What is BIM from a Manufacturer’s Perspective? Part 2/4
The Construction Industry and BIM: New Requirements
The construction industry is rapidly formulating its BIM requirements from the perspective of building component manufacturers. Due to the current pandemic situation, design firms quickly transitioned to remote work, and the exchange of project information increasingly occurs through digital collaboration environments. One effect of working from home is the lack of access to physical product samples. Especially now, designers need access to digital data. If you don’t provide them with this data, you won’t gain access to them, potentially leading to the loss of potential clients.
This post is part of a series. Other parts of the article series can be found 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
Share the Right Data Formats – Especially Now!
A study by the Construction Products Association (CPA) found that specifiers are not receiving data in the format they want and need. A survey of over 500 people shows how the formats used by manufacturers for data distribution differ from the formats sought by specifiers. Unless you are sending product samples, the digital version is the only viable route!
źródło: www.manufacturers.thenbs.com
BIM Methodology
BIM is a working methodology that uses three-dimensional digital models and the data within them to streamline processes (exchange, analysis, data counting) throughout the supply chain for construction and infrastructure projects. It represents a significant digital advancement in the construction and facilities management market. BIM can be applied to a wide range of construction projects, including private buildings, public facilities, and infrastructure.
BIM objects are intelligent 3D models. They contain geometric information (such as shape and dimensions) and non-geometric information (e.g., parameters, material finishes, descriptions, links to manufacturer websites, classification codes, etc.).
modele płyt HPL w programie Autodesk Revit
BIM Models vs. Physical Samples
During discussions with manufacturers, I often encounter a misunderstanding of BIM libraries. Many people think that BIM libraries are no different from STEP libraries created in mechanical programs or OBJ files in 3D visualization programs.
I often hear the question:
- Is it worth creating BIM components for my products if they are not prefabricated (e.g., tiles and bricks with manually varied textures, or wooden products with different grain patterns)?
I answer:
- Absolutely! If product variants are somewhat repeatable, it is possible to determine which parameter will affect product variability. If elements are partially manually finished, in most cases, there will still be a set of features that will define the product, despite the visually different details in specific instances.
The main goal of using BIM objects is not to provide photorealistic models, but at most, indicative visualizations. More important than the graphics is the information these elements carry
Properties of the Selected BIM Component Type
The Importance of BIM for Manufacturers – Construction industry BIM requirements
Why is BIM being implemented worldwide? The importance of BIM from a manufacturer’s perspective.
The models mentioned earlier are visual representations of BIM. BIM processes are primarily concerned with sharing the information contained within them. By consolidating accurate information, many issues across the supply chain can be avoided. BIM improves construction process efficiency, reduces waste and uncertainty, facilitates collaboration, and enhances productivity and delivery time.
According to the UK Government Construction Strategy report, BIM can save 15-20% if fully utilized. Such potential savings mean that BIM adoption must occur as soon as possible.
The UK government has accelerated the pace of digital transformation. In April 2016, a contract condition was introduced requiring the use of BIM in all public projects. Then, in July 2018, as part of the industrial strategy, the government announced it would allocate £420 million to the industry to transform sector performance through innovative technologies and a highly skilled workforce. The agreement mandates the use of digital technologies, including BIM.
BIM Development Levels, Source: www.fgould.com
The Importance of Collaboration with the Manufacturing Sector – Construction industry BIM requirements
If the UK government’s strategy succeeds, it will allow the construction sector to operate more efficiently and sustainably. It will also enable gaining a larger share of the global construction market, which is expected to grow by over 70% by 2025.
The implementation of BIM on a national scale does not end in the UK. Similar decisions to modernize the construction industry through digital work can be observed in many global markets, including the USA, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. During the project preparation stage, BIM facilitates mutual understanding and increases transparency among all parties involved, from investors and general contractors to subcontractors and building component manufacturers. It provides opportunities to manage costs, schedules, and material quantities, thus optimizing project performance.
In summary, all specialists need to understand how the construction industry can exchange information contained in digital models. The goal is to work faster, more flexibly, more intelligently, and based on greater transparency and better collaboration.
In the next part of the series, I will present the benefits of BIM implementation for designers and manufacturers.
We offer services for creating parametric BIM, MFG, and OBJ libraries. Component families reflect building products used in investment processes by designers in the construction and mechanical industries. By using our services, you can be sure that your product models are developed according to the best practices and current industry trends.
Would you like us to quote the BIM modeling of your products? Get in touch with us!
