Product(s):	OpenBuildings Designer
	Version(s):	CONNECT Edition
	Area:	General
	Subarea	Interoperability

Problem

We are running AECOsim Building Designer V8i for old projects that we don't want to upgrade, and also OpenBuildings Designer CONNECT Edition for newer projects. In some cases we'd like to share data between the two in the form of an ISM file which we understand requires Structural Synchronizer or iTwin Analytical Synchronizer. But it doesn't seem like V8i can import any of the ISM files that we've exported from CONNECT Edition even though OpenBuildings Designer does recognize ISM files exported from V8i. Is there any way that we can have both Structural Synchronizer v11 installed for V8i and iTwins Analytical Synchronizer v12 installed for CONNECT Edition at the same time?

Solution

No, it is not possible to install both v11 and v12 simultaneously since the synchronizer product was not designed to install and run two versions in parallel. That's why each product installer includes its required version of synchronizer, and any existing synchronizer versions are always modified during installation.

For reference, iTwin Analytical Synchronizer v12.x can read/recognize data from the older Structural Synchronizer v11.x, but v11 cannot read v12 data simply because the format is not backwards compatible. For example, the newer ProStructures based members in OpenBuildings Designer are essentially "unknown" elements in AECOsim Building Designer V8i and its matching version of Structural Synchronizer v11.

Two potential workarounds include:

Use iTwin Analytical Synchronizer to convert the ISM file to IFC, which can then be imported into Structural Synchronizer v11:

1. Open the ISM file exported from OpenBuildings Designer CONNECT Edition using iTwin Analytical Synchronizer

2. Choose File > IFC Exchange > Export IFC

3. Open Structural Synchronizer v11 and choose File > IFC Exchange > Import IFC

4. Browse to the file created in step 1 above, click OK, then in the pop-up dialog and choose a location where to save the IFC > ISM exchange results

This process bypasses the differences between iTwin Analytical Synchronizer and Structural Synchronizer. Note that the structural ECS axis data may not make it across intact using IFC exchange, but this is something you should be able to correct after the fact.

Use an intermediate structural format:

1. With your structural DGN file open in OpenBuildings Designer, choose File > Export > Structural
2. Choose either SDNF Export or CIMSteel/2 Export

3. Open a DGN file usng AECOsim Building Designer V8i
4. From the Structural Import/Export task group choose either Import CIS/2 File or Import SDNF File