Mika Awai- B2 Interoperability

To start, the basic meaning of interoperability is the ability for computer systems or software to exchange and make us of data. Being able to integrate different programs/systems into our everyday lives and relying on them to exchange information and process it correctly is crucial. This type of software communication is seen in many different things such as military equipment, hospitals and pharmacies, and BIM/Revit models. Direct links based on the programing interfaces in use are a crucial route to the success of interoperability. File sharing between applications is a main key when working in a BIM server. The BIM servers allow the collaboration or synchronization of multiple models (mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc.) all part of a single project.

Although interoperability allows for complex data sharing on BIM, there are still problems that occur for the more advanced program users, which unfortunately include data loss, and I know most of us have experienced losing work and it is beyond frustrating. Limited coverage of a data model, translator problems, software bugs or implementation problems, and software domain problems are the most common technical occurrences that would affect the interoperability of a BIM server. Issues also arise when multiple people on a project have different model versions or are unwilling to share information, which can occur between the architect, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, etc. 

There are three main different types of data exchanges that occur based on the type of problems that can occur. The three main types are direct links, file-based data exchange, and model-server based data exchange. Direct links are exactly what they sound like, a link between two applications that allow for importation, creation, modification, deletion and more between the two apps. These are often times used within a companies own product family because it allows for better support. File-based data exchange is where a model is exchanged using a proprietary exchange format or a publicly open standard format, where proprietary is commercial and can be published or private. Model-server based data exchange is where model information/data is exchanged through a database management system, i.e a BIM server.

The design field has progressed and the ability to create and share models and associated data has also progressed due to the development of BIM, specifically the incorporation of interoperability. As humans we want things to be readily available and easily accessible even when it comes to software. If someone came up with a software that could do everything, there wouldn't be need for much else. Thats not the case, but we do have compatible programs that organizations are able to use that make it easier for many different people to collaborate on and and produce a well rounded project.

Source:

Eastman, Chuck, et al. BIM Handbook : A Guide to Building Information Modeling for Owners, Designers, Engineers, Contractors, and Facility Managers, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/drexel-ebooks/detail.action?docID=5447327.

Comments:

Spencer,

Often times when people are using modeling programs we are go through the motions not knowing how the geometry relations are made(parallel lines, angles, dimensions). I found it interesting to know the development of solid modeling and parametric modeling and how expensive it was to have a parametric modeling software back in the 70’s and 80’s. Apart from the interoperability problems of BIM, it is impressive to see the technological advances made over the 50 years and how we went from only hand drawn models to almost all computer drawn models.

Amanda,

After using BIM at work I can to say it is an incredibly helpful tool in many aspects. Although I do not have much experience with the energy efficiency programs within BIM, I can see how they would be helpful when predicting future costs of a building. I have primarily worked with the HVAC systems within a building, so knowing that 40% of the energy use in the U.S. comes heating, cooling, and electric it encourages me to pay more attention to the design and its efficiency.

Ina,

As we read the same chapter we now both have a better understanding of what interoperability is and its role in BIM. I was aware of the problems involved with the translation of data between applications, but what I found interesting in your post was the discussion of how they are able to translate data into different languages. The creation of the bSDD program is something I find cool and important to the progression of these programs, as it allows for more work sharing opportunities around the world.