BIMkompatible

BIMkompatible is a designation used in construction and architecture to describe software, data sets, or processes that can participate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows without significant data loss or conversion effort. In practice, BIMkompatible components exchange geometry, metadata, and attribute information in formats and schemas that are widely supported by the industry, enabling multi-disciplinary collaboration across design, construction, and operation.

Core standards include the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), BIM Collaboration Format (BCF), and, for facility management data, COBie. Compatibility also depends on consistent use of classification systems and property sets, such as OmniClass or UniClass, and on robust mapping of project data between different software environments. Interoperability is achieved through open formats and well-defined interfaces.

Assessment of BIMkompatible status often involves conformance testing, interoperability pilots, and validation of data exchange pipelines. Organizations may rely on certified tools, interoperability guidelines, and participation in industry forums to verify compatibility.

Benefits include reduced rework, faster coordination, and improved lifecycle management from design to operation. When all partners adhere to BIMkompatible practices, it facilitates clash detection, quantity takeoffs, maintenance planning, and asset information management.

Challenges include uneven standard adoption, proprietary extensions, data quality issues, and version mismatches. Achieving and maintaining BIMkompatible status requires governance, clear data requirements, and ongoing verification as software ecosystems evolve.