Are you a manufacturer hearing about BIM for the first time?
What is BIM for manufacturers?
You may have heard that Building Information Modeling, or BIM, is a digital construction process that allows the exchange of reliable and structured information throughout the life cycle of a construction project, from the design phase to the demolition phase; and that a BIM object, beyond its 3D appearance, integrates all of the digital information that characterizes it.
It’s all about the process
You know best what you are spending in terms of time and investment on optimising your products.
But what about the process of delivering the information to your customers?
It is important to understand that BIM, for manufacturers, is a process that aims to bring efficiency throughout the life cycle of a building.
It streamlines the flow of information through all stages of construction and among all actors in the construction value chain.
So the question you need to start asking yourself is “how can my information be translated into a BIM process?”
To start with, your data needs to be transformed into intelligent data, so that it is understandable by everyone.
The architect or engineer using your data benefits from its consistent flow throughout the building’s life cycle.
Secondly, your data must be standardised (this is also called normalisation), to allow synchronisation and understanding of exchanges between the different actors who will use your data.
Finally, your data must be interoperable, so that it can be shared in several different formats, systems and languages.
What is your place as a manufacturer in this BIM process?
The answer is clear, it is central! As you have understood, data is at the heart of BIM. And of course, the characteristics of a building depend greatly on the characteristics of the products installed.
So to build ever more efficient buildings using BIM, the actors who collaborate in this process need product information…and that’s where you have a key role to play. You’re the one that everyone turns to for product information. You are the most likely to provide the most reliable data.
5 advantages for a manufacturer to start digitising its product catalogue
1- Optimise the visibility of your brand
Your digitised products allow you to increase the visibility of your brand to a greater number of architects, design offices, companies and designers.
Visualisation from one product to another is more fluid thanks to digitisation, and your prospects have easy access to your product data.
Digitalising a catalogue allows you to optimise the visibility of your products on the web.
2- Increase your chances of getting a prescription for your products during a construction project
Your audience is now demanding digitised products, particularly in the form of BIM objects, in order to enrich their digital models for construction projects.
By providing your products in BIM format, you are more likely to be integrated into engineering and architectural projects.
3 – Get on the minds of architects and engineers
Today’s manufacturers are working hard to increase awareness of their product catalogue.
Digitalising your products is an efficiency gain for your sales teams. They can spend less time and energy travelling to present your products to potential customers.
Architects, designers and engineers use BIM on a daily basis. They regularly download BIM objects and integrate them into their digital models.
Making your products available on a digital platform will increase the chances of them being used in priority on a construction model.
4 – Stand out from the competition
The online accessibility of your catalogue gives access to your products at all times. And therefore it doesn’t create frustration for people who might need information about your products at any time.
This improves your brand image, providing access to information 24 hours a day, and being present on different channels. In addition, you will act as an innovative brand in your market, which will set you apart from your competitors.
What is the return on investment of digitalisation?
As a manufacturer, your referral channels are mainly trade shows and sales forces.
By integrating a digital platform into your referral channels, the number of leads generated per month will be higher than those generated by other channels, at a lower cost.
The return on investment per referral channel* :
How to move from theory to practice?
If you want to get on board this process, don’t wait any longer! It is revolutionising the world of industry and construction, as well as addressing environmental, energy and even economic issues. You simply need to move towards BIM and make sure your data is BIM compliant.
Would you like to know more about the BIM for manufacturers process and how to go about digitising your product catalogue?
Our team at BIM&CO is at your disposal to answer your questions and help you integrate BIM into your transformation process.