Transcript CONCUR IMS implementation

CONCUR - The Way Forward
 Make better use of information models
 CONCUR used IFC based object models throughout the project where the objects are the building elements. The project
explored the limits of using these models and found that although the objects can be used there is a great need to deepen
and broaden the IFCs. It is also clear that models which are native to modelling systems will always be richer than
standard models but with the penalty of limited or no interoperability. The partners found that it is essential for users to
create project models from an object point of view based on the building elements. Major advantages of using IFCs were
the facility to exchange objects between different sectors of industry without losing or corrupting information and the ability
to exchange and store property and attribute information in addition to geometry for use in other systems, such as
estimating. The effective use of standard models aids the change from project to product ways of thinking.
 Do more work on the inception area
 During the project it became clear that the front end work with the client and the inception modelling area requires more
R&D effort. This is a key area which can initiate models, programmes and cost plans. There are clear links with knowledge
management, data warehouses and artificial intelligence systems to ‘first guess’ project models to speed up the conceptual
work downstream. There is a need for Building Wizards.
 Make links to E-commerce & business
 There is a need to develop links between the worlds of Product Data Technology and eCommerce. This will widen the
usefulness of project models to support the needs of estimating, purchasing and facilities management. This will move
product modelling into the mainstream of business. This will result in models being used by software other than modelling
systems. Access will be required to extract and add information to the models by applications such as spreadsheets. The
VTT XML interface to a STEP database is a move in this direction. It is important to have compatibility between PDT, EDI,
catalogue formats and eCommerce.
 Continue RTD investment
 European and national bodies need to find ways to support the development of model schemas and research into related
applications. It is of general use throughout the industry but beyond the scope of individual companies. The work is
currently being moved forward by member based (not for profit) organisations which supply funding for the work.
 Involve vendors
 It is essential that the software vendors are involved in the R&D work. Experience has shown that vendors value being
kept informed about developments. Within CONCUR software vendors became involved towards the end of the project as
associate contractors where they implemented the research ideas and brought them to market. This was a good fit with
their development programmes which are usually less than 24 months. Only commercial vendors have the skills and
resources to commercially robust software and support.