An Idiot’s Guide to Idiot’s Guides – Preemptive Model Validation

Synopsis: Model auditing can be valuable however the term is typically referred to as a reactive exercise done in hindsight. But is it possible for checking and validation to occur as a preemptive measure to prevent people from doing the wrong thing while modelling? Can we really save people from hurting themselves? Should we? This topic explores methods of guiding authors as they input information with a view to moving from reactive checking to preventative measures.Learning Objectives: 1. Learn about Model Checking in the Authoring Environment and also via the use of External Model Checking Software
2. Explore the concept of Model Checking vs Model Validation
3. Discuss the possibility of a less reactive approach to checking using Preemptive and Preventative Measures during modellingBody: An exploration of different methods of checking model quality with a view to developing workflows that move from reactive checking in hindsight to preemptive validation during input.

As BIM Managers we are responsible for developing workflows and then writing process guides in simple terms to assist users with their modelling exercises. User guides and instruction manuals are only of value if they are read and followed and the practice of reading the instruction manual is sadly not the instinct of many model author (or the wider population for that matter).The need for quality checking is apparent but what methods do we have at our disposal?

Reactive checking after the fact in the form of geometry based clash detection.
Responsive model validation that seeks to apply rule based data checks to ensure that the prescribed data fields are not only filled out but actually entered correctly.
Preemptive measures in the model authoring environment that offer guidance to the end user during input.
Preventative controls that have the potential to block the model author from an incorrect entry.

These concepts will be explored using examples from current large scale BIM projects and will reference a variety of different software packages.

Synopsis:

Model auditing can be valuable however the term is typically referred to as a reactive exercise done in hindsight. But is it possible for checking and validation to occur as a preemptive measure to prevent people from doing the wrong thing while modelling? Can we really save people from hurting themselves? Should we? This topic explores methods of guiding authors as they input information with a view to moving from reactive checking to preventative measures.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn about Model Checking in the Authoring Environment and also via the use of External Model Checking Software
2. Explore the concept of Model Checking vs Model Validation
3. Discuss the possibility of a less reactive approach to checking using Preemptive and Preventative Measures during modelling

Body:

An exploration of different methods of checking model quality with a view to developing workflows that move from reactive checking in hindsight to preemptive validation during input.

As BIM Managers we are responsible for developing workflows and then writing process guides in simple terms to assist users with their modelling exercises. User guides and instruction manuals are only of value if they are read and followed and the practice of reading the instruction manual is sadly not the instinct of many model author (or the wider population for that matter).The need for quality checking is apparent but what methods do we have at our disposal?

Reactive checking after the fact in the form of geometry based clash detection.
Responsive model validation that seeks to apply rule based data checks to ensure that the prescribed data fields are not only filled out but actually entered correctly.
Preemptive measures in the model authoring environment that offer guidance to the end user during input.
Preventative controls that have the potential to block the model author from an incorrect entry.

These concepts will be explored using examples from current large scale BIM projects and will reference a variety of different software packages.