The BRE is developing what it claims to be the first free-to-use and list DataBook of BIM Product Library data and associated software to make collaboration in building information modelling easier.
Currently, BIM software providers use different standards, without offering a complete range of building elements which the user can draw from, and are often not compliant with the British Standard BS 8541 – which provides an extensive range of standards for library objects for architecture, engineering and construction.
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Furthermore, the fragmentation in software has prevented seamless communication between different parties.
Responding to industry demand, BRE is developing the free-to-list and free-to-use, industry-disruptive DataBook Product Library, which allows registered users to link their BIM objects and associate data to a fixed manufacturers’ data source.
DataBook will provide plug-in functions for authoring tools with options to not only link, but also attach data based upon project stage and appropriate project roles. This will remove the liability and risk for designers and constructors from using editable BIM Library objects, whilst providing them with the appropriate manufacturer data that they need to respond to the project requirements throughout the project lifecycle.
BRE has created a new Templater tool which will remove the confusion and lack of interoperability that has surrounded sharing standardised product information from BIM and associate technologies. BRE Templater (with code by activeplan) will provide core building element definitions (such as doors, windows, plaster board, roof tiles) and is built on international standards such as IFC.
Leading on from that is DataBook, which is in beta testing and set to launch in early 2018.
Paul Oakley, BIM director at BRE, commented: “The new DataBook will provide a much-needed process to manage information flow during the design and build process, without the complex geometry that exists currently.
“This will help make BIM work for everyone, as currently too much manual object changing is required as projects are transferred between manufacturers, architects and contractors.
“Given the substantial savings in time and money, DataBook will quickly become the go-to development source in the building industry.”
DataBook will be the first free-to-use and list BIM Product Library which will serve as an immutable, definitive and universal data store for all BIM data. Helping to overcome the current costly and time-consuming fragmentation issues, DataBook users will reduce development costs while benefiting from a compliant, trusted and standardised model that the entire supply chain can access and utilise.
DataBook will have a premium, paid for element. Services will include BRE independent assessment of the validity of the data available to each BIM object. BRE will check whether the information source is correct and coordinated, and content requirements, including manufacturer and contractor-specific contents, will also be verified.
BRE is currently in talks with manufacturers, including Tata Steel, regarding the listing of products in DataBook.
The new DataBook will provide a much-needed process to manage information flow during the design and build process, without the complex geometry that exists currently. This will help make BIM work for everyone.
– Paul Oakley, BIM director, BRE
