The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) recently released CROSSWALK, a tool that enables construction technology platforms to connect through an Application Programming Interface (API).
The API connects to and curates versions of CSI’s MasterFormat, Uniformat, and OmniClass construction information classifications and standards that span decades. “Designed to be used by software providers, government agencies, information providers, academic institutions, BIM object developers, and research organizations, CROSSWALK is the digital classification engine for the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner community,” according to a CSI news release.
“The launch of CROSSWALK is a giant leap forward in improving industry productivity,” said CSI CEO, Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE. “The construction industry has made strides moving from paper documents to digital workflows, however project workflow is often fractured by tools which are incompatible and inefficient, requiring multiple entries of information, file transfers, and improvised solutions that create error, inefficiency, and expense. CROSSWALK addresses these challenges.”
CROSSWALK has the potential to do more, CSI says. For example, the tool can support Augmented Design through Artificial Intelligence (AI) to deploy machine learning techniques and anonymized data to create software wizards, crowd sourcing, and reference data. Blockchain technology could be used in the future for identity, confidentiality, version control, as well as chain-of-custody, and payment services.
Related Stories
| Mar 30, 2012
Forest Stewardship Council critical of proposed LEED 2012 changes
According to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the third draft of LEED 2012, if approved as written, would represent a step backward from the current Certified Wood Credit.
| Mar 22, 2012
Symposium on water efficiency: How much more water can be saved?
The Third International Emerging Technology Symposium by IAPMO and the World Plumbing Council features a session on water efficiency.
| Mar 22, 2012
Broker doesn’t have to inform contractor that insurer went broke, California court rules
A California appellate court ruled that an insurance broker did not have a duty to inform a subcontractor that a project’s insurer had gone bankrupt.
| Mar 22, 2012
Public agencies shouldn’t negotiate project labor agreements, says AGC official
When a public agency rather than the contractor negotiates a PLA with unions, it interferes with the right of employers and workers to reach their own agreements on working conditions and benefits, says Steve Isenhart, president of the Associated General Contractors of Washington.
| Mar 22, 2012
Proposed rule would let crane operators get licenses without prior city experience
The Bloomberg administration is considering letting operators of giant tower cranes get their license without requiring that they first run cranes as apprentices in the city for three years.
| Mar 22, 2012
Bill would reintroduce “opt-out” provision in lead paint law
The Lead Exposure Reduction Amendments Act of 2012 (S2148) would restore the "Opt-Out" provision removed from the Environmental Protection Agency's Lead Renovate, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule in April 2010.
| Mar 15, 2012
New Florida building code establishes flood and storm surge provisions
The new 2010 code establishes minimum design and construction requirements to protect buildings from wind, rain, floods, and storm surges.
| Mar 15, 2012
Illinois city rejects international code due to home sprinkler requirement
Macomb, Illinois aldermen voted to recommend that the city not adopt 2012 international building and residential code standards requiring the installation of overhead sprinkler systems in newly constructed one-family and two-family homes.