OmniClass™ Tables Classification of Facility Information

Supporting the Industry Enterprise Data Vision

Dianne DavisAEC Infosystems

Co‐Chair OmniClass DevelopmentNational BIM Standards BoardLOD Development Committee

Lean Construction Institute

Learning Objectives

• Our Evolving Information Needs• Why OmniClass• What is a Faceted Classification System• How is it being used• What is the future• How to learn more

Process Changes in the 21st Century

We are evolving……… from paper-centric to an info-centric thinkingfrom task based activities to Lean collaborationfrom outputs to outcomesfrom ad-hoc to cloudfrom unstructured to structured data

Physical and Virtual of Equal Importance

Information systems are developed around the available forms of communication Computers and CAD 1980’s

1970WHAT

1968HOW

When the world was 2D…and we delivered paper

1999 Electronic Communication

2006 – PresentFaceted System

From Paper‐Centric to Info‐CentricDevelopment of OmniClass & NBIMS

To take advantage of new forms of communication CSI needed to develop a Faceted Classification System for the built environment

– A faceted classification system allows the assignment of an object to multiple characteristics (attributes), enabling the classification to be ordered in multiple ways, rather than in a single, predetermined, taxonomic order.  A facet comprises "clearly defined, mutually exclusive, and collectively exhaustive aspects, properties or characteristics of a class or specific subject". For example, a collection of books might be classified using an author facet, a subject facet, a date facet, etc.

2005‐2006 – National BIM Standards Scoping Document

• BIModel, BIModeling, BIManagement– a product, process, and information management

• “Without OmniClass and information standards BIM cannot be realized”

Laser Scanning Survey

BIM Legacy CAD

CivilGIS

IWMSIWMSCMMSCAFMBAS

BIM Field Fabrication Schedule

2014 – Built Environment Reality, Technology Based Communication and Collaboration

What is a Faceted System?• Faceted Classification classifies objects, functions using multiple taxonomies 

that express their different attributes or facets rather than classifying using a single taxonomy.

ColorRed Green Blue

Information Tables (Facets)

ShapeBall 

Square

MaterialPlastic Vinyl Rubber

UseKickballVolleyball

PropertiesSolid 

Inflatable

• BALL• RED BALL• RED RUBBER BALL• RED RUBBER BEACH BALL• RED RUBBER INFLATABLE BEACH BALL

OmniClass Tables (Facets) Supports

What kind of building is it? Table 11-Construction Entities by FunctionWhat kind of space is it? Table 13- Spaces by Function

What kind of MEP system is it? Table 21- Elements & Table 23-Products

What kind of work is needed? Table 32- Services

Who does the work? Table 33- Disciplines

What kind of Pump is it? Table 23-Products Table 49-Properties

When is the work scheduled? Table 31- Phases

What information or tools are needed? Table 36- Information Table 35 - Tools

Faceted classification provides access to an object or activity from multiple “hooks”

Who, Why, When, What, Where, How

Standard versus No Standard

= Waste across project and facility lifecycle

“Facets” for a data defined built environment

Permission to Use for LOD presentation ©2007 Created by: AEC Infosystems

BUILDING

(BIM)

Sub-Systems(part of systems)

Attributes

Business Groups

Financial Classifications

Rentable SpaceCirculation Area

Metrics

Attributes

Metrics

Zones

SYSTEMS/ Assemblies, Components –Ex. Structural, MEP, Flooring, Ceiling, Exterior, Walls

OVERLAYS – Abstractions- Aligns Use to Virtual Areas, Space to Systems (Functional, Organizational/Operational)

MarketingTenant Secure Areas

Level (Stories)

Vertical

Room

Void

SPACE-Vertical, Horizontal, Void Metrics Condition

AttributesFunction

Metrics

Attributes

Components

Attributes

Metrics

Classroom

HVAC

Omniclass Table 13, Space by Function

Omniclass Table 14, Spaces by Form

Omniclass Table 21, Elements (Uniformat)

Omniclass Table 23, Products (Uniformat)

Omniclass Table 11, Construction Entities by Function

Omniclass Table 12, Construction Entities by Form

A space can be delineated by either physical or abstract boundaries. Often these are environmental parameters such as walls and roofs which separate the interior space from adjacent spaces. Other spaces such as security or HVAC zones are delineated by non-physical, abstract boundaries. Spaces have a purpose or use. This is their function. Spaces can be occupied by people, things, and substances and serve as mediums for activities and movement.

OmniClass Use in BIM Families & Manufacturer Products

11 Construction Entities by Function12 Construction Entities by Form 13 Spaces by Function 14 Spaces by Form

21 Elements – (UniFormat)22 Work Results – (MasterFormat)23 Products

31 Phases32 Services33 Disciplines34 Organizational Roles35 Tools36 Information

41 Materials49 Properties

OmniClass is useful for many applications in the area of Building Information Modeling (BIM), from organizing reports and object libraries to providing a way to roll up or drill down through data to get the information that meets your needs

BIM Execution Plan & Development

• Defines WHO does WHAT, WHEN and HOW

Table Relationships by Project Phases

OmniClass can classify and be searched by Who, Why, When, What, Where, How, and To Whom

The integration of OmniClass Tables with BIM supports a better use of information on projects.

Equipment Related Tables

Equipment Schedules, Product Table • Revised 2008‐2010 (IFACT)• From 3500 to over 6600• Expanded to include (Beside 

AEC/FM):– Medical– Historical Preservation– Custodial– Food Services– Physical Security– Horticulture– Child Care, – etc…

• Current Revision Cycle – (2012‐2014)– Vehicles– Airport Equipment

COBie Information Handover

Being balloted in NBIMS-US V3:

1. Table 11 - Construction Entities by Function Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2013-02-26

2. Table 12 - Construction Entities by Form Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2012-10-30

3. Table 22 - Work Results Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2013-08-25

4. Table 31 - Phases Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2012-10-30

5. Table 33 - Disciplines Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2012-10-30

6. Table 34 - Organizational Roles Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2012-10-30

7. Table 41 - Materials Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2012-10-30

8. Table 49 - Properties Pre Consensus Approved Draft version 2012-10-30

Balloted in NBIMS-US V2:

1. Table 13 - Spaces by Function National Standard version 2012-05-16

2. Table 21 - Elements National Standard version 2012-05-16

3. Table 22 - Work Results National Standard version 2012-05-16

4. Table 23 - Products National Standard version 2012-05-16

5. Table 32 - Services National Standard version 2012-05-16

6. Table 36 - Information National Standard version 2012-05-16

OmniClass & NBIMS‐US

OmniClass Beta Site

OmniClass Challenges – It’s future is in the Cloud

• More Owners are moving to OmniClass, but not in a static world.• Which OmniClass to use? How is it updated?• How will manufacturers & software vendors help users manage 

data?

OmniClass Beta Site

OmniClass Web Services

Current OmniClass TablesEarlier OmniClass versions

Other classifications

Revit UserOther Software User

Archicad UserMicrostation User

ClientCOBie Submittals

Web Services

OmniClass Database

Project Participants

• New version of OmniClass website in beta now, intended outcomes:– Web services for software– More formats for table distribution– Increased database functionality

http://beta.omniclass.org(still many broken links on site, but please visit)

Using OmniClass

• OmniClass usage– Strong interest from owners with portfolios to manage– Education available from CSI in calendar 2014– End users will primarily access through other tools –software, information resources, etc.

• Tables available at www.omniclass.org

Using OmniClass

OmniClass.org

• Thank‐you• QUESTIONS

Dianne Davisd.davis@aecinfosystems.com

Contact CSI

For questions about OmniClass:omniclass@csinet.org

For education questions: education@csinet.org

July 22, 2014 OmniClass: The Designer

This session will examine the OmniClass classification system from the designer viewpoint . The presenter will review the benefits and challenges of using OmniClass providing project‐based examples, as well as the implications on project success. Project participants, will address contractor and owner perspectives, issues of integration, and how OmniClass informs and supports the entire project team. 

Learning Objectives: After attending this session, participants will be able to:• Define the role of the designer in the application of OmniClass. • Examine the benefits of OmniClass for designers• Identify tables used by designers and phases during which they may be used. • Explain the challenges facing designers using OmniClass and discuss how to best mitigate them. • Review the role of OmniClass in IPD and how it supports interoperability with the work of 

contractors and owners. • Gain project‐based examples of how contractors and owners are affected and how OmniClass

supports collaborative work by the entire project team. 

http://csinet.org/OmniClassDesigner