CU Jul-Aug 2020
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TECHNOLOGYfocus<br />
3D Repro SafetiBase<br />
Asite - editing the task configuration<br />
Considering a construction workflow,<br />
users may use 3D Repo's SafetiBase to<br />
identify issues but then to take action on<br />
those, users would go back into Asite to<br />
raise contractual communication forms<br />
such as an RFI or Site instruction.<br />
THE BENEFITS OF INTEGRATION<br />
Asite's collaborative BIM model<br />
underscores the company's portfolio<br />
management solution, the numerous<br />
capabilities of which are listed on Asite's<br />
website. I asked Tom which of these were<br />
specifically enhanced by integration with<br />
3D Repo? As Asite's collaborative BIM<br />
module is completely integrated with the<br />
remaining platform to facilitate portfolio<br />
management purposes it is able to offer<br />
various services. These include:<br />
coordinating models; managing revisions<br />
of files; individual object management;<br />
searching for objects based on<br />
metadata; preparing COBie reports for<br />
federated model creation; exporting<br />
single IFC files from federated models<br />
(containing all the federated file's data)<br />
and procurement services for objects.<br />
Conversely, 3D Repo's models are more<br />
suited for managing the coordination of<br />
models, identifying risks in SafetiBase,<br />
issues within models, and locating<br />
models on GIS (a handy inclusion as<br />
GIS/GML Support is an additional<br />
functionality that is not available in Asite<br />
at the moment). 3D Repo also supports<br />
a couple of additional file formats and<br />
has several more plug-ins within model<br />
authoring and validation software that<br />
Asite does not have. Therefore the<br />
integration will enable clients to take<br />
advantage of features that may not be<br />
available in either one of the platforms.<br />
Have Asite's metadata searches been<br />
enhanced by 3D Repo's data handling<br />
capabilities? The model files already exist<br />
in Asite before they are pushed into 3D<br />
Repo. The models available in Asite and<br />
3D Repo should, therefore, not be<br />
different, and Asite's capabilities would<br />
remain unaffected by this. In Asite you<br />
can already view and query the object<br />
properties available in model files.<br />
Is the integration a step in the direction<br />
of replacement of COBie data exports -<br />
with the aim of providing asset<br />
managers with a totally 3D based<br />
building model? As above, the IFC<br />
dataset should already exist in Asite. So<br />
whether users export the product and<br />
manufacturing information exchange<br />
through COBie or not is the user's<br />
choice, but Asite allows users to export<br />
COBie data, unlike 3D Repo.<br />
Tom said that Asite are looking at<br />
enabling third-party suppliers to add<br />
metadata to objects in the model, for<br />
example product serial number, and this<br />
is what will get the industry away from<br />
exporting the data in the first place.<br />
Where does Asite Adoddle figure in all of<br />
this? Is field based project collaboration<br />
a feature of the 3D Repo integration?<br />
Unlike Asite, there is no 3D Repo<br />
mobile/tablet app currently available.<br />
Adoddle has an H&S compliance<br />
feature. Will this be integrated with 3D<br />
Repo's SafetiBase? Not during this initial<br />
integration, but since the risks raised<br />
through SaftiBASE can be considered in<br />
a similar way to issues, it can be<br />
developed as part of the solution if there<br />
is interest.<br />
Emphasising the nature of the<br />
integration, Nathan Doughty, Group CEO<br />
at Asite, explained that model files within<br />
Asite can be pushed into 3D Repo,<br />
where users can then raise issues within<br />
them. As these issues are raised, they<br />
will be synced and visible in Asite as an<br />
issue. Similarly, issues can be raised in<br />
Asite's model viewer, and those issues<br />
will be visible in 3D Repo. The basis for<br />
the integration is the exchange of BCF<br />
file content. This exchange will be<br />
managed by an API call so the whole<br />
exchange flow will be automatic and<br />
enable bidirectional syncing of issue.<br />
The integration is seen as a positive<br />
step by Nathan with major benefits for<br />
their clients. "We're delighted to be<br />
working with 3D Repo on an integration<br />
to align our platforms and create a<br />
seamless experience that further<br />
improves coordination for our shared<br />
customer base, and will ultimately save<br />
time on construction projects globally."<br />
His comments were echoed by Dr Jozef<br />
Dobos, the founder and CEO of 3D<br />
Repo. "Asite provides a single point of<br />
access, validation, and quality assurance<br />
for project deliverables which many of<br />
our customers are already using.<br />
Integrating with Asite is a natural fit for<br />
3D Repo and follows in the footsteps of<br />
other existing integrations across the<br />
entire market creating a truly<br />
collaborative ecosystem for the entire<br />
AEC industry."<br />
www.asite.com<br />
https://3drepo.com<br />
<strong>Jul</strong>y/<strong>Aug</strong>ust <strong>2020</strong> 31