Benefits of BIM for Manufacturers Part 3/4
Benefits of BIM for Manufacturers
BIM is of great importance to manufacturers and suppliers of construction products. Designers increasingly use digital versions of products in the design process, and contractors are more inclined to select components proposed in the design if all necessary information (parameters, documentation, certifications…) is consolidated in one place. Read about BIM benefits for manufacturers.
This post is part of a series. You can find other episodes of the series here:
- Why BIM is a Necessity for Manufacturers Part 1/4
- What is BIM from a Manufacturer’s Perspective? Part 2/4
- Benefits of BIM for Manufacturers Part 3/4
- Eight Steps to BIM for Manufacturers Part 4/4
The sharing of digital models by manufacturers of construction components is now standard in the market. Suggesting appropriate solutions and providing products to those responsible for preparing specifications is one of the key factors of success. The era of printing brochures or sending PDF files via email is ending; the era of supporting designers with data that can be seamlessly integrated into their models and schedules is coming.
A manufacturer should understand the needs of their client and how they can help in their daily work. BIM libraries offer many benefits for every link in the investment-construction process, particularly for the manufacturer and designer. Below, I will outline the benefits of BIM for both.
Benefits for Designers
Clearer Information Exchange
The exchange of design data between stakeholders in the construction process using BIM models is simpler and more efficient than with traditional methods. Thanks to standardized processes and the use of Common Data Environments (CDEs), all parties are required to cooperate and share information. BIM processes provide a new level of transparency, where the information about the “product” and task distribution becomes clearer.
Digital Representation of Vision
BIM models give designers unlimited opportunities to integrate their projects with corresponding representations of the real environment (modeled or captured using scanning or photogrammetry). Technologies such as VR and AR allow for the real experience of virtual BIM models, as if the building were already constructed. Using BIM objects, you can shape an as-yet-nonexistent world, the vision of the final result, and present it to your clients without having to construct the building.
Fewer Corrections
A BIM model reduces the likelihood of needing to make corrections to the project. By using parameters and linking information in a database, it allows for the exchange of insights and requirements between stakeholders involved in the project. Additionally, element schedules are automatically updated with changes, resulting in fewer misunderstandings and less time spent.
Simulation, Testing, and Optimization
A BIM model allows for checking how a building will behave under various conditions. Sunlight, energy efficiency, structural strength? Thanks to modern tools, simulations, and analyses, it is possible to optimize solutions, construction costs, and building maintenance. When incorporating BIM objects from a specific manufacturer into the project, calculations become more accurate, and all factors influencing the aforementioned analyses can be considered. Using objects in the model also impacts the development of a more precise cost estimate.
Fewer Errors and Misunderstandings
General BIM objects (not specifying the manufacturer of the element) often turn out to be too unrealistic or dimensionally inaccurate compared to using BIM objects from the manufacturer.
Error detection is a crucial part of any construction process, and BIM provides the necessary tools for this. You don’t want it to turn out during construction that a sanitary installation line awkwardly intersects with a reinforced concrete beam. With BIM, you can automate the error detection process to prevent inconsistencies and unfortunate incidents. Early detection of clashes allows you to save both time and money.
Easier Work for Specification Managers
Like all companies, project teams also aim to optimize their work time. They don’t want to wade through piles of paper or emails to find crucial information. BIM provides the ability to search, compile, and sort data. By creating “digital twins” of their products, manufacturers make it easier for specification managers to find information.
Moreover, information saved in a BIM object can serve as an advertisement for the object. Opening its properties provides the user with information about the price, model, and even a link to the product’s website.
BIM benefits for manufacturers
Closer Collaboration with Designers
The BIM process has drastically changed how collaboration works in the construction industry. Offering high-quality, readily available BIM objects allows manufacturers to integrate their products into the project from early stages. Additionally, BIM libraries are an important source of knowledge, allowing for participation and decision-making in the project. From the designers’ perspective, this means earlier, quicker decision-making based on actual information provided by manufacturers.
Closer Collaboration with Contractors
High-quality BIM components help in organizing information and providing easier access to it. This gives manufacturers a chance for direct access to information about their products on the construction site. If all necessary information for planning, purchasing, installation, and acceptance is available in one place, it could be a decisive factor in avoiding cheaper alternatives and using products and solutions proposed by designers. The time spent searching for needed information and documentation for alternatives is also a cost, often a significant one.
Faster Information Exchange
Everyone involved in the project who refers to the same model saves a lot of time due to more efficient information transfer. For manufacturers, providing BIM objects is a reliable way to convey information about almost everything—from measurements and energy characteristics to maintenance instructions, construction variants, or other properties such as color or surface material.
Data Analysis
BIM component sharing platforms provide advanced data analysis capabilities for user interactions with these files. In addition to basic information (such as which company downloaded your “BIM Family” and when), some platforms offer manufacturers very advanced data. One interesting innovation is the analysis of product usage in user projects, i.e., information on how many instances of a product were used in a given project. This allows you to reach major market players and increase sales.
New Sales Channels
Online BIM object platforms are new versions of stores, increasing the visibility of these products to potential customers. Many manufacturers are already creating “digital twins” of their products at the same time as physical products to integrate them into BIM databases.
If BIM content is delivered to designers in the right format, it can help manufacturers become preferred suppliers. Visibility of the manufacturer’s content in BIM models can help increase brand awareness.
BIM Model Can Be Easily Updated
By using online services, you have constant access to models and databases. As an architect, you can download objects at any time, and as a manufacturer, you can update product information whenever you wish.
Proof of Innovation – BIM benefits for manufacturers
Using new technologies by a manufacturer is proof of addressing designers’ needs, demonstrating market knowledge, and awareness of current trends.
Direct Impact on Sales Growth
For manufacturers, BIM offers new business opportunities and introduces changes to the sales process. It also significantly increases the likelihood of objects used in the project being chosen and products purchased for use in construction. In other words, it means increased sales revenue for the manufacturer.
There is no doubt that change is necessary in the current climate to ensure access to product specifications. Manufacturer objects must meet BIM requirements. By choosing our BIM modelling services, you can be confident that the object will function correctly when integrated into the digital model. Attention to detail and professionalism will solidify your market position and ensure users will willingly select your products for their next project.
Contact us to learn how we can assist you, not just during these challenging times but permanently.
We offer parametric BIM, MFG, and OBJ library creation services. Component families mirror construction products used in the investment process by designers in the construction and mechanical sectors. By using our services, you can ensure that your product models will be developed according to the best standards and current industry trends.
Want us to quote for modeling your products in BIM? Get in touch with us!”
