Database Connection as a Service to Empower BIM Ideology within the Building Industry

Abstract

Building Information Modeling or Building Information Management (BIM) is a complex paradigm without an absolute definition. One way to describe BIM would be that it is an ideology which proposes that by improving the communication between the building designers from different disciplines through technology and data sharing by having an information rich model in the center will help them to collaborate more, which will result in better buildings. Even though the potential benefits of BIM are substantial the industry has been reluctant in adopting it. All this has changed during the last few years due to new government regulations and industry finally waking up and embracing BIM and the benefits it brings.

Creating accurate digital prototypes of buildings requires a versatile selection of accurate Product Information Models (PIM models) of the physical products that will be used during the construction. Unfortunately, the only method for sharing the product technical data for most of the manufacturers is through technical leaflets and brochures. To answer this need, software companies like Progman Ltd. have created online PIM model libraries combining the product data from several manufacturers to a single service through which the designers can easily access and utilize this data. Maintaining a large and versatile selection of PIM models takes a lot of resources, which is why some kind of automation needs to be introduced. MagiCAD Database Connection introduced in this thesis is such a solution and it will play its part in empowering BIM adoption within the building industry.