IDS buildingSMART – using bSDD and Plannerly: The Ultimate Duo for Seamless IDS Creation

In this article, I will explain how to create an IDS (Information Delivery Specification) using the buildingSMART data dictionary inside Plannerly.

I will share more about the IDS workflow, element classification, information requirements, and exporting a final IDS in XML format – all following the IDS buildingSMART workflow.

🎥 Video Demo

Understanding IDS

An IDS, or Information Delivery Specification, is a file that serves as a guide that not only humans can understand, but also machines can interpret for automation.

It specifies what information is needed at various stages of a project and how that information should be structured.

To create an IDS, Plannerly uses the buildingSMART data dictionary, also known as bSDD.

Leveraging the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD)

The buildingSMART data dictionary is a comprehensive online service with standardized data and properties that can be used in the construction industry. It contains domains, such as the construction classification domain (CCI), which define specific information requirements for different elements of a project.

Inside Plannerly it is simple to select the bSDD domains/standards that you want your project teams to follow (in the project settings):

Plannerly leverages the bSDD to link relevant buildingSMART data dictionary entries to the project.

Now, as you type, the bSDD connection auto-completes based on your chosen domain – typing “stair” provides seven options available in the CCI Construction bSDD domain:

This same auto-complete works for properties too.

Simply typing “material”, shows a long list of standardized properties directly from the ETIM bSDD domain:

IDS buildingSMART Example: Creating an IDS for the buildingSMART Summit

To demonstrate the process, let’s take a look at an example.

In our example we are working on a project challenge set at the BS Summit, which involves creating a beam, a flight of stairs, and a wall.

We first import three elements from the Library (top left corner, of the screenshot below) and define their information requirements inside Plannerly:

Plannerly allows us to define the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) entity for each element.

In the case of beams, we would use IFC beam, IFC stairflight for stairs, and IFC wall for walls.

Once we have created and classified the elements, we can organize them into milestones or stages.

This allows us to track progress and manage different use cases within the project.

Plannerly also makes it easy to add information requirements to components.

Through the buildingSMART data dictionary, we can access entries related to specific requirements.

If the buildingSMART data dictionary doesn’t have the specific properties we need, Plannerly allows us to create our own custom properties.

Then we can export the IDS in the click of a button:

Final results of the IDS export:

Streamlining the Process with Plannerly

Plannerly makes the process of bSDD and IDS workflows straightforward.

By importing the elements in Plannerly and linking the project to the buildingSMART data dictionary, we can easily access the relevant entries for each element.

For example, when creating a beam, Plannerly suggests entries from the buildingSMART data dictionary for beams, including the correct naming and classification coding.

Visualizing the IDS for Humans

As we add these elements and information requirements in Plannerly, we can visualize the IDS using a grid or matrix view.

This visual representation makes it easy to understand and communicate the expectations to stakeholders who may not be familiar with BIM (Building Information Modeling) or the data dictionary.

Users can work in this visual grid and export the machine-readable IDS specification in XML format at any point!

Conclusion

Plannerly is a powerful tool that simplifies the process of creating an IDS.

By leveraging the buildingSMART data dictionary and its standardized properties, Plannerly ensures consistency and interoperability in information exchange.

Whether it’s classifying elements, defining information requirements, or exporting the IDS specification, Plannerly provides a seamless workflow for effective project management and collaboration.

Plannerly also provides auto-checking of the Information Delivery Specification (IDS) inside the Verify module too:

Did you know that Plannerly (The BIM Management Platform) is FREE TO JOIN?

Did you sign up yet?:

Join Free

Three Bonus BIM Resources 🥳

1. Other Interesting Reads ⤵

• HOW TO IMPLEMENT IDS XML IN YOUR BIM WORKFLOW (THE INFORMATION DELIVERY SPECIFICATION XML FROM BUILDINGSMART)
• BUILDINGSMART IDS – UNLOCKING BUILDING EFFICIENCY: PLANNERLY ANNOUNCES IDS EXPORT AVAILABILITY ACROSS ALL PLANS
• BIM CASE STUDY: HOW ONE TEAM SAVED OVER 4 MILLION EUROS (WITH BIM)

2. The Complete BIM Management Workflow [VIDEO] 🎥

Here’s a video I think you might find valuable 😃 – it covers the complete BIM management workflow:

3. Answers to some related questions 🤔

I blog for the Five BIM Bloggers series.

Every week we share different perspectives on important BIM topics!

To hear our views first, Join Free or follow Plannerly!

Follow 😍