G.DataManager

1. What Is This Tool?

G.DataManager is a standalone desktop application designed to help AEC professionals manage, standardize, and automate data extraction from BIM models using reusable configuration files and scheduling templates.

At its core, G.DataManager acts as a BDS Config Manager—it enables users to create, open, edit, and export .bds.config files, which reference structured BDS templates. These templates define what data to extract from IFC-based models and how to format it, ensuring consistency across teams and projects.

Whether you're managing a single BIM model or coordinating multiple stakeholders on a large infrastructure project, G.DataManager gives you a visual and efficient way to control how building data is captured, organized, and shared.

2. What Is a BDS File?

Building Data Share (BDS) is an open, XML-based schema designed for defining structured, reusable data schedules in BIM workflows.

Built on the IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) standard, BDS enables cross-platform, multidisciplinary data templates that can be reused across multiple models, teams, and phases of a construction project.

Instead of manually defining what data you need from your BIM model, a BDS file allows you to: - Specify IFC entities to include (e.g., IfcWall, IfcDoor) - Choose which properties or attributes to extract (e.g., FireRating, Type, LoadBearing) - Apply filters (e.g., IsExternal = true, FireRating > 2 HR) - Define sorting rules and field visibility

This turns complex model data into clean, structured, and predictable tabular outputs ready for analysis, compliance checks, or export to Excel.

Highlights

Standards-Based
Built for interoperability with any software that supports IFC.
Reusable Templates
Define once, reuse everywhere. Ensures consistency across all project stages and contributors.
Multi-Disciplinary Coverage
Supports all disciplines including architecture, structural, mechanical, and electrical.
Structured Output
Produces well-formed schedules with headers, metadata, and filters embedded in the definition.

G.DataManager is currently in Beta and will be available soon for free download.
For inquiries, contact: contact@g-algo.com

3. Overview

G.Manager

What Can You Do?

Feature	Description
📂 Open Config File	Load a `.bds.config` file to access its project metadata, models, and BDS link
🆕 Create New Project	Set up a new configuration with editable project fields
🧾 Define Schedules	Create and manage schedule templates using a visual editor
📤 Export to Excel	Export any schedule into a clean `.xlsx` file with header styling
🏗️ Assign IFC Models	Link one or more BIM models (IFC) to be used as data sources
🧠 Project Metadata	Store information like project name, address, organization, issue dates, etc.
🔍 Filter and Sort Data	Apply complex filters (e.g., regex, BETWEEN, IS NULL) and custom sort orders

G.DataManager offers a user-friendly interface with categorized navigation, tree views for hierarchy management, and rich dialogs for editing configuration content.