Model-based communication with BCF Topics

Tekla PowerFab now provides a summary of all BCF (BIM Collaboration Format) Topics associated to the Trimble Connect project of a job.

This allows you to see what is currently outstanding and which topics are specifically assigned to you.

You can also launch a Trimble Connect model directly from Tekla PowerFab with access to the BCF Topics side panel.

BCF Topics allow you to communicate between different BIM applications, such as Tekla Structures, Tekla PowerFab, and Trimble Connect, as well as other 3rd party applications. BCF Topics are stored and managed in a Trimble Connect project, which enables smooth BIM collaboration workflows. As a result, you can, for example, launch BCF Topics within your model to communicate directly with the fabricator who is using Tekla PowerFab.

Sync BCF Topics

Tekla PowerFab updates BCF Topics automatically when you use the following settings in Maintenance > Automated Events:

Ensure that Publish to Trimble Connect Event Properties has Sync BCF Topics selected:

You can also sync BCF Topics manually in Project Management:

BCF Topics will only sync to projects within Tekla PowerFab if the corresponding Trimble Connect project is linked. In Project Management, on the Project Settings tab, you can see if the project is linked to Trimble Connect.

To create a link, see Link a project to Trimble Connect.

Access and view BCF Topics

There is a new integrated workflow that allows you to open the Trimble Connect model in a single click with direct access to the BCF Topics side panel. You can also run reports to provide further information on the Topics.

To open Trimble Connect for creating and assigning BCF topics to users, Tekla PowerFab has a new button, BCF Topics, in the Project dialog box.

Clicking the button opens the BCF topics in an embedded web form.

On the Summary tab in the Tekla PowerFab Project dialog box, there is a new BCF Topics section that shows the status after synchronization.

You can filter, sort, and search existing topics and add new ones using the buttons.

You can only view BCF Topic information in Tekla PowerFab. It is not possible to modify the Trimble Connect project in Tekla PowerFab.

BCF topic reports

You can run a report on the BCF Topics for a job in Project Management.

You can also create reports on multiple project managements jobs in Maintenance > Project Management > Project Reports.

At the top of the report, you can find a link to the BCF Topics area in the Trimble Connect project.

For more information, see the following: