BIM Object standardisation is now achievable with the release of the NATSPEC BIM Object Properties Generator.

NATSPEC CEO, Richard Choy says the key issue restricting the exchange and interoperability of BIM objects between disciplines and projects is the inconsistencies in properties, property naming and object designation.

The Properties Generator resolves this issue. It is an upgraded and extended online version of the NATSPEC BIM Object/Element Matrix that is more powerful and simpler to use, making the exchange of information and interoperability of BIM objects possible from project to project and software to software, reducing the huge duplication of effort currently involved.

Choy says the Properties Generator will greatly benefit the industry.

“The Properties Generator addresses the major issues concerning information exchange of BIM objects between disciplines and projects," he explains.

"The free exchange of standardised information and data will allow different systems and applications to work together. This is crucial to driving productivity across the industry.”

A global approach has been used by including objects based on buildingSMART’s Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), and classification data for major systems such as NATSPEC, UniClass, Omniclass, Masterformat and Uniformat.

Properties can be selected from various sources such as IFC4, IFC 2x3, BIMForum LOD Specification, COBie and NATSPEC.

These properties are also categorised by their data type, such as cost, manufacturer and geometric. This allows users greater flexibility in generating the properties that are relevant to them, and to filter these properties to their specific project or object library needs.

Selected properties can then be exported as a PDF or Excel file, from which various file formats can be generated to enable them to be imported into BIM authoring and BIM-ready software applications.

The Properties Generator is suitable for a variety of users including content creators, manufacturers, project teams, and client organisations. It is anticipated that the Properties Generator will be further developed and enhanced in future releases, including the possibility of adding additional properties as desired by major clients.

Choy says he hopes that the Properties Generator may continue to evolve and aid growth within the Australian architecture, engineering and construction industry.

“At NATSPEC, we are dedicated to improving the construction quality and productivity of the built environment, so I am pleased this resource is now available. The Properties Generator is committed to promoting best practice, and will continue to develop based on industry use and feedback. NATSPEC welcomes any comments and feedback that you may have on the Properties Generator."

For more information or to use the Properties Generator, visit www.natspec.com.au.