我們也考慮了它們與支持BIM環(huán)境之間的關(guān)系。這些功能可同時應(yīng)用于以設(shè)計為導向的系統(tǒng)和用于加工的BIM設(shè)計工具。

提出這些不同功能主是要針對那些希望對可選的備用系統(tǒng)做初級的評價和評估的人，以便在項目、工作室或企業(yè)內(nèi)部做出明智的抉擇。該抉擇影響著生產(chǎn)實踐、互操作性并在某種程度上影響著一個設(shè)計單位承接特殊類型項目的能力。

我們在適用性的三個層面上整理重要的特性：（誠如在第2.4節(jié)中所定義的）作為一個工具、作為一個平臺以及作為一種環(huán)境。需要強調(diào)的是，沒有一款應(yīng)用程序能夠單獨理想地應(yīng)用于所有類型的項目。理想的做法是，一個組織宜擁有并支持多種平臺，對特定類型的項目可在平臺之間移動。有些（功能）只支持不同應(yīng)用程序之間的互通；其它則可以支持與特定加工商和顧問之間的協(xié)作。加工商不太需要多種BIM平臺。

將BIM設(shè)計應(yīng)用程序作為一項工具和/或一個平臺來采用，是一項重大任務(wù)。后續(xù)章節(jié)中還會就這一話題展開討論，特別是第五章中設(shè)計和工程方面的應(yīng)用，第六章中承包商在施工管理方面的應(yīng)用，第七章中加工商的應(yīng)用。它們也支持在BIM環(huán)境中對其本身進行管理（如第三章所述）。有關(guān)應(yīng)用程序的抉擇包括理解新技術(shù)、所需的新的組織技能以及學習并管理這些技能。這些挑戰(zhàn)會隨著時間進行而減少，因為學習曲線和圍繞著BIM應(yīng)用的實踐會在實踐中變得愈發(fā)根深蒂固。由于BIM設(shè)計應(yīng)用程序的功能正在迅速變化，在AECBytes、Catalyst或其它AEC計算機輔助設(shè)計類期刊和諸如LinkedIn這類合作網(wǎng)站上閱讀最新軟件版本的評論內(nèi)容很重要。在提供基于對象的參數(shù)化建模的通用框架內(nèi)，BIM設(shè)計應(yīng)用程序包含很多不同種類的功能，其中一些是在工具層面上，還有些是在平臺層面上。我們在BIM系統(tǒng)環(huán)境層面上，用對這些應(yīng)用程序支持點的評論來區(qū)分其作為工具和平臺使用的相關(guān)問題。

In this section, we summarize the major functional and performance capabili- ties that distinguish different BIM platforms, considered as having both tool and platform functionality, as presented in earlier sections of this chapter. We also consider them in relation to their supporting a BIM environment. The capabili- ties apply to both design-oriented systems as well as fabrication BIM design tools. These distinguishing  capabilities are  proposed for those wishing to under- take a first-level review and assessment of alternative systems, so as to make a well-informed decision within the project, office, or enterprise. The choice affects production practices, interoperability, and to some degree, the functional capabilities of a design organization to do particular types of projects.

We  organize  the important features at three levels of applicability: as a tool, as a platform, and as an environment, as defined in Section 2.4.We emphasize that no one application will be ideal for all types of projects. Ideally, an organization would have several platforms that it supports and moves between for specific projects. Some uniquely support communication between different applications; others may support collaboration with a particular fabricator or consultant. Fabricators are less likely to need multiple platforms.

Adopting a BIM design application, as a tool and/or platform, is a significant undertaking. Adoption is also discussed in later chapters, especially regarding their intended use, for design and engineering in Chapter 5, for contractors and construction management in Chapter 6, and for fabricators in Chapter 7. They are also considered for their support of being managed within a BIM environment, as developed in Chapter 3. Decisions about applications involve understanding new technologies, the new organizational skills needed, and then learning and managing those skills. These challenges will recede over time, as the learning curve and practices surrounding BIM use become more ingrained in practice. Because the functionality of BIM design applications is changing quickly, it is important to look at reviews of the current versions in AECBytes, Catalyst, or other AEC CAD journals and collaboration sites such as LinkedIn. Within the common framework of providing object-based parametric modeling, BIM design applications embody many different kinds of capabilities, some at the tool and some at the platform levels. We discriminate the issues associated with their use as a tool and as a platform, with comments about their support at the BIM system environment level.