Bosch Security Systems starts providing building information modeling (BIM) files for parts of its product range as of October 1, 2015. BIM is a method used to digitally plan, design, construct and operate buildings and infrastructure in a virtual space. 
 
With BIM, all building data are digitized and networked, greatly facilitating the planning of a building for all professionals involved in a construction project. 
 
If within the virtual building model a change is made by one of the project planners, these alterations are immediately visible to all the professionals involved, from the design team to the main contractor and subcontractors to the owner or operator, since all teams share the same data and work from a single, shared 3D model. When a modification is made in one building section, the effects on all other sections are calculated and shown in real-time; the complete building and construction data are immediately updated and aligned.
 
Modifications in the floor plan, for example, can change the number of video cameras necessary for monitoring a building. If those changes are made using BIM, the number of video cameras needed is automatically adjusted to the modified floor plan. In this way all project partners immediately see the effect that modification has on the overall planning and total budget. This helps to greatly simplify the workflow and alignment of all involved professional teams, shortens the planning phase and reduces costs.  
 
Bosch Security Systems is supporting Building Information Modeling and will provide architects, building designers, engineers and contractors with free BIM files, starting with Bosch IP video cameras. This data will make it possible to simulate a camera’s field of view in the 3D model, which improves design efficiency in planning a security solution.  
 
Starting October 1, 2015, first BIM files will be made available for Bosch IP video cameras. Gradually, Bosch will enlarge its offering of BIM files to include further products, such as smoke detectors. 
 
Bosch will offer its first BIM files in RFA (Autodesk Revit) format for free download from the Bosch website at www.boschsecurity.com/BIM.