Latest developments in the bSI Process for Domain projects
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Dear Domain Leaders,
Thank-you very much for attending the mini-conference this week.
For everyone who couldn’t attend, and as a refresher for others, the presentation pack is here, and it does contain some explanatory speaker notes.
The overwhelming sense was that the message about the new project parameters for Domains and the clarity of how requirements are captured, and outputs will be generated, was very positively received.
We reviewed the commentary in the MIRO board during the conference and please feel free to keep adding comments. If you would like access to the board please email your request to contact@buildingsmart.org.
The main themes from the discussion were; Education, Governance, Capturing Industry Requirements and openBIM Core Standards & Services Development.
We have summarised the comments into the following Questions & Answers.
Q. We need more openBIM Education if we are to apply it effectively in our workplaces.
A. Agreed. The Professional Certification Practitioner and Management modules will be coming out soon, and I definitely intend to do one of them. We strongly recommend that all Domain Leaders do a module even if it is the Foundation, and prior to that the Entry level (Both of which are already available).
Q. We need clearer explanation of the overall governance and who is responsible for doing what, including the management of the links between the programs and the Domains.
A. The latest revision to the bSI Process is in preparation now and it will include all this. I am going to release it with an overview and then a series of Annexes focusing on individual programs such as: The Strategic Projects, Domains Program, Organisational Structure, etc.
Q. We need to know what is happening in the Chapters with regards to Domain mirroring and who is involved?
A. We cannot provide a database of Chapter members but we do encourage use of the new bSI Communications portal to build up those communication links. This is in its early stages, but you can find it here.
Q. The core standards need developing if we are going to achieve maximum benefit from openBIM. IFC 5 for example is much needed.
A. Yes. When a Domain identifies a need for IFC improvement, following a gap analysis of requirements vs capability, you can make requests through GitHub (The link is in the process presentation). Importantly, you can directly support and accelerate this work by providing sponsorship funding to the Strategic Project team who are working on defining IFC 5, and other core standards and services.
Q. The bSDD library definition and identification of legitimate versions needs to be improved.
A. OK. We’ll take this point to our bSDD Product Manager and get a fuller response. It may be part of the bSDD Strategic Project scope which we are seeking funding for.
Q. How are Domain portfolios decided? Some seem very generic whereas others are more sector specific. Also, why wouldn’t Hospital or Airport say, be a project within Building or Infrastructure?
A. Its partly historical and partly living with the ambiguity. Hospital and Airport are programs because they will contain multiple projects. However, they would only concentrate on entities that are very specific to their sector. For example, baggage handling equipment would be legitimate in Airport but foundations or roofing (say) would not. It is also a way of enabling more members with industry knowledge, to sit on Executive Committees and contribute their leadership.
Q. Should the Domains be assisting Software Vendors to understand systems development? We are not really equipped to do so.
A. This is really a role for the Implementors Forum and the General Assembly of Implementors.
We look forward to continuing to work with you on the adoption of openBIM workflows.