Why building product manufacturers should be exploring BIM objects now

Building product manufacturers can be slow to incorporate new technologies into their marketing and business models, but there are a number of clear and important reasons why they should embrace BIM now, argues Paul Barstow.

You need look no further than Twitter and other social media to see how a lot of building product manufacturers are failing to embrace new technologies. Twitter is increasingly being used by architects - one of the main target audiences for building product manufacturers - yet many product manufacturers don't Tweet. Now they're in danger of making the same mistake when it comes to BIM and building BIM objects.

What is BIM?

The RIBA, CPIC and BuildingSmart define Building Information Modelling (BIM) as: "The process of generating and managing data about the building during its lifecycle. Typically, BIM uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modelling software to increase productivity in the design and construction stages."

Why should building product manufacturers embrace BIM?

The year 2016 is fast approaching, and if you're not already aware this is when the UK Government will be mandating BIM for all government building and infrastructure projects. Companies such as ARUP, Atkins and Laing O'Rouke are already using BIM, as it offers massive efficiencies and cost savings. A press release from the public service website shows that a study of 32 BIM projects in the US provided up to 40 per cent elimination of non-budgeted changes, an increase in cost estimation accuracy to within 3 per cent, an 80 per cent reduction in time to create cost estimates, a 10 per cent (of project value) saving by identifying clashes prior to build, and a 7 per cent reduction in project time.

There are a number of services out there that will build and create your BIM objects for you, including the NBS National BIM Library (Archicad, IFC, Revit, Tekla and Vectorworks).

BIM is rapidly being embraced throughout the construction industry, so if you want to be involved in government contracts you need to get your objects produced as soon as possible.

Editor's note

• Read NBS technical author and architect Stefan Mordue's insight into the thought process behind the new National BIM Library's next phase of generic content.

Author Paul Barstow is founder of the Advertising In Construction website

 

Back to top