As the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) continues to grow in the construction industry, the need for effective quality control and information management becomes critical. One of the challenges in this process is ensuring that the information requirements for a project are clearly defined and easily interpreted by both humans and machines.
To address this issue, buildingSMART has introduced a standardized framework called Information Delivery Specifications (IDS), which enables efficient communication and interpretation of specifications in a machine-readable format.
IDS allows project teams to define and exchange information requirements in a structured manner, ensuring consistency and clarity throughout the project lifecycle. By creating IDS, teams can eliminate the reliance on error-prone spreadsheets and establish a common language that can be understood by all stakeholders, including both humans and machines.
In this article + video, we explore how IDS simplifies BIM checking and the process of creating and checking IDS using Plannerly and Solibri.
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Introduction to Information Delivery Specifications (IDS)
IDS is an acronym for Information Delivery Specifications. It is a framework developed by buildingSMART to facilitate the effective communication and interpretation of project specifications.
IDS allows project teams to define the specific information requirements for different phases and use cases of a project.
By using IDS, teams can ensure that the right information is delivered at the right time to the right stakeholders.
The IDS framework is based on the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD), which provides a standardized set of data definitions, classifications, and structures.
The bSDD helps project teams establish a common understanding of terms, classifications, and properties, enabling effective communication between humans and machines.
The IDS process begins with an agreement among project stakeholders on the information requirements and use cases for the project.
This involves defining the specific information that needs to be included in the BIM models and ensuring that all relevant parties are aware of their responsibilities.
Once the agreement is reached, the information requirements are translated into machine-readable IDS files, which can be used by modeling and checking software.
Simplifying the Creation and Checking of IDS
Plannerly and Solibri are two software tools that can simplify the creation and checking of IDS.
Plannerly is a cloud-based platform that allows project teams to collaborate on the creation of IDS. It provides a user-friendly interface for defining the project scope, including milestones, required specifications, and applicable classifications.
Using Plannerly, project teams can select the appropriate dictionaries from the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD) and define the information requirements for different elements and properties.
The software assists users by suggesting options from the selected dictionaries, ensuring that the specifications are consistent and aligned with industry standards.
Once the IDS is defined in Plannerly, it can be exported as a machine-readable IDS file.
This file can then be imported into Solibri, a software tool for checking the compliance of BIM models with the specified requirements.
Solibri uses the IDS file to check the model against the defined specifications, identifying any issues or deviations that need to be addressed.
The checking process in Solibri involves comparing the properties, elements, and classifications of the BIM model with the requirements defined in the IDS.
Solibri highlights the discrepancies and provided detailed information on the issues found. This allows project teams to quickly identify and resolve any non-compliance issues, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the BIM models.
Benefits of IDS and Automated Checking
The use of IDS and automated checking tools like Plannerly and Solibri offers several benefits to project teams. These include:
- Standardization: IDS provides a standardized framework for the definition and exchange of information requirements. This ensures consistency and clarity across different projects, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and interpret specifications.
- Efficiency: IDS simplifies the process of defining and checking information requirements, reducing the time and effort required for quality control. The use of automated checking tools further enhances efficiency by automating the detection of compliance issues.
- Enhanced Collaboration: IDS enables effective communication between project stakeholders, including designers, contractors, and owners. By using a common language and understanding, the collaboration becomes more streamlined and productive.
- Reduced Errors: With IDS and automated checking, the reliance on error-prone spreadsheets and manual verification processes is minimized. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures that the specified requirements are accurately applied to the BIM models.
- Improved Quality Control: The automated checking process in Solibri allows project teams to identify and resolve non-compliance issues in a timely manner. This ensures that the BIM models meet the specified requirements and helps prevent costly rework during construction.
Enhancing Efficiency with IDS
Information Delivery Specifications (IDS) provide a standardized framework for defining and exchanging information requirements in the construction industry.
By using IDS, project teams can ensure that the right information is delivered at the right time, improving collaboration and efficiency.
Automated checking tools like Plannerly and Solibri further enhance the benefits of IDS by simplifying the creation and verification of information requirements.
These tools enable project teams to streamline the quality control process, minimize errors, and improve the overall quality and accuracy of BIM models.
As the adoption of BIM continues to grow, it is essential for project teams to embrace standardization and automation.
IDS and automated checking tools offer a powerful combination for achieving this, allowing stakeholders to work collaboratively and efficiently throughout the project lifecycle.
By implementing IDS and using tools like Plannerly and Solibri, project teams can simplify BIM checking and ensure the successful delivery of projects that meet the specified requirements.
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Bonus BIM Resources 🥳
1. Other Interesting Reads ⤵
- HOW TO IMPLEMENT IDS FROM BUILDINGSMART
- BUILDINGSMART IDS – UNLOCKING BUILDING EFFICIENCY: PLANNERLY ANNOUNCES IDS EXPORT AVAILABILITY ACROSS ALL PLANS
- IDS BUILDINGSMART – USING BSDD AND PLANNERLY: THE ULTIMATE DUO FOR SEAMLESS IDS CREATION
2. The Complete BIM Management Workflow [VIDEO] 🎥
Here’s a video I think you might find valuable 😃 – it covers the complete BIM management workflow:
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