Many software products claim to be BIM platforms, but how can you tell if they really are? BIM stands for Building Information Modeling, which means that the software should be able to create and manage 3D models of buildings with rich information and intelligence. In this post, I will share some ways to test if a software is a true BIM platform or not.
A true BIM platform should have these features:
1. Parametric
The software should allow you to modify the attributes of the elements using a data panel. For example, if you want to change the size of a door, you should be able to do so by entering a new value in the data panel, rather than having to adjust the geometry manually.
2. Smart objects
The software should keep track of the types and instances of the elements in your model. For example, if you create a new door style and apply it to some existing doors, they should all update automatically to reflect the changes.
3. Semantic
The software should understand the relationships and interactions between different elements in your model. For example, if you move a door along a wall, it should cut a new opening in the wall and close the old one, rather than overlapping with the wall or leaving a gap.
As you can see, these features make a big difference in how you can create and manage your models with ease and accuracy. There may be other aspects to consider as well, such as interoperability, collaboration, analysis, etc., but these are some of the basic ones that can help you distinguish between a real BIM platform and a mere 3D modeling tool.
I hope you found this post helpful and informative. Thank you for reading!
THE BIM FACTORY
Author: Nhut Pham
Visuals: Cuong Vo