BIM and Construction Management: Proven Tools, Methods, and Workflows

2.4. Digital Information Transfer Standards

Transferring data among team members can be a time-consuming process. In the past, architects have transferred data to the contractor by means of printing CAD files or other 2D drawing information into a PDF or other noneditable format and then mailing CDs, posting to a firm FTP site, couriering DVDs, or attaching ZIP files to email. This followed converting the native file format and limiting any input from other team members into the native file. Until recent years, many projects were architect-led, and the architect dispersed the data to the relevant parties. But more recently, some projects are contractor-led, and the contractors are running more sophisticated technology than the architect's software. ...