SPOT THE DIFFERENCE.

The 3D Models coming from the automotive and aerospace industries are an accurate representation of the real asset, but as these images show, the AEC industry has got a long way to go in modelling FFE to the same level of accuracy. That’s not to say it’s impossible, because there are some amazing companies out there modelling everything to 100% accuracy. But they represent the 0.01% of what’s happening in the BIM market today, but it’s a different story for the rest of us.

IF IT'S NOT ACCURATE - WHAT'S THE POINT?

If, as these images show, the FFE in most BIM models bear no resemblance to the actual building interior, its fair to question the point of including them. Isn’t it just as pointless as an auto manufacturer modelling a vehicle with ‘wheels a bit like these’ or an interior that might or might not be a bit like this? Of course, modelling a representation of a building’s interior does help architects communicate a design idea to clients, but after that there really isn’t any point of having furniture or FFE in a BIM unless its a correct representation of what will be in the finished building.

CORRECT INFORMATION IS BETTER THAN AN INCORRECT MODEL.

A BIM model containing incorrect 3D FFE objects and information is just plain wrong. It doesn’t help anyone working in the construction process and can lead to incorrect assumptions. The opposite is true if the the model contains FFE as information linked to the floor objects as room data. This is a far better method of communicating to the fit-out team the furniture, finishes, fittings and equipment in each room.

eRDS CLOUD AND FIELD.

At eRDS we believe integrating room data with BIM is the best approach for dealing with FFE. Our software is designed to help companies define the FFE as room data in a cloud based application and then to write the information as parameters or attributes into Revit or IFC BIM models. eRDS Field uses the information to drive checklists during fit-out and capture any as-installed information that will be useful for the FM applications during operations.