Our Observations, Your Feedback

usBIM (ACCA) Review – Streamlining OpenBIM Workflows through bSDD and IDS Integration

Observations by Tashayani Ratnakumar, AcePLP Code Checker Squad

usBIM, developed by ACCA Software, is presented as an integrated cloud-based ecosystem designed to support openBIM workflows. Built around IFC, IDS, and bSDD standards, it aims to help users validate, enrich, and manage model data efficiently while promoting interoperability across tools and teams.

Rather than offering a verdict, this review summarises what we observed while testing the usBIM web platform and its beta Revit plug-ins. Our goal is to outline the platform’s capabilities, limitations, and practical potential so that readers, whether BIM Managers, Coordinators, or Modellers, can evaluate how usBIM fits into their workflows.

At the end, we invite you to share your own ratings and experiences to help build a more balanced picture of how ACCA’s usBIM performs across the industry.

1. bSDD Functionality (usBIM.bsDD) 

a. bSDD Creation 

We were able to successfully create bSDD dictionaries within usBIM. The tool provides a straightforward interface for structuring and exporting buildingSMART Data Dictionaries, which worked well in testing.

This functionality is particularly helpful for users developing or managing custom property sets, as it allows for quick creation and linking of standardized definitions directly within the platform.

b. Updating IFC Models with bSDD Properties

We confirmed that IFC models can be enriched using properties from bSDD dictionaries. This benefits users who may not have access to Revit but still need to update IFC data directly.

The system supports filtering of elements and applying properties in bulk, although values must still be entered manually.

A limitation is that changes made in usBIM cannot yet be pushed back to Revit; if the Revit model changes, IFC enrichment must be repeated. However, from the beta plug-in tests, the Revit plug-in can already connect to bSDD dictionaries inside Revit and read properties directly from usBIM. Applying bSDD properties back to Revit elements is currently limited and sometimes inconsistent due to the beta status. Full push-back from IFC to Revit is not yet supported, but ACCA has confirmed this is on the development roadmap.

For teams working primarily with IFC, this workflow still offers valuable flexibility.

👉 Have you used usBIM.bsDD to update IFC models? How effective do you find the workflow for property enrichment?

2. IDS Functionality (usBIM.IDS)

a. Creating IDS Files Using bSDD

usBIM allows users to create IDS (Information Delivery Specification) files directly from bSDD dictionaries. We successfully located and used our own test dictionary to build an IDS file, confirming that the integration works as intended.

The workflow, however, can be a little tedious as each property must be manually searched and added, which may slow down setup when working with extensive dictionaries. That said, for teams prioritizing data standardization, the effort pays off in ensuring consistent and reliable property structures.

 b. IDS Validation

 The platform supports model validation against IDS files, including those created outside of usBIM. Users can validate IFC models directly using IDS criteria and adjust IFC values in line with allowed values defined by the IDS.

In the beta Revit plug-in, IDS files stored on usBIM can be accessed from within Revit. At this stage, validation itself still needs to be done on the web platform, as the plug-in only displays IDS requirements and cannot run checks natively yet. ACCA has indicated that element-based validation inside Revit will be added later.

👉 Have you used usBIM for IDS validation? Did you find the manual setup manageable, or would automation improve your workflow?

3. Multi-IDS Validation (usBIM.IDSagent)

The usBIM.IDSagent module allows models to be validated against multiple IDS files in a single run. This capability is particularly beneficial for projects that must adhere to several standard sets or contractual requirements. Instead of validating each IDS individually, users can perform combined checks, reducing repetition and helping ensure comprehensive compliance coverage. This could be especially valuable for large or multi-phase projects where different requirement sets overlap.

👉 Would the ability to validate multiple IDS files at once make a difference in your coordination or QA process?

4. Revit Plug-ins (usBIM.revolution)

ACCA is currently developing Revit plug-ins for both bSDD and IDS workflows, which we tested in their beta form.

The plug-ins aim to connect Revit directly to usBIM’s dictionaries and specifications, thereby strengthening the link between model authoring and openBIM validation. In testing, the plug-ins loaded successfully, connected to usBIM accounts, and allowed us to browse dictionaries, view property definitions, and inspect IDS structures.

Performance was generally stable, although syncing depended on internet connection and occasionally introduced short delays. The beta version currently focuses on viewing data rather than writing it back. However, full validation, automated mapping, property application, and real-time checking have all been confirmed by ACCA as upcoming features. Since this is an early beta, such limitations are expected and likely to be resolved before public release.

If fully implemented, the plug-ins could meaningfully reduce reliance on IFC exports and improve interoperability between Revit and openBIM workflows.

👉 What impact do you think native integration could have on your openBIM workflows? Would you use these Revit Plug-ins once it has been released?

5. Performance & Workflow Considerations 

Throughout testing, usBIM performed reliably across data creation, dictionary management, and validation processes. While some workflows, such as bSDD-to-IFC enrichment and IDS setup are still manual, the platform offers strong flexibility for teams already familiar with openBIM concepts.

During Revit plug-in testing, UI performance was stable and responsive, with occasional syncing lag due to online access. Since most editing and validation tasks still rely on the web version, the plug-ins currently function primarily as viewing and configuration tools. Once push-back and automation features are implemented, the workflow is expected to become significantly more efficient.

👉 How do you find the balance between automation and manual control in usBIM? Would you prefer more automation, or do you value its current flexibility?

6. Pricing & Value

usBIM provides a free base plan that includes 10 GB of storage, with optional upgrades for additional capacity:

• 25 GB – approx. SGD 179.39/year
• 50 GB – approx. SGD 315/year

The modules referenced in this review are priced as follows:

• usBIM.bsDD – SGD 179.39/year
• usBIM.IDS – SGD 752.09/year
• usBIM.IDSagent – Custom solution; pricing varies depending on project requirements

ACCA has not yet released the final licensing model for the upcoming Revit plug-ins. Early indications suggest they may be bundled within existing bsDD and IDS subscriptions rather than offered as standalone products, but confirmation is still pending.

ACCA also offers a wider suite of tools beyond those covered in this review. To explore the full range of solutions and determine which modules best fit your organisation, as well as to view the latest pricing, please visit: 

www.accasoftware.com > subscribe > app-store

👉 For your organisation, would modular pricing make usBIM more appealing, or would you prefer a bundled approach?