Standards create transparent safety. This is particularly true for highly complex construction projects and their modeling. BIM has digitally transformed the construction industry in recent years and brought it into the 21st century - with various software solutions and sometimes different approaches.
All of them are based on a common standard: IFC. It creates the foundation for the interoperable use of building models across software boundaries.
But how does it work in practice? And what are its advantages? We provide an overview of the key aspects.
The most important facts in brief
IFC defines an open data standard in the construction industry
It ensures interoperable exchange between different software solutions
IFCs are the basis of a smooth BIM workflow
What exactly are IFCs?
The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) are an essential component of digital construction processes. These open, international data standards are the basis for the exchange of information and data in the construction industry. The importance of the IFC goes far beyond their technical nature, as they shape the way in which construction projects are planned, designed, built and managed.
IFCs were first developed in the 1990s by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI), now known as buildingSMART International. They provide a structured and ISO 16739 registered data schema to describe and exchange different types of building information in a common language.
Generating networked advantages
The key concept of IFC is interoperability. They create the basis for seamless communication between different software applications used in the construction industry. This is crucial, as construction projects often require a variety of specialized tools, from CAD software to project management systems.
The files are primarily a source of information. Similar to a PDF file, they contain a copy of the original data. Although these can be viewed and used for simulations or collision checks, they cannot be changed.
IFC as a new building standard - advantages and potentials
Complex construction projects are always based on a huge amount of data. Accordingly, they involve extensive calculations, models and analyses. This information must be seamlessly available for all relevant trades, because any delay means above all: additional costs and potential errors in data transfer.
Different companies with different software solutions work hand in hand, especially in larger projects. A common data standard is essential here. In addition to interoperability, Open BIM through IFC has other decisive advantages:
Increased efficiency: IFC significantly streamlines the exchange of information. Information about a construction project can be managed in a consistent data source, from planning and construction through to maintenance and use. This increases efficiency and makes project management considerably easier.
Quality improvement: Use contributes to improving the quality of construction projects as it ensures a smooth flow of project data. This minimizes errors and misunderstandings, which in turn increases the quality of the buildings and reduces the cost of rework.
Future-proof: IFCs are more than just a passing trend. They are a long-established standard that supports the development of smart buildings and infrastructures. With the increasing importance of Building Information Modeling (BIM), IFCs are becoming even more important as they provide a basis for error-free and uniform implementation.
Transparency and sustainability: The standard promotes transparency by providing easy access to information. This enables verifiable quality standards throughout the industry.
Tailor-made for BIM - the BFC
No standard without a corresponding further development - which in this case is even more focused on the requirements of a smooth BIM workflow.
The BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) was also developed by buildingSMART and significantly improves the exchange of information between trades working on virtual building models. Instead of using emails, BCF enables direct coordination of change requests and notes within the file using plan sections.
How do you use IFC with Trimble solutions optimally for your project?
The powerful BIM-enabled collaboration platform Trimble Connect makes seamless shared access to information using IFC a reality.
The powerful CAD software Trimble Nova, which is essential for the planning of technical building equipment (TGA), can interact with IFC and BCF data directly from the cloud solution Trimble Connect. This integration opens up new horizons for more flexible collaboration between the various trades and planning offices.
Viewpoint - Efficient use of IFC in construction practice
Viewpoint For Projects and Field View are two powerful programs that make the standard useful in concrete construction and project management.
Viewpoint For Projects is a comprehensive construction management tool that meets the requirements of ISO 19650. It supports your team in all project phases, from risk tracking to task management and promotes the smooth exchange of information.
The mobile offline solution Viewpoint Field View has been specially developed for the field service. It replaces analog input with customizable mobile forms and enables seamless communication and IFC transfer between the office and construction site. The software optimizes processes, reduces errors and ensures safety and accountability through comprehensive audit trails.
Together, these programs offer a complete solution for the management and implementation of construction projects, turning the industry standard IFC into a cross-trade efficiency engine - independent of the software solutions used by other parties.
