Why BIM provides an opportunity for manufacturers

The UK Government requires construction companies to demonstrate BIM Level 2 capabilities if they are to work on publicly-funded projects.

This means that architects, manufacturers and builders must be able to prove that they can work within the framework if they want to secure such work. 

The requirement is legal although those more forward-thinking manufacturers pursue it as an essential strategy to give them an edge over their competitors and ensure they are not left behind.  

BIM offers specifiers the ability to interact with the supply chain in new ways providing proven digital routes to the market, offering the potential for early engagement with manufacturers as well as commercial opportunities. 

Using BIM ensure collaboration from all parties including manufacturer, construction company and specifiers to ensure that it is all being utilised in the same way. Not doing so means they will not reap the benefits, and this is the reason why BIM Level 2 standards are key in ensuring consistency across the supply chain. 

BIM: An opportunity 

Even though BIM is a legal requirement in the UK, it is not considered to be looked at as a negative. 

Significant benefits can be enjoyed by organisations adopting BIM processes. The main purpose of BIM is to provide a set of standards for collaborative management and information flow that enables the whole supply chain to communicate and coordinate, avoiding any issues at a later stage which, in turn, improves efficiency.

Adhering to this saves time and costs whilst reducing any waste and uncertainty. Supplying accurate information within an instant to the people who require it at any given time reduces the likelihood of errors. The use of BIM also allows the user to detect faults before they occur in real-time, essentially acting as a ‘live simulator’.

Manufacturers increase their chances of becoming a preferred supplier if they provide BIM content to specifiers in the correct format. Making their content visible within BIM models helps to boost their brand awareness and future engagement with FM providers. 

BIM can provide sizeable cost savings when implemented properly as well as reassuring customers of the accuracy of the product before they use it, improving the reliability of design and reducing the need to replace products. 

Even though BIM is a requirement for specifiers, it is clear to see that it brings a lot of benefits to manufacturers too. BIM is a game-changer due to its ability to encourage collaborative working and the fact that any company at any point in the supply chain can improve efficiency, save costs and reduce mistakes by integrating BIM into their working processes. 

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