IDS IFC Validation: a quick guide for 2025

What is IDS and how it could work for you

What is IDS IFC validation?

Information Delivery Specification (IDS) validation is the process of checking whether your IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) model files meet the specific data requirements defined in an IDS file. Think of IDS as a checklist that tells you exactly what information your BIM model must contain.

Key benefits

  • Ensures BIM compliance before project submission
  • Reduces costly rework and project delays
  • Automates manual checking processes
  • Provides clear pass/fail reports

Why you need IDS validation

Manual validation problems

  • Manual checking takes an average of 4-8 hours per project
  • Human error rates of up to 20%
  • Inconsistent interpretation of requirements
  • Late discovery of compliance issues

Automated solution benefits

  • Validation completed in minutes, not hours
  • 100% consistent checking criteria
  • Early identification of compliance gaps
  • Detailed reports for remediation

Who uses IDS validation?

Primary users

  • BIM Managers at AEC firms
  • Digital Construction Teams
  • Compliance Officers on large projects
  • Government Agencies with BIM mandates
  • BIM Consultants serving multiple clients

Industries with IDS requirements

  • Healthcare facility construction
  • Education sector projects
  • Government/public buildings
  • Infrastructure projects

Common IDS validation scenarios

Example 1: Fire safety compliance

All doors must have fire rating properties:

  • Property: Pset_DoorCommon.FireRating
  • Allowed values: 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes
  • Validation ensures no doors are missing this critical safety data

Example 2: Energy performance

All walls must have thermal conductivity values for energy analysis:

  • Property: Pset_MaterialThermal.ThermalConductivity
  • Allowed values: 0.1 to 2.5 W/mK
  • Validation ensures thermal properties are specified for accurate building energy modelling

Example 3: Accessibility compliance

All doors must meet minimum clear width requirements for wheelchair access:

  • Property: Pset_DoorCommon.ClearWidth
  • Allowed values: Minimum 815mm (32 inches) for single wheelchair passage
  • Validation ensures doors comply with ADA accessibility standards for disabled access

How to choose an IDS validation tool

Key features to look for

  • IFC format support: Ensures compatibility with your BIM software
  • Detailed reports: Clear identification of compliance issues
  • Fast processing: Results in minutes, not hours
  • Pay-per-use options: Cost-effective for occasional validation
  • Email delivery: Results sent directly to your inbox

Red Flags to avoid

  • Tools that require expensive annual licenses for occasional use
  • Validators without detailed error reporting
  • Services that don't support latest IFC versions

IDS validation best practices

Before you validate

  1. Review IDS requirements: Understand what's being checked
  2. Prepare your IFC file: Ensure model is complete and exported correctly
  3. Test early: Don't wait until project deadline
  4. Document issues: Keep records of validation results

After validation

  1. Review all failures: Don't ignore "minor" compliance issues
  2. Fix systematically: Address issues in your BIM authoring software
  3. Re-validate: Confirm fixes resolved the problems
  4. Archive reports: Keep validation records for project documentation

Getting started with IDS validation

Step 1: Try a free validation

Most validation tools offer free trials. Test with a sample project to understand the process.

Step 2: Understand your results

Validation reports typically show:

  • Pass/Fail summary: Overall compliance status
  • Detailed issues: Specific elements that need attention
  • Fix recommendations: Guidance for resolving problems

Step 3: Integrate into your workflow

  • Plan validation at key project milestones
  • Train team members on interpreting reports
  • Establish fixing and re-validation procedures

Common IDS validation questions

How long does validation take?

Typical validation using an online tool like Data Octopus can take up to 5 minutes for an average model - of course this will vary according to size and complexity.

What if my model fails validation?

The report generated by an IDS/IFC checker will identify all problem areas with references to specific elements and required properties.

Future of IDS validation

  • Growing government adoption of IDS requirements
  • Integration with major BIM software platforms
  • Automated validation in design workflows

Ready to try IDS validation? Start your free validation with Data Octopus today

This guide covers the essentials of IDS IFC validation. For specific implementation questions, consult with BIM compliance specialists or contact our technical support team.