IFC (Industry Foundation Classes)
An open international standard (ISO 16739) for representing building and construction data in a neutral format that can be exchanged between different BIM software tools.
Why it matters
IFC is to BIM what STEP is to PLM — the open data exchange standard that reduces vendor lock-in. Understanding IFC helps PLM professionals appreciate the data model challenges in adjacent industries.
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “IFC (Industry Foundation Classes).” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/ifc-industry-foundation-classes