Future Directions for Ifc-based Interoperability

Interoperability is one of the major themes of research and development in information technology for the architecture, engineering, construction, and facilities management industries. A model-based approach to interoperability requires information structures that are standardized throughout the industry. The Industry Foundation Classes have been developed to provide this data exchange standard. The technology for exchanging information using Industry Foundation Classes has now been established, but many areas require additional development before comprehensive interoperability solutions are reached. These areas include: extending the scope to include a broader range of project information, for more types of projects, and more types of information; developing the exchange mechanisms layer below the data standards and the formalized transactions layer above; developing the range of software applications that implement model-based interoperability; and re-examining project management practices based on new integration technologies.