AISC Methodology for Adaptive Interoperability
ORGANIZATION: American Institute of Steel Construction
Chair
Chris Moor
moor@aisc.org
813.401.1594
This project is focused on improving interoperability within the structural steel supply and delivery chain as well as with other industries and disciplines.
While there is an emphasis on evolving and improving Open Standard formats such as IFC and CIS/2, the main focus is on ensuring data exchange can actually occur, regardless of the ‘how’. Further, the intent is to use the Process Map within the Information Delivery Manual (IDM) for Structural Steel as the basis for assessing and monitoring the progression and quality of interoperability at every documented data exchange point.
In developing these ideas, we have taken into account the input and comments from both software vendors and users about interoperability and the need for both proprietary and open solutions according to the situation.
In an ideal world, software vendors would prefer to work with Open Standards since developing, implementing and maintaining multiple links is expensive and time consuming. However, Open Standards are not easy to implement, cannot capture every requirement of information between two software platforms, and are slow to evolve: They can only work to the lowest common denominator. In addition, it's important to note that interoperability is driven by market demands - from clients, project teams and strategic arrangements between software vendors keen to create a competitive advantage. Given these facts, it is inevitable that proprietary links and APIs get developed to meet demand and gain an advantage in the market. In this way, open standard formats get left behind to satisfy only lower level (but still essential) interoperability demands.
This project provides a platform for the continued evolution and development of open standards while supporting market driven requirements. In addition, the project looks at ensuring data can be efficiently exchanged wherever necessary according to the IDM, regardless of the mechanism.
A full description of these ideas and the process is available on request.
Scope
A strategy for flexible, agile, workflow-based interoperability that will enhance the productivity and efficiency of BIM enabled delivery methods in the building and construction Industry. This will be an ongoing evolving process and as such no 'end date' is documented.
Status
This project was announced and discussed among software vendors to the structural steel industry on May 11 at NASCC and subsequently revised to reflect feedback. AISC's role will be to facilitate the process, assist with documentation and host software developer meetings to push this forward. We're aware that the scope may evolve over time.
