Hello  Guest, As BIM users, you are constantly introduced to new definitions such as IFC, BCF, CDE, MVD… and now IDS. Although it may sound confusing, this is not something bad at all! but rather a positive indication of BIM's continuous evolution. So, no matter how many new terms appear, it is our job to always keep up-to-date. For this reason, we are happy to announce the addition of IDS, the new BuildingSMART open standard to the BIMcollab ecosystem. If you want to learn more, this Tech Tip will give you an insight to what IDS means for BIMcollab and how it can already improve your current workflow.  Regardless of your role, we're sure IDS has something to offer ;) Enjoy the read! But first...what exactly is IDS? Information Delivery Specifications, or IDS, is a new BuildingSMART open standard that aims to simplify information requirements exchange. It helps to ensure BIM model data quality by converting data requirements (commonly specified in documents) into specifications that computers can recognise while remaining understandable to humans. With this new standard, you will be able to perform automated validations and easily share specifications with all team members. Learn more What information can you validate using IDS? Below are a few examples of how IDS can be used: Ensure that all Windows have the required information for installation. Evaluate if the classification codes were applied to the right components. Verify that spaces are located in the corresponding building storey. Check if the data for quantity takeoff was properly exported to all concrete elements. Make sure that models include your project's custom property sets. Did this catch your attention? Great! Keep reading to learn how to use IDS in BIMcollab. IDS in BIMcollab Start creating an IDS in BIMcollab Cloud The first step to initiate your IDS workflow within BIMcollab will be to create specifications for your project. Since our last release, all BIMcollab Cloud projects in private spaces now have a new Checking page. In this section, Project Leaders can start creating their first IDS by looking into the Specifications tab. After creation, team members can use the new IDS either for model validation or model refinement, by connecting through Zoom or Revit BCF Manager. Visit our Helpcenter for a step-by-step guide. Create an IDS TIP: Not only IDS, but all shared ZOOM resources are now visible in the new "Checking" page. Avoid errors from the start, even before exporting an IFC! Imagine if you could prevent errors from the beginning and share your project requirements directly with your BIM modelers. With IDS, this can be done effortlessly! Once a new IDS is created from BIMcollab Cloud, team members can use the new IDS palette for Revit BCF Managers to check which specifications apply to selected native Revit elements. This way, modelers can make the necessary adjustments even before exporting any IFC file. Check the IDS palette Automatic IDS validation with BIMcollab ZOOM After setting up an IDS in your BIMcollab Cloud project and exporting IFC models, it's time to start with property validation! For this task, ZOOM now allows you to compare your IDS against IFC models to spot elements with missing data requirements in the 3D view. Once you have run an IDS, you can report the validation results by automatically creating new Issues. Detailed information about the involved elements and camera location is stored in the issues to help BIM modelers quickly identify incorrect elements and make the necessary changes. Would you like to test this workflow? Check our Helpcenter for more information. Learn more Become an IDS master with our new course We know that all this new information can feel overwhelming, but we're here to help! Whether you're a beginner or an expert, our BIMcollab Academy has just released a new IDS course that will guide you through the process of model validation and refinement using IDS in BIMcollab. Give it a try now by logging in to the BIMcollab Academy. Enroll now! Not convinced? See more practical exmaples of how to use IDS in our next webinar In our next LinkedIn Live, Zinzi van Bokhoven and Bojana Dukanovic Foss will discuss how IDS and BIMcollab ZOOM, in combination with Power BI, enables you keep better track of your project’s progress. Don’t miss out on the chance to improve your BIM project ;) Register now! TIP: Were you not able to attend? No problem! Find all our previous events in our website. Did you know that... ALLPLAN's new BIMcollab integration is now available for technical review? Know more and check all the details on our website.  You can make use of your web browser translation tool to take our courses in any language? Use it to learn BIM in your native language!