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März 2018
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Automatically optimize your sanitary systems in Revit

BIM engineers drawing sanitary or sewerage systems in Revit, this one is for you! The Ostendorf Product Line Placer app for Revit has been equipped with a very convenient functionality: the ‘Optimize Functionality’. This functionality, not available in plain Revit, will help you to set preferred solutions for many scenarios within your sanity system.

The new optimizer functionality allows you to define the kind of solution you want for different scenarios and with a single click, your entire system is instantly optimized!
Save time by having the App automatically optimize your system based on your settings; no need to set up each fitting individually

The Sanitary drawing preferences dialog allows you to choose your preferred solution for each scenario. The choice you make regarding the angle of the tee affects the solution that is displayed for reducing branches, which makes it easier to have a complete customized solution for your pipe’s connections.

After setting the optimization settings, click Set to apply the settings. Moreover, you can check the option Remember as defaults to conveniently reuse your defined preferences.
Having defined your drawing preferences, you can start optimizing the system by using the Optimize autorouting function located in the same dropdown menu. Start the function, select a part of an autorouting system to optimize or select the lowest point in an autorouting system. All autorouting fittings will be adjusted according to the chosen preferences.

Download the app from the MEPcontent store.
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New Mitsubishi Heat pumps, Control and Indoor units have arrived to MEPcontent

We continue updating the extensive series of air conditioning units from Mitsubishi Electric. Today we are announcing the publication of 4 new articles:

The PUMY outdoor units for cooling and heating present improved energy efficiency values The new PUMY outdoor units have the highest EER and COP values in their market sector. With their low sound pressure level and many connection possibilities, the PUMY outdoor units are the perfect basis for optimum climate comfort.

Similarly, the PUHZ outdoor units from Mitsubishi Electric have been developed in such a way that they are at least noticeable in form, function and noise level. The units are resistant to any type of weather in our climate. The outdoor units can also be optionally coated for protection in, for example, industrial or coastal areas. Due to the excellent pipe length specifications, the indoor and outdoor units are widely spaced so that the most optimal location for the outdoor unit can be chosen.

The 2-way airflow ceiling cassette indoor unit is equipped with a drain pump mechanism as standard which provides greater freedom with long cross-piping and allowing more versatility with piping layouts. The indoor unit has a slimline body which makes it highly suitable for installation in narrow ceiling spaces and for replacing obsolete air-conditioning equipment in older buildings. The unit is easy to install and maintain due to its lighter panel and placing of the electric board near the panel.

The simplified touch screen wired remote controller is an elegant device equipped with color touch screen and optional Bluetooth interface which offers great flexibility in color and handling. The remote controller can be comfortably configured using an application and offers a choice of more than 180 color scheme variants based on which the screen can be optimally adapted to the environment. The device can control up to 16 units within a group. In addition to the standard operating modes, a daily and weekly program is available.

All items are available internationally and can be downloaded for free as Revit families, AutoCAD files and .ifc files.
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The CUBODOMO smart thermostat can transform a smartphone into a chronothermostat

Another star item has made its way to MEPcontent: the CUBODOMO system from Italian manufacturer IVAR has been selected for the Efficiency & Innovation project by the Scientific Committee of the MCE 2018 exhibition, led by the renowned University of Politecnico di Milano.

CUBODOMO is a device capable of transforming smartphones and tablets into a multi-zone chronothermostat able to intelligently manage the heating and cooling system.

CUBODOMO's specifically distinctive feature is the possibility of integrating with radiator systems, managing the motorised valves positioned on each individual radiator as well as radiant heating systems, through an interface card with 8 relays able to manage 8 areas independently to ensure maximum comfort in every room minimising energy waste.

The user's economic savings are reflected in a saving for the environment by reducing CO2 emissions in the environment due to the non-demand of energy.

You can download CUBODOMO Revit families for free here.
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Fast Terra Chargers from ABB

6 types of ABB Terra chargers have been added to MEPcontent and are now available to download for free! The ABB DC Fast Chargers are designed to charge electric vehicles quickly and are one of the most cost-effective and versatile solutions on the market. The Terra chargers are ready to charge a car in 30-120 minutes and do not require a heavy grid connection.

The Terra 23 CJ multi-standard fast charger is compatible with all CCS and CHAdeMO vehicles currently on the road. Modest requirements for input power makes this 20kW charger easy to install next to any existing AC slow charging network.

The Terra 23 CT will charge any car compatible with CCS and AC.

The Terra 23 CJG is a multi-outlet solution for EV dealers who want to be able to charge both AC and DC cars. This charger combines the most used standards: CCS, CHAdeMO and fast AC.

All ABB chargers come with Connected services. This allow customers to easily connect their chargers to different software systems like payment platforms or energy management solutions via the Internet.

With your free MEPcontent account you can now download the ABB Terra chargers as Revit or AutoCAD families or as .ifc files! Download them now!
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Start designing Henco piping systems directly in Revit

Easily design Henco piping systems
The free MEPcontent Henco Product Line Placer App makes it very easy for Revit users to manage Henco piping systems within a BIM project. Just draw and click and the right Henco fittings will be added to the Henco piping system instantly. From within your BIM project you can order articles from your material list, such as Henco pipes, Henco couplings or Henco press fittings. Currently the Henco PVDF Press and Henco PVDF Press Gas product lines are available.

The MEPcontent Henco Product Line Placer App for Revit can be downloaded for free from the MEPcontent store. Downloading and installing the App is easy to do and can be done in seconds.
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Download ABB flush-fit junction boxes from MEPcontent

Several new ABB junction box items from the ABB Switch Range Configurator have been published on MEPcontent! This means that you can download them as separate Revit families as well and use them in your BIM projects immediately! If you want to make sure to use the complete set of options available, check out the ABB Switch Range Configurator which makes it very easy to design, manage and configure complete sets of switch ranges to match your requirements. Including the ABB junction boxes to see how the switch ranges fit into their environment.

The ABB junction boxes are made of high resistant materials, suitable for demanding climate conditions including frost. The installer-friendly junction boxes have rigid and reliable connections to pipings and cable. The boxes can be installed in various different ways to a range of different materials.

Take a look at the range of ABB wall junction boxes here and download them for free as Revit families!
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Heat pump outdoor unit from Alpha-InnoTec

The Alira LWP-Series professional heat pump from Alpha-InnoTec with a capacity of 45 kW is suited for high performance and offers a flexible installation. Up to four units can be connected in parallel, ensuring optimum climate for every need. This heat pump hardly differs in terms of planning and design from a heat pump in the smaller power range. Even the installation on the roof is possible.

You can download the LWP450 heat pump from Alpha-InnoTec right away and use it in your Revit or AutoCAD projects!
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Trimble connects BIM to construction site

A short introduction: Trimble

MEPcontent is now part of Trimble. But who is Trimble?

Trimble is a US listed technology provider whose aim is to connect the physical and digital worlds. With core technologies in positioning, modeling, connectivity and data analytics, Trimble enables its customers to improve productivity, quality, safety and sustainability. Trimble offers software, hardware and services in more than 150 countries and is active in industries such as agriculture, construction, geospatial and transportation and logistics. Stabiplan is part of the MEP division of Trimble Buildings.

About Trimble Buildings
Trimble Buildings provides the widest breadth of technology solutions for managing real estate portfolios, optimizing building construction projects and streamlining workplace operations. Trimble solutions are tailored for each phase of the building lifecycle—from the initial survey to design, construction and operation.

Trimble connects the design data created in the office to on-site construction systems. Stabicad, MEPcontent and MEP apps for Revit expand the current portfolio of BIM software, which also includes Sketchup and Tekla. On the other hand, as part of Trimble, Stabiplan now also offers solutions for the building site. Examples of other Trimble solutions are LUCKINSlive an Trimble Building Data as well as Trimble's Constructible, a platform for best practices, expert articles and more.

LUCKINSlive
LUCKINSlive includes details of over 1 million individual items from hundreds of UK Electrical, HVAC and Plumbing manufacturers. The site is an invaluable reference source for Distributors, Contractors and Engineers who need a one-stop shop for product information.

Trimble Building Data
Trimble Building Data offers Managed Content for the MEP industry. You can find CADmep & ESTmep fabrication content as well as Revit SysQue content.

Constructible
Constructible is a purpose-driven approach to building construction – a process that coordinates and optimizes the entire design, build, operate lifecycle. Constructible’s thought leadership covers the AECO continuum, linking the work of each construction stage and helping to implement it within businesses.The articles and tips from Constructible can be found here.
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Join us at MCE, BIM world, Light & Building

It's exhibition season for the MEP industry! In february we met a lot of installors and manufacturers on the Dutch exhibition VSK, BIM clearly is a hot topic for many visitors on the Stabiplan/MEPcontent booth.

In the coming weeks MEPcontent and many manufacturers we partner with are attending other European exhibitions such as the MCE in Milan, Light + Building in Frankfurt and BIM world in Paris. To give you a taste of what is coming up, these are some of the manufacturers involved in working with us for the MCE event in Milan: ABB, Hisense, Mitsubishi Electric, Caleffi, Sabiana and Ivar.

Make sure to contact us for a meeting at one of these exhibition for a coffee, catch-up or an update on the newest BIM developments. Hope to see you there!
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March 8th: Webinar Mitsubishi Electric System Designer App

Join Thursday's webinar to learn how to integrate the latest MEPcontent App within your design process and speed up your BIM cycle. The free Mitsubishi Electric System Designer App for Revit and for AutoCAD is a powerful tool allowing you to find the right Mitsubishi Electric Revit families and CAD files for heating and cooling units that you need. Directly from within your project environment saving you time in avoiding a search on the internet for the correct models. Filter the Mitsubishi Electric HVAC units on technical properties and use your desired air conditioners instantly.

During the live webinar on March 8 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM CET, we will demonstrate all functionalities of this free App:

• Find the desired product by filtering on technical properties such as Nominal heating capacity
• Save time by quickly searching for products on article number, description, model and series
• Get access to all products from Mitsubishi Electric related to airco systems
• Directly place equipment from within the App without having to leave your Revit or AutoCAD model
• Get access to up to date manufacturer data and content, light and compact in use
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BIM World Paris 2018

Visit Stabiplan and MEPcontent on BIM World Paris 2018. The event takes place on 28th and 29th of March.

With over 170 exhibitors, 90 conferences and over 5000 visitors it promises to be another great event.

Meet us at Stand 251.

Click here for a free ticket

See you on the 28th?
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IVAR is BIM ready with MEPcontent

MEPcontent is particularly proud to announce the publication of the products of leading Italian manufacturer IVAR S.p.A., specialized in the development of plumbing and heating components and systems.

IVAR embraces with enthousiasm the BIM philosophy and chooses MEPcontent as partner for the distribution of its models” says Francesca Gualeni, BIM specialist at IVAR. “The data in our models are compliant to the Extended MEPcontent Standard (EMCS) and can be used by all professionals involved in the project, as we guarantee high quality content. Thanks to the great navigability of the MEPcontent portal, engineers can easily browse through the broad range of families that we offer. IVAR is BIM READY with MEPcontent.

You will find available as from now the BIM files of the MP PRESS FITTINGS - Line (brass press fittings), the MPL PRESS FITTINGS WITH LEAKAGE FUNCTION – Line (brass press fittings with leakage function in case of failed pressing), the IS-BOX (sanitary mainfolds for sanitary distribution) and the IVAR E·SAT DUAL, (innovative separated water satellite module with electronic control) and the CUBODOMO system. Download them now for free!

IVAR Group
The IVAR Group represents a growing business that operates at an international level. Born in 1985 as focused company for the production of valves, over the years IVAR has concentrated on actively seeking and developing new products and reaching high quality standards, and now it has become one of the leading companies in the sector of plumbing and heating components. Currently the IVAR Group has branches in 13 countries and customers all around the world and its production is completely Made in Italy. The IVAR Group has a turnover of more than 150 million euros and employs over 400 people.
Februar 2018
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New functionality: Export, adjust and import Schedules from Revit to Excel within a minute

Combine the functionalities of Revit and Excel with this powerful app called the Stabiplan Export and Import Excel app for Revit. Download this add-in to export data, such as schedules, from your Revit project to Excel, modify the data or add information to your elements and then import Excel data into Revit. You decide from which elements you want to export which data and which elements have to be changed during the import of updated data.

Using the Stabiplan Export and Import Excel plugin you can export clear overviews from the data in your Revit project to Excel. Afterwards it is easy to edit elements by changing parameter values and adding extra information to your elements (e.g. manufacturer data or results from calculation packages). Then you can decide for which elements you want to import the updated data back into your Revit model.

To try out this app for free and export Schedules from Revit to Excel, please visit our app store today!
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MEPcontent Mitsubishi Electric System Designer for Revit and AutoCAD

Power up your HVAC systems in BIM projects with Mitsubishi Electric! MEPcontent and Mitsubishi Electric launch a free Revit and AutoCAD App to help HVAC specialists to find relevant Mitsubishi Electric articles for their projects.

Using this App it is very easy for MEP engineers, designers and modelers to find, select and configure complete Mitsubishi Electric heating and cooling systems within a BIM project. Leaving your Revit or AutoCAD project is no longer necessary with the built-in Mitsubishi Electric plugin. By downloading this free App you get instant access to all Mitsubishi Electric products related to cooling and heating systems.

Save time by searching on article number, description, model or series and filter on technical properties such as nominal heating capacity. Once placed in your model, it is easy to share product specific data such as localized article numbers, GTIN or URL’s with purchasing- or management stakeholders. Directly order your required Mitsubishi Electric products from within the BIM project using an up-to-date Bill-Of-Materials.

The following product series are currently available in the App: Mitsubishi Electric City Multi, Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan, Mitsubishi Electric E-series, Mitsubishi Electric Lossnay, Mitsubishi Electric Mr. Slim. This App will be constantly maintained and updated, not only with the latest product information, but also with new functionalities to keep you up to speed designing HVAC systems. In the coming months the App will be updated with functionality to draw piping systems and place fittings with the correct sizes to easily connect units. Make sure to keep an eye on the MEPcontent App store, offering you the latest Apps for Revit and AutoCAD.

The MEPcontent Mitsubishi Electric System Designer App for Revit and AutoCAD can be downloaded for free from the MEPcontent store. Downloading and installing the App will take less than 2 minutes, no administrative rights needed.
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More than 600 new articles added for Oventrop

New valves for Oventrop have been added to MEPcontent! The PLS files contain properties and dimensions such as type or diameter that help you place the articles dimensionally correct in AutoCAD and Revit MEP.

You can easily work with Oventrop valves in Revit with the MEPcontent Product Line Placer for Valves App for Revit. Download the app for free here.

More than 600 new articles have been added, for example products from the Aquastrom and Aquanova series. Also ballvalves from the Optibal series have been added.
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Sabiana partners up with MEPcontent

Great news for BIM engineers, modellers and designers looking for Sabiana products, the Italian manufacturer published it's first products on MEPcontent.

Starting with BIM files for the Carisma CRC fan coil units, Sabiana and MEPcontent will create and publish more BIM files for cooling products in the coming months.

Publishing Revit families and CAD files on MEPcontent is an important step in the BIM journey for Sabiana. "Offering BIM files for our products is no longer a choice, it's a must" according to Luca Binaghi, Commercial Director for Sabiana. "BIM is an essential part of the workflow of our customers nowadays. Offering accurate 3D content, equipped with correct technical and product information is very important to us. MEPcontent is an important partner in our BIM strategy, offering both a BIM platform with a global reach and expertise when it comes to BIM for the MEP industry."

MEPcontent users can download the BIM files for Sabiana products for free from the MEPcontent platform. Keep an eye on the Sabiana product pages for new updates!

About Sabiana
Sabiana is an Italian company which conceives, designs and manufactures appliances for air-condition spaces where people work and live. The company builds equipment and systems to heat and cool any type of space: factories, offices, hotels, hospitals, shopping malls and houses. Always based on the most natural element in existence: water.
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BIM content is everything

Content. It is essential for BIM projects.

Content, as we see it in BIM (Building Information Modeling), is a digital 3D representation enriched with parametric information such as size, height, weight, article number and more.

BIM content consists of many different parameters. It includes technical and geometric parameters that form the external characteristics of a product. It also includes visual parameters that give an object a distinctive appearance and ensure that the virtual object behaves just as it would in reality. In addition, objects can be enhanced with dynamic parameters such as trade information.

“In short: BIM content is aggregated content consisting of essential information needed by the MEP engineer without creating information overload.”

Good content enhances the value of 3D models in the BIM process and in the ordering process.

The National BIM Reports 2016/2017’ (NBS) show that 71% of the surveyed engineers want to receive BIM articles from manufacturers. This is because engineers want to deliver perfect models— models and drawings containing all the necessary information— Information which will not fail in an essential part of the BIM workflow.

Data is essential in the BIM process
Why? Because content is a type of representation of data that allows you to use the data in your projects and to help you with forecasting, calculating, ordering and project definition.
3D content from manufacturers provided by MEPcontent helps you to work with real-life items equipped with parameters, which can be used in projects to:
• Create BOM (Bill of Material) lists
• Create prefab sets
• Create ordering lists
• Make reliable calculations for MEP systems

It is important to focus on quality data in the MEP domain to make sure the overview of content provided is absolutely relevant.

Therefore, good, up-to-date content is required. But, what defines “good” content?

Working with both engineers and manufacturers on a daily basis, MEPcontent defines the following requirements for 3D content for the MEP industry.


Requirements for BIM content

• Compact content (small in size)
Productivity and efficiency in BIM design is the number one priority for engineers. Construction projects often need to be delivered within a tight deadline, so designers and modelers work under time pressure. Content used in BIM projects should be compact and small in size so it does not slow down the entire BIM project, causing painful (up)loading waiting time.

• Right and correct data
This might seem obvious, but 3D content equipped with the right and correct data is essential for building 3D models that are reliable and will not fail in the construction stage. But data is not always kept up-to-date. Manufacturers should make sure the available 3D content for their product is correct and matches their actual product data to ensure their content is actually used in BIM projects.

• Easy to use and maintain
Once 3D content has been created and published, the content needs to be maintained and updated. Product data from manufacturers changes over time, meaning 3D content needs to be updated as well. Therefore, manufacturers have to establish one safe source for their product data, which can easily be synced with the data used for 3D content. This makes it easy to maintain 3D content, even if it is published in different channels. Also, issues with different versions are avoided this way.

• Easy to find
You should be able to easily use and find content. BIM platforms such as MEPcontent help engineers to quickly find all the 3D content they need for their BIM project. BIM platforms such as MEPcontent provide the MEP engineer with all the necessary Revit, CAD and IFC files— files which can be downloaded for free to be used directly in a project. These are openly available after signing in. 

MEP Apps
Shrinking budgets result in BIM engineers designing in even smarter and more efficient ways. Good software is necessary to do this. But different projects require different functionalities in your software (and different content needs). Flexibility is becoming even more important here as well.

The ‘on-demand’ model, such as the system we use at home for Netflix, will increasingly penetrate the world of design software. Software, updates, and support are included in a monthly payment, and consequently can be adjusted precisely to meet your needs. Specific design tools, available as Apps, will appear more frequently. The functionality and content you need at a specific moment, can easily be installed for your project by means of these handy Apps.

MEPcontent offers a number of Apps for MEP engineers. These Apps can be found on store.mepcontent.com and are connected to the 3D content available on the MEPcontent platform. Some Apps are manufacturer specific, such as the SANHA Product Line Placer or ABB Switch Range Configurator. Some offer content from multiple manufacturers at once, such as the MEPcontent browser or the MEPcontent Product Line Placer for Piping or Valves. You can easily install them for Revit or AutoCAD.
A free account can be created on the MEPcontent platform or the MEPcontent App store: https://store.mepcontent.com/
Are you currently using BIM content in your workflow? Let us know in the comments below!

Questions about this article? marketing@mepcontent.com

To read this article and many other interesting articles on Constructible, please go to Constructible
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Neu - Das MEPcontent-Plugin Ostendorf Produktlinien-Placer für Revit

Ostendorf hat sich mit MEPcontent zusammengetan, um eine Sanitärsystem-App (auch Kanalisationssysteme genannt) für Revit zu entwickeln. Ein großartiges Tool für MEP-Ingenieure, die mit den Produktlinien von Ostendorf vertraut sind.

Das MEPcontent-Plugin Ostendorf Produktlinien-Placer für Revit bietet BIM-Modellgestaltern Zugang zu den Wasserrohrleitungssystem-Serien Ostendorf Kunststoffe HT System, KG 2000 und KG System. Besuchen Sie den MEPcontent-Store und sehen Sie sich das Video mit der App in Aktion an. Erstellen Sie präzise Pläne und wählen Sie die Produktlinie, Produktgruppe oder den Systemtyp Ihrer Wahl aus dem Ostendorf-Produktangebot aus. Zeichnen Sie Ihr Kanalisationssystem, vergrößern Sie den Rohranschluss und schließen Sie mehrere Formteile an. Finden Sie die richtige Ostendorf-Kupplung und das richtige Endstück für die Arbeit mit den Revit-Funktionen Teilungselement und Verschluss mit offenem Ende. Wenn Sie die Artikelnummern und GTIN mit den Plänen verwenden, können Sie die Ostendorf-Artikel direkt aus Ihrem Revit-Projekt heraus bestellen.

Kostenlose Hersteller-App

Die MEPcontent-App Ostendorf Produktlinien-Placer für Revit kann hier kostenlos heruntergeladen werden.



Sie finden die App auch auf der Ostendorf-Website.
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A new Electrical App with functionalities not available in Revit

Electrical Schematics in Revit. Do you remember the moment that you went to a conference or fair and was surprised about a certain tool or App you did not hear off before? An App that is almost self-explanatory by mentioning the App name? Here you have it, the Stabiplan Electrical Schematics App for Revit.

This Electrical Schematics for Revit plugin helps you to get an overview of all your electrical systems in your project. You can create a generic electrical schematic, which is not possible in Revit or other software. The App shows systems like communications, fire control and many more. It gives you a clear overview of the physical location of panels (see on which floor a panel is located). The most relevant info about your consumers is available within the schematic. Even your own drafting actions on the schematic are saved during a model update. 

Relevant for all Revit users globally
Who should consider trying this App for Revit? Well, everyone working with Revit in the electrical domain. The app works seamlessly in all Revit projects, both in plain Revit 2016 to 2018 and third-party software such as Stabicad.

Free trial
The Stabiplan Electrical Schematics App can be downloaded on store.mepcontent.com. Get free access for one week to the full functionalities of this App. The App will save you a lot of time and helps you get a clear overview of your main panels and sub panels.
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10 BIM trends in the MEP industry in 2018

2018 promises to be an interesting year for BIM. New technologies will be introduced, trends from last year are now taking hold and increasingly more companies are benefiting from reduced failure costs and productive work processes thanks to BIM. For those who to raise BIM projects to a higher level, these are the 10 most significant trends to watch out for this year:

1. Modular construction & prefab
Reduce costs and accelerate the construction process: these are two major advantages of modular construction. Building elements are already prepared and assembled in the workshop before the construction commences. Prefab initially begins with prefab concrete walls and floors, however, increasingly more MEP elements are being prepared prefab. The Stabicad for Revit prefab module facilitates such a workflow. MEP engineers can now generate prefab drawings based on the information in the BIM model and incorporate the correct product information and instructions for the workshop. This means that components can be assembled quickly creating an efficient workflow from design to prefabrication and installation.

2. Internet of Things
Smart thermostats and intelligent ventilation systems have already been the standard in the MEP industry for some time now. The intervention of major technology giants like Apple, Google and Samsung in this market ensure that our home are becoming even more smarter. However, it is expected that the Internet of Things (IoT) is also going to change the work of installers and modelers. Take, for example, the advantages that IoT offers when it comes to releasing BIM data to prefab workshops, suppliers or modelers. Modeling and ordering is becoming a lot easier thanks to cloud apps like the ABB Switch Range Configurator or the Rexel Wholesale Connector. Thanks to up-to-date data, designing can be done directly using ready-to-order products that can be delivered directly to the building site. It may not yet be immediately apparent, but the Internet of Things is going to profoundly change transform the work installers.

3. Augmented/VR Reality
Last year, we already wrote about the emergence of Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR) in the MEP industry. Virtual Reality, which enables you to examine extensive 3D models through glasses like the Oculus Rift, is extremely suitable for giving project presentations to the client. Augmented Reality, which merges the reality with virtual images through, for example, Microsoft HoloLens, is very promising as a training tool or for conducting clash testing on site. Take, for example, the possibilities for remote management through a technician wearing AR glasses on site and an expert in the office. This may still be a pipe dream for many, but when products in construction projects are coupled with the correct data, anything is possible. The developments of this visual technology are also worth keeping an eye out for in 2018, because there are yet more great applications in the pipeline.

4. Order directly from the model
More and more installers are realizing that there is more to BIM than offering 3D insight. Enhancing BIM models with data makes a model even more valuable, provided it is used in a clever way. There are an increasing number of companies that benefit from cooperation between manufacturers, suppliers and BIM software developers. New installation engineering products are constantly becoming available for sale as BIM objects, including current product data such as article numbers and dimensions. Thanks to this information, products can be ordered directly from within the model. Examples of such applications are the MEPcontent Rexel Wholesaler App and the link between Stabicad for Revit and Syntess ERP software. A great advantage of such tools is that duplicating work is no longer necessary and the ordered items correspond 1-to-1 with the products used in the model.

5. Mobile cloud applications
The cloud collaboration trend, which is mainly reflected in the use of mobile cloud applications in construction, will continue in 2018. Real-time data from the construction and design process can be simultaneously viewed by different people at different locations. All that this requires is an Internet connection. The Trimble Connect app is a great example of such a platform where partners can collaborate in the cloud from the design phase right through to delivery. Engineers can gain access to the relevant and current information via the tablet, smartphone, PC and the Microsoft HoloLens. This way, BIM models can be easily shared with the building site and reporting from the building site reporting can be effected quickly to facilitate a productive collaboration.

6. BIM to the building site: 3D laser scans and drones
2018 will bring more possibilities than ever for enhancing BIM models with current information. For example, working with point cloud: a point cloud can be created by conducting a 3D laser scan at the building site. This scan contains all accurate 3D dimensions of the building site. This data can be used as a basis for the BIM model in, for example, Revit. This would be particularly useful for complex projects in which it is difficult, if not dangerous, to measure project components by hand. In combination with drones, which are increasingly being used for construction projects, this is promising technology for delivering accurate BIM models.

7. Pick & Mix or All-in-One?
More and more products can now be adapted to the user's personal requirements. We now see this trend continuing through to the MEP industry: modelers are free to choose the tools that they want to work with. For example, an engineer that, for instance, is mainly involved in installing valves, does not require an expensive software packet with all the trimmings. He/she can download apps to suit his/her tasks and can cancel his/her subscription when and if the work so demands. On the other hand, there is the introduction of all-in-one packages and Suites that offer lots of combined software functionality. Engineers therefore have a huge range to choose from giving them access to all tools. Two different models that both offer the user the advantage of a wider range and flexibility to choose which tools best suit their method of working.

8. BIM goes green
It is well known that BIM ensures improved chain cooperation and internal efficiency. But the sustainable advantages that BIM offers plays an ever increasing role. By taking materials and energy properties into account already during the design phase, buildings can be built more energy efficient. This has advantages both during the construction phase, whereby, thanks to BIM, prefab and modular constructions can be applied, and during the operational phase. In the latter phase, huge savings can be made on energy costs and CO2 emission by using the right product and material. Also interesting is the circular economy, an area in which companies like Royal BAM experiment; in the design phase simulating all of the dismantling of a building, to ensure that a building can be demolished or recycled with minimum effort and loss.

9. 3D printing
3D printing technology made huge progress in the construction sector last year. Using the technology, which has long been considered a gimmick for nerds, the first house was fully 3D printed in 2017. The technology has great potential for creating extremely accurate building elements in a relatively short time and with minimum material loss. Thanks to accurate digital product and project data (for example, in the form of 3D components on MEPcontent), 3D printing can be useful within a BIM process in a variety of ways. For example, for quickly making prototypes for sharing with construction partners or for manufacturing components and prefab material. This technology is going to develop much further and is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

10. 4D, 5D and 6D-BIM
At present, there are only a few installers who think beyond 3D-BIM. That, however, is going to change in 2018; the first companies are already progressing towards 4D, 5D and even 6D-BIM. In the case of 4D-BIM, are talking about the visual representation of the construction schedule. This, for example, can be achieved using the Autodesk application Navisworks. However, 5D-BIM (cost calculation) and 6D-BIM (life cycle management) will offer much added value for larger projects. 5D-BIM and 3D-BIM adds two properties to 3D-BIM: costs and materials. In addition to the standard design parameters, details such as geometrics, aesthetics and thermal and acoustic properties are now incorporated in a project. This allows engineers to see how a decision affects the costs of a design in an early stage. 6D-BIM primarily focuses on the long term whereby data for maintenance and sustainability will be added at an early stage. Thanks to such improvements in the area of collaboration and data usage, installers will also maximize the return on their investment in BIM.
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Renson Easyflex ventilation channel on MEPcontent!

The Easyflex ventilation channel from Renson is now available on MEPcontent! Download all Easyflex parts and fittings as Revit families and easily use them in your BIM projects to draw ventilation systems!

About Renson Easyflex system
The limited height of the Easyflex air duct ensures that the ducts can be easily integrated into the screed, in the concrete or in false walls / ceilings. The large section of the air duct ensures that high air flow rates can be transported at low air speeds, resulting in a quiet operation of the ventilation system.

Download the Easyflex Revit families here!
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First ESBE article on MEPcontent!

The VTR thermostatic control unit for hot water circulation installations from ESBE is now available as Revit family on MEPcontent. Using only thermostatic components (non-electrical) the unit is completely independent and provides very easy installation, with connections and check valves included.

All ESBE products have three clear features in common: they use less energy, they enhance comfort and they improve safety; in systems for heating, cooling and tap water.
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New Hisense air conditioning units

Heat pump outdoor and indoor units from Hisense are now available in the MEPcontent BIM library.

Hisense VRF HI-FLEXI series are designed to offer reliable operation and flexibility of installation and maintenance.

Hi-Smart series from Hisense are household multi-split air conditioning systems that offer flexibility and are easy to install.

Download your Hisense Revit families and AutoCAD files here for free!
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Rolux exterior Wall System from Ubbink available on MEPcontent

A new generation of flue gas systems from Ubbink can now be downloaded for free from MEPcontent. Watch the video and see how easy it its to model the flue gas system in Revit.

Rolux exterior Wall System ensures a low recirculation of flue gases which minimalizes costs risks. Recirculation is a common issue with gas flue terminals where outgoing (wet) flue gasses get back into the system through the fresh air- intake. This can cause disoperation or even damage to the condensing boiler resulting in maintenance costs.

Due to its enhanced terminal top design, the Rolux system ensures a low circulation of flue gases, while still allowing sufficient air intake for optimal boiler performance.

Download Revit families for Rolux ducts and fittings for the Exterior Wall System 80-125 here and starting using them in your BIM project right away!