IFC
aims to improve data exchange but is also an enabler and assists in ensuring a
set of information that is available to others in an organisation.
The main goal of the International Association for Inter-operability (IAI)
is to define industry foundation classes in order to improve process improvement
and information-sharing in the construction and facilities-management
industries.
In
simple terms IFCs specify the things that are used in building construction in
an agreed manner and they define a common language for construction.
They are defined by the AEC/FM industry, provide a foundation for the
exchange and sharing of information directly between software applications and
define a shared building project model. IFCs
have moved beyond STEP (the Standard for Exchange of Product-Model Data)
Modelling
systems are changing from using geometry and layers to using objects.
End users think in terms of objects.
The real saving offered by using objects is the multiple re-use of
information for different purposes and the opportunity to co-work in a virtual
organisation. The IFC is a means of
structuring the exchange of information. To
create an IFC you must not use only a concept such as length to describe an
object such as a door, but must consider almost every use of such a term to make
an IFC. A requirement at present is
to ensure that manufacturers supply relevant information.
A
Lexicon is being developed to provide a framework for object-oriented
information exchange. Problems of
content still remain with IFCs as definitions rely on someone’s view and use
of language.
Related presentations were given on/by the following:
·
Key-note
presentation “IFCs: Today and
Tomorrow “– Jeffrey Wix
·
Latest
IAI developments towards IFC and IFCXML - Mr
Thomas Liebich
·
B2A,
including public procurement, standardisation, projects
– Mr van Hezik, General Director of STABU
Industry
Foundation Classes (IFCs) developed by the IAI will be the basis of the next
generation of modelling methods in the construction sector.
As a platform independent description tool for objects, it will use
IFC-XLM and/or AEC-XML in software applications.
IFC 2X can be considered as a mature specification but need further
development for application in the construction sector.
The implementation of IFCs in the construction sector is dependent upon
the development of lexicons and their content such as that being developed by
STABU.
It
has been estimated that IFCs can halt the risk factors for Facilities Management
contractors. At the present time
Facilities Managers apply an addition 20% risk factor on new buildings and 50%
on old buildings.
XML
is a language for structuring exchanges of information. HTML
(hyper text mark-up language), the current language of the internet only
supports freeform data exchange i.e. it can only describe the appearance or
presentation of information that is displayed in a web browser.
It is in part because the HTML internet language does not allow
sufficient information structuring that the internet is used in only a limited
way, despite its obvious advantages as a communication platform for the
construction industry.
For
structured information exchange, XML is viewed as a syntax to describe the
definition of things; the representation of things and the presentation to the
end users. At one time it was
believed that if one had XML, one might not need IFC, but in fact XML helps you
to specify data exchange but does not provide the structure.
Building and construction XML (bcXML) is being used to improve interface
between supply and demand modelling requires ‘harmonised semantics’.
The key is the need for open communication and it is considered that the
reference architecture should be open software that people can download and
start using.
The
‘next generation internet’ seeks to make the same information structure
suitable for software applications to talk to each other.
Related presentations were given on/by the following
·
Presentation
of B2B and the work of the project “Building and Construction exTensivle
Mark-Up Language: bcXML”
– Mr Michel Boehms
·
Presentation
on “B2B:
an organisational problem – Mr Dik
Spekkink
The
presentations provoked lively discussion and it became clear that integration
across borders and in the building industry is required on several dimensions.
It has been concluded by those in the field that the building industry is
not an ICT developer and is slow to adapt, mainly through lack of communication.
It is considered that the building industry must structure its data
flows; this is not so much an ICT problem as a management problem.
The industry should develop a uniform information structure.
Federations
and associations can have a useful role to play as disseminators of information.
Additional
themes
1.
The Pro-DAEC thematic network
The
network was initially introduced to the group at the 23rd April 2001 meeting by
Dr Erastos Filos of D.G. Information Society.
A presentation regarding the proposed ProDAEC Network was given
by Andreu Llambrich of Isistute Tecnologico de la Construction – AIDICO
at the June meeting, and a further update on progress provided to the 24th
September meeting. In January 2002
Group members were advised that the start date had been postponed.
AEC
is an abbreviation for architecture, engineering and construction.
There is recognition of the poor short-term perspective currently
existing regarding business partnerships and the high fragmentation of the
sector.
The
ProDAEC network has specific objectives. These
include
IAI
and ISO/STEP will be compared and recommendations made on harmonisation.
Expected
project results should include European input to international standards, expert
groups and an objective of a single standard.
A
standardisation road map and business best practices should be ready in
2004.
At
the time of writing the group has benefited from one presentation on the
subject. Mr Jan Forslund,
representing the European Property Federation spoke on 23rd April
2001 of the Facilities Management Information 2002 project.
This is being carried out in Sweden to create a better understanding of
property or facilities management business and to exploit the potential of IT to
enhance facility management and increase customer use.
Strategic target areas were communication and knowledge supply (EDI,
Information, Document Management); interfaces (man-machine); product and process
models (based on the IFC concept); classification and standards and
implementation supporting new working methods.
At
the time of writing the group has benefited from one presentation on the subject
of Business to Administration (B2A). This
was given by Mr van Hezik the Director of STABU, a not-for-profit specifications
body in the Netherlands. STABU’s
structure is geared towards future programmes of standardisation: Building Code;
Product Information, Standards such as NEN-CEN, ISO, Software for calculations,
Contracts including specifications and CAD applications.
All
presentations made at meetings are made available on the ECCREDI web-site: http://www.eccredi.org
Diana
E Maxwell
Secretary
General,
European
Council of Civil Engineers
March
2002