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The Importance of Quality in Manufacturer-Based BIM Content

Manufacturer-based BIM content is a critical resource that bridges the gap between product manufacturers and design professionals. However, not all BIM content is created equal. The quality of manufacturer-based BIM content is paramount, serving as a linchpin for design efficiency, project delivery outcomes, and manufacturer reputation. This article looks at the importance of BIM content quality and its far-reaching implications for various building project delivery stakeholders.

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The Significance of Quality in Manufacturer-Based BIM Content

The significance of quality in manufacturer-based BIM content cannot be overstated. At its core, high-quality BIM content ensures the accuracy and reliability of product data, which is essential for designers to make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle. When manufacturers provide precise, well-structured BIM content, they’re not just offering a digital representation of their products; they’re providing a valuable resource that meets the requirements and expectations of design professionals.

BIM content plays a pivotal role in enabling the project design and specification process. It allows designers to efficiently integrate manufacturer products into their project designs, confident in the knowledge that the digital representation accurately reflects the product that will eventually be procured and installed. This level of accuracy and detail supports design efficiency and productivity, allowing designers to work more effectively and make better-informed decisions earlier in the project delivery process.

Providing quality BIM content for their products is not merely a technical requirement for manufacturers; it’s a strategic asset investment that can significantly impact a manufacturer’s success in the market when seeking to have their products specified. As the building industry continues to adopt new technology an leverage BIM at an increasing rate, it’s becoming even more essential for manufacturers to provide high-quality BIM content for their products to be viewed favourably by specifiers.

Benefits of High-Quality BIM Content for Manufacturers

For manufacturers, investing in high-quality BIM content provides a wide range of benefits that extend far beyond a mere ‘digital representation’ of their physical products. Firstly, it significantly improves brand reputation and trust within the design community. When architects and engineers acquire reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use BIM content from a manufacturer, it conveys a sense of technical proficiency, a commitment to innovation and an objective to provide the best possible service to specifiers which positions that brand as a trusted partner in the design process.

This enhanced reputation and capability inevitably translates to increased product specifications and sales. Designers are more likely to specify products that have readily available, high-quality BIM content, as it simplifies their workflow and reduces the risk of errors. By making it easier for designers to include their products in projects, manufacturers can gain a competitive edge in the market. And let’s face it, design firms are commercial businesses. Like any business that sees time as its greatest commodity, doing things more efficiently translates to better business outcomes. Manufacturers who can help design firms achieve better outcomes for their business and the individuals who work there are certain to be viewed as a valuable project partner.

Furthermore, utilisation of accurate, high-quality BIM content in project design models can lead to reduced support queries and customer service demands. When the digital representation accurately reflects the physical product and includes correctly structured data, designers are able to work within and transpose the set parameters incorporated into the models. This not only saves time and resources for the manufacturer but also enhances the overall user experience for the designer.

In an industry where digital tools are becoming increasingly utilised and relied upon, those who provide superior BIM resources position themselves as industry leaders, capable of meeting the evolving needs of the design community. This advantage is particularly important as BIM adoption continues to grow globally.

Consequences of Using Low-Quality BIM Content

The consequences of using sub-par BIM content that hasn’t been developed in line with best practices can be severe and far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate project but also long-term relationships and reputations. One of the most immediate impacts is the increased likelihood of design errors, downtime, rectifications and rework. When BIM content doesn’t accurately represent the physical product, lacks crucial information, or doesn’t operate in the project model as it should, it can lead to mistakes in the design phase that may not be discovered until construction is underway.

These errors inevitably result in frustrations, increased project costs and delays. Rectifying mistakes, especially during the construction phase, can be extremely expensive and time-consuming. It can also disrupt project timelines, lead to material waste, and require additional labour – all of which inflate the project budget and potentially strain relationships between stakeholders.

Perhaps most critically for manufacturers, the use of low-quality BIM content can significantly damage their reputation among the design community. Architects and engineers rely on accurate BIM content to deliver successful projects. If a manufacturer’s BIM content causes issues, designers will inevitably lose trust in that brand. This loss of trust can have long-lasting effects, reducing the likelihood of future specifications, a loss of market share to competitors, and potentially damaging the manufacturer’s reputation in the industry.

With the design community being a relatively close-knit one, and with the prevalence of industry forums, negative experiences with a manufacturer’s BIM content can quickly spread throughout the design community.

It’s important to note that many design firms, especially larger ones, employ specific processes and protocols for checking and evaluating BIM content from manufacturers before inclusion in their projects. Content that doesn’t sufficiently meet their requirements is often ignored, along with the manufacturer that provided it. This underscores the critical importance of investing in high-quality BIM content creation from the outset.

Impact of Quality BIM Content on the Design Process

Quality BIM content has a transformative impact on the design process, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency across the board. When designers have access to high-quality, manufacturer-based BIM content, they can work more effectively, spending less time on modelling and transposing data, and more time on creative problem-solving and design refinement.

One of the key benefits from utilising high quality, pre-built BIM content from manufacturers is the enhancement of collaboration between designers and suppliers. Manufacturer-based BIM content serves as a bridge between manufacturers and designers, facilitating better communication and knowledge transfer. It provides a utility for both parties to transfer knowledge about key criteria such as product specifications, performance characteristics, design options, application suitability, compliance with standards, and integration requirements. This enhanced communication can lead to fewer errors, reduced rework, more innovative design solutions, and ultimately, more successful project outcomes.

For Architects and designers, access to project-ready BIM content reduces the amount of time they need to spend on product research and data entry. Instead of manually inputting product information, 3D modelling the product, building various controls, transposing data, and implementing the necessary product variants, designers can simply integrate the manufacturer’s BIM content into their project. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error in attempting to develop BIM content that accurately reflects the product they’re wanting to document and specify.

Perhaps most importantly, quality BIM content leads to improved accuracy in design and documentation. When the digital representation accurately reflects the physical product, including all relevant data and parameters, it ensures the design intent is correctly translated into construction documents. This accuracy is crucial for reducing errors during construction, minimising rework, and ensuring that the final built environment matches the designer’s vision.

The impact of quality BIM content extends beyond the design phase, influencing the entire project lifecycle. It enables more efficient project coordination, clash detection, and visualisation, leading to smoother construction processes and better-informed decision-making throughout the project.

Standards and Best Practices for Manufacturer-Based BIM Content

Certain aspects of developing high-quality manufacturer-based BIM content are guided by a set of industry-recognised standards and guidelines. These references ensure consistency, reliability, and usability of content across different platforms and projects. In Australia, organisations like NATSPEC and buildingSMART Australia play a role in defining these standards and promoting their adoption across the industry.

Key elements of high-quality BIM content include accurate geometry, comprehensive and structured data, appropriate level of detail for different project stages, and compatibility with common BIM software platforms. BIM content should also include relevant metadata, such as identification data, classifications, materials, and performance characteristics, to support various project workflows.

Regular updates and maintenance of BIM content are also important. As product offerings evolve, manufacturers must ensure their BIM content reflects these updates. This ongoing maintenance is crucial for ensuring designers are utilising the correct product data within their designs, and for maintaining the trust of the design community.

The role of specialists in creating and maintaining quality BIM content is paramount. Companies like IGS Group that possess an acute understanding of both manufacturer needs and the evolving requirements of design professionals, play a crucial role in bridging this gap. This combined set of expertise ensures the BIM content not only meets the practical and technical needs of designers seeking to utilise the content in their projects, but that it ultimately provides commercial and strategic outcomes to the manufacturers who have invested in its creation.

Creating high-quality BIM content is a complex task that requires specialised skills and knowledge. Manufacturers should be cautious about attempting to create BIM content in-house without the necessary expertise or willing to invest significantly in upskilling and ongoing training to this discipline. Historically, a large number of manufacturers have underestimated the complexity of developing BIM content and the risks associated with allowing sub-par content out into the market which has done various degrees of harm to their brand reputation and caused various project delivery issues.

Quality BIM Content and Project Outcomes

One of the most notable benefits of utilising BIM on projects is improved project coordination and clash detection. When all elements of a project, including manufacturer-specific components, are accurately represented in the 3D project model, it becomes much easier to identify and resolve potential conflicts before they become costly issues on the construction site.

Enhanced visualisation and communication are also key advantages of quality BIM content. Realistic 3D representations of products within the broader project context allow for better understanding among all stakeholders, including designers, consultants, contractors and clients. This improved communication can lead to fewer misunderstandings, more informed decision-making, and ultimately, a smoother project delivery process.

The use of high-quality BIM content also contributes to more accurate cost estimation and scheduling. When the model incorporates more elements that reflect real-world products and their characteristics, quantity take-offs and cost calculations become more precise. This accuracy is crucial for budgeting and can help prevent cost overruns during construction.

Beyond the construction phase, BIM content also plays a vital role in improved facility management and lifecycle analysis. Correctly structured data embedded in BIM content provides valuable information for ongoing maintenance, renovations, and eventual decommissioning of the building. This long-term perspective aligns with the growing emphasis and objectives on sustainable, lifecycle-oriented approaches to building design and management.

By contributing to better project outcomes, BIM content helps build trust between manufacturers and the design community, fostering long-term relationships that can lead to increased specifications, sales and brand loyalty.

The Role of Specialists in Creating Quality Manufacturer-Based BIM Content

The creation of high-quality manufacturer-based BIM content is a specialised skill that requires a unique blend of technical expertise, industry knowledge, and design understanding. Specialists like IGS Group, play a crucial role in bridging the gap between manufacturers and designers, ensuring that BIM content meets the needs of both parties.

BIM content specialists must possess the ability to create content that goes beyond mere geometric representation. Whilst using the correct modelling tools to develop the content in a way that ensures optimal performance, they must also understand how to correctly structure the content library, embed the right data, parameters, and behaviours into the content within the framework of a BIM project model, making it truly useful for designers across different project stages and disciplines.

The ongoing support and maintenance provided by BIM content specialists is also of significant importance. As products evolve or industry standards change, having a dedicated team to update a BIM content library ensures its continued relevance and accuracy.

Manufacturers should view partnering with BIM content specialists as a strategic investment. These experts not only create high-quality content but also provide valuable insights into how to leverage BIM as part of a broader digital marketing and sales strategy in the construction industry.

Ensuring BIM Content Meets Designer Requirements

Creating BIM content that truly meets designer requirements is an ongoing process that requires active engagement and feedback. Access to feedback from designers and BIM specialists working in design firms is a crucial part of understanding the evolving needs of the design community. These insights can inform content creation strategies and help manufacturers prioritise the most important aspects of their BIM content library.

Collaboration with industry experts and BIM specialists is another key aspect of ensuring content quality. The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, regulations, and design approaches emerging regularly. Keeping BIM content up-to-date ensures its continued relevance and usefulness. By working with organisations like IGS Group, manufacturers can tap into a wealth of knowledge about designer workflows, software capabilities, and industry trends. This collaboration can lead to more user-friendly and effective BIM content.

It’s important to note that designers often prefer BIM content that is not overly complex or detailed. While manufacturers might be tempted to include every possible detail in their BIM content geometry and embedded data, specialists understand that reducing model complexity can actually increase the likelihood of the content being used by specifiers, which translates to increased specifications and sales.

Time and Cost Savings Associated with Quality BIM Content

For designers, quality BIM content translates to fewer errors and revisions during the design process. The accuracy and completeness of well-crafted BIM content means designers can work with confidence, reducing the likelihood of mistakes that could lead to costly rework later in the project.

The specification and procurement processes are also streamlined when quality BIM content is available. Designers can easily include accurate product information in their schedules and specifications, and procurement teams can work with precise quantity and performance data, reducing the risk of errors or misunderstandings.

The benefits of quality BIM content also extend into the long-term facility management and maintenance phases. The rich data embedded in BIM content provides valuable information for ongoing building operations, making maintenance more efficient and potentially extending the lifespan of building components.

These time and cost savings contribute to the overall return on investment for manufacturers who invest in high-quality BIM content and the industry as a whole. While there is upfront costs associated with creating and maintaining quality content, the long-term benefits by way of increased specifications, more efficient specifier engagement processes, reduced support queries, and enhanced brand reputation inevitably far outweigh these initial investments.

In Summary

For manufacturers, investing in quality BIM content is not just about keeping up with industry trends; it’s a strategic decision that can significantly enhance brand reputation, increase product specifications, and provide a competitive edge in an industry that is increasingly using ‘digital by default’ workflows and principles. The benefits extend far beyond the immediate project, fostering long-term relationships with the design community and positioning BIM-enabled manufacturers as trusted partners in the construction process.

As the construction industry continues to evolve and embrace digital technologies, the role of high-quality BIM content will only grow in importance. Manufacturers who prioritise the development and maintenance of superior BIM resources, partnering with specialists like IGS Group, will be well-positioned to meet the changing needs of the design community and thrive.

The growing request from the design community to manufacturers is clear: invest in high-quality BIM content. It’s not just a technical requirement; it’s an amenity for building relationships, enhancing reputation, and driving business success in a modern construction industry. By doing so, manufacturers can ensure they remain competitive, relevant, and valued partners in the construction sector.

The quality of manufacturer-based BIM content is not just a technical consideration – it’s a strategic imperative that can significantly dictate business success.

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FAQs

What is the difference between high-quality and low-quality BIM content?

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High-quality BIM content is characterised by accurate geometry, comprehensive and structured data, appropriate level of detail, and compatibility with common BIM software. It's created with a deep understanding of both manufacturer specifications and designer needs. Low-quality content, on the other hand, may have inaccurate or incomplete data, poor geometry, or lack essential parameters, making it difficult or risky for designers to use in their projects.
How often should manufacturer-based BIM content be updated?

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BIM content should be updated whenever there are significant changes to the product, such as modifications in dimensions, materials, or performance characteristics. Additionally, regular reviews (at least annually) are recommended to ensure the content remains compatible with the latest software versions and industry standards.
Can high-quality BIM content really lead to increased product specifications?

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Yes, absolutely. When designers have access to high-quality, easy-to-use BIM content for a product, they are more likely to specify that product in their projects. It reduces the barriers to inclusion and gives designers confidence in the accuracy of the product representation.

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