IFC4PRECAST
Model-based data exchange for the prefab industry.

What is the project aiming to achieve?

Current development of BIM focuses on documenting the building process by enriching and standardizing architectural and technical building models. At the moment, the prefabrication process is not deeply integrated into this development. IFC is already used as a standard exchange format between architectural software systems, but most of the contained information is lost in the subsequent data exchange process between specialized precast CAD solutions and automation facilities such as precast MES (manufacturing execution systems), Production Planning systems and ERP systems. Current interfaces between precast CAD and MES are inflexible and unable to adapt to new requirements. The project is aimed at creating an internationally standardized interface maintained by the industry. As prefabricated products are getting more complicated, demand for a more capable model exchange interface is on the rise.

Advantages of IFC4precast

model-oriented transfer in 3D
segmented export from CAD to MES, enables small amounts of data for the transfer
detailed transfer of element-, mounting- and reinforcement information
compatibility and support by free available IFC viewers
continuous BIM-based data model

Model-based data exchange for the prefab industry.

IFC4precast is a completely new concept for Building Information Model (BIM) data exchange, especially for the prefab industry. The digitization of the precast industry proceeds with big steps, to support and integrate the involved software systems like CAD, MES, PPS and ERP better in this evolution, several strong and well-known software vendors of this industry came together and founded the new buildingSMART working group IFC4precast, initiated by customers.