” The full potential of a digital AECO industry lies in automation. We’re building that future, one intelligent workflow at a time. ” CloudForma
For our first blog insight, we want to go beyond the Point Cloud and ask why is automated .e57 to .IFC conversion the future of AECO interoperability?
1. The AECO Data Challenge: From Point Cloud to Intelligent Model
Digitalisation is transforming the AECO industry. Digital Twins and BIM (Building Information Modelling) frameworks drive a need for seamless and connected data.
However, a major bottleneck remains: transforming raw survey data (like .e57 point cloud files from laser scans) into usable, intelligent and ISO 19650 compliant BIM models in IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) format.
This gap hinders true OpenBIM interoperability and efficient digital workflows.
2. The .e57 to .IFC Bottleneck: Why Manual Conversion Fails
Converting .e57 point clouds to .IFC models manually is a significant headache for AECO professionals and creates inefficiencies hindering digital transformation, driving up project costs and limiting collaboration.
Time and Cost
Manual modelling can be slow, labor-intensive, expensive and delay projects, taking resources away from the designers’ core mission.
Error-Prone
Manual interpretations based on a large amount of data points can lead to inaccuracies and costly rework.
Lost Intelligence
Critical data can be oversimplified or lost, reducing the benefits of the workflow for all stakeholders.
Poor Interoperability
Manual workflows are often based on proprietary formats creating non-standard IFC files and trapping data in silos.
Limited Scalability
Manual processes can’t keep up with the increasing demands of large or numerous projects in a now fast evolving AECO industry.
3. The Automation Advantage: Fast, Accurate and Open
Automating the .e57 to .IFC conversion promises a new era of efficiency, affordable and open to all, supporting digital transformation, driving down project costs and enhancing collaboration.
Speed and Efficiency
Convert data from weeks to minutes, freeing up expert time for design, analysis and project development.
Accuracy and Consistency
Eliminate human error, ensuring precise and standardised IFC models compliant with the ISO 19650 and international standards.
True Interoperability
Generate native IFCs compliant with OpenBIM standards, enabling seamless data flow across software to create a true legacy.
Cost Savings
Directly reduce costs and rework whilst providing certainty at all stages of the built assets’ lifecycle from investment to design, construction and operation.
Scalability
By effortlessly handling large projects and higher volumes of data, projects can be fast-tracked to deliver faster, better and in a sustainable way.
4. CloudForma’s Vision: Automating AECO’s Future
At CloudForma, our mission is to accelerate the digitalisation of the built environment by creating intelligent, automated solutions.
Our initial focus on automated .e57 to .IFC conversion directly tackles a core industry pain point.
We build tools that enable richer digital twins and more collaborative OpenBIM projects, all while adhering to ISO 19650 standards.
Our diverse team of architects, engineers, designers, and programmers brings unique insights to solve these complex challenges, building a future where data is seamlessly connected and fully utilised for the greater good.
5. Immediate Benefits for Your Projects
So, why automated e57 to IFC conversion is the future of AECO interoperability?
Our automated .e57 to .IFC workflow offers tangible advantages, wether you are a designer, architect, building consultancy, asset manager, investor, certification body or home owner.
Faster Project Starts
Quickly generate accurate as-built BIM models to fast-track the creation of what you need to get going with your projects.
Improved Collaboration
Share precise IFC models across all project stakeholders in a ”PDF-like” non-proprietary format that is readable.
Enhanced Data Value
Maximise the utility of your existing conditions data for design, analysis, and operations, making you and your work stand-out.
Reduced Risk
Minimise errors and rework from inaccurate information, benefitting from a standardised automated approach in the creation of the BIM model.
©CloudForma with the help of ©Gemini