Prepare the Tekla Model for Fabbim

Importing an IFC model into Fabbim does not really begin when the file is exported. It starts much earlier, in the way the fabrication model has been organised in Tekla Structures. A well-prepared model allows Fabbim to correctly understand assemblies, retrieve the right properties and turn that information into tracking data that can be used in the workshop, during loading, at the galvanizer's plant and on site.

On the other hand, a poorly structured model can create immediate difficulties: assemblies that are too large or badly divided, inconsistent marks, missing useful properties, confusion between parts and sub-assemblies. The purpose of this page is therefore to explain how to prepare Tekla so that the import into Fabbim is simple, logical and reliable.

Purpose of model preparation

Fabbim needs a clear structure to connect digital data to the field. This means the model must make it easy to find what will be physically handled: an assembly, a part, a batch, a package or a logistics flow depending on how the project is organised.

The purpose of model preparation is therefore to:

• identify the right assemblies to track;
• ensure consistency of marks and properties;
• make IFC export easier;
• make the import more readable in Fabbim;
• prepare label printing and field scanning;
• reduce errors in fabrication and transport workflows.

Organise assemblies properly

In Tekla Structures, the assembly is one of the most important building blocks for Fabbim. It is often what will serve as the field reference: it is isolated in 3D, its label is printed, it is scanned, loaded and received.

In practice, it is recommended that each assembly corresponds to a logical, transportable element. Depending on the project, this may be:

• an assembled column;
• a beam;
• a truss;
• a façade element;
• a staircase;
• a sub-assembly ready to be handled.

When assemblies are too large, too abstract or too far removed from workshop and site reality, tracking becomes less practical. Fabbim works best when the model structure reflects the objects that are actually handled.

What is best avoided

• huge assemblies grouping too many heterogeneous elements;
• assembly marks that are not stabilised;
• objects not attached to the correct assembly;
• a modelling logic that does not match the actual project flow.

Attach parts correctly

Fabbim does not just display a general mark. The platform also uses the parts that make up an assembly. This makes it possible to view details, calculate weights, display elements in the 3D model and build more accurate logistics workflows.

Each part must therefore be attached to the correct assembly. This consistency is essential to:

• prevent a part from ending up in the wrong group;
• improve readability during import;
• achieve better traceability by mark;
• make exports and label printing more reliable.

Take care of marks and naming

In a structural steel project, marks are at the heart of communication between the design office, the workshop, logistics and the site. If marks are unclear, duplicated or unstable, the whole tracking system loses efficiency.

It is therefore recommended to check that:

• assembly marks are clearly defined;
• part marks are consistent with your production method;
• the names used will remain understandable in Fabbim, on labels and during scanning;
• any batches, zones or workflows can be used in the exported properties.

Check the properties useful to Fabbim

Fabbim relies on the information contained in the IFC to structure the project. Good preparation therefore also means checking the properties that will actually be exported.

Among the generally useful pieces of information are:

• the IFC GUID;
• the assembly name or mark;
• part marks;
• the profile;
• the material;
• the length;
• the weight;
• batch, phase, zone or workflow information depending on your organisation.

This data is not only used to display a row in a table. It allows Fabbim to generate a usable project view, feed exports, prepare shipping lists and track status changes.

Prepare the workflow logic

One of Fabbim’s main strengths is that it extends the model into real logistics operations. That is why it is useful to anticipate, from the model preparation stage, the workflow logic you want to follow afterwards.

For example, a flow can be structured as follows:

1. workshop fabrication;
2. ready for dispatch;
3. truck loading;
4. sent to galvanizing;
5. returned to workshop;
6. delivery to site;
7. receipt;
8. erection.

If groups, phases, zones or logistics routes are already identifiable in the model or in the associated data, integration into Fabbim will be more powerful. The platform will be able to filter, group and display information more effectively.

Checks to perform before IFC export

Before launching the IFC export, it is recommended to carry out a few simple checks. These checks can prevent a large share of import issues.

• check that the main assemblies are properly created;
• check mark consistency;
• verify that parts belong to the correct assembly;
• confirm that the necessary properties are properly filled in;
• avoid irrelevant or unnecessary objects for traceability;
• make sure the project breakdown logic remains understandable.

This control step does not necessarily take much time, but it greatly improves the quality of the final result in Fabbim.

What you gain in Fabbim

A well-prepared Tekla model immediately produces better results in Fabbim:

• a cleaner import;
• assemblies that are easier to find;
• more readable 3D views;
• more relevant labels;
• a better link between design office, workshop and site;
• more reliable traceability throughout the project.

In other words, the quality of the model directly influences the quality of field use. That is why this preparation step is so important.

Recommended best practices

To summarise, here are the main best practices to keep in mind before exporting to Fabbim:

• think of assemblies as elements that are actually handled;
• stabilise marks;
• structure parts clearly;
• fill in the properties useful for production and logistics;
• anticipate scanning, labelling and workflow needs;
• check the model before IFC export.

Conclusion

Properly preparing the Tekla model is one of the best ways to obtain a Fabbim project that is clear, reliable and directly usable. A good assembly structure, consistent marks and well-filled properties make it possible to go much further than the technical import of a file: they lay the foundations for true operational traceability.

The more the model reflects fabrication and logistics reality, the more useful Fabbim becomes on a daily basis for the workshop, transport and site teams.

FAQ

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