BIM for manufacturers: FAQs

As a manufacturer, you have probably heard of BIM. Maybe you know a lot about it, maybe not so much. 

We believe it is important for manufacturers to get on board as it is undoubtedly the present and future of construction.

Many of your competitors are likely already sharing their digital objects (some might even be on this platform!). Here, we answer some popular questions that manufacturers tend to have before committing. 

Why do I need to have BIM objects? 

BIM objects increase your chances of being specified on a project as designers require digital objects of physical products to create BIM models before construction can commence. 

Not providing BIM objects can limit the number of projects you can work on. BIM is mandatory in the UK for public projects, with many other countries following, and large contractors tend to request their suppliers work in BIM. 

How does having BIM objects increase specification of my products? 

Manufacturers are finally beginning to take notice of the benefits that BIM can offer. Creating BIM objects sooner rather than later will give manufacturers an advantage over their competitors who are not on board yet, adding another string to their bow and helping them to gain brand value. 

Due to their digital nature, specifiers will likely save and share quality objects as they are valuable assets. This is because they are loaded with data, which is convenient for the user and increases the chances of being specified. 

What are the benefits of having BIM objects? 

The adoption of BIM allows specification to be carried out earlier in the design process. This means that it will be very difficult for manufacturers to participate in the early specification process without BIM. 

Specifiers can embed products into their plans, elevations, sections and data sheets if they have BIM objects meaning the product becomes an integral part of the proposal. It will have been proven within the model to achieve the requirements set out in the brief making it less likely to be re-specified when further along the building process. 

BIM simplifies the process of repairs and replacements. Occupiers and facility managers will be able to access the necessary data within the BIM model to find out who manufactured the product in question, making it more likely that they will contact the company directly for repairs or replacements. 

How can specifiers find my BIM objects? 

By hosting your products on bimstore! Hundreds of thousands of specifiers are signed up to bimstore and our community is growing at its fastest rate ever. 

We use a powerful API that enables our manufacturers to host their BIM content on their own website but still have their views and downloads tracked on bimstore. It can also be customised to represent your brand to ensure consistency. 

Can I reach beyond my current customer base if I invest in BIM? 

Yes. Supplying BIM objects lets architects and specifiers access a manufacturer’s products at an earlier stage in the design process where they otherwise would not have been able to. 

This can help manufacturers to build new relationships with contractors and even become a preferred supplier.

Join bimstore and start providing designers with your digital products as well as all of the relevant information. Our hundreds of thousands of specifiers are waiting to specify your products, today.

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