Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Mitigating online risk

2021-03-19T14:02:13Z

3D Repo:

--[[User:3D_Repo|3D Repo]] 14:00, 19 Mar 2021 (BST)

Given the digital era in which we now live and the mass move to remote working, triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic, mitigating risk, particularly online risk, has become increasingly important.

== Damaging information leaks ==

According to a survey of construction, engineering and infrastructure workers carried out as part of the [https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/global-fraud-and-risk-report-2019/industry-overview/construction-engineering-and-infrastructure 2019/20 Kroll Global Fraud and Risk Report], 45% of construction industry companies have been hit by damaging internal information leaks. In comparison, 39% of non-construction companies were impacted by the issue over the last year.

While the risk of cyber-attacks is widespread and rapidly-evolving, there are proactive measures organisations can take to help prevent their valuable data, documents and many other online resources from becoming compromised.

== Cyber Essentials security ==

One of these measures involves making sure their platforms and systems are focused on providing robust levels of information security now, and into the future.

One way for companies to demonstrate and reinforce their cyber security is to complete the [https://iasme.co.uk/cyber-essentials/ Cyber Essentials Certificate of Assurance].

== What is Cyber Essentials? ==

[https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview Cyber Essentials] is a Government-backed scheme that is specifically designed to help organisations of all sizes protect themselves against the most common cyber-attacks.

Achieved via self-assessment and backed up by external audits, the certification is not just essential in providing an extra level of cyber security, it can also potentially enable organisations to protect themselves from experiencing cyber-attacks on a much wider scale.

By warding off the most common online risks, which Cyber Essentials is geared up to do, organisations are less likely to attract more in-depth unwanted attention from cyber criminals and wider similar threats.

== How do companies get Cyber Essentials status? ==

In order to obtain Cyber Essentials status, companies must demonstrate that their controls are 100% cyber-secure. All systems and ways of working are put to the test in the following five areas:

# Firewalls
# Secure configuration
# User access control
# Malware protection
# Patch management

== What does Cyber Essentials certification mean for you and your customers? ==

Having the Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to safeguarding its IT infrastructure from what is unfortunately becoming an increasingly widespread issue.

Moreover, many government procurement projects now mandate that all suppliers have Cyber Essentials certification in place, so for companies working within this space, accreditation is essential.

Our 3D Repo platform was one of the first BIM platforms to become ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified when we achieved certification through BSI in 2019. ISO international standards give consumers confidence that those products are safe, reliable and of a good quality. Achieving the [https://3drepo.com/3d-repo-achieves-cyber-essentials-certification/ Cyber Essentials Certificate of Assurance] further demonstrates our on-going commitment to data security.

If you’d like to learn more about our approach to keeping sensitive client data safe and secure read, [https://3drepo.com/data-residency-security-at-3d-repo/ ‘Data Residency & Security at 3D Repo.’]

Mitigating online risk

2021-03-19T14:00:23Z

3D Repo: Created page with "--3D Repo 14:00, 19 Mar 2021 (BST) Given the digital era in which we now live and the mass move to remote working, triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic, mitiga..."

--[[User:3D Repo|3D Repo]] 14:00, 19 Mar 2021 (BST)

Given the digital era in which we now live and the mass move to remote working, triggered by the Coronavirus pandemic, mitigating risk, particularly online risk, has become increasingly important.

Damaging information leaks

According to a survey of construction, engineering and infrastructure workers carried out as part of the [https://www.kroll.com/en/insights/publications/global-fraud-and-risk-report-2019/industry-overview/construction-engineering-and-infrastructure 2019/20 Kroll Global Fraud and Risk Report], 45% of construction industry companies have been hit by damaging internal information leaks. In comparison, 39% of non-construction companies were impacted by the issue over the last year.

While the risk of cyber-attacks is widespread and rapidly-evolving, there are proactive measures organisations can take to help prevent their valuable data, documents and many other online resources from becoming compromised.

Cyber Essentials security

One of these measures involves making sure their platforms and systems are focused on providing robust levels of information security now, and into the future.

One way for companies to demonstrate and reinforce their cyber security is to complete the [https://iasme.co.uk/cyber-essentials/ Cyber Essentials Certificate of Assurance].

What is Cyber Essentials?

[https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberessentials/overview Cyber Essentials] is a Government-backed scheme that is specifically designed to help organisations of all sizes protect themselves against the most common cyber-attacks.

Achieved via self-assessment and backed up by external audits, the certification is not just essential in providing an extra level of cyber security, it can also potentially enable organisations to protect themselves from experiencing cyber-attacks on a much wider scale.

By warding off the most common online risks, which Cyber Essentials is geared up to do, organisations are less likely to attract more in-depth unwanted attention from cyber criminals and wider similar threats.

How do companies get Cyber Essentials status?

In order to obtain Cyber Essentials status, companies must demonstrate that their controls are 100% cyber-secure. All systems and ways of working are put to the test in the following five areas:

# Firewalls
# Secure configuration
# User access control
# Malware protection
# Patch management

What does Cyber Essentials certification mean for you and your customers?

Having the Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates a company’s commitment to safeguarding its IT infrastructure from what is unfortunately becoming an increasingly widespread issue.

Moreover, many government procurement projects now mandate that all suppliers have Cyber Essentials certification in place, so for companies working within this space, accreditation is essential.

Our 3D Repo platform was one of the first BIM platforms to become ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified when we achieved certification through BSI in 2019. ISO international standards give consumers confidence that those products are safe, reliable and of a good quality. Achieving the [https://3drepo.com/3d-repo-achieves-cyber-essentials-certification/ Cyber Essentials Certificate of Assurance] further demonstrates our on-going commitment to data security.

If you’d like to learn more about our approach to keeping sensitive client data safe and secure read, [https://3drepo.com/data-residency-security-at-3d-repo/ ‘Data Residency & Security at 3D Repo.’]

Improving health and safety using BIM

2020-11-23T16:31:46Z

3D Repo:

The challenge of health and safety management in the AEC industry

Health and safety information in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry is often unstructured, disconnected, and complicated.

It is not uncommon for health and safety information to be held in risk registers saved in spreadsheets and transferred between parties via email. These risk registers can vary from person to person, project to project and even within the same organisation.

While this approach may be suitable for some smaller projects, it becomes increasingly complex with larger projects which may have hundreds or even thousands of risks.

After a look around the industry, it was evident that many organisations were looking for a better way to manage their health and safety information.

A health and safety solution for the whole industry

To help address this issue, a large consortium of partners including: 3D Repo, Atkins, Bentley, Costain, HS2, Laing O’Rourke, Mott MacDonald and Tideway came together to develop a solution that could be used on projects of any size.

Rather than further fragment the industry, the consortium decided to work as a team to bring together best practices that the whole construction industry could benefit from.

The group successfully applied for funding from i3P and Innovate UK to develop what is now known as ‘SafetiBase’; a cloud-based repository which uses existing best of breed solutions to improve risk management.

Compliant with PAS 1192-6

The SafetiBase platform is based on and fully compliant with PAS 1192-6: Specification for collaborative sharing and use of structured Health and Safety information using BIM.

The PAS 1192 framework is a series of documents that sets out the requirements for achieving BIM Level 2 – which the UK Government has already committed to complying with for all large-scale and public-sector construction contracts.

PAS 1192-6 is part of this framework and aims to encourage collaboration and sharing of structured health and safety information throughout project and asset lifecycles. It does this by providing guidance on how to incorporate health and safety information through BIM processes and applications

The PAS 1192-6 supports the development of structured health and safety information for all construction projects from the outset.

A system for managing health and safety risks in construction

The consortium decided that whatever system they developed, it should be simple, structured, and connected. Initial investigations using real data from the Thames Tideway West project and HS2 revealed significant manual processing, confirming the requirement for a better solution.

The consortium developed the solution through three phases:

Phase 1: Extract data and develop the interface

Phase 2: Integrate opensource cloud system

Phase 3: Develop a dashboard platform and automation

The solution is managed through a web-based platform, which in this case is 3D Repo’s digital construction platform. With an open API, this means that the user can also view health and safety information in their native 3D modelling system.

Further analysis of the data can be carried out by connecting to business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI to make custom dashboards and gain better insights.

The result of the consortium’s work is a database of health, safety, and welfare issues linked to an online 3D repository of project data. This means that users benefit from existing knowledge for similar projects, eliminating the need to reproduce this information each time.

Not only does this have the potential to save a large amount of time for any project, but it also creates a much safer working environment for people working on-site by mitigating risk.

Working with the Health and Safety Executive

To further increase the benefit of SafetiBase, the consortium is working alongside the UK Government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) through the Discovering Safety programme. A recent initiative has been the creation of health and safety risk treatment suggestions.

Moving into the future, the project team hopes to be able to automatically create lists of risks based on how models are put together, auto-mitigate against those risks and drive industry solutions for everyone to benefit from.

--[[User:3D Repo|3D Repo]] 16:31, 23 Nov 2020 (BST)

Improving health and safety using BIM

2020-11-23T16:03:17Z

3D Repo: Created page with "The challenge of health and safety management in the AEC industry Health and safety information in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry is often unstructured..."

Remote working and cloud-based BIM

2020-10-20T16:32:23Z

3D Repo:

Cloud computing has exploded in recent years with companies of all sizes and across all industries shifting towards Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) models.

BIM is no exception to this trend.

There are a host of benefits for creating, managing and sharing BIM models in the cloud for the (AEC) architecture, engineering and construction industry. Even before the coronavirus pandemic caused a shift to home-working for everyone, different disciplines were often dispersed around the country.

In the case of construction projects, cloud-based BIM is not just about remote working but also about dispersed teams. Project teams are made up of individuals from many different organisations such as architect practices, engineering firms, main contractors and specialist sub-contractors. Cloud-based BIM offers many advantages to these teams, whether they are working remotely from home, in the office or on site.

Below is a brief outline of the main advantages.

== Seven benefits of cloud-based BIM ==

=== 1. Reduced IT costs ===

One benefit of working in the cloud is the cost savings and payment options that it can offer. Capital expenditure (CapEX) is significantly reduced as there is no need for organisations to buy the physical computing servers and storage needed to manage their project data.

Instead, most cloud-computing services operate either on a pay-as-you-go or subscription service, which means you only pay for what you use.

=== 2. Better flexibility ===

In addition, custom licensing (for example, paying for a set number of users or concurrent users) and cloud storage options give you the flexibility to change with the requirements of the project.

Instead of paying for licenses and storage that you don’t use, cloud computing allows enterprises to expand the system quickly as the project progresses.

Most importantly for BIM models, cloud-based systems are accessed via a web browser that allows the user to load and view large and complex models without the need for an expensive, high-specification computer. Large models can be processed and optimised at speed into a common format that makes it possible to load in a web browser.

BIM and cloud computing together create a scalable solution for teams and projects of all sizes.

=== 3. Improved accessibility ===

Cloud-based BIM allows architects, engineers, and contractors to easily access their 3D models from virtually anywhere. Storing BIM information in the cloud means stakeholders can upload and access the latest version of their models, and work from a single source of truth.

Model revisions are always up to date, with the ability to roll back to a previous version whenever necessary. All the design and BIM data is accessible in one place.

Cloud-based BIM also cuts out the need to install large software programmes directly onto the computers of all the people working on the project, which also often requires efforts by the IT department.

On large scale projects with multiple contracting companies working together, a centralised system such as 3D Repo allows you to merge the design files together from many different popular file formats including Revit RVT, IFC, Bentley DGN, BCF and many more.

This ease of access is very useful for those BIM managers who work with multiple teams and people working on a construction site. Collaboration between team members can happen from any geographic location whether they are based at home, on-site, or in the office.

=== 4. Real-time issue resolution ===

Issue resolution becomes streamlined in the cloud too, allowing teams to address and solve problems either in real-time, or asynchronously amongst team members.

Members of the project team no longer need to wait for design coordination meetings to find and resolve issues, instead, they can simply log into the model from a web browser and attribute issues directly in the 3D model for all collaborators to see.

Instead of users emailing information back and forth, issues can be highlighted and resolved in situ.

BIM project coordinators can monitor design team information in real-time, and instantly identify issues such as an object with the wrong height or incorrect positioning and ensure that the issue is resolved before the project moves to the construction site.

=== 5. Reduced project risks ===

Communicating issues through email and manual reports can slow down the design process.

A cloud platform can manage all of this by logging all communication and notifying people when issues are assigned to them. All of this ensures transparency and accountability for all stakeholders working to deliver a project on time.

A BIM model online is a visual and more intuitive experience, allowing the user to spot and manage issues and risks quickly.

=== 6. Improved knowledge and reporting ===

Before BIM became as widespread as it is today in the UK and in many other countries, BIM processes were left to the few with the technical know-how to make the software work.

Cloud solutions look to democratise BIM data, making it available for all stakeholders.

For example, via 3D Repo’s API, users can link their data to business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Node-RED, and Dynamo. These tools make it easy for anyone to understand project data, get insights on issues, health and safety concerns, progress tracking, and ultimately, to make better informed decisions. With cloud-based BIM, all of this can be done remotely.

=== 7. Improved security ===

Cloud data storage is often more secure than storing data in your own offices. Data in the office is often stored on local laptops, USB keys, and office servers. This data is unencrypted by default, meaning anyone with physical access to the offices or computers can potentially access it.

Cloud-based providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud offer high levels of physical storage security as well as encryption to protect their clients’ data.

=== Conclusion ===

Cloud-based BIM is here to stay. Before the global coronavirus pandemic, the benefits of hosting BIM models in the cloud and collaborating across teams via a web interface were already gaining traction.

During 2020, what had previously been a steady march to cloud-based computing for all our applications accelerated to a sprint and then a leap. Now more than ever, people need solutions that can help them work more collaboratively and ensure they can still deliver projects whilst working remotely.

And combining cloud-based BIM with technologies such as Microsoft Teams means that dispersed project teams can collaborate in real time, carry out online meetings, raise questions and resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Collaboration, communication, and coordination are fundamental to digital construction and cloud-based BIM is one way to ensure its success.

--[[User:3D_Repo|3D Repo]] 17:08, 20 Oct 2020 (BST)

Remote working and cloud-based BIM

2020-10-20T16:28:30Z

3D Repo:

Cloud computing has exploded in recent years with companies of all sizes and across all industries shifting towards Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) models.

BIM is no exception to this trend.

There are a host of benefits for creating, managing and sharing BIM models in the cloud for the (AEC) architecture, engineering and construction industry. Even before the coronavirus pandemic caused a shift to home-working for everyone, different disciplines were often dispersed around the country.

In the case of construction projects, cloud-based BIM is not just about remote working but also about dispersed teams. Project teams are made up of individuals from many different organisations such as architect practices, engineering firms, main contractors and specialist sub-contractors. Cloud-based BIM offers many advantages to these teams, whether they are working remotely from home, in the office or on site.

Below is a brief outline of the main advantages.

== Seven benefits of cloud-based BIM ==

=== 1. Reduced IT costs ===

One benefit of working in the cloud is the cost savings and payment options that it can offer. Capital expenditure (CapEX) is significantly reduced as there is no need for organisations to buy the physical computing servers and storage needed to manage their project data.

Instead, most cloud-computing services operate either on a pay-as-you-go or subscription service, which means you only pay for what you use.

=== 2. Better flexibility ===

In addition, custom licensing (for example, paying for a set number of users or concurrent users) and cloud storage options give you the flexibility to change with the requirements of the project.

Instead of paying for licenses and storage that you don’t use, cloud computing allows enterprises to expand the system quickly as the project progresses.

Most importantly for BIM models, cloud-based systems are accessed via a web browser that allows the user to load and view large and complex models without the need for an expensive, high-specification computer. Large models can be processed and optimised at speed into a common format that makes it possible to load in a web browser.

BIM and cloud computing together create a scalable solution for teams and projects of all sizes.

=== 3. Improved accessibility ===

Cloud-based BIM allows architects, engineers, and contractors to easily access their 3D models from virtually anywhere. Storing BIM information in the cloud means stakeholders can upload and access the latest version of their models, and work from a single source of truth.

Model revisions are always up to date, with the ability to roll back to a previous version whenever necessary. All the design and BIM data is accessible in one place.

Cloud-based BIM also cuts out the need to install large software programmes directly onto the computers of all the people working on the project, which also often requires efforts by the IT department.

On large scale projects with multiple contracting companies working together, a centralised system such as [https://3drepo.com/ 3D Repo] allows you to merge the design files together from many different popular file formats including Revit RVT, IFC, Bentley DGN, BCF and many more.

This ease of access is very useful for those BIM managers who work with multiple teams and people working on a construction site. Collaboration between team members can happen from any geographic location whether they are based at home, on-site, or in the office.

=== 4. Real-time issue resolution ===

Issue resolution becomes streamlined in the cloud too, allowing teams to address and solve problems either in real-time, or asynchronously amongst team members.

Members of the project team no longer need to wait for design coordination meetings to find and resolve issues, instead, they can simply log into the model from a web browser and attribute issues directly in the 3D model for all collaborators to see.

Instead of users emailing information back and forth, issues can be highlighted and resolved in situ.

BIM project coordinators can monitor design team information in real-time, and instantly identify issues such as an object with the wrong height or incorrect positioning and ensure that the issue is resolved before the project moves to the construction site.

=== 5. Reduced project risks ===

Communicating issues through email and manual reports can slow down the design process.

A cloud platform can manage all of this by logging all communication and notifying people when issues are assigned to them. All of this ensures transparency and accountability for all stakeholders working to deliver a project on time.

A BIM model online is a visual and more intuitive experience, allowing the user to spot and manage issues and risks quickly.

=== 6. Improved knowledge and reporting ===

Before BIM became as widespread as it is today in the UK and in many other countries, BIM processes were left to the few with the technical know-how to make the software work.

Cloud solutions look to democratise BIM data, making it available for all stakeholders.

For example, via 3D Repo’s API, users can link their data to business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Node-RED, and Dynamo. These tools make it easy for anyone to understand project data, get insights on issues, health and safety concerns, progress tracking, and ultimately, to make better informed decisions. With cloud-based BIM, all of this can be done remotely.

=== 7. Improved security ===

Cloud data storage is often more secure than storing data in your own offices. Data in the office is often stored on local laptops, USB keys, and office servers. This data is unencrypted by default, meaning anyone with physical access to the offices or computers can potentially access it.

Cloud-based providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud offer high levels of physical storage security as well as encryption to protect their clients’ data.

=== Conclusion ===

Cloud-based BIM is here to stay. Before the global coronavirus pandemic, the benefits of hosting BIM models in the cloud and collaborating across teams via a web interface were already gaining traction.

During 2020, what had previously been a steady march to cloud-based computing for all our applications accelerated to a sprint and then a leap. Now more than ever, people need solutions that can help them work more collaboratively and ensure they can still deliver projects whilst working remotely.

And combining cloud-based BIM with technologies such as Microsoft Teams means that dispersed project teams can collaborate in real time, carry out online meetings, raise questions and resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Collaboration, communication, and coordination are fundamental to digital construction and cloud-based BIM is one way to ensure its success.

--[[User:3D_Repo|3D Repo]] 17:08, 20 Oct 2020 (BST)

Remote working and cloud-based BIM

2020-10-20T16:08:59Z

3D Repo:

Cloud computing has exploded in recent years with companies of all sizes and across all industries shifting towards Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) models.

BIM is no exception to this trend.

There are a host of benefits for creating, managing and sharing BIM models in the cloud for the (AEC) architecture, engineering and construction industry. Even before the coronavirus pandemic caused a shift to home-working for everyone, different disciplines were often dispersed around the country.

In the case of construction projects, cloud-based BIM is not just about remote working but also about dispersed teams. Project teams are made up of individuals from many different organisations such as architect practices, engineering firms, main contractors and specialist sub-contractors. Cloud-based BIM offers many advantages to these teams, whether they are working remotely from home, in the office or on site.

Below is a brief outline of the main advantages.

== Seven benefits of cloud-based BIM ==

=== 1. Reduced IT costs ===

One benefit of working in the cloud is the cost savings and payment options that it can offer. Capital expenditure (CapEX) is significantly reduced as there is no need for organisations to buy the physical computing servers and storage needed to manage their project data.

Instead, most cloud-computing services operate either on a pay-as-you-go or subscription service, which means you only pay for what you use.

=== 2. Better flexibility ===

In addition, custom licensing (for example, paying for a set number of users or concurrent users) and cloud storage options give you the flexibility to change with the requirements of the project.

Instead of paying for licenses and storage that you don’t use, cloud computing allows enterprises to expand the system quickly as the project progresses.

Most importantly for BIM models, cloud-based systems are accessed via a web browser that allows the user to load and view large and complex models without the need for an expensive, high-specification computer. Large models can be processed and optimised at speed into a common format that makes it possible to load in a web browser.

BIM and cloud computing together create a scalable solution for teams and projects of all sizes.

=== 3. Improved accessibility ===

Cloud-based BIM allows architects, engineers, and contractors to easily access their 3D models from virtually anywhere. Storing BIM information in the cloud means stakeholders can upload and access the latest version of their models, and work from a single source of truth.

Model revisions are always up to date, with the ability to roll back to a previous version whenever necessary. All the design and BIM data is accessible in one place.

Cloud-based BIM also cuts out the need to install large software programmes directly onto the computers of all the people working on the project, which also often requires efforts by the IT department.

On large scale projects with multiple contracting companies working together, a centralised system such as [https://3drepo.com/ 3D Repo] allows you to merge the design files together from many different popular file formats including Revit RVT, IFC, Bentley DGN, BCF and many more.

This ease of access is very useful for those BIM managers who work with multiple teams and people working on a construction site. Collaboration between team members can happen from any geographic location whether they are based at home, on-site, or in the office.

=== 4. Real-time issue resolution ===

Issue resolution becomes streamlined in the cloud too, allowing teams to address and solve problems either in real-time, or asynchronously amongst team members.

Members of the project team no longer need to wait for design coordination meetings to find and resolve issues, instead, they can simply log into the model from a web browser and attribute issues directly in the 3D model for all collaborators to see.

Instead of users emailing information back and forth, issues can be highlighted and resolved in situ.

BIM project coordinators can monitor design team information in real-time, and instantly identify issues such as an object with the wrong height or incorrect positioning and ensure that the issue is resolved before the project moves to the construction site.

=== 5. Reduced project risks ===

Communicating issues through email and manual reports can slow down the design process.

A cloud platform can manage all of this by logging all communication and notifying people when issues are assigned to them. All of this ensures transparency and accountability for all stakeholders working to deliver a project on time.

A BIM model online is a visual and more intuitive experience, allowing the user to spot and manage issues and risks quickly.

=== 6. Improved knowledge and reporting ===

Before BIM became as widespread as it is today in the UK and in many other countries, BIM processes were left to the few with the technical know-how to make the software work.

Cloud solutions look to democratise BIM data, making it available for all stakeholders.

For example, via [https://3drepo.com/ 3D Repo’s] API, users can link their data to business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Node-RED, and Dynamo. These tools make it easy for anyone to understand project data, get insights on issues, health and safety concerns, progress tracking, and ultimately, to make better informed decisions. With cloud-based BIM, all of this can be done remotely.

=== 7. Improved security ===

Cloud data storage is often more secure than storing data in your own offices. Data in the office is often stored on local laptops, USB keys, and office servers. This data is unencrypted by default, meaning anyone with physical access to the offices or computers can potentially access it.

Cloud-based providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud offer high levels of physical storage security as well as encryption to protect their clients’ data.

=== Conclusion ===

Cloud-based BIM is here to stay. Before the global coronavirus pandemic, the benefits of hosting BIM models in the cloud and collaborating across teams via a web interface were already gaining traction.

During 2020, what had previously been a steady march to cloud-based computing for all our applications accelerated to a sprint and then a leap. Now more than ever, people need solutions that can help them work more collaboratively and ensure they can still deliver projects whilst working remotely.

And combining cloud-based BIM with technologies such as Microsoft Teams means that dispersed project teams can collaborate in real time, carry out online meetings, raise questions and resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Collaboration, communication, and coordination are fundamental to digital construction and cloud-based BIM is one way to ensure its success.

--[[User:3D Repo|3D Repo]] 17:08, 20 Oct 2020 (BST)

Remote working and cloud-based BIM

2020-10-20T16:07:20Z

3D Repo:

Cloud computing has exploded in recent years with companies of all sizes and across all industries shifting towards Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) models.

BIM is no exception to this trend.

There are a host of benefits for creating, managing and sharing BIM models in the cloud for the (AEC) architecture, engineering and construction industry. Even before the coronavirus pandemic caused a shift to home-working for everyone, different disciplines were often dispersed around the country.

In the case of construction projects, cloud-based BIM is not just about remote working but also about dispersed teams. Project teams are made up of individuals from many different organisations such as architect practices, engineering firms, main contractors and specialist sub-contractors. Cloud-based BIM offers many advantages to these teams, whether they are working remotely from home, in the office or on site.

Below is a brief outline of the main advantages.

== Seven benefits of cloud-based BIM ==

=== 1. Reduced IT costs ===

One benefit of working in the cloud is the cost savings and payment options that it can offer. Capital expenditure (CapEX) is significantly reduced as there is no need for organisations to buy the physical computing servers and storage needed to manage their project data.

Instead, most cloud-computing services operate either on a pay-as-you-go or subscription service, which means you only pay for what you use.

=== 2. Better flexibility ===

In addition, custom licensing (for example, paying for a set number of users or concurrent users) and cloud storage options give you the flexibility to change with the requirements of the project.

Instead of paying for licenses and storage that you don’t use, cloud computing allows enterprises to expand the system quickly as the project progresses.

Most importantly for BIM models, cloud-based systems are accessed via a web browser that allows the user to load and view large and complex models without the need for an expensive, high-specification computer. Large models can be processed and optimised at speed into a common format that makes it possible to load in a web browser.

BIM and cloud computing together create a scalable solution for teams and projects of all sizes.

=== 3. Improved accessibility ===

Cloud-based BIM allows architects, engineers, and contractors to easily access their 3D models from virtually anywhere. Storing BIM information in the cloud means stakeholders can upload and access the latest version of their models, and work from a single source of truth.

Model revisions are always up to date, with the ability to roll back to a previous version whenever necessary. All the design and BIM data is accessible in one place.

Cloud-based BIM also cuts out the need to install large software programmes directly onto the computers of all the people working on the project, which also often requires efforts by the IT department.

On large scale projects with multiple contracting companies working together, a centralised system such as [https://3drepo.com/ 3D Repo] allows you to merge the design files together from many different popular file formats including Revit RVT, IFC, Bentley DGN, BCF and many more.

This ease of access is very useful for those BIM managers who work with multiple teams and people working on a construction site. Collaboration between team members can happen from any geographic location whether they are based at home, on-site, or in the office.

=== 4. Real-time issue resolution ===

Issue resolution becomes streamlined in the cloud too, allowing teams to address and solve problems either in real-time, or asynchronously amongst team members.

Members of the project team no longer need to wait for design coordination meetings to find and resolve issues, instead, they can simply log into the model from a web browser and attribute issues directly in the 3D model for all collaborators to see.

Instead of users emailing information back and forth, issues can be highlighted and resolved in situ.

BIM project coordinators can monitor design team information in real-time, and instantly identify issues such as an object with the wrong height or incorrect positioning and ensure that the issue is resolved before the project moves to the construction site.

=== 5. Reduced project risks ===

Communicating issues through email and manual reports can slow down the design process.

A cloud platform can manage all of this by logging all communication and notifying people when issues are assigned to them. All of this ensures transparency and accountability for all stakeholders working to deliver a project on time.

A BIM model online is a visual and more intuitive experience, allowing the user to spot and manage issues and risks quickly.

=== 6. Improved knowledge and reporting ===

Before BIM became as widespread as it is today in the UK and in many other countries, BIM processes were left to the few with the technical know-how to make the software work.

Cloud solutions look to democratise BIM data, making it available for all stakeholders.

For example, via [https://3drepo.com/ 3D Repo’s] API, users can link their data to business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Node-RED, and Dynamo. These tools make it easy for anyone to understand project data, get insights on issues, health and safety concerns, progress tracking, and ultimately, to make better informed decisions. With cloud-based BIM, all of this can be done remotely.

=== 7. Improved security ===

Cloud data storage is often more secure than storing data in your own offices. Data in the office is often stored on local laptops, USB keys, and office servers. This data is unencrypted by default, meaning anyone with physical access to the offices or computers can potentially access it.

Cloud-based providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud offer high levels of physical storage security as well as encryption to protect their clients’ data.

=== Conclusion ===

Cloud-based BIM is here to stay. Before the global coronavirus pandemic, the benefits of hosting BIM models in the cloud and collaborating across teams via a web interface were already gaining traction.

During 2020, what had previously been a steady march to cloud-based computing for all our applications accelerated to a sprint and then a leap. Now more than ever, people need solutions that can help them work more collaboratively and ensure they can still deliver projects whilst working remotely.

And combining cloud-based BIM with technologies such as Microsoft Teams means that dispersed project teams can collaborate in real time, carry out online meetings, raise questions and resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Collaboration, communication, and coordination are fundamental to digital construction and cloud-based BIM is one way to ensure its success.

Remote working and cloud-based BIM

2020-10-20T16:00:53Z

3D Repo: Created page with "Cloud computing has exploded in recent years with companies of all sizes and across all industries shifting towards Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (Iaa..."

Cloud computing has exploded in recent years with companies of all sizes and across all industries shifting towards Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) models.

BIM is no exception to this trend.

There are a host of benefits for creating, managing and sharing BIM models in the cloud for the (AEC) architecture, engineering and construction industry. Even before the coronavirus pandemic caused a shift to home-working for everyone, different disciplines were often dispersed around the country.

In the case of construction projects, cloud-based BIM is not just about remote working but also about dispersed teams. Project teams are made up of individuals from many different organisations such as architect practices, engineering firms, main contractors and specialist sub-contractors. Cloud-based BIM offers many advantages to these teams, whether they are working remotely from home, in the office or on site.

Below is a brief outline of the main advantages.

Seven benefits of cloud-based BIM

# Reduced IT costs

One benefit of working in the cloud is the cost savings and payment options that it can offer. Capital expenditure (CapEX) is significantly reduced as there is no need for organisations to buy the physical computing servers and storage needed to manage their project data.

Instead, most cloud-computing services operate either on a pay-as-you-go or subscription service, which means you only pay for what you use.

# Better flexibility

In addition, custom licensing (for example, paying for a set number of users or concurrent users) and cloud storage options give you the flexibility to change with the requirements of the project.

Instead of paying for licenses and storage that you don’t use, cloud computing allows enterprises to expand the system quickly as the project progresses.

Most importantly for BIM models, cloud-based systems are accessed via a web browser that allows the user to load and view large and complex models without the need for an expensive, high-specification computer. Large models can be processed and optimised at speed into a common format that makes it possible to load in a web browser.

BIM and cloud computing together create a scalable solution for teams and projects of all sizes.

# Improved accessibility

Cloud-based BIM allows architects, engineers, and contractors to easily access their 3D models from virtually anywhere. Storing BIM information in the cloud means stakeholders can upload and access the latest version of their models, and work from a single source of truth.

Model revisions are always up to date, with the ability to roll back to a previous version whenever necessary. All the design and BIM data is accessible in one place.

Cloud-based BIM also cuts out the need to install large software programmes directly onto the computers of all the people working on the project, which also often requires efforts by the IT department.

On large scale projects with multiple contracting companies working together, a centralised system such as 3D Repo allows you to merge the design files together from many different popular file formats including Revit RVT, IFC, Bentley DGN, BCF and many more.

This ease of access is very useful for those BIM managers who work with multiple teams and people working on a construction site. Collaboration between team members can happen from any geographic location whether they are based at home, on-site, or in the office.

# Real-time issue resolution

Issue resolution becomes streamlined in the cloud too, allowing teams to address and solve problems either in real-time, or asynchronously amongst team members.

Members of the project team no longer need to wait for design coordination meetings to find and resolve issues, instead, they can simply log into the model from a web browser and attribute issues directly in the 3D model for all collaborators to see.

Instead of users emailing information back and forth, issues can be highlighted and resolved in situ.

BIM project coordinators can monitor design team information in real-time, and instantly identify issues such as an object with the wrong height or incorrect positioning and ensure that the issue is resolved before the project moves to the construction site.

# Reduced project risks

Communicating issues through email and manual reports can slow down the design process.

A cloud platform can manage all of this by logging all communication and notifying people when issues are assigned to them. All of this ensures transparency and accountability for all stakeholders working to deliver a project on time.

A BIM model online is a visual and more intuitive experience, allowing the user to spot and manage issues and risks quickly.

# Improved knowledge and reporting

Before BIM became as widespread as it is today in the UK and in many other countries, BIM processes were left to the few with the technical know-how to make the software work.

Cloud solutions look to democratise BIM data, making it available for all stakeholders.

For example, via 3D Repo’s API, users can link their data to business intelligence tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Node-RED, and Dynamo. These tools make it easy for anyone to understand project data, get insights on issues, health and safety concerns, progress tracking, and ultimately, to make better informed decisions. With cloud-based BIM, all of this can be done remotely.

# Improved security

Cloud data storage is often more secure than storing data in your own offices. Data in the office is often stored on local laptops, USB keys, and office servers. This data is unencrypted by default, meaning anyone with physical access to the offices or computers can potentially access it.

Cloud-based providers such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud offer high levels of physical storage security as well as encryption to protect their clients’ data.

Conclusion

Cloud-based BIM is here to stay. Before the global coronavirus pandemic, the benefits of hosting BIM models in the cloud and collaborating across teams via a web interface were already gaining traction.

During 2020, what had previously been a steady march to cloud-based computing for all our applications accelerated to a sprint and then a leap. Now more than ever, people need solutions that can help them work more collaboratively and ensure they can still deliver projects whilst working remotely.

And combining cloud-based BIM with technologies such as Microsoft Teams means that dispersed project teams can collaborate in real time, carry out online meetings, raise questions and resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Collaboration, communication, and coordination are fundamental to digital construction and cloud-based BIM is one way to ensure its success.