March 2024 Webinar Q&A

[jessica_smith]

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the March 2024 webinar, where the Tandem Team discussed recent product updates with FM Thresholds going to production and our recently launched beta, Tandem Connect. 

For those who couldn't attend the webinar, we've compiled the Q&A session for your convenience. This valuable resource addresses common queries about Tandem and available beta opportunities. We encourage you to join our Insider Lounge for exclusive content and discussions.

Asset Data 

• Is there currently a recommended process for preparing data as a design team that eases the process of integrating this information for the end user? 
  The process that we recommend following is generally ISO19650. The critical bit is defining the data requirements early on and understanding the roles and responsibilities when it comes to data delivery. Also, agreements in data formats allow for interoperability and consistency during the process. Regarding the integration with IoT, the recommendation is to get those teams involved (IoT) in the early stages. 
• Does Tandem Connect work to link to external Document Management systems for accessing O&M manuals, for example 
  At the moment, we can associate a pdf document to a particular element. For example, I can associate an FCU manual I have in ACC Docs or another system to the 3D FCU with a custom URL parameter. Then, access those documents on the left side panel under documents. But at the moment, it is limited to that. Resource below for more information 
  • Attaching Documents in Autodesk Tandem
  • Docs page on Tandem’s Autodesk Knowledge Network Site 

• Related to Level/Space labels. Are we able to customize what Revit parameter these are looking at? We currently keep our room numbers and names in custom "Bham" parameters 
  Today, you can merge Levels to rationalize your Levels from multiple Revit files in Tandem. Regarding Spaces, we utilized the names and information from Revit, not from a specific parameter. So, you will not be able to display the parameter name as a room name at the moment. 

Beta Opportunity 

• Revit: I use AutoCAD and sometimes Inventor and Navisworks; how do those fit with Tandem? 
  We do have the DWG file type importer in beta, which you are welcome to join here > https://feedback.autodesk.com/dwg-nwc-import. This requires that the AutoCAD files have 3D views and geometry. 

File Type 

• Does Tandem support Revit-created models? So, essentially, Tandem is a digital twin model-based building management system. 
  Yes! To start building a digital twin, users must import one or more Revit, IFC, or other design models. We maintain a complete history of changes as those models are updated. So we can sync changes from one model version to the next. 
• Our current project process would be that the main contractor hosts the models and does all the coordination during the project. Then, at handover, they issue the models to us, and we then host these models within our operational ACC area. So, is the most up-to-date model saved in a new location where Tandem is looking for the model updates? 
  The models will still be available, but what would be complicated will be if there is an update to that Revit file, basically a new version, you will need to re-link the file. 
• We create large manufacturing installations using Inventor. If our client wishes to have these represented in Tandem, what is the best method for converting Inventor models into a format compatible for upload into Tandem? 
  Today, Tandem supports Revit and IFC. We also have a Beta program for Navisworks files .nwd and.dwg. 
• Is there an ability to have a 2D interface (of the spatial information) if the customer would prefer this ( vs. 3D model view?) 
  We are looking into this for the future. 

Handover 

• What is the benefit of using these features with building commissioning? 
  Tandem is a repository for the asset data collected during commissioning. It gives owners and operators a digital solution to quickly find warranties, install dates, and any other asset information they need. This saves them time by allowing them to search for data and specific assets. It also gives them visual context. 
   
  For instance, a VAV can have owner manuals and any other associated information the owner wants. The owner can navigate to the VAV by filtering and navigating their model or by making a quick query of “VAV” and selecting the desired unit to see all the information quickly. They can also update that information as needed, which is currently less ideal with traditional methods. 
• Are transfers done only within a given database (e.g., region), or can they be done across regions? If so, how does this affect performance? 
  Facility Transfers today are dependent on one account to another, as demonstrated. The regions are not relevant for the transfer. Regarding performance, there should be consistent experience with the initial facility performance. 
• Are project specs available to provide A/E firms during procurement that ensure proper as-built models are generated at completion to maximize tandem/digital twin capability? 
  The recommendation is for the owner to define their project requirements for the digital twin in the early stage. Then, include that as part of the procurement documentation as a deliverable requirement. In terms of process, we also recommend following ISO19650; on our website, you can find a webinar about it here, and select webinar in the drop-down menu. 

IoT 

• Would I be able to export the data from the builder and import that to the digital twin? 
  Yes, that is correct. If you need resources on this, you can visit the below site and post questions to our public forum space.
  • Public Forums
  • Tandem’s Autodesk Knowledge Network Site 

• Does Autodesk Tandem have preferred manufacturers or vendors for IoT devices, or is it vendor-agnostic? 
  Tandem is vendor-agnostic. This help page provides some context for the conditions that need to be met to import data (e.g., JSON format, ability to POST to an HTTP endpoint). 
• Is it possible to connect sensors directly to Tandem and receive live data without a third-party IOT management software and without manually entering data? 
  Yes, any cloud-connected device can forward data to Autodesk Tandem. Each stream has a unique URL that can be used for the device to post data to Tandem. Details can be found on our forum pages here: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/tandem-forum/bd-p/tandem 
   
  With the launch of the Tandem Connect Beta, ideally, this will happen through Tandem Connect, which is currently in beta. To join, go to https://feedback.autodesk.com/Tandem-Connect-Home 
• Is there going to be integration with Data Exchange? 
  Not at this time. Specific integrations are prioritized based on customer feedback. I recommend exploring this in the Tandem Connect beta by clicking here. 
• What type of database does Tandem use? Is it possible to connect to Azure Digital Twin (ADT)? 
  Have you reviewed the IoT Integrations page on our AKN site? It walks through the Azure IoT hub and Tandem. 
• What are the typical use cases for IoT in Autodesk Tandem, and how do they add value to BIM projects? 
  Our users are finding it useful to connect sensors to the 3D geometry from BIM and being able to visualize that IoT data with the context of the geometry from the 3D models. Equally adding information from the parameters. A good example of the value can be found in our previous webinar, where the University of Birmingham showed how they use Tandem to manage their university campus. Rewatch the webinar here > https://intandem.autodesk.com/resource/february-2024-webinar/ 
• Is BACnet integration bidirectional? Can tandem change setpoints? 
  At the moment, it is only reading data, not writing. 
• What are the common IoT device categories that Autodesk Tandem currently supports? ((e.g., sensors for temperature, humidity, occupancy, energy consumption, etc.)) 
  Currently, any type of information that is numeric in value. 

Other 

• What are the licensing options and pricing models for Tandem? 
  Please see our pricing page here: https://intandem.autodesk.com/pricing/ 
  If you have additional questions, please contact us directly using this link. https://intandem.autodesk.com/contact-us/ 
• What security measures are in place to protect IoT data in Autodesk Tandem? 
  Autodesk Tandem follows all the principles listed on the Autodesk Trust Center found here. 
• I would love to see a quick find for parts/equipment that will zoom to the part location and accompany information on that item. 
  Today, using our Search feature at the top of the center panel in Tandem, you will be able to quickly find an element, focus and isolate it in view, click on the element, open the properties panel, and access all the information. 
• How can I tackle the issue of Tandem not reading the attributes' values through the 3D model hierarchy? At this point, it only reads the attribute found in the last hierarchy level.
  You can modify the hierarchy of selection in two ways:
  • Viewer Settings>Selection>Selection Mode, where you can select the selection hierarchy similarly to Navisworks.
  • Go to the host element and arrow at the top of the properties panel. 

• Can Tandem run operations on the premises, not in the cloud, for privacy reasons and security? 
  Tandem is only available in the cloud; we do not have an on-premises solution. 
• Can you share what industries you're working within that are seriously adopting digital twins? 
  We have a variety of industries that are adopting digital twins - healthcare, higher education, commercial office spaces, rail stations, and more. If you’re interested in seeing our clients that have successfully adopted digital twin technology, we have a variety of stories on our website that we are adding to in the next few weeks. We have several examples out now, but more to come here soon. 

• Is BACnet an ETL solution? Is it a new tool, or did a different name previously know it? 
  BACnet is the underlying network protocol used by most BMS systems. 
• How is Tandem secure? Do you log in to Autodesk Tandem, and you have access to everything? Any zones? Permissions based on roles? 
  We do have permissions based on roles. Here's a good reference for how this works in Tandem: https://help.autodesk.com/view/TANDEM/ENU/?guid=tandem-manage. 
• Is there a limit to the number or types of IoT devices that can be integrated into the Tandem environment? 
  There is no limit to the number of connected IoT devices and the number of streams (the individual inputs like temperature, humidity, etc.). Currently, you can have 200 free streams with up to 14 days of time-series history; you can see our subscription model for anything beyond that on our Pricing Page. 
• The one item I didn't see is data to track assets by vendors/manf/or system. Can that be done? 
  You can certainly create views to manage and share information about the vendors/etc. There are multiple ways to visualize this in Tandem today, but certainly, with Tandem Connect, we can expose this information to other systems. 
• Is Tandem also suitable for infrastructure projects? 
  If you have 3D models, you could certainly bring them into Tandem. 

Owner/Operator 

• How can we help & empower our owners to understand what data will be necessary and crucial for the lifecycle of the digital twin? 
  It starts with a conversation with the owner about what outcomes they want to achieve and then understanding what data is needed to achieve these outcomes. Our customer success and adoption team has been working with several customers. We are also working on putting together some documentation that will help with our framework around this by providing some potential outcomes. 
• Is this meant to replace an interface for a BMS? And would a BMS end-user use this instead? Would a BMS still be the system of record for managing critical HVAC and Lighting equipment? 
  The BMS is the system of record. A solution like Tandem allows for the correlation of data from the BMS, occupancy sensors, room reservations (expected occupancy), maintenance data, etc. 
• Where do you see the role of architects in Tandem, as opposed to the clients and/or facility managers? 
  We’ve seen lots of architects who are twin builders. Specifically, they are looking at whether their buildings performed as designed and planned after construction so they can improve for the future. Architect Sam Roberts spoke about this at AU this year. You can watch his talk here: https://www.autodesk.com/autodesk-university/article/how-to-improve-any-workspace-quickly-with-digit... 

Property card 

• Can the properties card be set up to show only the fields we want to see? Like CFM or TAG, or HP, for example. 
  Yes, the properties card will allow custom properties to be displayed from your Facility Template.
  • Tandem Connect – View Q&A for the Tandem Connect beta on the Insider Lounge.
  • Thresholds 

• Can thresholds be fed into Tandem from Maximo Monitor where Maximo to a source of truth for them? 
  Via the Tandem Connect beta, you will see next; yes, this can be synced from Maximo, and Maximo can be the system of record. 

Viewer 

• Level and Space labels are GREAT.  Are we planning for Asset labels? 
  Yes, we are planning for that in the future. 
• Have you considered adding to the Viewer the ability for FCA (Facility Condition Assessments) Values that are used in BUILDER for Federal buildings? This would be provided in one of the cards shown, which includes the last date of inspection and rating. 
  Our schema, or Facility Template, as we refer to it, is fully customizable. So, you can easily add condition assessment values to the templates used for your digital twins. 
• Are there zone/unit labels available for filtering purposes? 
  Yes, you can filter by Rooms or Levels through our Filter panel. You can also add any parameter from your facility as a filter.