Xinaps

Xinaps is based in the Netherlands, and specializes in software solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. One such solution is Verifi3D, which simplifies the data validation process and enhances building professionals’ workflows. Verifi3D is an example of what Xinaps’ founders do best: solve problems relating to design automation workflows, with solutions that eliminate manual processes and widen access to project data.

Challenge

It’s challenging enough choosing one or two lighting products for a home or office, given options in size, price, types of lighting, and energy use. For a builder or designer choosing thousands of lights for a single project, those challenges become time-consuming barriers to project completion. This was the problem that Xinaps sought to solve for their customer Signify, the lighting arm of Philips and the world leader in lighting products, systems, and services. For Signify’s customers, the process of assessing lighting choices involved poring over PDFs with lighting specs, while trying to envision the appropriateness of different lighting choices in a complex building environment. Without the ability to see the lighting products in the project itself—and to test how the lights would illuminate spaces of various sizes involving assorted window placements—builders and designers could only guess at their options.

How Xinaps solved it with Forge

The Xinaps team knew that Signify needed a way to connect intelligent models to lighting product information. This would help builders and designers see where and how the light products would work. Xinaps chose the Forge platform for its ability to connect and read data from many sources, and also connect with a BIM (Building Information Modeling) library where Signify customers could easily create lighting plans and choose fixtures. In addition, a solution created with Forge would provide access for project stakeholders who don’t have licenses for design applications.

Using the Forge Model Derivative API, Xinaps can enable Signify users to share and view project data in many formats, improving access to project lighting plans. The Forge Viewer API accelerates the process of planning lighting schemes and choosing products, since users can see lighting choices within a project plan—even viewing the impact of lighting brightness in a space. With the BIM 360 API, Xinaps can improve sharing and exchanging of files in the Signify app, improving collaboration for all stakeholders.

Building on the positive response from Philips for the Signify app, Xinaps decided to use Forge for their own new application, Verifi3D, which simplifies the data validation process for design projects. Forge made it easy for Xinaps developers to experiment with different approaches for the new app, without taking too much time away from client projects. Click here for additional reference materials on their BIM 360 integration or to request a follow-up from Xinaps.

Forge highlights include the following: 

• Eliminated manual processes for reviewing lighting specifications
• Freed up time for Xinaps developers to create their own application
• Broadened access to lighting project data so more stakeholders could collaborate

APIs and Services

BIM 360 API

Model Derivative API

Viewer