BIM classification - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:22, 21 October 2020

2020-10-21T07:22:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:22, 21 October 2020
Line 47:		Line 47:
	* Uniclass.		* Uniclass.

−	[[Category:~~BIM~~]] [[Category:~~Standards_/_measurements~~]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]] [[Category:BIM]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

Designing Buildings at 10:45, 19 February 2020

2020-02-19T10:45:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:45, 19 February 2020
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	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA's Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)		This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA's Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* BIM articles.		* BIM articles.
Line 42:		Line 40:
	* Building information modelling.		* Building information modelling.
	* Classification, an introduction.		* Classification, an introduction.
		+	* Classification systems.
	* COBie.		* COBie.
	* Common Arrangement of Work Sections.		* Common Arrangement of Work Sections.
Line 48:		Line 47:
	* Uniclass.		* Uniclass.

−	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:~~BIM~~]]	+	[[Category:BIM]] [[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:DCN_Standard]]

Designing Buildings at 09:05, 11 March 2017

2017-03-11T09:05:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:05, 11 March 2017
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* BIM resources.		* BIM resources.
	* Building information modelling.		* Building information modelling.
		+	* Classification, an introduction.
	* COBie.		* COBie.
	* Common Arrangement of Work Sections.		* Common Arrangement of Work Sections.

Designing Buildings at 15:50, 8 July 2016

2016-07-08T15:50:12Z

BSRIA at 09:09, 10 December 2015

2015-12-10T09:09:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:09, 10 December 2015
Line 1:		Line 1:
−		+	Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelling (BIM).
−	Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelling (BIM).	+

	This process of deciding what ‘things’ are called is causing some issues in the BIM world. If you have a vast quantity of data or information, that can be a very powerful resource. However, all that potential may be difficult to realise if you can’t find a particular piece of information efficiently when you need it.		This process of deciding what ‘things’ are called is causing some issues in the BIM world. If you have a vast quantity of data or information, that can be a very powerful resource. However, all that potential may be difficult to realise if you can’t find a particular piece of information efficiently when you need it.
Line 9:		Line 8:

	Subsequently, Uniclass was derived from this system and gave the opportunity to classify ‘things’ in different ways, not simply as a system or an object. Uniclass was based on the general structure described in ISO 12006, which promoted the use of classification classes, each of which relates to a classification need. As well as products (or objects), some of the other classes suggested by ISO 12006 are:		Subsequently, Uniclass was derived from this system and gave the opportunity to classify ‘things’ in different ways, not simply as a system or an object. Uniclass was based on the general structure described in ISO 12006, which promoted the use of classification classes, each of which relates to a classification need. As well as products (or objects), some of the other classes suggested by ISO 12006 are:
−	*Entity e.g. a building, a bridge, a tunnel.	+
−	*Complex (a group of entities) e.g. airports, hospitals, universities, power stations.	+	* Entity e.g. a building, a bridge, a tunnel.
−	*Space e.g. office, canteen, parking area, operating theatre.	+	* Complex (a group of entities) e.g. airports, hospitals, universities, power stations.
−	*Product e.g. boiler, door, drain pipe.	+	* Space e.g. office, canteen, parking area, operating theatre.
−	*Facilities; this combines the space with an activity which can be carried out there, for example, an operating theatre.	+	* Product e.g. boiler, door, drain pipe.
		+	* Facilities; this combines the space with an activity which can be carried out there, for example, an operating theatre.

	Other classes can be added, such as ‘system’, which works very well in an MEP environment. Similarly, an ‘activities’ class would be very helpful for defining a range of activities which might be able to be done within a particular space, as an alternative to using the ‘facilities’ class.		Other classes can be added, such as ‘system’, which works very well in an MEP environment. Similarly, an ‘activities’ class would be very helpful for defining a range of activities which might be able to be done within a particular space, as an alternative to using the ‘facilities’ class.
Line 29:		Line 29:
	The Technology Strategy Board launched the competition, “A digital tool for building information modelling”, in February 2014, a £1.5m competition for the development of free-to-use BIM digital tools for a classification system and digital plan of work, the outstanding components of Level 2 BIM as defined by the BIM Task Group. See Digital plan of work for more information.		The Technology Strategy Board launched the competition, “A digital tool for building information modelling”, in February 2014, a £1.5m competition for the development of free-to-use BIM digital tools for a classification system and digital plan of work, the outstanding components of Level 2 BIM as defined by the BIM Task Group. See Digital plan of work for more information.

−	----	+	-----
−		+	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)
−	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User~~%3ABSRIA~~\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)	+

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
−	*BIM articles.	+
−	*BIM glossary of terms.	+	* BIM articles.
−	*BIM Task Group.	+	* BIM glossary of terms.
−	*BIM resources.	+	* BIM Task Group.
−	*Building information modelling.	+	* BIM resources.
−	*COBie.	+	* Building information modelling.
−	*Common Arrangement of Work Sections.	+	* COBie.
−	*Digital plan of work.	+	* Common Arrangement of Work Sections.
−	*Industry foundation classes.	+	* Digital plan of work.
−	*Uniclass.	+	* Industry foundation classes.
		+	* Uniclass.

	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]		[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

BSRIA at 09:22, 5 December 2014

2014-12-05T09:22:20Z

BSRIA at 09:11, 5 December 2014

2014-12-05T09:11:18Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:11, 5 December 2014
Line 29:		Line 29:
	----		----

−	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User~~:BSRIA~~\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)	+	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User%3ABSRIA\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =
Line 35:		Line 35:
	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===		=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
	*BIM articles.		*BIM articles.
		+	*BIM glossary of terms.
	*BIM Task Group.		*BIM Task Group.
	*BIM resources.		*BIM resources.
Line 41:		Line 42:
	*Common Arrangement of Work Sections.		*Common Arrangement of Work Sections.
	*Digital plan of work.		*Digital plan of work.
−	*Glossary of BIM terms.
	*Industry foundation classes.		*Industry foundation classes.
	*Uniclass.		*Uniclass.

	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]		[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

BSRIA: Created page with " Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelli..."

2014-12-05T09:10:35Z

Created page with " Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelli..."

New page

Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelling (BIM). This process of deciding what ‘things’ are called is causing some issues in the BIM world. If you have a vast quantity of data or information, that can be a very powerful resource. However, all that potential may be difficult to realise if you can’t find the particular piece of information efficiently when you need it.

Classification can be defined as, ‘The act or process of dividing things into groups according to their type.’

Classification has been used in the construction world for many years, often without the users knowing it. For example, many engineers would recognise that a section called ‘T10’ in their specification dealt with ‘Gas/ oil fired boilers’. This came from a classification system called Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS) which covered architectural and Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) elements for construction projects.

Subsequently, Uniclass was derived from this system and gave the opportunity to classify ‘things’ in different ways, not simply as a system or an object. Uniclass was based on the general structure described in ISO 12006, which promoted the use of classification classes, each of which relates to a classification need. As well as products (or objects), some of the other classes suggested by ISO 12006 are:
*Entity e.g. a building, a bridge, a tunnel.
*Complex (a group of entities) e.g. airports, hospitals, universities, power station.
*Space e.g. office, canteen, parking area, operating theatre.
*Product e.g. boiler, door, drain pipe.
*Facilities; this combines the space with an activity which can be carried out there, for example, an operating theatre.

Indeed, other classes can be added to a classification system such as ‘system’, which works very well in an MEP environment. Similarly, an ‘activities’ class would be very helpful to define a range of activities which might be able to be done within a particular space, as an alternative to using the ‘facilities’ class.

Although consultants and contractors have managed well using just a couple of the classes above, other groups have found great benefit in classifying in a number of different ways. For example, it would be very helpful in a hospital facilities management (FM) environment to use the ‘spaces’, ‘activities’, ‘systems’ and ‘products’ classes.

In a hospital it is useful to classify the ‘spaces’ in the first instance by type, and then to classify each space further by which ‘activities’ can be carried out within them. From this it is possible to classify the ‘systems’ which support the spaces and then the ‘products’ which form the systems. A practical example would be if the chilled water system was taken out of action, you could quickly see which spaces were affected, such as an operating theatre. Once that’s known it is simple to determine which activities cannot be carried out, such as, a number of planned operations. Also, other products or equipment can be identified which can now be worked on as the system they belong to is not working, for example, chillers or chilled beams.

In this era of greater collaboration it is not enough to know what we are calling things, which classification system we are using. We must communicate with those we are working with to make sure that the solution suits all of us, and moreover that it is suitable for the whole life of the asset and not just the design, or the construction phase.

It may be that a new classification system is required to satisfy all parties involved in an asset and to make information available throughout its whole life. This is no simple task, and it becomes more complex when the range of assets is considered in both buildings and infrastructure.

It is tempting to try to find solutions to what we do individually, but it is vital that any solution must be suitable for all stages of an asset’s life, for all types of assets and for all those involved in the asset. Once this has been achieved, the full potential of BIM can start to be exploited, and tangible benefits demonstrated in the use of information management processes.

The Technology Strategy Board launched the competition, “A digital tool for building information modelling”, in February 2014, a £1.5m competition for the development of free-to-use BIM digital tools for a classification system and digital plan of work, the outstanding components of Level 2 BIM as defined by the BIM Task Group. See Digital plan of work for more information.

----

This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA’s Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User:BSRIA|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
*BIM articles.
*BIM Task Group.
*BIM resources.
*Building information modelling.
*COBie.
*Common Arrangement of Work Sections.
*Digital plan of work.
*Glossary of BIM terms.
*Industry foundation classes.
*Uniclass.

[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:50, 8 July 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelling (BIM).		Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelling (BIM).

−	This process of deciding what ~~‘things’~~ are called is causing some issues in the BIM world. If you have a vast quantity of data or information, that can be a very powerful resource. However, all that potential may be difficult to realise if you ~~can’t~~ find a particular piece of information efficiently when you need it.	+	This process of deciding what 'things' are called is causing some issues in the BIM world. If you have a vast quantity of data or information, that can be a very powerful resource. However, all that potential may be difficult to realise if you can't find a particular piece of information efficiently when you need it.

−	Classification can be defined as, ~~‘The~~ act or process of dividing things into groups according to their type.’	+	Classification can be defined as, 'The act or process of dividing things into groups according to their type.'

−	Classification has been used in the construction world for many years, often without the users knowing it. For example, many engineers would recognise that a section called ~~‘T10’~~ in their specification dealt with ~~‘Gas~~/ oil fired ~~boilers’~~. This came from a classification system called Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS) which covered architectural and MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing) elements for construction projects.	+	Classification has been used in the construction world for many years, often without the users knowing it. For example, many engineers would recognise that a section called 'T10' in their specification dealt with 'Gas/ oil fired boilers'. This came from a classification system called Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS) which covered architectural and MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing) elements for construction projects.

−	Subsequently, Uniclass was derived from this system and gave the opportunity to classify ~~‘things’~~ in different ways, not simply as a system or an object. Uniclass was based on the general structure described in ISO 12006, which promoted the use of classification classes, each of which relates to a classification need. As well as products (or objects), some of the other classes suggested by ISO 12006 are:	+	Subsequently, Uniclass was derived from this system and gave the opportunity to classify 'things' in different ways, not simply as a system or an object. Uniclass was based on the general structure described in ISO 12006, which promoted the use of classification classes, each of which relates to a classification need. As well as products (or objects), some of the other classes suggested by ISO 12006 are:

	* Entity e.g. a building, a bridge, a tunnel.		* Entity e.g. a building, a bridge, a tunnel.
Line 15:		Line 15:
	* Facilities; this combines the space with an activity which can be carried out there, for example, an operating theatre.		* Facilities; this combines the space with an activity which can be carried out there, for example, an operating theatre.

−	Other classes can be added, such as ~~‘system’~~, which works very well in an MEP environment. Similarly, an ~~‘activities’~~ class would be very helpful for defining a range of activities which might be able to be done within a particular space, as an alternative to using the ~~‘facilities’~~ class.	+	Other classes can be added, such as 'system', which works very well in an MEP environment. Similarly, an 'activities' class would be very helpful for defining a range of activities which might be able to be done within a particular space, as an alternative to using the 'facilities' class.

−	Although consultants and contractors have managed well using just a couple of the classes above, other groups have found great benefit in classifying in a number of different ways. For example, it would be very helpful in a hospital facilities management (FM) environment to use the ~~‘spaces’~~, ~~‘activities’~~, ~~‘systems’~~ and ~~‘products’~~ classes.	+	Although consultants and contractors have managed well using just a couple of the classes above, other groups have found great benefit in classifying in a number of different ways. For example, it would be very helpful in a hospital facilities management (FM) environment to use the 'spaces', 'activities', 'systems' and 'products' classes.

−	In a hospital it is useful to classify the ~~‘spaces’~~ in the first instance by type, and then to classify each space further by which ~~‘activities’~~ can be carried out within them. From this it is possible to classify the ~~‘systems’~~ which support the spaces and then the ~~‘products’~~ which form the systems. A practical example would be if the chilled water system was taken out of action, you could quickly see which spaces were affected, such as an operating theatre. Once ~~that’s~~ known it is simple to determine which activities cannot be carried out, such as, a number of planned operations. Also, other products or equipment can be identified which can now be worked on as the system they belong to is not working, for example, chillers or chilled beams.	+	In a hospital it is useful to classify the 'spaces' in the first instance by type, and then to classify each space further by which 'activities' can be carried out within them. From this it is possible to classify the 'systems' which support the spaces and then the 'products' which form the systems. A practical example would be if the chilled water system was taken out of action, you could quickly see which spaces were affected, such as an operating theatre. Once that's known it is simple to determine which activities cannot be carried out, such as, a number of planned operations. Also, other products or equipment can be identified which can now be worked on as the system they belong to is not working, for example, chillers or chilled beams.

	In this era of greater collaboration it is not enough to know what we are calling things or which classification system we are using. We must communicate with those we are working with to make sure that the solution suits all of us, and moreover that it is suitable for the whole life of the asset and not just the design, or the construction phase.		In this era of greater collaboration it is not enough to know what we are calling things or which classification system we are using. We must communicate with those we are working with to make sure that the solution suits all of us, and moreover that it is suitable for the whole life of the asset and not just the design, or the construction phase.
Line 25:		Line 25:
	It may be that a new classification system is required to satisfy all parties involved in an asset and to make information available throughout its whole life. This is no simple task, and it becomes more complex when the range of assets is considered in both buildings and infrastructure.		It may be that a new classification system is required to satisfy all parties involved in an asset and to make information available throughout its whole life. This is no simple task, and it becomes more complex when the range of assets is considered in both buildings and infrastructure.

−	It is tempting to try to find solutions to what we do individually, but it is vital that any solution must be suitable for all stages of an ~~asset’s~~ life, for all types of assets and for all those involved in the asset. Once this has been achieved, the full potential of BIM can start to be exploited and tangible benefits demonstrated in the use of information management processes.	+	It is tempting to try to find solutions to what we do individually, but it is vital that any solution must be suitable for all stages of an asset's life, for all types of assets and for all those involved in the asset. Once this has been achieved, the full potential of BIM can start to be exploited and tangible benefits demonstrated in the use of information management processes.

	The Technology Strategy Board launched the competition, “A digital tool for building information modelling”, in February 2014, a £1.5m competition for the development of free-to-use BIM digital tools for a classification system and digital plan of work, the outstanding components of Level 2 BIM as defined by the BIM Task Group. See Digital plan of work for more information.		The Technology Strategy Board launched the competition, “A digital tool for building information modelling”, in February 2014, a £1.5m competition for the development of free-to-use BIM digital tools for a classification system and digital plan of work, the outstanding components of Level 2 BIM as defined by the BIM Task Group. See Digital plan of work for more information.

	-----		-----
−	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of ~~BSRIA’s~~ Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)	+	This article originally appeared in the [https://www.bsria.co.uk/information-membership/bookshop/publication/delta-t-september-2014/ September 2014 edition of BSRIA's Delta T magazine]. It was written by Sarah Birchall, Sustainability Engineer, BSRIA Sustainable Construction Group. It has been posted here in a slightly modified form by --[[User:BSRIA\|BSRIA]] 09:10, 5 December 2014 (UTC)

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =
Line 47:		Line 47:
	* Uniclass.		* Uniclass.

−	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]]	+	[[Category:Standards_/_measurements]] [[Category:BIM]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 5 December 2014
Line 1:		Line 1:

−	Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelling (BIM). This process of deciding what ‘things’ are called is causing some issues in the BIM world. If you have a vast quantity of data or information, that can be a very powerful resource. However, all that potential may be difficult to realise if you can’t find ~~the~~ particular piece of information efficiently when you need it.	+	Classification is fundamental to achieving effective information management, and has been identified as one of seven components required for Level 2 building information modelling (BIM).
		+
		+	This process of deciding what ‘things’ are called is causing some issues in the BIM world. If you have a vast quantity of data or information, that can be a very powerful resource. However, all that potential may be difficult to realise if you can’t find a particular piece of information efficiently when you need it.

	Classification can be defined as, ‘The act or process of dividing things into groups according to their type.’		Classification can be defined as, ‘The act or process of dividing things into groups according to their type.’

−	Classification has been used in the construction world for many years, often without the users knowing it. For example, many engineers would recognise that a section called ‘T10’ in their specification dealt with ‘Gas/ oil fired boilers’. This came from a classification system called Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS) which covered architectural and Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing ~~(MEP~~) elements for construction projects.	+	Classification has been used in the construction world for many years, often without the users knowing it. For example, many engineers would recognise that a section called ‘T10’ in their specification dealt with ‘Gas/ oil fired boilers’. This came from a classification system called Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS) which covered architectural and MEP (Mechanical Electrical and Plumbing) elements for construction projects.

	Subsequently, Uniclass was derived from this system and gave the opportunity to classify ‘things’ in different ways, not simply as a system or an object. Uniclass was based on the general structure described in ISO 12006, which promoted the use of classification classes, each of which relates to a classification need. As well as products (or objects), some of the other classes suggested by ISO 12006 are:		Subsequently, Uniclass was derived from this system and gave the opportunity to classify ‘things’ in different ways, not simply as a system or an object. Uniclass was based on the general structure described in ISO 12006, which promoted the use of classification classes, each of which relates to a classification need. As well as products (or objects), some of the other classes suggested by ISO 12006 are:
	*Entity e.g. a building, a bridge, a tunnel.		*Entity e.g. a building, a bridge, a tunnel.
−	*Complex (a group of entities) e.g. airports, hospitals, universities, power ~~station~~.	+	*Complex (a group of entities) e.g. airports, hospitals, universities, power stations.
	*Space e.g. office, canteen, parking area, operating theatre.		*Space e.g. office, canteen, parking area, operating theatre.
	*Product e.g. boiler, door, drain pipe.		*Product e.g. boiler, door, drain pipe.
	*Facilities; this combines the space with an activity which can be carried out there, for example, an operating theatre.		*Facilities; this combines the space with an activity which can be carried out there, for example, an operating theatre.

−	~~Indeed, other~~ classes can be added ~~to a classification system~~ such as ‘system’, which works very well in an MEP environment. Similarly, an ‘activities’ class would be very helpful ~~to define~~ a range of activities which might be able to be done within a particular space, as an alternative to using the ‘facilities’ class.	+	Other classes can be added, such as ‘system’, which works very well in an MEP environment. Similarly, an ‘activities’ class would be very helpful for defining a range of activities which might be able to be done within a particular space, as an alternative to using the ‘facilities’ class.

	Although consultants and contractors have managed well using just a couple of the classes above, other groups have found great benefit in classifying in a number of different ways. For example, it would be very helpful in a hospital facilities management (FM) environment to use the ‘spaces’, ‘activities’, ‘systems’ and ‘products’ classes.		Although consultants and contractors have managed well using just a couple of the classes above, other groups have found great benefit in classifying in a number of different ways. For example, it would be very helpful in a hospital facilities management (FM) environment to use the ‘spaces’, ‘activities’, ‘systems’ and ‘products’ classes.
Line 19:		Line 21:
	In a hospital it is useful to classify the ‘spaces’ in the first instance by type, and then to classify each space further by which ‘activities’ can be carried out within them. From this it is possible to classify the ‘systems’ which support the spaces and then the ‘products’ which form the systems. A practical example would be if the chilled water system was taken out of action, you could quickly see which spaces were affected, such as an operating theatre. Once that’s known it is simple to determine which activities cannot be carried out, such as, a number of planned operations. Also, other products or equipment can be identified which can now be worked on as the system they belong to is not working, for example, chillers or chilled beams.		In a hospital it is useful to classify the ‘spaces’ in the first instance by type, and then to classify each space further by which ‘activities’ can be carried out within them. From this it is possible to classify the ‘systems’ which support the spaces and then the ‘products’ which form the systems. A practical example would be if the chilled water system was taken out of action, you could quickly see which spaces were affected, such as an operating theatre. Once that’s known it is simple to determine which activities cannot be carried out, such as, a number of planned operations. Also, other products or equipment can be identified which can now be worked on as the system they belong to is not working, for example, chillers or chilled beams.

−	In this era of greater collaboration it is not enough to know what we are calling things, which classification system we are using. We must communicate with those we are working with to make sure that the solution suits all of us, and moreover that it is suitable for the whole life of the asset and not just the design, or the construction phase.	+	In this era of greater collaboration it is not enough to know what we are calling things or which classification system we are using. We must communicate with those we are working with to make sure that the solution suits all of us, and moreover that it is suitable for the whole life of the asset and not just the design, or the construction phase.

	It may be that a new classification system is required to satisfy all parties involved in an asset and to make information available throughout its whole life. This is no simple task, and it becomes more complex when the range of assets is considered in both buildings and infrastructure.		It may be that a new classification system is required to satisfy all parties involved in an asset and to make information available throughout its whole life. This is no simple task, and it becomes more complex when the range of assets is considered in both buildings and infrastructure.

−	It is tempting to try to find solutions to what we do individually, but it is vital that any solution must be suitable for all stages of an asset’s life, for all types of assets and for all those involved in the asset. Once this has been achieved, the full potential of BIM can start to be exploited, and tangible benefits demonstrated in the use of information management processes.	+	It is tempting to try to find solutions to what we do individually, but it is vital that any solution must be suitable for all stages of an asset’s life, for all types of assets and for all those involved in the asset. Once this has been achieved, the full potential of BIM can start to be exploited and tangible benefits demonstrated in the use of information management processes.

	The Technology Strategy Board launched the competition, “A digital tool for building information modelling”, in February 2014, a £1.5m competition for the development of free-to-use BIM digital tools for a classification system and digital plan of work, the outstanding components of Level 2 BIM as defined by the BIM Task Group. See Digital plan of work for more information.		The Technology Strategy Board launched the competition, “A digital tool for building information modelling”, in February 2014, a £1.5m competition for the development of free-to-use BIM digital tools for a classification system and digital plan of work, the outstanding components of Level 2 BIM as defined by the BIM Task Group. See Digital plan of work for more information.