ABAB September 2024 Forum Communique

ABAB September Meeting: Collaborating to Advance the Digital Built Environment

The Australasian BIM Advisory Board (ABAB) convened for its third meeting of 2024 in September. The board, comprising representatives from various organisations and public sector agencies, shared key insights and updates on the latest developments, and initiatives undertaken since the June meeting.

BuildingSMART provided an insightful presentation on the Information Delivery Specification – buildingSMART International. IDS is a BuildingSMART standard that allows for compliance checking of IFC models, enhancing quality control and data fidelity. BuildingSMART discussed the benefits of IDS including supporting the transition of data and information into the operations and maintenance phase of an assets lifecycle, ensuring data is actionable and relevant for operations teams.

The Board welcomed guest Kristin Moss from the Australian Constructors Association, who discussed the stream of work for New Technology and Modern Methods of Construction under the National Construction Strategy. She outlined objectives to identify technologies or digital approaches that exist but are not widely adopted across the sector and to develop actionable recommendations for the Infrastructure and Transport Senior Officials Committee (ITSOC). Understanding key barriers to digital adoption will help in creating a plan to address those barriers. This session provided an opportunity for ABAB members to offer valuable insights and inform the strategy through further discussion. “Our members’ insights are crucial in shaping strategies that address real-world challenges and drive innovation,” said ABAB Chair, Andrew Curthoys.

ABAB Chair, Andrew Curthoys also reported back on discussions with key stakeholders including Natural Hazards Australia, the Asset Management Council, and the ABAB Operations and Maintenance Roundtable on challenges in driving digital uptake in the operations and maintenance of assets. Topics included pre-procurement considerations, culture, industry standards, improved workflows, and the transition from construction to operations and maintenance. ABAB will continue this dialogue and engagement with key stakeholders, recognising the importance of environmental bodies and sustainability in driving digitisation in this space. Andrew Curthoys emphasised, “Engaging with diverse stakeholders ensures that our strategies are comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the needs of all sectors involved.”

Updates from key projects and stakeholders were also provided. The board deciding on a key focus for the industry collaboration group, to support a national data set by assisting asset owners with lower digital maturity. The terminology group working group shared insights into their findings which demonstrated that ABAB members use of terminology was aligning with ISO 19650. Women in BIM also shared their latest initiatives and research to support and empower women in digital construction.

ABAB remains committed to fostering collaboration and innovation within the digital built environment. The board looks forward to continuing its work with industry partners and stakeholders to drive progress and ensure the successful implementation of digital standards and practices across the sector. Stay tuned for more updates and initiatives from ABAB as we advance towards more integrated and efficient construction futures.

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The Australasian BIM Advisory Board established by the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) and the Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), together with the key standard-setting bodies, NATSPEC, buildingSMART and Standards Australia, promotes best practice and consistent approaches to BIM practices, standards, and requirements. ABAB guidance materials are available at: Australasian BIM Advisory Board (abab.net.au). 

 

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