USPI Hosts Successful Annual 3D Model Standardisation Meeting for the FL3DMS team at Shell’s Amsterdam Office.
From June 4 to June 6, 2024, USPI held a productive FL3DMS Face-to-Face (F2F) meeting at Shell's office in Amsterdam. The event brought together leading companies in the process industry supply chain to collaborate on how to further improve the standard and widen its use.
The meeting addressed key challenges such as methods for As Building 3D Models, management and sharing of 3D catalogues, and integration of 3rd party content from module- or equipment-suppliers. The open dialogue and constructive contribution of all participants reflected the willingness of the Owner Operators, EPCs and Software Suppliers to solve the key pain-points related to 3D Models.
A survey conducted prior to the meeting indicated that only ~20% of Owner Operators manage 3D Models for the lifecycle to realise the full value of the models. At the meeting it was discussed how to shape the Implementation Guide for the 3D Model FL3DMS standard in such a way that more owners get full value from their 3D Models. Key takeaways were that:
- Owner Operators need to create a clear strategy for the uses and lifecycle management of the 3D Model up front, such that this can inform the content required in the model and the level of detail and accuracy.
- EPC contractors need to support the lifecycle management process by open publication and sharing of the catalogues used to create models in support of the lifecycle management of 3D Models. Today the 3D catalogues are sometimes not shared under the pretext of IP or confidentiality. However, in Norway this model has been cracked, and EPCs now openly share their catalogues along with the 3D models, with the clear understanding that they own the source catalogue content definition, but that the content can be used by others to keep the 3D Model As-Built. A similar model will be proposed in the soon to be published paper on catalogue management.
It was highlighted that trust and effective communication across the supply chain are critical factors for successful 3D model integration and lifecycle management.
Roadmap and release planning
The FL3DMS roadmap was updated with a planning for upcoming releases. Target future deliverables include:
- Scope of Release 1.2 (Q2 2024):
- Alignment with IOGP requirements and embedding unique IDs into company standards.
- Scope of Release 1.3 (2025)
- Data Model - requirements for AWP
- Requirements for 3D models from licensors / JV partners / modules & packaged units / equipment sub-contractors
- Options for As Built Requirements.
- Corrosion Management.
- Planning data
- Position paper on Catalogue Management
- Scope of Release 1.4 (2026)
- Integration w other design tools
- Align content requirements objects with CFIHOS classes.
- Requirement filter for different project types, scopes and phases
An approach for the way forward with the change management procedure was also agreed.
Awareness and usage of the standard
A key objective is to drive greater awareness and usage of the standard. All the FL3DMS deliverables are therefore published for free. Marketing efforts will be intensified via a dedicated website with clear download instructions and upcoming articles and LinkedIn animations will address these aspects.
Implementation guide
The content of the FL3DMS implementation guide was reviewed, and it was agreed it would address the following topics:
- How to set the Asset digital ambition and 3D Model lifecycle management strategy
- How to execute the 3D Model Specification process
- How to manage the 3D Model Delivery process, including quality control
- How to address safety aspects of 3D models
- How to achieve progressive 3D Model handovers
Alignment with other Data Standards
It was agreed that the FL3DMS requirements classification will be extended to align with the CFIHOS classes, and that this work will start once the CFIHOS and DEXPI alignment work has been completed. The FL3DMS data model will also be presented as an extension of the CFIHOS data model.
Exchange formats for 3D objects embedded in models were discussed, the related use cases and best practices for use. Guidelines for use of the IFC format and several other relevant formats will be included in subsequent versions of the standard. We will continue to pursue collaboration with BuildingSmart.