Value proposition on interoperability of BIM and collaborative working environments

Interoperability has become recognized as a problem in the AEC sector due to the many heterogeneous applications and systems typically in use by the different players, together with the dynamics and adaptability needed to operate in this sector. In spite of the availability of many proposals to represent standardized data models and services for the main business and AEC activities, the goal of seamless global interoperability is far from being realized. Instead of focusing only on the technological level, the authors suggest that seeking solution(s) to the interoperability problem should include an analysis of an interoperability value proposition in the AEC sector, i.e., at the business level. The model presented for measuring the impact of interoperability at the enterprise level considers the interaction type, breadth of the impact, and geographic range dimensions. A specific analysis of actual and potential value of interoperability in the AEC sector is also conducted. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.