What is Open BIM?
The Open BIM concept is based on the open exchange of building models, regardless of the software solutions used by the respective project participants. The initiative was launched by buildingSMART and leading software companies such as Tekla and Graphisoft. The aim is to map the building over its entire life cycle using open data standards. The smooth, system-independent exchange between different planning solutions is also known as interoperability.
Advantages of Open BIM
The complex requirements of the construction industry can never be fully met by a single software solution. Instead, construction projects bring together a large number of different partners. With Open BIM, all project participants can work with the best solutions for them and achieve optimal results together. Open standards and shared processes and methods enable efficient collaboration regardless of the tools used. This is not just about the exchange between different software products. Open BIM enables project partners to coordinate their work processes in a meaningful way. Open, readable data is also an important prerequisite for efficient production.
Open BIM supports a transparent, open workflow that enables project stakeholders to participate in construction projects regardless of the software used.
buildingSMART
IFC exchange format
The most important exchange format for an open BIM process is the IFC format (IFC - Industry Foundation Classes), which was developed by buildingSMART International and leading software manufacturers as an open exchange format for building data modeling. IFC enables the software-independent exchange of information from different trades over the entire life cycle of a building. In addition to geometric data, the IFC model maps other properties of the building model. The IFC format enables the connection of Tekla Structures to software from the areas of AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) and building services and increasingly also from plant planning.
Cooperation with partners
Efficient collaboration and communication are crucial to the success of any project. The Open BIM approach gives the construction industry the freedom to bring together the best partners for a project, regardless of which software the individual parties use.
Trimble pursues an open BIM concept with conviction.
We do not work alone. In order to promote cooperation between our customers and their partners, we work together with other companies in the construction industry in the buildingSMART initiative. Tekla Structures has a wide range of interfaces to solutions and production systems from other providers.
Through our open programming interface Tekla Open API, we also offer customers the opportunity to add their own applications to Tekla Structures. Applications can be integrated into the Tekla Structures modeling environment via the Tekla Open API. In addition, connections to any customer-specific applications can be created.
With our Tekla Partner Program, we offer a special program for developers. Members receive a Tekla Structures partner license and the ability to sell, market and share their developed applications, among many other benefits. The Tekla Developer Center is the central point of contact for all information for Tekla Open API developers.
Would you like to find out more about Building Information Modeling? You can find more articles and materials here.
