How I use Simplebim: BIMSKY BIM Manager on how Simplebim optimises IFCs for quantity surveyors 

BIMSKY is a full-service BIM consultancy based in Lyon, France. Working across a wide range of construction projects from industrial facilities to residential homes, colleges, and commercial buildings, they offer a variety of BIM services to clients, including 3D modelling, and BIM management, resources, and training. 

The team is made up of experts across all of the main construction disciplines from design engineers and quantity surveyors to HVAC and electrical specialists. 

We spoke to BIM Manager and former quantity surveyor Pascal Boulée about why BIMSKY chose to adopt Simplebim and how it has helped optimise IFCs for quantity surveyors on a recent domestic housing project. 

SB: Tell us about the project where you used Simplebim. 

Pascal Boulée: The project was a domestic housing estate of 30 homes, working with our client SDH (Société Dauphinoise pour l’Habitat). 

Using Simplebim, the aim was to provide a unique IFC model that contained relevant data for both the architects and the quantity surveyors. 

We had two main objectives.  

Firstly, to make it easy for each of the disciplines to be able to access the relevant data from the models.  

Then secondly, as the model was included in the tender documents, they needed to be accessible for third-party companies. 

SB: How did you hear about Simplebim? 

PB: We discovered the software through Simplebim reseller CADatWORK. 

Having already worked with them, they invited me to a presentation showing how Simplebim could be used for the processing of IFC models. 

SB: What challenges were you facing before using Simplebim? 

PB: One of the main problems was that the 3D models were not showing the relevant information for quantity surveyors, so we had to modify the properties/attributes and their values manually.  

Also, the quality of IFC exports from multiple sources was varied, which took a lot of time and money to resolve. 

We work with many different partners on our projects, which means working with different software. As an openBIM solution, Simplebim is flexible and interoperable which works well for us. 

SB: What kind of benefits did Simplebim bring? 

PB: Simplebim was particularly useful to me in correcting and optimising the IFCs for a quantity surveyor’s perspective. I was then able to define templates that allowed me to insert the lists of elements into the architectural model. Simplebim has also allowed me to automate some functions in order to process quick updates. 

SB: Since the introduction of Simplebim, what can you do now that you couldn’t do before? 

PB: We can fill in the architectural model directly, in a highly automated way. This allows us to work autonomously to develop a template corresponding to the needs of a quantity surveyor. This means we no longer have to rely on partner IFC exports, which can vary so much in quality. 

SB: What would have happened if you hadn’t identified Simplebim as a solution? 

PB: Without Simplebim everything would take longer, the process would be more complicated, and the resulting data would be lower quality. 

SB: Is there a particular feature or other aspect of Simplebim that you rely on the most? 

PB: Being able to modify and create properties is a key feature for us. As is the ability to clean the data in the IFC. Not to mention the ability to automate these processes, which saves so much time. 

SB: How easy was it to learn to use Simplebim? 

PB: Aspects such as the fusion/move/delete/clean-up features were easy to use with online tutorials or CADatWORK basic training.  

Some aspects, like ‘templates’ were more challenging. However, CADatWORK ran a training day on this which was really useful.   

SB: Were you satisfied with the support you received from Simplebim and reseller CADatWORK? 

PB: Absolutely. The CADatWORK specialists were always on hand to answer any questions. It was also really useful to speak directly to Simplebim about their overall vision for the software and its adaptability. 

SB: Did Simplebim meet your expectations? 

PB: Yes. Thanks to Simplebim, we have been able to set up a collaborative approach between the architects and quantity surveyors, particularly with regards to updating digital models. 

SB: How does Simplebim help you increase workflow productivity? 

PB: Simplebim is easy to use and has lots of features, alongside the ability to automate processes. Not only does this save us time and resource, but it also gives us a competitive advantage. 

SB: Would you recommend Simplebim to others? 

PB: Without a doubt. I haven’t seen another tool on the market that can handle so many features in IFC. From cleaning, sorting, colour-coding, merging, repositioning, editing properties, correcting attributes, creating specific IFC groups and automation. Simplebim has become our daily tool for managing IFC models. 

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Why not add Simplebim to you BIM toolkit? 

Get in touch with the knowledgeable team at Simplebim and book a demo, then take advantage of our free 15-day trial.