Can a construction project be both completely fenced-off og data-driven?
For Swedish public authorities and organisations within critical infrastructure, requirements regarding data sovereignty, access and control may rule out traditional cloud solutions. Experience from Tikab’s work on a security-sensitive construction project within the Swedish public sector shows that strict security requirements need not slow down digitalisation. On the contrary, they can contribute to better control, better collaboration and clearer accountability for project data.
In such construction projects, sensitive information cannot be stored or shared without full control over where the data is located, who has access to it and how the information moves between parties. In a particular project which Andreas Eggesten – project manager for digital working methods at Tikab – recently helped set up, this meant that traditional cloud solutions were not an option. At the same time, the ambition was clear: the project was to be carried out as modernly and data-driven as possible.
The solution was a completely isolated operating environment, with no connection to the internet.
Data-driven, even without the cloud
Establishing a digital project organisation in a closed environment requires more than simply installing software on in-house servers. Tools, licences, models and working methods must function without access to external services.
For Tikab, which assisted with the digitalisation of the project, this meant building a cohesive digital ecosystem within strict security frameworks.
The result demonstrates what is possible: around 500 users and more than 50 software applications brought together in a controlled environment.
Here, the project teams can work on design, point clouds, 360-degree photo documentation and project information without data leaving the protected network.
The model becomes the link to the construction site
Security requirements also limit how information can be taken out onto the construction site. Neither printed drawings nor standard wireless networks are used on site.
Access to an up-to-date model and project information via StreamBIM is therefore crucial.
What sets StreamBIM apart in this type of project is that the platform can be deployed in a fully controlled on-premises environment whilst making model and project information available to a wide range of roles, both in the design phase and out on site. Access, versions and history are kept together in a single, traceable source of information, without project data ever having to leave the secure network.
Using tablets and synchronisation, staff can retrieve information from the model, work out on the construction site and update the information when the device reconnects to the internal environment.
In this way, StreamBIM turns the model into a shared working document spanning design and construction, even when the project has to operate entirely offline. This provides better control over which information is used, whilst ensuring that more stakeholders are working from the same data foundation.
Technology does not solve the task on its own
At the same time, experience shows that secure digitalisation is not primarily about technology.
When new tools are introduced into a closed infrastructure, working methods often need to be developed as the project progresses. This requires close collaboration between those who understand the systems and those who know the construction site.
Digitalisation only creates value when project management, consultants and the production team share a common understanding of how the information should be used in practice. Communication, training and clearly defined roles are therefore just as important as the software.
A single source of truth
The project demonstrates that security and digital development are not mutually exclusive. With StreamBIM as a shared and traceable source of information, the right infrastructure, common working methods and control over one’s own data, even security-sensitive construction projects can operate in a model-based and data-driven manner.
When security sets the framework, a single source of truth becomes more than just an advantage. It becomes a prerequisite.
Do you want to learn more about how you can implement secure BIM solutions in your project?
FAQ
What is secure BIM?
Secure BIM is model-based project work in which access to, storage and sharing of building information are managed in line with the project’s security requirements. The aim is to ensure that relevant stakeholders have access to the correct information without exposing sensitive data.
What requirements does critical infrastructure place on BIM?
Projects within critical infrastructure and the public sector may require full control over where data is stored, who has access and how information is shared between stakeholders. This may involve on-premises operation, working without an internet connection and clear procedures for synchronisation, version control and traceability.
Can a construction project be data-driven without cloud solutions?
Yes. The project can collate models, software and project information in a secure on-premises environment without an internet connection. Collaboration and updates take place within this controlled environment, with procedures that meet security requirements.
What does on-premises BIM mean?
On-premises BIM means that the BIM solution is operated within the organisation’s or project’s own controlled infrastructure, rather than in an external cloud service. An on-premise solution can also be completely offline if security requirements demand it.
What is the difference between on-premise and offline BIM?
‘On-premise’ describes where the solution is hosted: in a controlled local environment. ‘Offline’ describes an environment or work process that operates without an internet connection. A solution can be on-premise without being offline, but it can also combine both aspects.
How is BIM used on a construction site without a wireless network?
Project information can be made available on tablets that are synchronised with the internal environment. Staff retrieve the necessary information, work on the construction site and synchronise changes when the device regains access to the approved internal system.
