Content. It is essential in BIM projects nowadays. Good content, which contains a lot and the correct information, ensures that a 3D model is becoming increasingly more important in the BIM process and in the ordering process. Engineers want to especially deliver perfect models. Models and drawings containing all the necessary information and that will not fail in an essential part in the BIM workflow. Therefore, good up-to-date content is required. But, what is "good" content now?
Many initiatives emerge both at the national and European levels in order to set a standard for uniform BIM content. To sum it up: In the Netherlands, we have a number of standards and norms such as the RVB BIM standard, DRS and recently also ETIM RT. At the European level, we have EMCS (Extended MEPcontent Standard) and the EU BIM task group that is working on a handbook; in the UK there are COBie (Construction Operations Building Information Exchange) and UK BIM standards. Are you still there?
At first glance, all standards seem to differ from each other, so it can be confusing to users (such as manufacturers or installers) which standard to use. We hear from manufacturers the legitimate question: "How can I effectively work with BIM with all the different standards?"
All roads lead to RomeThe famous proverb "all roads lead to Rome" is also true in the BIM world. Because the shared idea behind all these norms and standards is that chain-transcending improvements can be realized by standardizing certain parameters and values. This could include increasing effectiveness in designing, failure cost reduction, and better forecasting of maintenance and management costs.
In order to achieve this, it is important that the MEP engineer can easily connect to the different standards. The EMCS makes this possible. For example, content that complies with EMCS also complies with the requirements in the COBie and ETIM RT standards. This makes it possible to convert product data from the PIM database of a manufacturer (which conforms to ETIM RT standard) to BIM content that conforms to the EMCS. A manufacturer can therefore easily distribute its data among customers with different requirements for BIM models. The customer (e.g. an installer) can use these models with confidence in the BIM project and share them with construction partners. The data is, of course, uniform and correct!
The big challenge for all partners in the BIM playing field is to have databases in good order, to convert them into content containing the correct data, and at the same time be workable. This content must then be used in a proper way in the model.
About MEPcontentIn this way, MEPcontent provides the MEP engineer with all the necessary Revit families in order to optimize the BIM model to a high standard. A team of around 25 people works daily to create new content or optimize existing content. MEPcontent has been around for 15 years; the object library began 15 years ago. Over the years, this objects library has become a content platform with now more than 500,000 products for both the Electrical and Mechanical installer. MEPcontent has more than 10,000 active users across Europe. All content is in line with the current product range of known (European) manufacturers and suppliers.
EMCS 3.0MEPcontent provides a standard that ensures uniform quality content for MEP projects: the Extended MEPcontent Standard (EMCS). The EMCS has been created in collaboration with the industry and is constantly evolving. For example, version 3.0 has recently been introduced.
New in the EMCS 3.0 is a description of rules for families to meet the RVB BIM standard. We do this in an IFC parameter so that it can be used within Solibri / Navisworks to classify elements according to N1-SfB.
Naming changes and connection to ETIM RT
Both users and manufacturers have helped to connect EMCS even more to the practice. Thus, in response to their feedback, an additional info field is defined that can distinguish between two families of the same product (detail family and generated family). Finally, some dimensional drawings (with corresponding supplementation of family parameters) added as an example, as well as examples of the linkage / mapping standards such as IFC, ETIM RT and COBie to EMCS classes and parameters.
It is possible to convert data from external databases to EMCS
MEPcontent wants to be the connection between engineer and manufacturer. Not only by offering a content platform, but also through the provision of a uniform standard that can be used for all partners in the chain. We are happy to discuss things like the EMCS 3.0 with you but also inquire about our options for mapping content to different standards.
Are you curious about the EMCS 3.0? The EMCS can be downloaded from
www.MEPcontent.com/emcs. If you have valuable suggestions or additions, please let us know at
info@mepcontent.com.
