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The quality of the Point Cloud to BIM model is one of the most important factors. There are no standards to stick to, nor any tools that automate this task. To help you, we would like to share with you an effective Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) process for every Scan to BIM project. 

But firstly let’s take a look at a general understanding of the QA/QC process.

1. Why is Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) needed?

The process of creating a 3D BIM model involves several steps. At each step, there is more likely to appear inadvertent errors. These errors can impact the accuracy of the final model. It’s why we need to conduct the Quality assurance / Quality control (QA/QC) process. This ensures that you get a high-quality BIM model. By undertaking the QA/QC process, you can

• Eliminate errors, clash issues in the process of modeling;

• Assure to follow the standards while creating BIM models;

• Ensure enough geometric elements, the correct position, functionality;

• Make sure that a BIM model meets the client’s accurate requirements;

2. What is the QA/QC process for Scan to BIM projects?

Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are two concepts that are often used parallelly. Although they are the same, there are still distinct differences between the two concepts.

Quality Assurance (QA) shows you how a BIM model is created from laser-scanned point cloud data. In other words, the QA identifies standards or methods that need to be followed to meet the client’s requirements. The QA is often used to monitor and verify how you are doing is right.

If the QA is a process to create the deliverables, Quality Control (QC) is the process to verify those deliverables. The purpose of the QC process is to identify and fix errors, clash issues between building trades. The QC process makes sure the results of what you’ve done are what your client expected.

In general, the two terms are related to each other but they are different in the purpose. The QA process focuses on preventing errors whereas the QC process aims to determine and address the errors.

3. How does Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) work?

The QA/QC is one of the indispensable parts of our Point Cloud to BIM projects. The QA/QC process is always conducted during the modeling process and before delivering the final BIM models to the clients. We want to share with you specific QA/QC processes for both Architectural and MEP disciplines. Let’s get into the juicy details.

QA/QC process for Architectural building system

The QA/QC process for the Architectural building system currently involves key three checks. It includes the quality checking by Naviswork, Revit, and the final step after detaching the file. Checking by Naviswork ensures that the BIM models are enough building elements, in the correct location, and don’t have any clash issues. Besides, checking by Revit makes sure that the BIM models are the correct structure and functionality.'

The QA/QC process will begin once after having already finished the process of modeling. The QA/QC specialist can undertake two processes (Revit, Naviswork) parallel to each other before moving to the final checking step. After having already completed the QA/QC process, the modeler exports the file and creates a QA/QC checklist to send the client for confirmation.

QA/QC process for MEP building system

Like the Architectural discipline, the MEP system also has its own QA/QC process. This involves two main reviews including geometry checking and structural checking. The process assures that the BIM models are enough geometry elements, the correct structure, connection, and don’t have any clashes. The software for the QA/QC process includes Revit and Naviswork. Also, the QA/QC specialist will conduct the final checking step to get a quality BIM model before delivering it to the client. Let’s take a look at our QA/QC process as described below.

In Conclusion

Quality is a key part of any Scan to BIM project you need to focus on. The QA/QC process ensures that you get a clean, ready-to-use BIM model. If you have any concerns relating to our QA/QC process, feel free to let us know. We will assist you to answer any questions until you get what you need.