CU Jul-Aug 2020

TECHNOLOGYfocus
A CDE shared
The Integration of Asite and 3D Repo's BIM data management solutions streamlines the working
processes of both approaches to the CDE and the BIM data model, writes David Chadwick
Asite and 3D Repro Integration
3D Repro Issues List
Asite, the global cloud-based
collaboration and Common Data
Environment (CDE) platform, and
3D Repo, pioneers of Software-as-a-
Service (SaaS) solution for Building
Information Modelling (BIM) data, have
announced that they are joining forces.
Their aims are to leverage the capabilities
of each of their solutions to provide
improved services and streamline their
workflows further, improving collaboration
and reducing the complexity of BIM data
management.
This new integration will enhance the
standard process of uploading 3D
models and other BIM related
deliverables to Asite's CDE, providing
instant and synchronous access to those
files in 3D Repo. Instant access to both
platforms saves the user time, instead of
having to upload files to multiple
locations. Both solutions will benefit from
the bidirectional functionality of the
integration, as files uploaded to 3D Repo
will similarly be automatically synched
back to Asite.
Asite enables organisations to store and
manage all project data in one central
and secure repository, a CDE or
Common Data Environment, providing
the tools to plan, design, and build with
seamless information sharing across the
entire supply chain. Asite has been used
by many leading AEC companies on
global projects, including Crossrail and
the expansion of Dubai International
Airport; offering streamlined workflows,
efficient information management, and
full document control that complies with
global standards.
3D Repo has been used on many large
construction projects including Wood
Wharf and King's Cross railway station to
name a few. Synchronising 3D Repo and
Asite's CDE is going to save valuable
time on construction and infrastructure
projects where hundreds or thousands of
model federations and other deliverables
are uploaded.
The news comes concurrently with the
latest update by Buro Happold, 3D Repo
and a consortium of partners on the AEC
Delta Project, a new industry open
standard for sharing data mentioned in
our news pages in the last issue, aimed at
streamlining BIM data access even further.
AN INTEGRATION Q AND A
It's always interesting when two
companies decide to join forces and
integrate their technologically differing
solutions. I spoke to Tom Coleing,
Marketing and Comms Manager at Asite,
who explained in greater detail what Asite
and 3D Repo contribute to an overall
project management environment.
The first question I asked Tom related to
the supremacy of the model. Asite's
Project Portfolio Management already
enables clients to view cloud based 3D
models in a Common Data Environment.
With 3D repo integrated within this
system, I asked whether clients would be
looking at an Asite or 3D Repo hosted
model? The answer was that it all
depended on what the user wanted to
achieve. Both viewers have functions in
common, but 3D Repo is more suited to
model coordination and issue
management, whilst Asite is a CDE, so
the focus is on the wider information
management process, irrespective of the
file format.
To put that into context, as part of the
design workflows established in a CDE
for model files, the model file may be
coordinated and commented on using
3D Repo. However, in order to take
action on those comments, you may
want to draw upon files and electronic
forms from the CDE in order to enrich the
discussions around issues - this can be
done in Asite's 3D viewer. Alternatively,
you will need to come back into the CDE
to accordingly approve or reject the 3D
model file.
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July/August 2020