OPEN BIM Focus

Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

Official Publication of the OPEN BIM Network

Issue 1 July 2012

BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

In this ISSUE
Is BIM Meeting the Need? The OPEN BIM Network BIM and Open BIM Explained

As the regular publication of the network, OPEN BIM Focus will feature all aspects of BIM including theory, planning, implementation, mandatory requirements and case studies. Articles and features will be written in a clear and concise style, without the use of unnecessary or unexplained jargon. OPEN BIM Focus is aimed at intelligent professionals within construction and related industries at all levels from the most senior to operator.

OPEN BIM Network 2012 Content must not be reproduced without written authorisation from the OPEN BIM Network.

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Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

Is BIM Meeting the Need?

Statement A: BIM is a business process from which you can select technology that best meets your needs.

Statement B: BIM is a technology that determines your business process based upon the vendors capability.

Question 1 Which statement below represents the best interests of your business? Question 2 In reality, which statement represents what is currently happening? Since March 2012, these questions have been put to over 500 businesses1. Not surprisingly, 100% went for Statement A for Question 1. Of those who have experienced any aspect of BIM deployment, over 90% chose Statement B for Question 2. These responses back up concerns within the industry that the implementation of BIM is being driven by vendor capability and NOT by individual business needs. When asked to identify potential problems in adopting BIM, 200 SMEs 2 in the London area, the feedback went further, with fears expressed that being expected to use several different technology solutions, dictated by clients and contractors at the head of the supply chain, will effectively prevent them competing, due to the costs of purchasing multiple softwares and related training.

Clearly, not an ideal situation in a rapidly changing market that is driving businesses towards new ways of working. At best financial pressures will increase and at worst change will be stopped in its tracks.

1 2

Either individually or at workshops and seminars. Who received workshop support via the ERDF funded FLASH Programme. OPEN BIM Network 2012 Content must not be reproduced without written authorisation from the OPEN BIM Network.

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Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

and non-product specific group facilitated by Constructing Excellence.

The OPEN BIM Network is a UK based independent, open

The primary function of the OPEN BIM Network is to inform industry about Open BIM, what it means, why it is increasingly becoming the global solution of choice, how it can be done and what, collectively, industry can do to accelerate its adoption. OPEN BIM Network OBJECTIVES

OPEN BIM is a global initiative of buildingSMART International and leading software vendors. Open BIM is a universal approach to the collaborative design, realisation and operation of buildings based on open standards and workflows. It utilises the open buildingSMART Data Model.

Represent the views of the international OPEN BIM Programme in the UK Engage with the UK Construction Industry as the neutral voice of open communication process and protocols Support the UK government client strategy Represent the views of its members to industry and government Inform the industry of Open BIM process/technology developments and applications Offer non-proprietary implementation guidance Work with academia on the development of Open BIM education OPEN BIM Network Activities Communicate and promote the activities of the network to the wider industry via media articles, advertising, partners and members. Write and distribute a regular newsletter containing application features and case studies Deliver regular informative seminars throughout the UK, with specific focus of Open BIM in practice eg live demonstration of vendor interoperability Provide media for members information exchange e.g. web site/forums, conferences Act as a conduit for the delivery of accredited industry courses

As a member of the OPEN BIM Network you will be able to demonstrate support for a common platform and show commitment to collaborative design and engagement. The OPEN BIM Network is open to all stakeholders including clients, consultants, designers, contractors, vendors and operators of assets providing that they meet the simple criteria of endorsing OPEN BIM as the internationally accepted standard for collaboration.

To find out more, including how to join, visit:

www.openbimnetwork.com
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OPEN BIM Network 2012 Content must not be reproduced without written authorisation from the OPEN BIM Network.

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Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

BIM and Open BIM Explained

What is BIM? OPEN BIM Focus uses the definition of BIM officially adopted by buildingSMART International, Constructing Excellence, the OPEN BIM Network and a growing number of individual businesses. The key to understanding this definition is that the process is sequential. Defining the business process is the first step this will enable the creation of a meaningful model from which efficient management of the process or project can be undertaken. Following this sequence will ensure that an environment where all stakeholders will have access to the information they need when they need it is created. Singly the most important asset of BIM. BIM is an acronym which represents three separate but consecutive functions: BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING - Is a BUSINESS PROCESS for generating and leveraging building data to design, construct and operate the building during its lifecycle. BIM allows all stakeholders to have access to the same information at the same time through interoperability between technology platforms. BUILDING INFORMATION MODEL - Is the OUTPUT OF THE BUSINESS PROCESS resulting in a virtual computer model of a project which holds selected structured data about the asset (design, quantity, time, cost, as built etc). BUILDING INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - Is the ORGANISATION & CONTROL OF THE BUSINESS PROCESS by utilising the information in the digital prototype to effect the sharing of information over the entire lifecycle of an asset. The benefits include centralised and visual communication, early exploration of options, sustainability, efficient design, integration of disciplines, site control, as built documentation, etc. effectively developing an asset lifecycle process and model from conception to final retirement.

What communication protocol does BIM need to succeed? BIM is essentially a means of sharing information. It therefore needs a means of sharing, which in turn needs a: Common language Platform to communicate the common language Willingness to communicate the common language

The common language and the platform are simply technology that already exists. The willingness to communicate is rather more complex. It necessitates a willingness to share information in an environment of total trust. Not something that is prevalent in current practice.

OPEN BIM Network 2012 Content must not be reproduced without written authorisation from the OPEN BIM Network.

OPEN BIM Focus Three Ways to Apply Communication Platforms

Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

There are three ways that BIM can be applied, Bespoke, Single (Closed) and Common (Open). These concepts can be clarified using United Nations communications as an example. The United Nations has one hundred and ninety two member states, between them speaking in excess of fifty languages. To function, it is essential that everyone can understand what others are saying. Logically, there are three ways to achieve this:

1. Bespoke
Everyone learns everyone elses language. With four languages, this would be difficult, but potentially feasible. If this were extended to the six official languages in common use at the UN, it is unlikely. Expanding it to cover the fifty plus sovereign languages, would prove to be impossible. In software terms, this would require a dedicated protocol to translate data between the numerous platforms used on a typical project AND ensure that these were updated every time a new software version was released. Not a viable option.

2. Single platform (Closed BIM)

Everyone, bar one, has to change their language. Another option would be to scrap language versions and force all delegates to speak one language. Politically this would be both unacceptable and impossible. In software terms, this means that one vendor would dominate and impose its particular language and functionality on all project stakeholders. With over one hundred BIM tools in the market, this route is totally impractical. 5
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Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

3. Common Platform (Open BIM)

Everyone uses their own language with a common interpreter. The third approach requires no change for delegates they each speak their own language and this is directed to a common pool that translates the spoken word into each delegates native tongue. This is the way the United Nations actually works. In software terms, this means that stakeholders use tools of choice and information is translated into a common format that can be exported to and imported from, any other tool of choice. Obviously, this is the best solution, requiring little or no change for users. The Open BIM Solution Fortuitously for the construction industry, a common international translator already exists and it is free at the point of delivery. Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) is the international protocol developed by buildingSMART. It is supported by every leading CAD vendor and increasingly, by an ever growing body of non CAD vendors who supply the wide range of software in current use (including, planning, cost, PM, FM and back office). Why is it important? Open BIM supports a transparent, open workflow, allowing project members to participate regardless of the software tools they use. Open BIM creates a common language for widely referenced processes, allowing industry and government to procure projects in transparent commercial engagement, comparable service evaluation and assured data quality. Open BIM provides enduring project data for use throughout the asset life-cycle, avoiding multiple input of the same data and consequential errors.
OPEN BIM Network 2012 Content must not be reproduced without written authorisation from the OPEN BIM Network.

What is Open BIM? buildingSMART defines Open BIM as: a universal approach to the collaborative design, realisation and operation of buildings based on open standards and workflows. Open BIM is an initiative of buildingSMART International and several leading software vendors using the open buildingSMART Data Model.

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Open BIM enables small and large (platform) software vendors to participate and compete on system independent, best of breed solutions. Open BIM incorporates product supply, enabling product data to be imported directly into the model.

Why will Open BIM succeed? Best in Class, Fit for Purpose With such a vast array of software products on the market, it is impossible to accept that any one vendor can produce the best solution to all problems. One open communication protocol means that products can be selected on their capability and not their source. Competition The software market is under continuous development and vendors are always looking to improve performance, scope and deliverables. In an open market, this will continue unabated as the quest for competitive advantage is the primary goal. Application In a major construction project, there are likely to be a significant number of stakeholders using a variety of software tools. It makes absolute business sense that each stakeholder can use their tools of choice providing it can exchange data with others. Only if a particular tool set does not have this communication capability should pressure be bought to change.

Why Open BIM now?

In May 2011 the UK Government launched its Construction Strategy essentially setting out a series of strategic objectives that aim to reduce construction costs. This strategy necessitates a paradigm shift in the way industry thinks and acts.

The actions necessary to raise BIM capability across the construction industry and establish an acceptable level of competence, thereby enabling all to realise the benefits of this process, were laid down in BIM Management for value, cost & carbon improvement. A report for the Government Construction Client Group. Building Information (BIM) Working Party. Strategy Paper. March 2011. The document details the Bew - Richards BIM Maturity Wedge, to illustrate BIM adoption in terms of maturity levels. The target is for all to reach Level 2 by 2016. However, the next step (Level 3), is referred to in the strategy paper (page 61), as Our final vision for the delivery of this information... 7

OPEN BIM Network 2012 Content must not be reproduced without written authorisation from the OPEN BIM Network.

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Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

fully web enabled transparent (to the user) scenario, based on the Building Smart IFC 3/IDM4 and IFD standards. What is very clear is that businesses should consider preparing for the OPEN BIM requirements of Level 3 now whatever stage of deployment they are at. If not, progression to Level 3 may require another major change in business process.

SUMMARY
BIM is a business process that enables all stakeholders access to the information they need when they need it. To deploy BIM successfully, a means to exchange data between software tools has to be found. IFC already exists as a free at the point of issue data exchange protocol. It is currently the only viable means of universal data exchange that works. There are a number of compelling reasons why it will succeed. It is central to the governments final vision for the delivery of data.

The IFC format is registered by ISO as ISO/PAS 16739 and is in the process of becoming an official International Standard ISO/IS 16739. 4 IDM and IFD are international standards intended to cover process and naming they are sub sets of IFC and currently under development.

OPEN BIM Network 2012 Content must not be reproduced without written authorisation from the OPEN BIM Network.

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Issue 1 - BIM and the OPEN BIM Network

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OPEN BIM Focus will feature detailed feedback from industry, including benefits and barriers of BIM implementation.

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