Building A Digital Workflow in Practice

Building a digital workflow in practice
istructe.org/resources/guidance/building-digital-workflow-practice
April 12,
2019
Understand how to begin constructing a digital workflow and

identify where there may be gaps in existing workflows.
Constructing a digital workflow
Moving data from one piece of software to another and achieving meaningful output
requires a few steps. Depending on expertise, budget, technical constraints, etc. design
practice workflows may differ. It is however, important to understand how these
potentially different workflows can operate successfully together to avoid some of the
time consuming and wasteful consequences of the ‘data dead-ends’ described earlier.
At the inception of any project the overall workflow should be defined. This includes
inputs and outputs of numerous data parameters, some examples of which are shown
below.
Table 1: Common analysis and output parameters
Once the outputs are established they can be formulated into a flowchart that forms the
framework of the project workflow. Note that when working with external consultants,
there should be agreement on both the data to be provided to them, and (perhaps more
importantly) the data format in which that information will be delivered.
Figure 1 - An example of information flow between architect and structural engineer
Once this flowchart of information has been established, software can be mapped to the
various tasks that need to be undertaken. Note that some software (eg spreadsheets,
databases or custom scripts) can be used as a general-purpose tool with which to
manipulate data in various ways, at different stages of the design process.
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In figure 1, the required transfer of data is denoted by arrows straddling boundary lines,
representing the direction data flow. Note that data flows are required by both design
processes within structural design, and coordination with the architect.
Thus, the use of a robust data model and digital workflow has benefits not only for
working internally, but for working with other consultants. The more accessible the data,
the easier it is it interrogate and check, making the process easier.
Figure 2 Structural design and documentation workflow
To optimise the workflow, it is desirable to reduce the number of programs and formats
used, and to adopt a database approach whereby as much data as possible is shared
between the various digital models.
This process of sharing common data using centralised information management and
transferable file formats is encompassed in the term ’interoperability’.
Robust database-driven workflow
Figure 3, in contrast to those shown previously, demonstrates the power of a robust

digital workflow
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Figure 3 Multi-disciplinary database driven workflow
Data is held in a central ‘hub’ where geometry and other data (parametrically defined or
otherwise) drives processes related to the holistic design of the building.
Changes from the structural analysis, testing, construction-staging, fire engineering and
architectural coordination are held centrally in the ‘Central Data Hub’. Changes are not
undertaken at the branches, but instead fed back to those managing the model held in
the hub.
The organisation of this workflow is much like a client-server model seen in many IT
systems.
The benefit of this method of working is that all changes are synchronised across
disciplines and all consultants, contractors, etc. are working on the most up-to-date and
fully federated model which is consistent between all designers.
Interoperability
Interoperability does not need to be complicated or involve high-end programming or

scripting. It can often be as simple as using a spreadsheet as a container to move data
between different software packages. Many commonly used programs have already
developed strong interoperability links, for example between analysis and
documentation/BIM products.
There are often discontinuities in these processes as they are rarely perfect, but there
are always work-around solutions so getting familiar with the software and knowing the
limitations is an important part of the process. By defining workflows and understanding
the capabilities of software, an initial investment of time will bring efficiencies in delivery.
Related Resources & Events
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Course
BIM awareness training day

Find out about the required BIM standards and protocols and how BIM and information
management can get the most from your design team models
Date - 4 February 2020
Location - The Institution of Structural Engineers
Price - £265 - £375
Course
Using computational design in practice

This two day practical course presents methods for using computational design within
engineering design.
Date - 17 February 2020
Price - £425 - £625
Conference
Digital design & computation conference

Showcasing the latest developments in digital manufacturing, material optimisation and
design method innovation
Date - 19 May 2020
Price - £65 - £465 + VAT
4/4

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Building a digital workflow in practice

Understand how to begin constructing a digital workflow and

Constructing a digital workflow

Table 1: Common analysis and output parameters

Figure 1 - An example of information flow between architect and structural engineer

Figure 2 Structural design and documentation workflow

Robust database-driven workflow

Figure 3, in contrast to those shown previously, demonstrates the power of a robust

Interoperability does not need to be complicated or involve high-end programming or

Related Resources & Events

BIM awareness training day

Date - 4 February 2020

Location - The Institution of Structural Engineers

Price - £265 - £375

Using computational design in practice

Date - 17 February 2020

Location - The Institution of Structural Engineers

Price - £425 - £625

Digital design & computation conference

Date - 19 May 2020

Location - The Institution of Structural Engineers

Price - £65 - £465 + VAT

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