A coordination tool can detect that a duct and a pipe occupy the same space. That geometric result is valuable, but it is not the complete engineering record.
A governed clash carries the identities of both objects, the model revisions used in the check, the rule or tolerance applied, the location, severity, assigned discipline, proposed disposition, and approval history.
Why the return path matters
BCF provides an open way to carry issues, viewpoints, comments, and status between authoring and coordination environments. The heavy model does not need to travel with every conversation, and the resolution can return to the responsible source.
The controlled sequence is detection, triage, assignment, design response, verification, and closure. If a model changes, the next run must show whether the issue disappeared because it was resolved or because an object was removed, renamed, or excluded.
iPDM Pro treats the clash as evidence linked to the federated objects and the verification run. AI can help classify or summarize; deterministic checks reproduce the result; the responsible professional accepts the disposition.