Breaking down communication barriers in the AEC industry with openBIM

A successful project can’t exist without effective collaboration. Interoperability, exchange and sharing of information at different stages of the building’s lifecycle reaches the highest levels when adopting openBIM methodologies and cloud technology

We all know that openBIM standards promote interoperability between the different disciplines of the construction sector. But the greatest breakthrough is the combined use of open file formats with a cloud-based infrastructure.

Usage of cloud-based BIM tools have revolutionised the AEC industry and improved collaboration between teams thanks to their ability to connect various disciplines and store data in a single platform.

A project that does not use these tools is limited by a number of barriers that affect its delivery and overall efficiency. In fact, among the main drawbacks is the lack of accessibility to data due to:

• Needing to have the same software used to create such data and to read or manage it over time.
• Not having true ownership of the data because without owning the licence to use the software with which it was produced, you will not be able to access it.
• Limited collaboration only among those who have used the same software.
• Not having remote access to project data.
• Time-consuming processes to create reliable and up-to-date datasets for seamless communication to professionals present at the construction site and at the office.

Therefore, using platforms that allow the combination of openBIM and cloud technology is the key to producing good quality and efficient projects in the AEC sector.

In order to achieve this goal, ACCA software, the leading IFC-OpenBIM® expert, has developed usBIM, a cloud-based BIM platform for managing 100% openBIM processes and workflows. Highly efficient and streamlined tools with an innovative distribution system. You can start using the platform immediately without any initial investment and without any IT expertise.

usBIM offers 10GB of free storage space together with 13 dedicated tools to address the core tasks of the BIM process. But ACCA’s software offering doesn’t stop here. Among the upcoming additional tools that will bring even more extra value to the user’s experience, we find:

• usBIM.refactor.
• usBIM.resolver.
• usBIM.dossier.

usBIM.refactor: Refactoring and merge IFC files

usBIM.refactor is the application that allows you to create a new IFC model in the 4.3 format from existing IFC files (in version 2×3; 4; 4.1; 4.3).

This application is really revolutionary because it allows you to reorganise an IFC model even if you no longer have the software with which it was created and therefore adapt it to the new 4.3 standard.

With usBIM.refactor:

• You can create a new structure using geometries from different federated IFC models.
• Assign the IFC Classes by choosing them from those available in 4.3 format.
• If required by the standard, assign an Enumeration Type that characterises each individual class.
• Create a new IFC model containing the geometry selected and reorganised according to your needs.

usBIM.resolver: for smooth and timely projects

usBIM.resolver is a construction management software with which you can manage all activities and problems that arise in the different phases of projects.

Using a grid-type view, or the classic Kanban-layout board, easily assign, start, track, manage and control the different activities. With usBIM.resolver, you ensure the highest quality and efficiency in your projects, being able to:

• Monitor the progress of the construction process in real-time.
• Identify activities that are delayed on the roadmap, potential bottlenecks and any inefficiencies in teamwork.
• Evaluate any changes and make proactive workflow decisions to prevent the project from slowing down.

The strength of this tool is its adaptability to the different activities of the AEC world. usBIM.resolver allows you to manage and control numerous activities and problems (from the design phase through to the execution phase) and is therefore the right tool for architects, engineers, BIM managers, BIM coordinators, construction managers and construction teams on site.

usBIM.dossier: engineering document management

The documents that often need to be managed in an AEC project are numerous and must be easily available to everyone. This is why it’s essential to have a secure and precise cloud storage system that allows you to access documents from anywhere and at any time and, of course, to be able to share them quickly with your collaborators.

usBIM.dossier simplifies the creation, archiving and sharing of all types of files by eliminating the use of paper. You can manage digital files for any type of activity, from construction site documents to transmittals.

Among the many useful functions of usBIM.dossier you can:

• Securely store all documents in a single centralized location.
• Organise all design documents correctly and access them quickly with any mobile device.
• Speed up creation of your digital files using the many templates available.

Thanks to the usBIM platform and these innovative applications, you can work in teams with maximum speed and efficiency, regardless of the size and location of your team or the complexity of the project.

usBIM is the ideal platform to manage AEC projects as it bridges the gap between the office, the construction site and project stakeholders, regardless of the location or software used, and it allows you to manage all communication flows within the project, providing a quick and informed decision-making process.