Organization and management of data in Revit across omniclass, Masterformat, Uniclass, and Uniformat

The organization and management of data and connectivity to other platforms for cost estimation, categorization, scheduling/phasing, model verification, a360 integration must utilize and integrate multiple points of information to be effective. I believe this would integrate well with the playbook concept.

We discussed UNIFORMAT vs CSI MASTERFORMAT- but there larger picture must consider an a means of integration; I believe this management will require a database (ACCESS or SQL)  or possibly A360 PLAN.

OMNICLASS (Largely ISO Compliant)as an overarching format and documentation organization which manages or contains CSI MASTERFORMAT which we should use for component, classification and specification management which then links into the 'containers' of the UNIFORMAT for order and assembly of construction. None of these systems stand alone for a complete approach to managing and organizing our data.

All this should be intermingled using a database to specify LOD, Milestones, assemblies, components, etc. for a snapshot to add to the playbooks. This could be SQL, Access, or the Autodesk BIM 360 Plan looks promising as a collaborative integration platform for all this data to come together.

Here is a quick overview of the systems from CSI Net:

Omniclass

One to bind them all…

The OmniClass Construction Classification System (known as OmniClass™ or OCCS) is a means of organizing and retrieving information specifically designed for the construction industry. 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. OmniClass draws from other extant systems in use to form the basis of its Tables wherever possible — MasterFormat™ for work results, UniFormat™ for elements, and EPIC (Electronic Product Information Cooperation) for products.

Uniformat

is great for assemblies but lacks the specifications and assessment of the procedures involved for assembly

UniFormat™, a publication of CSI and CSC, is a method of arranging construction information based on functional elements, or parts of a facility characterized by their functions, without regard to the materials and methods used to accomplish them. These elements are often referred to as systems or assemblies.

CSI Master format

Is great as a standardization of a classification of subcomponents, but lacks connectivity for assemblies based on order of construction.

MasterFormat is the master list of titles and numbers used to organize specifications and other project information for most commercial building design and construction projects in North America. It lists titles and section numbers for organizing data about construction requirements, products, and activities. By standardizing such information, MasterFormat facilitates communication among architects, specifiers, contractors and suppliers, which helps them meet building owners' requirements, timelines and budgets.

Uniclass 2 is a UK standard:

UNICLASS 2015 is a development of CPIc’s UNICLASS 2 and is now cited in the UK National foreword to ISO 12006-2 Building construction – Organisation of information about construction works as the UK response to that International Standard. This has the important effect of elevating its status from that enjoyed by previous versions of UNICLASS.

Integration and Augmentation

All of these can be intertwined in a database so the cross-reference associations are there.

We should maintain CSI as the base format for organizing and ID'ing our components and families, and link that data with the  other specifications with a link to a interconnected database.

This database can then fill-in pertinent information into Revit as well as link through to or augment access to additional applications or sources for cost estimating, facilities management(COBIE), project planning, etc.

This additionally provides an means to link additional project information and management into Revit without bogging down the model.