Introduction
‘Interoperability’ is the buzz word in BIM world. The present state of interoperability in the construction industry is challenged at best. The common complaints receiving from industry professionals is the need for software systems that work together as well as an end-to-end solution that is entirely mobile and user-friendly.
There has been widespread discussion across the construction world about moving away from silos in various phases of the design and construction process instead utilizing key projects data through integrated systems and technologies. It might eliminate common problems such as re-entry of data and can consume time as well. Well, for this reason, data interoperability is vital in the construction industry. It allows smooth data access, as well as data sharing, thus help to streamline a project more-consistently and more efficiently.
This article explains what the role of Interoperability in construction is and what are its benefits to the industry.
What is Interoperability?
Before we process, let us have a quick look at what Interoperability is. Let’s look at the definition.
Interoperability is the ability to make organizations, a system to work together. To elaborate more, It is the capability of systems to exchange information seamlessly thereby minimizing the number of data entry points and allowing the format of data to be modified based on the client’s requirements.
Interoperability in Construction Industry
It is common in AEC industry to find construction experts either using any of end-to-end solution. Several high tech applications don’t allow for an open, but the secure exchange of data which is not best for the industry. Construction software developers need to provide an easy way for construction technologies to work together seamlessly. Thus, help users to access data freely among platforms. For the information to manage, share on a job site including field communication, blueprints, drawings, quantity take-offs, equipment tracking as well as management of RFIs & submittal, technology needs to support a collaborative system to meet the goals of project completion within time and on budget.
The problem of interoperability is universal in the industry, regardless of company size, but small firms are affecting a lot because of high-rated end-to-end solutions and slow implementation options. The large contractors also face difficulties with the software system that don’t talk with each other.
With the advent of new technological solutions, large contractors are starting to reap the benefits of modern mobile solutions. But, they have to fit in the legacy systems as well as work in tandem with them to avoid loss of data.
In the modern tech-driven workplace, interoperable software is leading the charge in almost every sector. ‘Best of Breed’ software solutions are superior to the end-to-end solutions. When companies use different technology platforms to build a product, each serves a unique purpose with APIs enabling them to share information and data with one another, this free flow of data amongst software solutions makes developers more efficient in working. Whether building software or building a structure, both demands accessibility of information to achieve success.
Also Read: Holomeeting: Modern Tool For Collaborative Design
Interoperability Benefits
There is apparent perks interoperability reaps by linking systems together and having then efficiently communicated with one another.
Interoperability reduces:
- Manual data re-entry
- Duplication of business functions
- Dependency on paper to duplicate and exchange of data
Interoperability Benefits includes:
- Increases overall speed of project delivery
- Lowers infrastructure weaknesses
- Improves reliability of information throughout project’s lifecycle.
- Helps to decrease supply chain communication costs
- Helps improving value to customers
Semantic Interoperability and BIM
Let’s understand semantic interoperability in Building Information Modeling.
Systems make use of standard data formats and communication protocols to communicate with each other. The formats are XML, JSON, SQL, ASCII, and Unicode. The example of protocols like HTTP, TCP, FTP, and IMAP. When the systems can communicate with each other using these standard formats, they illustrate Syntactic interoperability.
We need extra than just the ability to transfer information to work in BIM environment. It means, what is sent must be the same as what is interpreted. It is necessary to refer common information exchange model to achieve this. Thus, we require semantic interoperability.
To Summarize
Establishing a better understanding of interoperability and reaping the benefits is an essential task to boost the construction productivity. There is still a lot of work that has to be done to transform the present construction industry scenario into an integrated model of efficiency.