A Model for Product-Process Integration in the Building Industry Using Industry Foundation Classes and Design Structure Matrix

Abstract

Design process is complex and tightly linked with product model. Since, sophistication in the product models increase with emerging modelling tools, the process complexity also increases, demanding support of process modelling tools. This paper emphasises the need for integrating the process with product model in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. A product-process integration model is proposed to apply the concept. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a recent technology for developing product models in AEC industry and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is a proved process modelling tool, capable of representing iterations in design process and optimising sequences. A pilot case study of integrating DSM with Industry Foundation classes (IFC), an open format of BIM, is used to demonstrate working of the model. 1. BACKGROUND Design process is complex because of the cyclic activities and concurrent tasks involved, caused by multidisciplinary nature and tight schedules. Building projects are exceptionally complex because of uniqueness and involvement of large number of disciplines and are fragmented and information intensive. Tight schedules, as in the case of fast track projects, compel concurrency. The conflicting requirements for more quality with less time and cost resources along with safety and sustainability requirements make the building design management challenging. Studies show that, out of these factors, managing the cyclic activities in design is rewarding for better process management (Browning, 2001). The commonly used modeling tools like network charts including CPM, PERT and PDM cannot handle iteration. Graphical methods like GERT and Petri nets that can handle iteration, are more space consuming and difficult to understand for large number of interacting activities. The matrix methods like Design Structure Matrix (DSM), Domain Mapping Matrix (DMM) and Multi Domain Matrix (MDM) are found effective in this context. DSM can represent cyclic task dependencies or feedbacks. It is more compact and simpler than other tools supporting feedbacks. Since the designs process exhibit such a cyclic property, this is an extremely important tool. Product, process and people are three complementary domains in any project as shown in Figure 1. When the product complexity increases, other domains also will become more complex. For instance, Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a