Tata Steel, one of
Europe’s largest steel producers, has launched a pioneering BIM and product
data tool for all of its European construction brand products, to support
architects, specifiers, engineers and facility managers.
A first of its kind,
the company’s new DNA Profiler has been designed to minimise data overload and
will allow users, at whatever stage they are in the construction process, to
retrieve the exact level of BIM data they require – and in the format they need.
The flexible web-based tool will host over 6,100 of the
company’s European construction brand products - including Celsius, ComFlor,
Kalzip and Catnic products - in all relevant BIM software formats required, to
ensure complete interoperability.
The BIM objects are available in a large range of native
software object formats including Autodesk Revit, ARCHICAD, Tekla, Allplan and
Trimble SketchUp.
Furthermore, there
is the option to download data sets, 3D objects or both combined, for continued
parametric functionality. It also allows users to find a product by filtering
on product data and performance characteristics. Architects and contractors can
therefore access the data they need in the correct format and tailor it
specifically to meet Employer Information Requirements (EIR).
For consistency and
interoperability, the data is structured following ISO and CEN requirements and
will be connected through API integration with coBuilder. This enables any
attribute to be mapped across different standards or national requirements and can
be translated into other languages.
Each of the DNA
Profiler’s data-rich BIM objects features contact details, mechanical
properties, performance characteristics, maintenance requirements and guarantee
periods. In the future it will be expanded to include information on lead
times, pricing and much more.
Free for everyone to
use, a simple registration gets users up and running and seamless integration
with the Tata Steel Construction website will allow users to jump between
resources easily. Providing access to case studies to see the products in use,
order samples or download literature.
As a business, Tata
Steel is committed to sharing its BIM knowledge and expertise, as Alex Small,
Tata Steel BIM and Digital Platforms Manager explains: “Enhancing and
supporting the adoption of BIM technology is vital for UK construction.
“As we know, BIM
offers tangible supply chain benefits. It saves essential time and costs,
highlights any technical issues within the design stage and beyond through to
end user asset management, yet for many, heavy investment cost is prohibitive.
“If BIM is to be
properly adopted, the industry needs to support small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs) and our industry-leading DNA Profiler not only provides the
design community with the tools it needs but acts as a standard setter for
product manufacturers going forward.
“This powerful
resource will aid the flow of information throughout the construction process,
making sure that the right level of quality, safety and compliance standards
are met. Critically, as it draws directly from Tata Steel’s database (our
single source of the truth), users can be assured that the data they are
accessing is up to date. Also, we see it supporting with client handovers at
completion too, ensuring the inclusion of the correct documents, data, models
and warranties – all contributing to helping teams to manage and build a
project on time and to budget.”
