VBIS Added to Queensland Government Data & Information Guideline
Launched July 2020, VBIS is part of the Data and Information Guideline released by the Queensland Government Chief Information Office which supports The Digital Enablement for Queensland Infrastructure - Principles for BIM Implementation (the Principles).
VBIS is featured in its capacity to facilitate asset classification and resiliently connect disparate data sets.
The document describes how VBIS can be adopted as a metadata schema and asset classification system to support effective discovery, use and re-use of information.
Agencies using BIM for buildings should also use the Virtual Buildings Information System (VBIS) schema which builds on Uniclass 2015 and is adopted in Victoria as part of its Victorian Digital Asset Strategy. VBIS is a freely available and system-agnostic standard that provides a means of classifying asset data and resiliently connecting data sets. It integrates data sources across systems at the required level of detail to provide facilities and asset managers with a useful and consistent way to search, display, compare and interrogate key asset and maintenance information. This includes aspects such as linking asset information in BIM and documentation to be displayed using the existing asset management system already in use.
The document continues to explain how VBIS can facilitates the practical deployment of the overall asset information architecture taking into account the various mediums of information that needs to be accommodated.
Not all information will be handled within the BIM model. There will still be information that is passed within other mediums such as digital documentation for aspects such as technical specifications, reports, warranty certificates and maintenance manuals. Using the meta tagging and search syntax, VBIS facilitates the overall asset information architecture to be developed to allow practical handover and ongoing utilisation of all information formats. This is a critical consideration to ensure access to this useful information in ongoing operations.
The VBIS asset classification system and VBIS Search Syntax works together to provide the VBIS Enabled Application Ecosystem. This is a collection of commercial applications used to operate facilities such as Maintenance Systems, Document Systems and Financial Systems that is integrated using VBIS. The document further explains how this approach offers a pathway for BIM in FM.
In order to provide a practical pathway to use BIM in FM, the VBIS asset classification system and its associated search syntax component connects the BIM model with day to day applications used by built environment operators. This allows easy access to the respective information in the BIM model. Assets within the BIM model should include the classification tag as instructed in the VBIS standard. Other information mediums such as documentation should also carry the VBIS meta tag to facilitate the interoperability provided through the search syntax to allow exchange of information.
Earlier in the year VBIS was adopted by the Victorian Government within the Victorian Digital Asset Strategy Framework (refer Part B).
The QGCIO Data and Information Guideline can be accessed here.