How can manufacturers participate in BIM?

The BIM methodology assumes that the virtual model is as close to reality as possible. As it happens in reality, the role of the manufacturers are essential, because only with their products is possible to execute the construction.
Likewise, BIM model requires the use of materials and equipment in digital format. Manufacturers should provide digital versions of their products in the BIM content format or be prepared to become involved in the development of the virtual model within the BIM collaborative process.
In the absence of products in BIM format, designers tend to use generic products in their projects to which they only associate minimum information. Afterwards, more info shall be added with the product information which is currently used.
The availability of products in BIM format allows to select and detail specification in the early stages of design. There is a greater effective application likelihood of a product on site when it is inserted and specified within a BIM model.

What are BIM objects?

There are different ways to integrate products into BIM software. The most common method is to create object libraries which represent specific products and contain your most relevant information. Once they are inserted in the virtual BIM model, they allow simulating the final construction in order to understand its operation, calculating its behavior and installation needs, obtaining brand contacts, references, warranty periods, among other relevant information. Therefore, they will be available to be presented to the client by the architects and designers, budgeted by the builder, managed and maintained by the developer.

How to promote products through BIM?

As far as they simulate real products and are used to develop projects, BIM objects are an extremely efficient way of dissemination. As they are digital content they can be promoted in the manufacturers websites and specialized portals, blogs, and social networks. On the other hand, widespread BIM usage is a recent phenomenon that takes the attention of designers, builders, and developers all over the world. This is a great pretext for reconnecting both old and new customers directly or even by promoting events around BIM and its products.

CAD or BIM?

CAD is a technology which was born in the early 1980s. Later in the 1990s, it was used on a global basis as a tool to support project design. Although it is still used for design support since the beginning of the century, CAD has been replaced by the powerful BIM tools that manage all project information, including design.
As far as libraries are concerned, besides the addition to geometry, BIM objects contain information about the products, such as branding, reference, available finishes, among others.
They are often interactive and allow users to select different options and better understand the operation of the product. CAD libraries only contain the geometry of the product, usually with too much detail and within files that are not suitable for design use.
Also, CAD files often support the production of BIM libraries which is another way of monetizing a previous investment.

Where is BIM used?

The United Kingdom is a near example. By 2012 they had a legislative imposition and by 2016 the entire industry should be linked to the design and construction and adapt themselves to use BIM methodologies in public works.
In the United States, BIM is a format required by the Department of Defense for many years. In Nordic countries, BIM is not only the most common working methodology as well as the majority of these countries have already BIM national standards.
Also, in Eastern countries like China, Japan, and Singapore, BIM is a technology long adopted. In recent years, worldwide construction has been reaching increasing magnitudes and complexities. BIM is the technology that supports this new capability and construction products manufacturers should be part of it.

Common questions

See here more information about BIM.

How can a manufacturer participate in the BIM collaborative process?
The solution most commonly presented to this issue is the development of BIM object libraries which are digital replicas of products, capable of functioning within different BIM software and that help the prescription process, measurement, etc. However, there are other solutions that should be considered according to the products features, manufacturer’s objectives and relationship with designers, market goals, etc. The ConnectaBIM is able to analyze each
situation and provide advice on the best strategy to be embraced.

How are BIM product libraries used?

BIM objects are digital representations of products and in this sense, they are used for the most diverse functions, from products promotion in websites up to the promotional films’ production.

However, the availability of the products in BIM digital formats is a necessity felt most particularly by designers since they simultaneously perform the function of CAD objects and technical catalogs allowing the automatic selection, visualization, and prescription of the manufacturers’ official products.

As they contain detailed information and digitally represent the physical and technical characteristics of the current product, they highlight the aspects that make them the ideal choice. They are, therefore, an excellent mean of dissemination.

How can we train our team to understand and work on the BIM collaborative process?

In addition to technical development services, ConnectaBIM’s experience is far beyond developing and supporting the dissemination of manufacturers’ products.

It makes itself an ideal partner to promote the process of valuing and training the technical and marketing departments of the manufacturers, particularly by
presenting solutions for a more close relationship to their potential clients.
That can be accomplished by providing them training and diverse support that will enable them to participate more competitively in the challenge of the collaborative BIM process.

The full participation of a manufacturer in the BIM process assumes that it provides the appropriate framework and training for one’s human resources.
We can keep informative sessions on BIM which is addressed from a technical, marketing and communication point of views.