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What is EDI?
EDI FAQs
What is EDI?
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) is the generic term used for the electronic transfer of data from one software program to another.
What is CIS/2?
CIS/2 (CIMSteel Integration Standards/Version 2) is a protocol through which seemingly stand-alone programs, such as structural analysis, CAD and detailing systems, can communicate with each other. By providing a neutral data format, CIS/2 allows data interchange between a wide variety of program types—as long as these programs have translators written to interpret the CIS/2 neutral data into the programs’ native format.
Why do we need this protocol?
“The challenge before the construction industry is to create a means for collaboration and data sharing between the various parties: owner, architect, engineer, supplier, and contractor,” explained P. Bradford Vaughan, P.E., Manager of Power Operations, Black & Veatch, LLP, in Overland Park, KS, and a member of AISC’s EDI Review Team. “Each has their own specialized software that limits the industry’s ability to work together using common data.”
How does CIS/2 help the industry?
Adopting CIS/2-enabled software greatly eases the transfer of information—such as project drawings, design calculations and connection designs—between all members of the design and construction team, including engineers, fabricators, detailers and erectors.
“Standardizing and using EDI will streamline existing work processes, allowing owners to receive more value for their construction dollar,” said Mark Holland, P.E., Chief Engineer with Paxton & Vierling Steel Co. in Omaha and Co-Chairman of the AISC EDI Review Team.
“The use of EDI is the next logical step in the evolution of the construction process. Implementation of CIS/2 and standardizing the electronic exchange of structural steel project information will pave the way in realizing a quantum leap in the construction process.”
What can CIS/2 do for me?
CIS/2 can help you...
- WIN THE BID!!! - provides for more accurate and faster conceptual estimating
- COMPLETE DESIGN FASTER!!! - eliminates the need to re-input data and helps reduce detailing errors
- GET YOUR BUILDING UP SOONER!!! – across the board time savings helps you get your steel orders in quickly, drastically reducing erection time
How does it make structural steel more competitive?
Added Vaughan: “The adoption of an accepted protocol for electronic data exchange will provide both horizontal (exchanges between software performing similar functions) and vertical (exchanges between products that rely on results from another as inputs) integration. This will result in data exchange throughout the steel construction process—engineering, bidding, procurement, detailing, fabrication, transportation, and erection—creating efficiencies that will help lower the installed cost of structural steel construction.”
What is AISC doing to help this process?
Marketing/Promotion: AISC offers...
- project assistance for teams wanting to use CIS/2 data interchange
- presentations at the NASCC and other seminars and workshops
- PR in the form of advertisements and promotional videos.
Technical Support: AISC coordinates the ongoing development of CIS/2 with the steel design software development community by...
AISC also hosts two email discussion lists to encourage communication about CIS/2.
If you have additional questions or comments about CIS/2, please contact cis2@aisc.org.
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