV, but specifically designed for building data.

 

Just like:

• CSV is a universal format that any spreadsheet software can read (Excel, Google Sheets, etc.)
• COBie is a universal format that any building management software can read (Archibus, FM:Systems, Maximo, etc.)

 

The analogy:

• CSV is the "common language" for sharing spreadsheet data between different programs
• COBie is the "common language" for sharing building information between different software systems

 

Why this matters: Without COBie, you'd have the same problem as if Excel and Google Sheets couldn't read each other's files - each building management software would have its own proprietary format, making it impossible to share building data between systems.

COBie solves this by being the "universal translator" - so when an architect uses one program, a contractor uses another, and a facility manager uses a third, they can all exchange building information seamlessly.

 

It's essentially the building industry's version of "save as CSV" - but instead of rows and columns of any data, it's specifically structured for building components, spaces, equipment, and maintenance information.

 

So for Building Information it provides:

• Where things are (rooms, floors, zones)
• What was installed (equipment, systems)
• How to maintain it (maintenance schedules)
• What resources are needed (tools, spare parts)
• Who installed or is responsible for it (contacts)
• Where to find the documents (manuals, certificates)

 

Is it a complex asset register?

 

Yes, but… it's more than that. COBie includes an asset register, but it's not just that.

It expands on a traditional asset register by including not only what assets you have but can also typically have:

 

Traditional Asset Register	COBie
Asset name & type	Same
Serial number	Yes
Location (room/floor)	Yes
Installation date	Yes
Manufacturer info	Yes
Warranty details	Yes
Maintenance tasks	Included
Required tools/spares	Included
Contact info for support	Included
O&M manuals & drawings	Linked
Room layout & system data	Included