Prairie Sky Consulting

Introducting the COBieqc software Project

A screenshot of the COBieQC software's COBie quality control checking rules.

SECURE LOCAL USE

Not everyone can put client data on the web or install any software they want. The COBieQC software is designed to be used on your office computer after review and approval by your IT department.

Information in the COBieQC User's Manual provides your IT department with everything they need to know to quickly review and install the software.

A screenshot of the COBieQC software's detailed and dashboard reports.

DELIVERY MODEL TESTED

The COBieQC software project follows several attempts to create open- and crowd-sourced COBie QC software. Unfortunately, those efforts were not successful in establishing a robust, long-term solutions.

As a result, alternative delivery methods will be tested starting with the first version of the software COBieQC2023. Your support and feedback determine if, when, and how future versions will be made available.

A screenshot of the COBieQC software's quality control report.

Why develop the COBieQC software?

This software is a volunteer project by the inventor of COBie and author of the COBie 1.0 - 2.4 standard.

The reason this has been developed software is that that prior software, COBieQCReporter, requires a Java program no longer licensed for commercial use by Oracle in 2019. IT staff should also be aware that Oracle no longer provides security patches for the required Java program.

It is your choice to use, or not use, this tool. If you want to support and contribute, then the product may improve over time.

Introducting the COBieQC software project

Please reach us at bill.east@prairieskyconsulting.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

On what is the project based?

Every project begins with a scoping document that defines what is and is not included and why. The assumptions for this project can be found here "The COBieQC Software Project."

What is project's strategy?

This project will quickly identify the need for and user requirements of tools to perform automated quality control testing of spreadsheet-formatted building information. If there is no interest in using the software, then the project can be quickly shut down. if there is interest enough to move the project beyond a "volunteer" basis, then changes can be made, and the software can be updated and improved over time.

What improvements might be made?

If there is interest in the 2023 version, the 2024 version may include non-English language support and use of alternative rule sets. Future releases may include updated rule types for QC of bSI AOH-BSEM, COBie 3, and client-based spreadsheet deliverables. Additional features related to construction process integration, automated production of digital O&M Manuals, automation of COBie eBook, integration with CDE's, and integration with open-source phone apps are available depending on user interest.

About the COBie2023 software

Contact bill.east@prairieskyconsulting.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How do I get the COBieQC2023 software?

The COBieQC2023 software is available at no cost provided you (1) purchase the COBieQC2023 User's Manual and (2) follow the registration instructions in the Terms and Condition Appendix to the User's Manual found on page 54, "8. How do I apply for this software?".

What about the COBieQC2024 Update?

The COBieQC2023 software stops working on 01-Jan-2024.

If you want to use the COBieQC2024 software, you only need to purchase a copy of the updated User's Manual for the next year and re-register your program.

When will the COBieQC2024 update be available?

The decision to proceed with a 2024 version and updated pricing model, will be made in December 2023 based on your interest and feedback.

What is the testing scope?

The QC tests included in the COBieQC2023 software are published in NBIMS-US V3, Chapter 4.2.

What operating systems have been tested?

The COBieQC2023 software has been tested on Windows 10 and 11 operating systems. Given the underlying python code base, it is possible that the program may operate under other operating systems, however, this has not been tested.

How was the software tested?

The COBieQC2023 software was tested in three rounds of tests by expert COBie users and COBie Certified Professionals. The major findings of these tests are (1) all COBie standard data files were successfully tested and (2) many owners require spreadsheet deliverables that violate COBie standards.

Is technical support provided?

The COBieQC2023 software is provided at no cost, the software is provided without technical support or warranty of any kind. Should user feedback indicate a technical support need, future releases may include paid technical support options.

Where are the Terms and Conditions?

The full Terms and Conditions for the 2023 release can be found in the User's Manual Appendix