CC2311
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TECHNOLOGYfocus<br />
across successfully - for example, if<br />
wishing to share custom components<br />
from Tekla Structures. There is always the<br />
flexibility to add additional fields to the<br />
IFC schema to resolve these potential<br />
issues, so long as exchange parties<br />
agree on these definitions.<br />
Understandably, when the primary<br />
purpose and value of IFCs is<br />
communication, coordination and data<br />
exchange, the potential for data loss is a<br />
concern. However, another obstacle<br />
facing the true and total use of IFCs on<br />
an industry-wide scale is the age-old<br />
hesitation and concerns around data<br />
ownership and data security. Some<br />
people simply do not want to share their<br />
models and its data with third parties - a<br />
mindset that will take some work and<br />
time to change.<br />
At Trimble, we've always promoted<br />
taking an open platform approach to<br />
BIM, understanding the importance of<br />
software and data interoperability. A<br />
great example of this in action is Quadri,<br />
our cloud-based platform for civil<br />
infrastructure projects. Quadri allows<br />
design teams to collaborate in near real<br />
time, enabling multiple people,<br />
stakeholders and disciplines to work on<br />
the project together, all using different<br />
modelling platforms.<br />
By avoiding vendor lock-in, project<br />
teams can share and exploit data in<br />
different software and technologies,<br />
enabling them to get more out of the<br />
data and gain better insights, in turn<br />
leading to greater project outcomes.<br />
Trimble's commitment to open data<br />
workflows also extends to our<br />
membership of buildingSMART<br />
International, where we are part of the<br />
Strategic Advisory Council. We meet<br />
regularly to develop and execute on the<br />
core mission and values of the<br />
buildingSMART International community,<br />
jointly working towards a truly connected<br />
construction industry.<br />
Working with other members, we're<br />
proud to help shape the future of the<br />
industry by providing critical guidance,<br />
feedback and input in developing the<br />
standards and solutions for the built asset<br />
industry. A great example of this is<br />
Trimble's support for the development and<br />
implementation of the IFC4.3 schema,<br />
covering infrastructures and civils.<br />
We know that in the construction<br />
industry and its marketplace, people will<br />
always use different software solutions<br />
for different things - and that's okay.<br />
What's important is that this doesn't have<br />
a detrimental impact on communication<br />
and coordination.<br />
Moving forwards and as we progress,<br />
it's clear that greater adoption is still<br />
needed from across the industry if IFCs<br />
are to be used to their truest potential,<br />
ensuring effective interoperability and<br />
full data exchange across the lifecycle of<br />
an asset.<br />
www.trimble.com<br />
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