As part of their joint commitment to digital construction, the link-up will publish mappings between Uniclass 2015 classification codes and SFG20 maintenance schedules.
Uniclass 2015 (authored, published and maintained by NBS) is a consistent classification structure for all disciplines in the construction industry. It has tables classifying items of any scale from a whole building, down to products such as a door hinge. Having a standardised approach to describing things allows for information to be organised and managed, and allows for interoperability.
SFG20 is overseen by BESA and is the standard specification approach to building engineering services to allow for effective building maintenance.
Sarah Delany, head of classification at NBS, said: “The construction industry is increasingly digital and by mapping between the two systems specifiers and clients can more easily take a whole-life approach to their building projects.”
She explains: “On BIM projects, specifications and objects are typically classified by Uniclass 2015. As the project progresses maintenance schedules are developed for the assets described in the specifications. By mapping the two coding systems, this makes life easier for those working on BIM projects. Also, by doing this centrally, NBS and BESA are saving repeat work across many projects.”
Steve Tomkins, head of business development for SFG20 commented: “The partnership between NBS and SFG20 is key to ensuring industry structures align, thus enabling the transition and sharing of data in a consistent structured way without disrupting the original purpose.”
He adds: “Collaboration is key to ensuring historic mistakes that impacted the sector are not repeated.”
Commenting on the partnership, Sascia Elliott, head of partnership, NBS said: 'By working with BESA, both organisations can amplify their impact and quicken the pace of digital adoption. Providing expert information efficiently and accurately in an integrated way, enables professionals to do their jobs more effectively. Our ambition is that this approach will act as a catalyst to strengthen links with other trade associations and industry bodies so that the wider construction industry may benefit the power of digital.'