BCF Exchange
Introduction
In this session, you will learn how to exchange BCF files, which will enable you to collaborate seamlessly and share your project results with team members, clients, and other stakeholders. This feature allows you to rapidly obtain approval or feedback on your openings through BCF systems beyond the ConVoid Ecosystem.
Video Tutorial
Requirements
To ensure a successful BCF workflow with the ConVoid Manager, it is essential to adhere to the following guidelines:
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Create BCFs using the ConVoid Manager: To establish a reference between an opening and a BCF issue, BCFs must be created within the ConVoid Manager. Avoid using BCFs created outside of ConVoid, as they may lack direct element references. However, it is possible to edit ConVoid BCFs in other systems.
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Designate a BCF exchange coordinator: In projects where not all participants work with ConVoid and external BCF systems are employed, it is crucial to assign someone responsible for managing BCF exchanges.
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Ensure compatibility with external BCF systems: Participants might use various BCF systems to comment on and approve openings. In such instances, the chosen system must support BCF import and export, and BCF labels should be editable. We recommend reviewing the BCF Labels section to add the correct labels.
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By following these guidelines, you can achieve a successful BCF workflow using the ConVoid Manager.
Overview
Automated BCF Creation
The ConVoid Manager has the ability to automatically create and update a BCF Issue, which includes a Snapshot with a placeholder, a Viewpoint, and a Title with a unique ID for each opening. Users have the flexibility to replace the Snapshot placeholder with a new one, as well as add comments and modify the title description for each BCF issue. For more information on how to add comments and snapshots to openings, please refer to the previous session titled 'Coordination and Approval'.
BCF Export
The BCF Export process is straightforward. Simply select the openings in the ConVoid Manager schedule that you wish to export the BCF for. Then, open the [Exchange] menu and click [BCF Export] and save the BCF file.
IFC Models and BCF Viewpoints
The orientation of BCF, by default, relies on the Shared Coordinates and the Site Elevation. To ensure compatibility between BCF and IFC, it is essential to export the BCF using the same Coordination Base and Site Elevation as the IFC. Failing to adhere to this can result in viewpoints navigating to incorrect locations. Consequently, exporting the IFC and BCF with consistent settings is crucial to guarantee that the BCF orientations are accurate and aligned with the Coordination Base and Elevation.
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It is recommended to export the IFC and BCF based on the Shared Coordinates, including the IFCSITE Elevation. If you wish to use a different coordination base for the BCF Export, follow these steps:
Go to the Exchange menu and click on the arrow below.
Click on Settings and change the Coordinate Base and may include the IFCSITE elevation.
Working with BCF Platforms like BIMcollab or BIM Track
To facilitate multi-approval of openings, such as from the structural engineer and architect, ConVoid utilizes BCF labels. These labels may have different names in various BCF systems. Here are a few examples:
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BIMcollab: Labels
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BIM Track: Discipline
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When working with an external BCF system, ensure that you add the appropriate labels. Copy the labels displayed below and incorporate them into your BCF system. Typically, this can be done through the project settings. Add only the labels corresponding to the disciplines that are active in the project.
Architectural
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ARC Approved
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ARC Rejected
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ARC Pending
Mechanical
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HVAC Approved
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HVAC Rejected
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HVAC Pending
Mechanical & Plumbing
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HVAC & PLBG Approved
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HVAC & PLBG Rejected
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HVAC & PLBG Pending
Technical Planner
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TP Approved
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TP Rejected
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TP Pending
Structural
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STR Approved
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STR Rejected
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STR Pending
Plumbing
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PLBG Approved
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PLBG Rejected
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PLBG Pending
Mechanical & Electrical
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HVAC & ELEC Approved
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HVAC & ELEC Rejected
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HVAC & ELEC Pending
Fire Protection
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FP Approved
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FP Rejected
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FP Pending
MEP
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MEP Approved
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MEP Rejected
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MEP Pending
Electrical
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ELEC Approved
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ELEC Rejected
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ELEC Pending
Plumbing & Electrical
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PLGB & ELEC Approved
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PLGB & ELEC Rejected
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PLGB & ELEC Pending
Coordination
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COORD Approved
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COORD Rejected
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COORD Pending
BCF Import
If you received a BCF file from another ConVoid User or a BCF System, you can import and merge the results into your model.
Go to the Exchange menu and click on the arrow below.
Click on BCF Import, select one or multiple BCF files, and a window will appear.
The window will display all identified disciplines that have provided approvals. Ensure that you import only the results from the discipline who sent you the BCF file, and never select your own discipline. Otherwise, you will overwrite your existing approval status. By clicking [Import], ConVoid will automatically merge and update the Approval Status, Comments and Snapshots of the openings in your model found in the BCF file.
Review Approval
To review the updated approvals of a discipline their are two ways to do so:
A red notification symbol will appear next to the Revit-ID cell in the schedule to identify the openings that have received an Approval Status update.
To get an overview of each discipline's approval status, simply select the discipline in the dropdown menu above the [Approved] button, and ConVoid will highlight the Approval Status of the discipline in their color in the schedule and the current view. After reviewing, ensure to change the discipline back to yours.