Editorial: The CSRF Charter

Editorial

The CSRF Charter


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Miller's photo By Arthur J. Miller PE, FFES, FCSI

This marks my 54th year in consulting engineering practice. To indicate that in this period I have seen vast changes in technology would be a gross understatement. Each year, the rate of change in technology appears to accelerate exponentially. Frequently it seems mind boggling. Fortunately, CSRF has continued to stay on the cutting edge of that technology change, both in specification content, preparation and specification use. This is illustrated in publishing our Master Specifications in PDF format, in web-based delivery, in the new MasterFormat™04 and insertion into the BIM (Building Industry Model) system concept. This is the charge the Stanford Report gave us when they proposed a program they named Construction Communications - CONCOM®.

The advancement of technology is a real plus, but it is equally important to keep the total picture in perspective. The elements are important, but these elements need to accumulate into savings in

design, in construction cost, and in operations and maintenance, not just some new technique. The Bentley/Adobe approach to common data transfer is a good example of the seamless opportunity for data exchange. We believe SPECTEXT® can be an integral part of this exchange.

This was a crusade I espoused some time ago, and is still valid. All that we develop in CSRF must fit into and enhance the BIM, where there is data sharing and communication from inception to obsolescence. That is the essence of our creed "Creating a Common Language". That is why we must be devoted to interoperability and the availability of SPECTEXT® from concept to obsolescence. CSRF is dedicated to this premise in implementation of our charter.

There is much inertia to overcome in the workplace to move beyond the status quo in design, construction, and in maintenance. Many outstanding A/E firms are already involved in implementing the BIM practices. Owners and the marketplace will one day make this a mandatory requirement for A/E practice. CSRF, through SPECTEXT® and other programs, expects to drag all of our faithful subscribers, however kicking and screaming, into the essential future of BIM practice.

About the author: Art Miller is President of CSRF and Senior Vice President of AVART, Inc. Consulting Engineers in Miami, FL. He may be reached at amiller28@bellsouth.ne

The CSRF newsletter is published for SPECTEXT® subscribers and others involved in design and construction. To obtain your copy of Creating a Common Language®, please contact the CSRF Support Center by telephone at 1-877- SPECTXT or 410-838-7561 or you may e-mail us at supportcenter@csrf.org