CU1703

CASEstudy
Solibri - Asset inclusion-exclusion definitions and COBie output
models can be validated for
compliance autonomously, and the
results published through Solibri's
intuitive report presentation function."
Nick explained that the adoption of
Solibri was still in its infancy at
Multiplex, but they could already see
the benefits that the software has
achieved in improving working
efficiencies both for themselves, and
also for consultant design teams. The
company is supporting its greater
utilisation by personnel in key roles
across its project teams. From work
completed to date, it is evident that
Solibri could provide significant
savings in both time and costs.
When it comes to quality assurance,
the speed at which the robustness of
the model and the quality of the data it
produces can be attained, helps to
enhance the deliverables that Multiplex
Construction Europe receive.
SOLIBRI WITH IFC
Multiplex uses the IFC format, a policy
that the company has stipulated for all
its design teams and supply chain as a
standard deliverable. It allows them to
share files and communicate issues
with other software products through
the BCF file exchange. This means that
such issues can also be flagged up in
Solibri and sent to the right person to
correct in their native authoring
software, and then be issued back to
be verified and closed out.
IFC had a lot of negativity for a while
because of interoperability issues, but
with improved versions from Building
Smart and native authorising, the
software has improved its capability to
export and share files. Consequently, its
uptake is increasing, and is of particular
significance with the increase in opensource
products in the marketplace that
rely on it for file sharing.
When asked about how he sees the
future of BIM, IFC and, in particular,
Solibri, Nick said that "With software
developing at a rapid rate, it's
imperative to define why you are using
it, to establish how you intend to
manage it, and to understand what
advantages it will provide and what
you want to achieve with it." He added
that "Before long we will have new
roles in the industry, people who can
make best use of the digital
environment that's changing around us
- such as application developers and
data analysts."
Nick admitted that there is still an
educational exercise required to
change the mindset of companies into
investing in technology and adopting
digital methods of working - and more
initiatives to support the cost burden
that it lays on companies in the outset.
"Multiplex is doing its bit, he says, "to
demystify the deliverables set out by
our clients into plain language,
conducting face-to-face workshops
and providing education where
required, explaining what is required
and what is specific to particular
organisations with regard to delivery,
and what information we expect to be
handed back to us. Using products
such as Solibri helps us to validate the
quality of our information, and provide
assurances for the designs received
from our supply chain."
www.solibri.com
March/April 2017 25