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This enables project managers to view, say, a 3D model of a building developed using Revit, in synchronisation with the Asta Powerproject data model. What’s more, the application can be shared between two screens, one showing the project plan and the other the building model.

Besides the convenience of seeing visual and tabular models side by side, reflecting the way in which project managers would really like to work (Powerproject BIM is attracting very positive feedback from early users), the interaction between the two technologies allows data input from both angles. Modifications to either are reflected in the other view - as you update the schedule you will see the impact of the changes immediately reflected in the model view.

This is particularly useful when it comes to setting up the project plan, with direct reference to the model. The component elements of the model are represented as IFC objects. As such, they can be dragged and dropped as IFC4 objects between the 3D view and tasks. Even more invaluable, structured templates using predefined searches can be set up to automatically link to IFC model objects.

It is also useful for comparing 'planned' with 'actual' progress on a project, or to simulate the construction of a project by setting up time lines, linked to milestones and baselines, and then running a 4D video, after perhaps saving snapshots to facilitate quick navigation through the project.

Any images created can be saved in standard graphical formats to attach to reports, or to accompany other site documentation, and Asta Powerproject's full property controls can be brought into play to hide, view or otherwise isolate objects not required in the view.

Models can be viewed both internally or externally using simple navigation controls, and the building process can be simulated whilst you walk through the virtual project, or you can just position yourself within the structure and start a time line to view the construction taking place of isolated components within the building.

Progress on a project can therefore be monitored not just by checking the project plan but visually, on the model itself, and compared with what is being achieved on site. If you are not familiar with your kid’s gaming software you can even configure your own interface for controlling model objects. For added realism, you can even set a perspective mode around and inside the structure.

Having both the model and the schedule within one application provides smoother integration between the two, removing the risk of human error and speeding up the process significantly. It also removes the problem of emailing large BIM models, as the entire model is stored in the BIMCloud in IFC4 format.

The tendering process will also be enhanced in the coming months, with the additional ability to import costs from estimating applications that support the IFC4 format. Clicking on an object in the model will give a project manager an instant view of its estimated costs for subsequent comparison with received tenders.

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF POWERPROJECT BIM
Asta Powerproject BIM will work with IFC files exported from applications such as Revit, ArchiCAD, Vectorworks, Tekla, Arcon and other leading applications. The files are required to be uploaded to the ELECO BIMCloud, which is hosted on Microsoft Azure, after the user has registered, or logged in. The BIMCloud subscription is free for the first 12 months, allowing 5Gb of data for each user. If you need more space than that you will, of course, have to negotiate with Asta.

ELECO BIMCloud is a useful tool in its own right, allowing users to both store project data in a common IFC4 format and to enhance collaboration between all BIM users. Open a 3D model created from third party applications within Asta Powerproject and, besides its core project management, scheduling and resource management capabilities, you can give users access to the functionality of other products from the ELECO group, including visualisation, design and cost estimating tools such as Arcon and Bidcon.

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