This blog post is a part of a series focused on classification management in BIM. To gain a complete understanding of the subject, it is recommended to follow the reading order below:
One of the key components of BIM is the ability to easily organize and classify information about a project. This is where the OmniClass Construction Classification System (OCCS) comes in.
OmniClass, is a classification system that is widely used in the AEC industry. It provides a standardized way to organize, sort, and retrieve information throughout the full facility lifecycle, from conception to demolition or reuse. In this blog post, we will take a deeper look into OmniClass and its role in BIM.
OmniClass is a classification system that is designed to provide a standardized basis for classifying information created and used by the North American architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. It is intended to be the means for organizing, sorting, and retrieving information and deriving relational computer applications.
OmniClass follows the international framework set out in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Technical Report 14177 - Classification of information in the construction industry, July 1994. This document was later established as a standard in ISO 12006-2: Organization of Information about construction works - Part 2: Framework for classification.
OmniClass consists of 15 tables, each of which represents a different facet of construction information. Each table can be used independently to classify a particular type of information, or entries can be combined with entries on other tables to classify more complex subjects.
The organization of the OmniClass tables is based on the segregation of information types to be classified into a set of discrete, coordinated tables. The information contained in each table exists, and is organized, based on a specific facet or view of the total information that exists in the built environment.
BIM is a powerful tool that allows architects, engineers, and builders to create digital models of buildings and other structures. One of the key benefits of BIM is the ability to easily manage and organize classification data across multiple models. This is where OmniClass comes in.
OmniClass is widely used in BIM to classify information about buildings and other structures. It is used to organize, sort, and retrieve information about a project, making it easier for professionals to manage and understand the data associated with a project.
The OmniClass tables are designed to work together to provide extremely granular, or specific, classification. Depending on the complexity of the object being classified, and the level of detail desired, an object can have occurrences in one, two, or more tables. Occurrences on multiple tables can then be combined using the rules outlined in the OmniClass Application Guide. This classification can then be combined with values drawn from applicable entries on Table 49 - Properties, providing a highly granular level of indexing that will support the information needs of the AEC industry.
In addition, OmniClass is compatible with other classification systems, such as MasterFormat for work results, UniFormat for elements, and EPIC (Electronic Product Information Cooperation) for products. This allows professionals to easily integrate data from multiple classification systems into their BIM models.
OmniClass offers many benefits to professionals in the AEC industry, including:
Standardization: OmniClass provides a standardized basis for classifying information, which makes it easier to organize, sort, and retrieve data across multiple projects.
Granularity: The OmniClass tables are designed to work together to provide extremely granular, or specific, classification. This allows for a high level of detail and accuracy in classifying data.
Compatibility: OmniClass is compatible with other classification systems, such as MasterFormat, UniFormat, and EPIC, which makes it easy to integrate data from multiple systems into BIM models.
Flexibility: OmniClass is an open and extensible standard that can be used to classify a wide range of information, from library materials and product literature to project information.
Support for the Facility Lifecycle: OmniClass is designed to support the full facility lifecycle, from conception to demolition or reuse. This makes it an ideal tool for managing data associated with a project throughout its entire lifecycle.
In conclusion, OmniClass is a powerful and widely-used classification system that is well suited for use in BIM. It provides a standardized, granular, and flexible way to organize, sort, and retrieve information about a project, making it easier for professionals to manage and understand the data associated with a project. If you're in the AEC industry, consider using OmniClass to help manage and organize your data.
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