Free communication, sharing and collaboration are the new key elements to design a successful project in the AEC industry.
Breaking down communicative barriers is fundamental and a new methodological approach is necessary. This new methodology is based on interoperability along with sharing and exchange of information in the different stages of the buildings’ lifecycle. It is developed on the integration of openBIM standards with cloud technology.
How to use openBIM standards and cloud technology in the AEC industry
Building information modeling (BIM) has contributed to the progress of the construction industry through 3D digital models linked to design data. However, the digital revolution of the AEC sector has seen the light with the introduction of the OpenBIM.
OpenBIM standards mean free communication, sharing and collaboration.
These standards promote interoperability between different disciplines in the building industry by allowing cooperation among professionals regardless of the software they use.
This is the future of the AEC industry, but the real breakthrough comes from the combined use of these open standards with cloud technology.
Cloud-based BIM tools have indeed revolutionised the AEC industry and improved collaboration among teams through their ability to connect various disciplines and store data in a single platform.
Without using such tools, the project is limited by a number of communication barriers that affect its overall efficiency.
Among the main limits and data accessibility problems we find
- binding use of a single software: without cloud technology users are forced to use the same software both to create the data and to read or manage it later on;
- limited collaboration: users can only collaborate with people using the same software;
- lack of data ownership: without the licence to use the software with which the data was produced, it is not possible to access to the true data ownership;
- limited data accessibility: it is not possible to access to project data remotely;
- complex data creation and updating: without cloud technology, it may take hours to create reliable and up-to-date data for communication among professionals on site and in the office.
Therefore, the usage of platforms allowing the combination of openBIM with cloud technology is the key to create outstanding AEC designs.
How to overcome communication barriers in the AEC industry: ACCA software’s solutions
The leading IFC-openBIM expert – ACCA software – worked actively to break down communication barriers and introduce the combined use of open standards with cloud technology. It has developed usBIM, a cloud-based BIM collaboration platform for managing 100% openBIM processes and workflows.
usBIM is an integrated platform and a distribution system designed to increase awareness of BIM technology among all the AEC players on the international scene.
It offers free storage of up to 10 GB and 13 specific tools to manage the core activities of the BIM process.
It is possible to start using the platform immediately, without any initial investment and without having any specific IT skill.
To be on the cutting edge, the Italian company has developed new must-have applications such as the below:
- usBIM.refactor, the application that allows to create a new IFC model in 4.3 format from existing IFC files;
- usBIM.platform, the first IFC Certified Common Data Environment by buildingSMART international in line with the international standard EN ISO 19650;
- usBIM.maint, the CMMS/IWMS/CAFM solution for facility, property and asset management that allows to collate all necessary information in a single environment;
- usBIM.resolver, the construction management software that allows to manage all the issues at every stage of a construction project, meet deadlines, and ensure customer and team members’ satisfaction.
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