IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
An open, vendor-neutral file format (ISO 16739) used to share 3D models and digital asset data between different software platforms without data loss.
Read official bSI IFC docs →openBIM Glossary
Understanding openBIM standards is key to driving interoperability in South Africa's built environment. This glossary covers essential buildingSMART terms and open technical standards.
BCF (BIM Collaboration Format)
An open file format that allows team members to communicate model issues, clashes, and comments directly between software tools without exchanging the entire heavy 3D model.
Read official bSI BCF docs →IDS (Information Delivery Specification)
A machine-readable standard defining exact data requirements (properties, classifications, materials) for a project model, enabling automated compliance checking.
Read official bSI IDS docs →bSDD (buildingSMART Data Dictionary)
An online service mapping global construction terminology, classifications, and properties, ensuring software can automatically translate and understand objects regardless of language or region.
Read official bSI bSDD docs →ISO 19650
The international series of standards defining information management processes over the operational life cycle of a built asset using BIM.
Learn about ISO 19650 →