Nemetschek has been a member of the IAI for many years and supports IFC as an open standard for efficient data exchange. Planning partners can use the IFC interface to exchange and share building data easily from Allplan and ArchiCAD with all other members of a project team. In practice, this means that an architect can transfer a building model from ArchiCAD to Allplan, and a civil engineer can then edit the data in Allplan Engineering. This does away with the need to make multiple entries, reducing loss of data during synchronization processes and improving data quality.

"We are on the threshold of making a quantum leap in optimization of synchronization processes in the building sector: in future, the majority of architects and civil engineers will work with a single standard and be able to share building data anytime, anywhere", says Michael Westfahl, member of the managing board responsible for Sales and Marketing at Nemetschek. Over half of all users in the AEC sector already use Nemetschek software.

IAI certifies new interface in Allplan
Nemetschek's current IFC 2x3 version in Allplan 2006.2 has successfully passed the IAI certification for the area of architecture, indicating a high level of practical application. Version 2x3 allows the exchange of 3D object data as well as 2D elements such as labels, text, symbols and hatching styles. ArchiCAD also already has a certified IFC interface. VectorWorks will follow in May. This will pave the way for efficient data flow between the three core products of the Nemetschek Group. The future goal is to cover the entire building life cycle via seamless exchange of CAD data - from planning, to building services and structural engineering to graphical quantity takeoff and facility management.

Europe backs IFC
Even the public sector, one of the biggest customers in the building industry, is relying increasingly on IFC. The pioneers in this area are the Scandinavian countries. Norway, for example, is currently investing in a program for the implementation of IFC. In Denmark, since January 1, 2007, all public building projects worth more than 5.3 million euros must be created and transferred as an IFC model. IFC is also establishing itself as the industry standard in the US. The General Services Administration, which assigns building contracts for the federal government of the United States, requires the submission of IFC-compatible building models for newly tendered building projects in certain areas.

For further information, see www.nemetschek.com/ifc