DIGITAL ENGINEERING | SMES learn about parameter naming and data handling within a familiar context. In construction and operation stages, there is merit on focusing on the data and what you really need, to avoid inheriting a complex model that you cant use. Daniel Mofakham, of Cadan Design, works closely with constructors during installation and retrofit, and recommends being clear up front about the data and formats required. Understand the Level of Information (LOI), as this is where you will get most value, he says. At these stages. Mofakham says the biggest wins are using the model for quantity take-offs: They are much easier than you think theyll be. For quick and simple virtual walkarounds, check out tools such as Enscape, Lumion or Twinmotion. Although people and process are key areas on which to focus, all of these companies offered similar advice for technology products. If youre a designer, you will need to have access to an authoring tool, such as Revit (its advisable to get a network licence so that everyone can use it). There are also free model viewers, such as Navisworks Freedom or Solibri, that anyone can use to get into the 3D environment and review whats going on in the model. Classroom training is useful for the basic introductions of how to use software, but the real learning comes from project experience To really drive value from your model, however, get into the world of free, open-source add-ins and platforms that will help you customise the tools to suit your workflows, automate the low-value tasks, and add easy wins to augment your capabilities (see panel, Digital tools). CJ BEN ROBERTS is digital strategy lead for Atkins References: Farah Husayni B.Arch, MSc, Nuno Correia Ceng, MSc, MCIBSE, Ben Holmes MSc, Well AP, Breeam AP, Parametric modelling for climate-based daylight analysis: a case study of industrial warehouses bit.ly/CJFeb20BR DIGITAL GUIDANCE CIBSEs Society of Digital Engineering has created some useful bite-sized guidance material for getting started with basic automation and simple digital processes. You can find a selection of videos and written examples in the Knowledge section of the CIBSE website: cibse.org/knowledge/digital-tools 24/7/365 nationwide DESIGN SUPPLY & INSTAL L ATION MAINTE NANCE 01634 557 999 / willowpumps.co.uk 50 March 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE March 21 pp48-50 Digital SMEs.indd 50 19/02/2021 15:38