The NBS Online Viewer, powered by Autodesk Forge, makes it quick and easy for everyone working on a project to view a 3D model and associated specification through a web browser without the need for additional software and NBS is encouraging all construction industry professionals to join them in the next phase of its development.
NBS showed the global audience at Autodesk University London how, with just a web browser and a free NBS ID, projects are brought to life with linked manufacturer and specification data.
“As part of our existing suite of integrated solutions, the NBS Online Viewer provides huge efficiency gains for designers, manufacturers, contractors and building owners/operators alike, by allowing everyone to be informed on a project regardless of technology barriers,” said NBS Chief Executive Richard Waterhouse.
“By integrating the model and specification in the cloud, we will be providing a solution which provides and maintains critical data within the construction workflow and allows our customers to provide more value to their clients.”
NBS has developed plug-ins for BIM design software for a number of years, allowing its customers to better coordinate their models and specifications.
Presenting on the Autodesk Forge platform at the two-day conference, NBS Director of Research and Innovation Stephen Hamil, said: “The NBS Online Viewer development is in direct response from customers needing to be able to share and view coordinated design and specification information.
“Being able to view and interrogate this information from the context of a 3D model will allow for better, earlier informed decision making on projects, whilst providing the right content and information to the right people at the right time.
“We encourage all those working on BIM projects to test drive the NBS Online Viewer. The public beta phase will be open for the next few months and from there we will determine how best to build the first release to market with the help of our customers.”
The tool works by combining the Autodesk Revit or IFC model and NBS Create specification in the cloud without the need for the user to licence or install any software. The model viewing technology used is part of the Autodesk Forge platform.
“Autodesk Forge provides the building blocks for our own solutions as well as our and our partners’ future software offerings,” said Jim Quanci, senior director, Autodesk partner development.
“We have developed a strong relationship with NBS and are delighted to see them using Forge to help shape the future of connected design and construction data.”
Autodesk University took place on 21 and 22 June, themed ‘The Future of Making Things’ and was attended by a global community of designers, engineers, clients, contractors, manufacturers and providers of construction industry solutions.
The NBS Online Viewer is initially in a public beta phase. To access and give feedback on the viewer visit www.theNBS.com/nbsonlineviewer
Image: NBS Global Product Manager Joanne Pringle, NBS Labs Manager Alan Smith and NBS Director of Design and Innovation Dr Stephen Hamil.
About NBS
NBS, specialist provider of technical information for construction industry professionals, offers essential, innovative products and services, highly valued by those working in architecture, construction, design and engineering.
The premier source of construction-related information, NBS has produced the recognised national standard specification system for the UK for more than 40 years. It provides solutions for a broad range of new build, refurbishment, retrofit, landscaping and domestic projects for construction professionals. Delivered within a powerful software package, NBS’s specification products continue to develop, leading an evolution of the specification and procurement process for buildings in the UK and overseas. NBS also provides solutions for contract administration and project information management.
NBS Create is a ground-breaking new specification tool that ensures all documentation works together intelligently throughout the entire project timeline, from concept stage to completion and beyond, to save time and money. More than 5,000 offices across the UK subscribe to NBS products, including 96 of the top 100 AJ practices.
The award winning NBS National BIM Library is also the primary source of free-to-use Building Information Modelling (BIM) content in the UK. It contains thousands of generic and proprietary BIM objects authored to the trusted NBS standard, all of which are data rich and are integrated with the world leading NBS specification software.
NBS is part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, the knowledge management company of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). RIBA Enterprises employs 250 staff and has offices in London, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newark.
