agcXML Initiative: Interoperability for the Construction Industry C. Fara Francis, PMP Chief Information Officer AGC of America
About AGC of America Leading construction industry association Founded in 1918 Membership: General Contractors, Specialty Contractors, Service Providers and other related professionals within the construction industry Mission/Vision: to promote a better industry for the professionals who build Americas future
agcXML Project – 1 st Phase When: Started about 9 years ago Why: the lack of easy data exchange and interoperability was costing contractors Funding: 100% funded by the AGC End results: 10 conceptual schemas Project stalemated
agcXML Project – Phase II What was the push: confluence of activities Increased demand from contractors for standards Some improvement in the construction economy Improved and scalable IT infrastructure Trends in technology: mobile, digital Scope: Tweak existing schemas, develop new ones as needed Encourage adoption Obtain more funding
agcXML Phase II – Project Model Project Model: Advisory Board consisting of software vendors, contractors, AGC staff. Working Group for each schema Technical Advisory Committee Engaged a Steward to manage the project: Burger Consulting Group Engaged a Software Architect focused on developing schemas Implemented a PMO consisting of BCG staff, AGC staff and other key stakeholders OAGi – backwards compatibility Ongoing discussions with other organizations and various standards groups: FASB, XBRL, HRXML, SGIP, gbXML
agcXML Phase II – Project Scope Tweak existing schemas Currently finalizing RFI schema. Completed schema will be a part of a live demonstration at AGC convention in 2014 Vendors will be on-hand to announce availability of schemas in 2014 product release Develop new schemas Promote adoption of XML standards Intense marketing and promotion
agcXML Phase II - Funding Funding from AGC Monthly contributions from sponsors: Sponsorship agreement with software vendor Gold and silver level sponsors Sponsors: Coins-Global, Maxwell Systems, Sage, Viewpoint Construction Software, Blue Book Construction Network
Future State/End-Goal Effectuate change in the construction industry Interoperability within construction software Established standards for construction software Heavy adoption of the standards
Additional Information on agcXML Linked in group: agcXML for construction Fara Francis: Live demo at AGC annual convention: March 4, 1:00 – 2:30 pm PST. Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas
Thank you!