Main author

EepaulOther ConsultantWebsite
COBie

Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) is a non-proprietary dataformat for the
publication of a subset of building information models (BIM) focused on deliveringasset data rather
that geometric information. It is formally defined as a subset of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC - the
international standard for sharing and exchanging BIM dataacross different software applications), but
can also be conveyed using worksheets or relational databases.

COBie was devised by William East of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, who authored a
pilot standard in 2007 to improve the process of handing over information to building
owners, occupiers and operators enabling them to manage their asset more efficiently. In 2008 it
became COBie when it was revised to comply with international standards for data and classification.

COBie helps capture and record important project data at the point of origin,
includingequipment lists, product data sheets, warranties, spare parts lists, preventive
maintenanceschedules and so on. This information is essential to support
operations, maintenance andasset management once the built asset is in service.

COBie does not increase the need for information, it simply structures it in a more accessibleformat, so
that it is easier to use and re-purpose. The format is intended to be easy to manage by any organisation,
irrespective of size and IT capability. Its simplicity means that all tiers of the supply chain should be able
to contribute to the data set, even if just by entering it directly into the spreadsheet. The format also
'insulates' the client from unnecessary complexity,technology changes, interoperability problems and
proprietary software issues.

In May 2011 the UK government published the Government Construction Strategy, announcing
the government's intention to require Level 2 BIM (collaborative 3D BIM with all project andasset
information, documentation and data being electronic) on its projects by 2016. The required submissions
of BIM information for Level 2 are in the COBie format. These submissions, or 'data drops' are required at
key milestones through the development ofprojects to ensure they are properly validated and controlled,
enabling the client to check the available data in terms of technical compliance, compliance with
the brief, cost / price, and so on.
Generally, data drops are aligned to project stages, and the information required reflects
thelevel of development that the project should have reached by that stage. As it develops, theCOBie file
may contain data from consultants, the contractor, sub-contractors and suppliers, and even the client.
Ultimately the data will provide information for the efficient operation andmanagement of the facility.

COBie consists of multiple sheets documenting attributes of the facility, its systems
andassets and details of their product types, warranties, maintenance requirements and so on. As
the project develops so additional attributes, issues and documentation can be associated to specific
items.