IFC Checker

Workflows: from a model to fixed issues

Three flows by role, from a model to fixed issues, for an author before handover, a client or coordinator checking a delivery, and a requirement owner publishing a test. Each step links to the article that shows it.

Client and author run the same checks. Pick the flow that matches your role. New to IFC, IDS or BCF? Start with What are BIM and openBIM?.

Author before handover

  1. 1Add a model
  2. 2Pick a test
  3. 3Run the check
  4. 4Read the index and results
  5. 5Export BCF or a spreadsheet
  6. 6Fix in the authoring tool
  7. 7Check again

Then back to the start with the fixed model.

This flow covers stages 1 to 7.

  1. Export IFC from the authoring tool, and add the model on Check.
  2. Pick the client's IDS file, or a predefined test and its stage.
  3. Keep Model health ticked, to check the file itself as well.
  4. Run the check and read the index with its untested count.
  5. See why elements fail: Empty, Wrong or Other, and find the failing values in Extended data.
  6. Download the BCF issues, or Excel for a list. In BCF topics you can close what is not an issue and send only some topics.
  7. Fix the model in the authoring tool, export it again and check it again. Optionally save the results and send the link with the delivery.

Client or coordinator checking a delivery

  1. 1Add a model
  2. 2Pick a test
  3. 3Run the check
  4. 4Read the index and results
  5. 5Export BCF or a spreadsheet
  6. 6Fix in the authoring tool
  7. 7Check again

Then back to the start with the fixed model.

This flow covers stages 1 to 5.

  1. Add the delivered model.
  2. Pick your requirements: your IDS file, or the predefined test written into the contract.
  3. Keep Model health ticked.
  4. Run the check, and read the index and the untested count, or the reason it is withheld.
  5. Look at the untested elements: outside the requirement, or missing from it? If missing, the IDS needs a rule.
  6. Download BCF to send the issues back, and Excel for your records.
  7. Save the results and share the link with the team.

Requirement owner publishing a test

  1. 1Add a model
  2. 2Pick a test
  3. 3Run the check
  4. 4Read the index and results
  5. 5Export BCF or a spreadsheet
  6. 6Fix in the authoring tool
  7. 7Check again

Then back to the start with the fixed model.

This flow covers stage 2.

  1. Open the IDS editor and choose a start.
  2. Tighten the rules in the table.
  3. Load a reference model and watch the live counts.
  4. Clear the IDS checks until Download IDS is enabled, and keep the .ids file.
  5. Put the .ids file into the EIR, tender or BEP, so authors and clients check their models against it.