Our Observations, Your Feedback

Tool Overview

Qonic is a cloud-based BIM collaboration and coordination platform designed to support multidisciplinary teams working with federated models. It is typically used by BIM coordinators, project managers, and design teams to review models, identify issues, and facilitate coordination discussions across disciplines.

Qonic is not a full design authoring tool; it operates on models produced elsewhere and focuses on enrichment, coordination and review. Unlike standard viewers, it allows users to directly modify geometry and data to “upcycle” models for professional use.

Where This Tool Fits in an openBIM Workflow

Qonic sits primarily in the coordination and review stage of an openBIM workflow.

Typical placement:

• Downstream of model authoring
• As a bridge for model enrichment and data cleanup
• Upstream of formal checking and validation
• Iterative use during design development and coordination cycles

In openBIM workflows, Qonic is often used after IFC models are exported from authoring tools and before models are submitted for downstream analysis or compliance checking.

IFC & Interoperability Observations

Based on our review:

• Qonic is able to consume IFC models for viewing and coordination purposes.
• IFC models from multiple disciplines can be federated within the platform.
• The tool allows for modifying and enriching IFC data by adding missing parameters and classifications.

Users should note that Qonic does not automatically sync changes to the original source file. While it is generally easier and more precise to perform complex geometric edits in the originating authoring environment for better accuracy, users are still able to make modifications directly within Qonic. These updates can then be exported as an enriched IFC or brought back into Revit via a high-fidelity “Revit Conversion” feature (available in paid tiers).

Key Strengths Observed in Practice

From hands-on testing and discussions with the Qonic team, we observed that:

• The platform supports efficient visual coordination across disciplines.
• Users can perform “push-pull” geometry tweaks and data edits to resolve minor issues without returning to the original authoring software.
• Issue identification and discussion can be centralised around the model context.
• The interface is approachable for non-authoring stakeholders who need to participate in coordination discussions.

These strengths make Qonic particularly useful for facilitating coordination conversations without requiring all participants to access authoring tools.

Limitations & Considerations

Some considerations users should be aware of:

• Qonic does not perform rule-based validation or regulatory compliance checking.
• While Qonic can fix some data gaps, the quality of the initial IFC export still impacts the efficiency of the coordination process.
• Functionality regarding project scale and custom property libraries is determined by the subscription tier (Free vs. Paid).
• The platform is dependent on the quality and structure of IFC exports provided to it.

As with many coordination tools, Qonic supports decision-making but does not replace modelling or checking responsibilities.

Best-Fit Use Cases

Qonic is well suited for:

• Model “Upcycling” and data enrichment: Populating missing data before final submission.
• Multidisciplinary coordination meetings: Real-time visual reviews.
• Design development stages: Handling frequent model iterations and minor geometry adjustments.
• Inclusive Collaboration: Involving project managers or consultants who do not use authoring tools.
• It may be less suitable where automated validation, data enrichment, or formal compliance checking is required.

It may be less suitable where automated validation, data enrichment, or formal compliance checking is required.

Relationship to Compliance & Checking Workflows

Qonic can support compliance workflows indirectly by:

• Helping teams resolve coordination issues before formal checking
• Improving model clarity and consistency prior to validation

However, Qonic itself does not perform automated compliance checking and should be seen as a supporting coordination tool, rather than a checking solution.

How This Review Was Developed

• This review is based on:
• Hands-on testing by the AcePLP team
• Clarifications provided by the Qonic team on workflow and features
• Observations focused on openBIM and IFC-based use
• Helping teams resolve coordination issues before formal checking
• Improving model clarity and consistency prior to validation

Community Feedback & Engagement

If you use Qonic as part of an openBIM workflow, we welcome your perspectives, particularly on how it integrates with other tools and processes in practice.

Neutrality Statement