BIM Design Technology
Man speaking to our leader Djorhia on VSK fair next to 2BA stand

2BA’s UOB 2.0 Plugin: Test Launch at VSK 2024 with DIBS42’s Special Contribution

On Tuesday, 6th of February 2024 our team, along with 2BA and some special guests took the spotlight at the VSK 2024 fair to present UOB 2.0 Plugin, available currently to the biggest innovation enthusiasts as a test run.

The event offers a unique chance to explore the groundbreaking potential of UOB 2.0, guided by insights from no other than:

  • Marissa Willem – chairperson of Techniek Nederland
  • Doekle Terpstra – chairperson of Techniek Nederland
  • Jaap Dijkgraaf – general director of DWA
  • Pieter van Teeffelen – director  of DigiGo.

Following that was the round table discussion with:

  • Jeroen Mackaij – ultimately responsible for digitalization/BIM, SPIE,
  • Frans Spijkers – digital  officer of Europe, Legrand,
  • Martin Kreijenbroek – director  of 2BA
  • Paul Smeets – Technical director, Cadac Group.

They clarified how using the Open UOB 2.0 impacts the day in the life of the installer, BIM modeler, or manufacturer. It is without any doubt that the industry is craving for this open Uniform Object Library!

If you’re still not familiar with what is UOB, here’s an explanation.

The Uniforme Objecten Bibliotheek (UOB), an innovative digital platform, was developed collaboratively by major players in the sector, including Techniek Nederland, FME, Fedet, ETIM-Nederland (via Ketenstandaard), and 2BA. Cadac and Itannex played a pivotal role in its development as a standard library for Revit users in the installation sector, with the technical development being supported by the Cadac Group.

UOB was created to address the challenges faced by the Dutch sector in standardizing and digitizing the design, construction, installation, and management processes in the building and installation sectors. The platform was officially launched on June 4, 2020, marking a significant step in the evolution of the Building Information Model 3D (BIM 3D). It was designed to facilitate error-free information exchange, enhance efficiency, reduce construction errors and costs, and support the independent use of software suppliers.

A key feature of UOB is its foundation on two open standards: ETIM MC, used as a data format for manufacturers to make product information available, and the NLRS (Netherlands Revit Standards), which assists in translating the ETIM MC to software like Revit. UOB’s first official launch included more than 350 template objects, with ten manufacturers offering around 13,000 products.

Summing it up – it is supposed to be your magical easy fix for creating almost any object existing currently on the Dutch market. You can also watch this video.

The first version proved that the concept was possible and only lacked numbers. The end-users experienced a problem when they needed to design a system fully. To address this problem UOB 2.0 added another 350 template objects to UOB with the focus on making it possible to design a complete system with the plugin.

The DIBS42 team worked tirelessly for many months to create more than 350 template objects that will be able to create 100 of thousands of generic and specific products now and in the future.

This sparked an idea on how to optimize our workflow even better, so we started working on a Revit template that is tailored to UOB needs. And here is where we have good news for you, the template is available for free on our website!

We believe it’s awesome, and here’s why:

  1. Immediate Start: Our UOB-specific template enables a quick and efficient beginning, pre-configured routing preference, with pre-set systems for piping, ducts, and cable trays, alongside coordinating schedules and tags, ensuring a faster, more intuitive workflow.
  2. Time-Saving Design: Reduce project setup time by up to 40% with our template’s straightforward design, allowing you to concentrate on the technical details without unnecessary adjustments.
  3. UOB Optimized: Custom-designed specifically for UOB 2.0 content, our template offers superior compatibility and a user-friendly experience, streamlining your work process.
  4. Compliance with Dutch Standards: Fully compatible with UOB 2.0, our template also aligns with BIM Basic IDM 2 and RVB regulations, featuring all necessary parameters, views, and schedules for regulatory compliance.
  5. Continuous Support and Updates: Stay at the forefront with our regularly updated template and access to our dedicated support team, ensuring your projects are always up-to-date and supported.

While talking with Dennis and DJ at the event, it became clear that the launch of UOB 2.0 and DIBS42’s creation of 350 BIM template objects was a significant step for improving BIM in the Netherlands. This effort, supported by industry leaders, aims to make construction and installation work more standardized and digital. DIBS42’s template, which is created for the UOB plugin, is designed to make things easier for users, cutting down on start up time for projects with UOB and ensuring you have a good start to meet DUTCH BIM standards.  The conversation also hinted at future updates and tools, showing a commitment to advancing BIM technology for more streamlined, error-free construction and installation projects.All of our small achievements are leading to a great one.

Check out what they told us at the conference:

We are grateful to our partners for allowing us to be a part of a project of such significance.

Overall, we firmly believe that UOB 2.0 combined with the DIBS42’s UOB Revit template, will make it easier to harness the full potential of UOB on your project. Feel free to write us your impressions about our template, especially if you have an idea of how can we make it even better, or if you have anything that would make the template better.  We believe that sharing knowledge and experience is instrumental in the growth of the BIM industry. Let’s make the BIM world super awesome together!