buildingSMART Canada

Notarius: Digital Transformation in the AECOOM Sector with Innovative BIM Research

November 14, 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Canadian AECOOM (architecture, engineering, construction, owners, operators, and managers) sector, digital transformation is becoming increasingly vital. At buildingSMART Canada (bSC), we are privileged to work alongside strategic partners who are not only leaders in their fields but also committed advocates of research and innovation. Notarius, a trailblazer in electronic and digital signatures, exemplifies this spirit as a strategic member of bSC and active participant in groundbreaking research projects. 

 

Notarius: Two Decades of Digital Trust 

 

With a rich history spanning over 25 years, Notarius has firmly established itself as Canada’s leader in electronic signatures, digital signatures, and the long-term reliability of electronic documents. Managing over 50,000 digital identities and serving a diverse clientele including more than 50 professional associations, over 4,000 companies, universities, and municipalities, Notarius has been instrumental in digitally transforming workflows across various sectors, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of electronic documents. This is why they are the ideal partner for buildingSMART Canada and our research into digital signatures for BIM.  

The Project: Digital Sign and Seal on a BIM

 

This research initiative sponsored by Notarius addresses the critical need for digital seal and authentication in the realm of Building Information Modeling (BIM). While digital sealing of 2D PDFs is well-established, the shift towards using BIM as a legal document (Model as Legal Document, or MALD) requires a novel approach for the seal and authentication.

The research, conducted by bSC’s expert team including Medhi Fakour; Claudia Cozzitorto, Principal Investigator Erik Poirier and project sponsor Patrick Drolet explores the technicalities and legal implications of validating and authenticating BIM. Some of the questions being addressed include:

  • How to sign and seal BIM professionally.
  • Legal and technical requirements for BIM sealing.
  • Ensuring document ownership, traceability, and auditability.
  • Establishing interoperability levels and the role of third-party authorities.

This research is pivotal not just for advancement in digital signatures and BIM, but also for the broader AECOOM sector. By addressing these complex challenges, Notarius and the team of researchers are paving the way for more efficient, secure, and legally compliant digital workflows, crucial in today’s construction and design environments.  

We at buildingSMART Canada express our profound gratitude to Notarius for their dedication to innovation. This research is a testament to the collaborative efforts in driving the AECOOM sector towards a more digitally advanced and efficient future. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the construction industry, it is the support of organizations like Notarius that enable us to push boundaries and drive digital transformation across the AECOOM Industry. Thank you Notarius for your unwavering support!