Tata Steel launches ‘first of kind’ BIM tool

Tata Steel, one of Europe’s largest steel producers, has launched a pioneering BIM and product data tool for all of its European construction brand products, to support architects, specifiers, engineers and facility managers.

Said to be a first of its kind, the company’s new DNA Profiler has been designed to minimise ‘data overload’ and will allow users, at whatever stage they are in the construction process, to retrieve the exact level of BIM data they require – and in the format they need.

The flexible web-based tool will host more than 6,100 of the company’s European construction brand products – including Celsius, ComFlor, Kalzip and Catnic products – in all relevant BIM software formats required, to ensure complete interoperability. The BIM objects are available in a large range of native software object formats including Autodesk Revit, ArchiCAD, Tekla, Allplan and Trimble SketchUp.

Furthermore, there is the option to download data sets, 3D objects or both combined, for continued parametric functionality. It also allows users to find a product by filtering on product data and performance characteristics. Architects and contractors can therefore access the data they need in the correct format and tailor it specifically to meet Employer Information Requirements (EIR).

For consistency and interoperability, the data is structured following ISO and CEN requirements and will be connected through API integration with coBuilder. This enables any attribute to be mapped across different standards or national requirements and can be translated into other languages.

Each of the DNA Profiler’s data-rich BIM objects features contact details, mechanical properties, performance characteristics, maintenance requirements and guarantee periods. In the future it will be expanded to include information on lead times, pricing and much more.

Free for everyone to use, a simple registration gets users up and running and seamless integration with the Tata Steel Construction website will allow users to jump between resources easily. Providing access to case studies to see the products in use, order samples or download literature.

As a business, Tata Steel is committed to sharing its BIM knowledge and expertise, as Alex Small, Tata Steel BIM and digital platforms manager, explained: “Enhancing and supporting the adoption of BIM technology is vital for UK construction.

“As we know, BIM offers tangible supply chain benefits. It saves essential time and costs, highlights any technical issues within the design stage and beyond through to end user asset management, yet for many, heavy investment cost is prohibitive.

“If BIM is to be properly adopted, the industry needs to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and our industry-leading DNA Profiler not only provides the design community with the tools it needs but acts as a standard setter for product manufacturers going forward.

“This powerful resource will aid the flow of information throughout the construction process, making sure that the right level of quality, safety and compliance standards are met. Critically, as it draws directly from Tata Steel’s database (our single source of the truth), users can be assured that the data they are accessing is up to date. Also, we see it supporting with client handovers at completion too, ensuring the inclusion of the correct documents, data, models and warranties – all contributing to helping teams to manage and build a project on time and to budget.”

For an online demo of the Tata Steel DNA Profiler visit www.tatasteelDNAprofiler.com