How to Connect to the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD) in Plannerly

Plannerly makes it easy to align your project scopes and information requirements with international standards by integrating with the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD).

This guide explains how to enable bSDD dictionaries so your Scope and Information Requirements use standardized terms.

Project Settings Scope Information Requirements bSDD
Why this matters

Connecting to bSDD helps teams use consistent naming, codes, and definitions - reducing ambiguity and improving collaboration across regions, standards, and supply chains.

With a few clicks, you can connect to global classification systems and structured data libraries, making your Scope and Information Requirements smarter and more standardized.

Step 1 - Open Project Settings

  1. Open your project.
  2. From the Project Dashboard, click Project Settings (gear icon).
  3. Scroll to BuildingSMART Data Dictionaries.
Project Settings page showing the BuildingSMART Data Dictionaries section
In Project Settings, find the BuildingSMART Data Dictionaries section to select your bSDD dictionaries.

Step 2 - Choose your two dictionaries

You will see two settings. They are used in different parts of Plannerly:

bSDD Classifications Dictionary

  • Used for Scope rows (new elements/items/folders you add in the Scope module).
  • Select a classification system such as Uniclass, UniFormat, ETIM, IFC, NLSfB, and others.

bSDD Information Requirements Dictionary

  • Used when creating Information Requirements in the Information Management panel (Project Information Requirements).
  • Helps your Group and Requirement Names follow structured definitions from the selected dictionary.

Important: If no dictionary is selected, you may see no suggestions when typing names for new elements or requirements. Select a dictionary to enable the lookup behavior.

You can select different dictionaries for each setting, or use the same one for both if it fits your project.

Step 3 - Start typing and use suggestions

In the Scope module

  • Add a new row (element/item/folder) and start typing.
  • After 3 characters, Plannerly searches your selected bSDD Classifications Dictionary.
  • Results show matching names, codes, and a link to the bSDD record.

In the Information Requirements panel

  • When adding a Group or Requirement Name, start typing.
  • Plannerly searches your selected bSDD Information Requirements Dictionary to suggest standardized terms.

View full details

When you select a dictionary item, Plannerly:

  • Auto-fills the name
  • Includes the standard code
  • Adds a link to the official bSDD record

Use the link icon next to the item to open the full definition in a new browser tab.

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FAQs

Do I need to select both dictionaries?

It is recommended. The Classifications Dictionary supports Scope naming, while the Information Requirements Dictionary supports standardized requirement naming.

Can I use different dictionaries for Scope and Information Requirements?

Yes. You can select different dictionaries for each setting depending on your project standards and region.

Why do no suggestions appear when I type?

This usually happens when no dictionary is selected in Project Settings, or when fewer than 3 characters have been entered.

Does Plannerly change my existing Scope names?

No. The dictionaries support standardized selection and naming as you create or update items. Existing entries remain as-is unless you edit them.

Want help choosing the right data dictionaries for your project? Reach out via the in-app chat and we will help.