Question 1

Which BIM standards should contractors and manufacturers know?

Accepted Answer

Contractors and manufacturers do not need to know every BIM standard in detail, but they should understand the main standards and frameworks that affect project delivery.
The most common ones include ISO 19650 for information management, IFC for open model exchange, COBie for asset data, BCF for issue communication, IDS for information requirements, and classification systems such as Uniclass or OmniClass.
For B4C projects, the most important question is not “Which standard exists?” but “Which standard does this project require, and what do we need to deliver?”
ISO 19650 covers information management principles for BIM, while buildingSMART maintains several openBIM standards including IFC, BCF, IDS and bSDD.

Question 2

What is ISO 12006-2?

Accepted Answer

ISO 12006-2 is a standard related to classification in the built environment. It defines a framework for developing classification systems for construction information.
In practical terms, ISO 12006-2 helps explain how construction information can be organized into structured tables and categories. Classification systems such as Uniclass and OmniClass are connected to this wider need for organized construction information.
For contractors and manufacturers, classification helps BIM objects, products, systems and deliverables become easier to identify, search, filter and manage.
ISO describes ISO 12006-2 as a framework for developing built-environment classification systems.

Question 3

What is ISO 16739?

Accepted Answer

ISO 16739 is the international standard behind IFC, which stands for Industry Foundation Classes. IFC is used for exchanging BIM data between different software tools.
This is important because not every project team uses the same software. One team may work in Revit, another in Tekla, Archicad, Solibri, Navisworks or another BIM platform. IFC helps project information move between these tools in a more open format.
For contractors and manufacturers, IFC is often required when the project needs openBIM deliverables.
buildingSMART states that IFC 4.3 is also published by ISO as ISO 16739-1:2024; ISO describes IFC as an open international standard for BIM data exchange.

Question 4

What is BCF in BIM?

Accepted Answer

BCF stands for BIM Collaboration Format. It is used to communicate model-based issues between different BIM tools.
Instead of sending long email chains or screenshots without context, BCF can carry issue information such as viewpoint, comments, object references, responsibility and status.
For contractors and subcontractors, BCF can be useful during coordination because it helps teams track clashes, comments and model issues more clearly.
buildingSMART describes BCF as an international openBIM standard for communicating model-based issues and topics between BIM applications.

Question 5

What is IDS in BIM?

Accepted Answer

IDS stands for Information Delivery Specification. It is used to define what information must be included in a BIM model in a structured and computer-readable way.
In simple terms, IDS helps turn information requirements into something that can be checked more automatically. For example, a project may require certain objects to include classification codes, fire ratings, manufacturer data or asset information.
For manufacturers, IDS can become important when product BIM objects must include specific parameters. For contractors, it can help check whether a model meets project information requirements.
buildingSMART describes IDS as a standard for defining information requirements in a computer-interpretable form and enabling automatic compliance checking of IFC models.

Question 6

What are Uniclass and OmniClass?

Accepted Answer

Uniclass and OmniClass are classification systems used to organize construction information.
Uniclass is commonly used in the UK and is connected with digital specification and BIM workflows. OmniClass is commonly used in North America and provides a structured basis for classifying construction information across the facility lifecycle.
For BIM projects, classification systems help identify building elements, systems, spaces, products and assets in a consistent way.
NBS describes Uniclass as integral to BIM and the ISO 19650 information management process, while CSI describes OmniClass as a standardized basis for classifying information in the North American AEC industry.