New API enables design and construction technology platforms to connect

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.