A preliminary investigation performed by UniSA researchers reveals insights that can improve the interoperability of transactions between domains, building lifecycles, software systems and the web in the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) sector. The research design centers on a comparative review of standards and systems which address interoperability in the AECO sector and the Oil & Gas sector. For both sectors, different data exchange standards and specifications, prevalent data exchange issues, and the available solutions that address these issues have been discussed. The review of literature in the AECO sector confirms that the reliability and scalability of digital and web-based transactions have become an imperative. Currently, these transactions are file-based, using the vendor neutral Industry Foundation Class (IFC), developed since 2005 by buildingSMART.
A review of literature in the Oil & Gas sector confirms that object-based, rather than file-based, exchanges have been the primary method of data exchange. Alongside data exchange models and formats, other components, including use case methodologies, collaboration mechanisms and the use of reference data, have contributed significantly towards achieving semantic interoperability across systems. For all these components, the existing standards and specifications implemented in both sectors have been discussed, revealing insights from the Oil & Gas Sector applicable to the AECO sector. The researchers have also examined the OIIE (Open Industrial Interoperability Ecosystem) principles used in the Oil & Gas sector and their potential for implementation in the AECO sector. The results of the comparative analysis are presented as findings and recommendations that aim to advance interoperability in the AECO sector.
The findings of the research are submitted to CIB W78 2021 conference, but the preprint of the research paper is made available here for wider visibility, comments and feedback.
