Onuma Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

• What is Onuma?
  • Onuma was created by architects and programmers to use on architecture and planning projects.
  • Onuma was created 10 years ago as an in-house tool at Onuma, Inc.
• When is the next scheduled Onuma webinar?
  • All webinars are listed HERE.
• Are webinars recorded?
  • Provided there are no technical difficulties, yes, and they are available HERE.
• When is the next BIMStorm?
  • BIMStorms are listed HERE.
• When is the next scheduled live presentation at a conference?
  • All scheduled presentations listed HERE.
• Where are my projects stored?
  • On the Onuma Server
• What formats can schemes be exported in?
  • IFC for import to other IFC Applications such as Revit and ArchiCAD
  • Excel and CSV
  • Google Earth KML files
  • BIMXML for import to other applications with BIMXML plug in
  • 3Ds from the space level with furniture
  • 3Ds for import to SketchUp
  • COBIE2
• What formats can schemes be imported in?
  • Excel and CSV
  • BIM IFC
  • Google Earth KML file
  • BIMXML from Revit with Onuma Add On
  • BIMXML from ArchiCAD with Onuma Add On
  • BIMXML from SketchUp with Onuma Add On
  • COBIE2
• What platforms are supported?
  • PC and Mac
  • Onuma has focused on creating as cross platform a solution as possible, and will continue to enhance the capabilities on both the PC and the Mac side.

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Uses of Onuma

• Who can use Onuma?
  • Onuma is created for wide range of users from owners, planners, facility managers, architects, security specialists, scenario planners, interior designers, furniture and equipment manufacturers and others.
• Can a medium size architectural firm use Onuma for project development and proposal development.
  • Yes, Onuma System is a good application for program and project development.
• How are project documents and models stored in Onuma?
  • Onuma is an online database which creates project documents and reports on the fly. In other words as users interact with Onuma and request reports, the reports, documents and even 3D and 2D models are generated from the database at that instance. This allows for simultaneous real time interaction with multiple users, schemes and projects. This differs greatly from "document" management web sites that store static documents, files, 2D and 3D content.
• Does Onuma Compete against other desktop BIM Applications such as Revit and ArchiCAD?
  • No, Onuma is a unique web based BIM tool that works side by side with other desktop applications.
• Why do I need Onuma if we already use Revit, ArchiCAD or other BIM solutions?
  • Desktop BIM Solutions focus on single projects. Onuma is a model server that can manage hundreds or thousands of projects.
  • Data and graphics in BIM project is valuable. Onuma makes it easy to share critical data with users that are not proficient in desktop BIM Applications. For example, creating a simple list of spaces and areas is simple to do in Onuma by selecting the report.
• Does Onuma create construction documents?
  • No, offline BIM tools such as Revit or ArchiCAD do. Linking the project requirements and then sending those to Revit or ArchiCAD allows for tracking of project requirements into the construction documentation.
• Have there been any projects managed with Onuma System all the way through to construction that has been published or that I could read about?
  • Our best example is our project with the Department of Homeland Security, unfortunately we can not publish that data. However our projects shown HERE are examples of how Onuma, Inc. has used Onuma Systems in-house. Another good example of Onuma System in action is our USCG project available HERE (on page 28-9).
• How many users of Onuma are there?
  • Onuma is installed on servers such as with the US Army, General Services Administration and others. We do not disclose the use of Onuma by clients except for those that are willing to share their info; those who do share that info are listed HERE.
  • Building owners are using Onuma on new projects and for managing existing facilities. Some examples:
    • Los Angeles Community College to use BIMStorm
    • Bath School District to use Onuma System
• Can we link to our own database or system to Onuma?
  • Web services is the best way to accomplish this. Since Onuma is built on open standards it is possible to extend the capability by linking to other systems. This is a more advanced capability of Onuma and we provide support to quickly get this accomplished.
• Can legacy data in CAD and other BIM formats be imported to Onuma?
  • Yes, it is possible to import properly formatted data into Onuma. Even scanned line drawings can be imported as background or attached to projects in Onuma.

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Learning Onuma

• How long does it take to learn to use Onuma?
  • Onuma is designed to be very easy to use and learn for the basic functions.
  • Users in the case study for the US Coast Guard were trained to use Onuma in one 4 hour session.
  • Other users are self taught.
  • Onuma has many levels of use, all integrated together. You can start with basic functions and work your way up. Multiple users can interact at various levels, based on their knowledge and expertise.
• Onuma has many features, and functions that I do not use, is there a version that does not include all this functionality?
  • Yes, there is a free viewer version, that allows you to view shared schemes, create reports and export data.
  • The goal of Onuma is to maximize the value of data and knowledge and link to as many other relevant parts of the process. This includes views into data from many different user's perspectives. For example, an architect may be interested in the layout of a project for a client, but the client's financial officer may only be interested in the bottom line of cost and area. Each of these users has a view into various part of the Onuma interface. The Onuma team, has created user interfaces from these various viewpoints. Depending on the access level you have and the interfaces that are available to you, other viewpoints are visible. This overlap of data is critical to the overall success of Onuma. Just like the Internet has various views into data, Onuma too has that ability.
• Does Onuma, Inc. provide project support? How do we contact you?
  • Yes, we provide owners, architects, engineers and planners project support as services. CONTACT US.
• What other types of services does Onuma, Inc. provide?
  • In addition to licensing software, we are a full architectural firm. We have found the most success helping owners and other architects, engineers, planners get up to speed rapidly in BIM strategies and implementation of the Onuma System.

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Sharing Projects and Schemes

• Can I share Onuma Schemes with someone that does not have access to Onuma?
  • Yes, there are several methods using Onuma Editor Pro™
    • By sharing the scheme with the public, the scheme then becomes accessible through the Onuma WFS.
    • By exporting an IFC file and sending it to the other user
    • By exporting a KML file and sending it to anther user, or posting it to the Google 3D Warehouse
• If I share my scheme, can others edit it?
  • No, they can only view, create reports or duplicate them.
  • After duplicating the scheme one can then edit it as their own scheme.
  • One can also "send" their scheme to another editor, at which point they pass ownership and editing rights to that person.
  • Is is also possible to "send" a scheme to another editor and also keep a duplicate scheme for yourself.
• What is an Onuma Studio?
  • A Studio is a group of 5 or more users, that have a space on the Onuma server that is unique to their team.
  • A Studio can be thought of as a group within an office.
  • A Studio team member can create and share templates and schemes with other Studio team members.
  • Each 5 editors that are added get a "credit" for one extra Studio that can be shared by as many or as few of the other editors as desired
  • Individual Studio members or Onuma Editors can also send a "view" message to other editors outside of their Studio.
  • Schemes can also be shared outside the Studio using Onuma Web Services.
• Is there a limit to how many Editors can be part of a Studio?
  • No there is no limit. Groups of 5 can be added.
• How many projects and schemes can I create with one account?
  • Unlimited projects and schemes.
  • Each Onuma Editor account can create multiple schemes and projects up to a limit of 5,000 spaces.
  • Users can delete, backup old schemes to create new spaces if you go over 5,000.
  • Onuma Studio can have up to 50,000 spaces
  • Onuma Enterprise accounts allow unlimited spaces
  • Additional licenses can also be purchased for extra space

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Managing Templates and Standards

• What is the difference between a template or shared scheme?
  • Any editor can decide to share a scheme, at which point it becomes available to others in that studio of Onuma.
  • A template is treated as a standard, or a starting point, that a group leader can decide to define. This can then be edited by that leader at a future time as the standards evolve. Other editors can then use that template as a starting point when creating a new scheme of a site, building, or individual space.
• I see pre-made templates on Onuma, can I create my own?
  • The templates in Onuma are starting points to give you an idea of what is possible. New ones will be added by the Onuma team over time.
  • The intent is that each Onuma Studio Admin will create their own template and create a customized version of Onuma for your specific needs.
• Can templates or projects be imported from other BIM applications?
  • Yes, you can create templates from other BIM applications such as Revit or ArchiCAD and import them into Onuma.
• Within your templates how does one deal with projects which are not linear?
  • Each user also has the option to establish their own work flow and management of their templates based on project types that might be repetitive for their office.
• Is the equipment attached to an Onuma BIM file?
  • Yes, all equipment and furniture data becomes part of the overall BIM data.

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Saving and Backup

• How are schemes and data saved?
  • The Onuma automatically saves all edits to schemes that users make. Saving occurs at every step as you move from interface to interface. The saves are happening directly to the Onuma database in real time.
• Can I undo an edit that has been made?
  • All edits are automatically saved.
  • Edits on the same user interface level, such as site plan, or floor plan, can be "reverted" to the original state as long as you do not go away from that interface. Select the undo button to return to the last saved version.
  • It is recommended and encouraged to make duplicate schemes before making major edits. This will allow you to compare one scheme against the other.
• I cannot move a building, space or furniture.
  • You must be the owner of the scheme to edit. Duplicate the scheme if it is not yours first.
  • You must be in "edit" mode to edit. Select the "Edit" button above the graphical interface.
• Can I backup a scheme to my desktop PC?
  • You can also export in other formats such as BIMXML, KML and IFC, for importing back to Onuma or importing to other compliant applications. Each save out format has limitations on the type of data that is exported due to limits on the client application or decisions on what to export from Onuma to that format. For example, exporting to Google Earth through KML does not save out the furniture and equipment of spaces.

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Working with Other Applications

• What standards does Onuma use?
  • Onuma is built on open standards, which allows us to work with many other applications built on open standards. It also allows users to move their data from Onuma to other applications even if they are competitors of Onuma.
  • Building Smart, International Alliance for Interoperability, Open Geospatial Consortium, COBIE2, http Standards, all allow for the sharing of data on a common standard in many applications. This is the future of transparency and working on open standards. We at Onuma, Inc. encourage and support this, it is better for our clients and a much more sustainable view of managing knowledge and information.
• Is the Onuma System open source and publicly available?
  • Onuma System is not open source. We do however allow linking through web services from other applications.
• What desktop BIM Applications are supported and work with Onuma?
  • IFC Compliant BIM Applications
  • Revit 2009 and 2010 with the Onuma Add On
  • ArchiCAD 10 with the Onuma Add On
  • Google Earth
  • Google SketchUp^? with the Onuma Plug In
  • DRofus
  • DDS
  • Solibri
  • Tokmo
  • Excel
  • COBIE2 Compatible Applications
  • Desktop Applications using web services linking them to Onuma
• Do I need a desktop BIM Application to use Onuma?
  • No, Onuma can run without a desktop BIM application.
  • Onuma Complements desktop BIM applications by managing multiple projects and schemes in one database

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Working with Revit

• Will Onuma link to Revit and is it bi-directional?
  • Yes, use the Onuma Revit Plug-In
• Can Onuma import/export Revit data?
  • Yes. Onuma focuses on a specific "Model View" for BIM. For example, structural systems are managed in Revit Structure but not in Onuma. Onuma could have an attribute for floor load to guide the design resolution in structural BIM applications.
• Does the "intelligence of the furniture" import into Revit as well? I am thinking of the scheduling feature in Revit.
  • Yes, Revit can schedule the furniture that came in.
• And can I bring in furniture layouts I create in Revit?
  • Yes, when you download the Revit plug-in, you will also download Revit Families as well. If you use these families in Revit, the layouts will import from Revit to ONUMA as well.
• The Onuma system does not replace Revit and other software, but it integrates with them. Drawing in the Onuma System makes it seem like an independent software. How does this relate to Revit etc.?
  • It is possible to create and edit BIM in the Onuma System as an independent software up to a certain point. To go all the way to construction documents you would need other BIM applications such as Revit to connect to Onuma and continue with the design started in Onuma. On the other hand, some users may stay completely within Onuma depending on what the work flow is. This flexibility and connections to other systems is what makes Onuma unique.
• Can a chair be attached to an rfa, Revit Family file?
  • When you download the ONUMA plugin for Revit, it also contains Families that you can use that are compatible with ONUMA
  • Furniture and equipment in Onuma are 'mapped' to specific families in Revit which are included in the Plugin download. For specific Onuma Studios, a users groups own families can be mapped to Onuma furniture as well although to make the workflow to and from Revit work correctly, the families have to be adjusted to have the same origin (insertion point) and values for the width and depth (the bounding box) in their parameters.
• Can someone get the plug-in to import an Onuma BIM data model from another company?
  • Anyone with an ONUMA license can create a Revit file using the plug-in. Once that Revit file is created the Revit file can be shared with any other office as they would right now.

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Working with ArchiCAD

• Can you export and import to ArchiCAD?
  • Through IFC it is possible to export and import from ArchiCAD.
  • For ArchiCAD 10, Onuma, Inc. created a plug-in.
• Will there be an ArchiCAD 13 plug-in? Or are you expecting that IFC will fully cover that?
  • We do plan to update but for ArchiCAD 13, IFC is the best option at the moment.
• I have ArchiCAD 13, how do I export an IFC model to Onuma?
  • Until Onuma has updated the ArchiCAD Plug-in, the best solution is to export to IFC, convert it into BIMXML with the DDS Viewer and then import it into Onuma.
• How does the library work in ArchiCAD on Onuma? *The ArchiCAD plug-in we have can import furniture from ArchiCAD as well. Currently we only have this plug-in available for ArchiCAD 10 but intend an update soon.
• I see that your furniture is ArchiCAD GDL based. Will they become native objects when imported to ArchiCAD?
  • Yes, we are using GDL as one of the 3D viewers for space level furniture. Currently the export of GDL objects to ArchiCAD works with ArchiCAD 10 only.

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Working with SketchUp

• How does Onuma connect to SketchUp?
  • The Onuma SketchUp plug-in allows SketchUp export and import. The geometry and data from Onuma is exported to SketchUp. For example, space attributes such as name of the space and floor finish could be exported to SketchUp.

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Energy and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

• Do you have flavors for LEED development and architectural work vs facilities?
  • Yes, we have a LEED checklist that is attached to projects and can be used for architectural work.
• Does Onuma System integrate Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) and structural design and analysis?
  • Early structural requirements such as floor load can be added as an attribute in Onuma. MEP requirements can also be added in a similar way. MEP equipment can be added and attributes associated with it can be included. The intent is that in the work flow from early design to engineering, the requirements would be used by other engineering BIM applications to resolve the requirements. In the facility operations phase, some of the data that is relevant for operations can be brought back in to Onuma.
• Has this application been used to compare baselines for LEED credits (energy and optimization)?
  • A LEED checklist exists in the Onuma system. Baseline credits or goals can be defined in one scheme. The various options in the design process can be tracked and compared to the baseline. Other options for graphically comparing a baseline plan to various resolved plans and creating delta reports is also possible.
• Will the system read Ecotect files?
  • Onuma will export IFC and GBXML files that can be imported to Ecotect. As with other software if Ecotect files or data can be saved as IFC, BIMXML, or CSV, they can be imported back to Onuma.

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Onuma, BIM and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

• What is a Geographic or Geospatial Information System?
  • It is a way to locate things in space or a map. Being able to point to a place on earth and say "my building, or space, or furniture is here" allows you to interact with the other relevant data in that location.
  • GIS has been around for many years, and now with tools such as Google Earth, which is a GIS tool, it is possible for a person without any experience in GIS to use.
• How does Onuma relate to GIS?
  • Google Earth shapes that define property lines can be imported to Onuma to located schemes geospatially.
  • Schemes can be exported to Google Earth.
  • Onuma was used in the first public demonstration of linking BIM to GIS for the Open Geospatial Consortium OWS4 Testbed in Dec. of 2006. Schemes in the Onuma database were made available live using OGC Web Feature Services (WFS). The links to the Onuma WFS can be viewed here:http://onuma.com/products/WfsCatalog.php.
  • The Onuma WFS allows other applications such as Google Earth and OGC Complaint applications to dynamically get BIM data or OGC data in real time directly from the Onuma server.
  • Hundreds or thousands of BIM schemes can be accessed in real time as multiple users are creating them, by analysts all over the world through open standard protocols.
• Can Onuma System connect to GIS in a professional applications like ArcGIS^? and transfer planning information from GIS into BIM and Modeling?
  • Onuma supports the exchange of geographic data with GIS applications through a variety of XML formats (XML, KML, GML, cityGML) and web service functionality. It can also be adapted to use the APIs of specific GIS applications. Managing terrain information is currently not, or only in the most basic way, supported in Onuma. As with our connections to BIM applications, Onuma is not intended to replace the functionalities of other GIS applications. Onuma allows non GIS experts to be working in GIS by default in order to interface with GIS data both by importing it and also by creating it.
• What GIS data formats can be imported/referenced live?
  • Currently, Onuma displays Google satellite imagery and maps live with the Google Map and the Google Earth APIs. Onuma is reviewing connections to ArcGIS^? servers as well as servers in the Open Source Community and will add layers based on the need of its users and clients.
• How does one deal with out-dated Google Images?
  • Users can import their own background images to layer on top of Google Earth maps. For example, if you have a site plan, aerial photo or even a sketch it can be imported and aligned on top of the Google Map. Unfortunately since we do not have control over imagery in Google Earth there is not much we can do on our end. However, we have found Google has been fairly good with providing frequent updates and most of the major cities are accounted for in the projects we have worked on.
• Do you have templates, lists, spreadsheets, etc. related to underground utilities and site work ?
  • Utility lines and site work can be added at the site level. Additional attributes such as IDs, color coding, time-lines etc. can be added those elements. An Excel spreadsheet can be exported for further analysis or edits and imported back in to update the plan.

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Safety and Security

• How can my projects be secure if they are on the web?
  • Projects are only visible to you until you decide to share them with one other person, the studio group, or published to the public. The decision is yours to what level you would like to share.
  • All projects, schemes, data and user interface with data to Onuma is using a secure web site (https) like the banks use. This is more secure than email and any data entered into Onuma is encrypted while it is sent to and from the server.
• I forgot my password, how do I log in?
  • Go the Onuma Log in page and select the link "Forgot your password". Enter your user name and the password will be emailed to you.
  • Never send your user name and password in one email to anyone. As noted above, email is not secure.

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Subscription

• Does each user need a subscription?
  • Yes, subscription information is available HERE.
  • To encourage all user levels to have their own subscription. Onuma, Inc. has kept the licensing costs low. We discourage any sharing of log ins to Onuma. Multiple log ins with the same user name will create confusion. Treat Onuma as your own email account.
• Is there a demo version?
  • Demo version is available for $1 for the first month.
• Can I log in from my computer at the office and at home?
  • Yes, any computer linked to the Internet can log in to Onuma with a user name and password.
• Is a free viewer available?
  • Each licensed editor can authorize unlimited viewers to access schemes and projects
• Is a local version that does not need connection to the Internet available?
  • Yes, with the Enterprise version a local network can access and edit Onuma.
  • Onuma, Inc. encourages the use of Onuma as a live online system.
• When a new version of Onuma is available, do I have to install new software?
  • No, most features in Onuma are coming from a web serer. There is no software to install apart from a few standard plug ins for the web browser and all updates appear automatically as they become available.
  • Some local software installation is needed for additional functionality such as linking to desktop BIM applications.
• What are the minimum hardware and software requirements?
  • There are very minimal hardware requirements. In general, if you can browse the internet, you can use Onuma Systems. Almost any modern laptop or desktop will run the Onuma System. File sizes are very small, since you only access the part of the project currently being worked on. Even a very large multi-building campus can therefore be worked on in real-time, with no need to download a file.
  • See system requirements HERE.
• Does it work on Macs and PCs? Are plug-ins available?
  • The Onuma System works on Macs and PCs.
  • Minimal plug-ins to get the full functionality are:
    • Flash for the 2d Graphical Interface
    • Google Earth Web Plug-In - for 3D Viewing
    • GDL Web Control for Space Level 3D Viewing
• If my license to Onuma expires will I have access to my projects and schemes?
  • No, projects and schemes will be archived for one year.
• If I stop my license to Onuma for less than 12 months, will they be accessible when I reactivate?
  • Yes, projects and schemes will be available for 12 months. Users, whose license has lapsed for less than 12 months will be able to access them after starting the license again.

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Troubleshooting

• The graphical view of the site plan, floor plan, or space plan do not show up.
  • You need the free GDL and Flash plug in to view graphics.
• Onuma is constantly being updated with new features.
  • Please report all problems and wish lists to Onuma, Inc.

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