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Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a process which can bring together multiple stakeholders throughout the supply chain and drive efficiency through collaboration. For BIM to work as it is designed, it relies on accurate input of data by all actors- including manufacturers.

Traditionally, designers and specifiers use generic objects as placeholders in their designs. However, there are issues with this- these generic objects do not always produce realistic or dimensionally accurate designs and thus provide too little, too much or inaccurate online BIM content. This is where the BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects comes in.

Until recently, manufacturers supplying the built environment industry have had limited options available to them if they wanted to certify their products. Certification of BIM objects within the manufacturing industry is hugely important as it can demonstrate to their customers that their digital representation of their objects are accurate. If customers can’t be sure of the accuracy of these digital copies, they are less likely to use and trust the manufacturer’s objects.

Thankfully, BSI now has a solution. In July 2017, BSI launched a new BSI Kitemark that enables manufacturers to demonstrate they have embedded BIM into their manufacturing processes and are delivering high quality and accurate BIM Objects.

Key stakeholders across multiple industry sectors including windows, doors, plastic pipes, aggregates, fire, wood, steel and electrical products worked with BSI to design the BSI Kitemark. The BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects verifies that the digital version of a manufacturer’s product is an accurate, up-to-date representation of the physical object it represents.

The products have been validated to ensure that the dimensional, performance and specification data is presented and structured correctly; this is done using standardized templates. Additionally, to receive the Kitemark, manufacturers must prove that their processes meet the requirements of BIM and that the object will function properly when placed within a digital model.

The BSI Kitemark for BIM objects is only given to those who pass independent assessment against the requirements of BS 8541. As a result, with the BSI Kitemark you can be assured of the purpose and function, physical and geometric dimensions, lifespan and maintenance, performance characteristics, sustainability attributes and lifespan and maintenance of any BIM object.

So why should manufacturers want the BSI Kitemark for BIM Objects?

The BSI Kitemark is a way to stand out in a highly competitive industry. Andy Butterfield, Director of Built Environment at BSI, highlights that ‘it’s really important that construction manufacturers can differentiate their products when tendering for BIM projects, and to gain access to new markets’.

Not only does the BSI Kitemark demonstrate a manufacturer’s ability to innovate but it is the benchmark in best practice and allows manufacturers to take back charge of their shop window.

One of the first companies to achieve BSI’s Kitemark for BIM Objects was LeGrand, a leading manufacturer of plastic piping systems. They credit BIM objects for driving up sales by enabling higher visibility of their products, early customer engagement and simple collaboration. By 2017, they had over 2,000 BIM Object downloads, including nearly 500 downloads for one cable tray product.

Matt Cruden, Training and BIM Manager at LeGrand says that ‘The BSI Kitemark encourages project teams to utilize Legrand systems to produce accurate and efficient plans, cable routing and procurement lists as part of fully integrated BIM projects’. He goes on to say that ‘BSI Kitemark certification helps us put across a more convincing message- it shows our customers that we recognize the importance of BIM to them and we’re committed to meeting their digital requirements’.

Another company who achieved the BSI Kitemark for BIM Object was Wavin, who produced accurate digital representations of its above-ground drainage pipes. They say that for specifiers, it helps to streamline the process of getting from ‘designed’ to ‘built’, increasing efficiency of building projects.

The BSI Kitemark means that Wavin’s customers can be secure in the knowledge that their files will be accurate, provides correct ordering and clash detections which ultimately leads to cost and time savings.

Conclusion

The BSI Kitemark for BIM objects is a key piece in the complicated puzzle that is BIM. The BSI Kitemark ensures that the digital representations of products used in the built environment sector are accurate, provide the right information and are fit for purpose. It can be a great way to differentiate an organization in a hugely competitive market.

To find out more, read our whitepaper ‘BIM: a ‘must’ for Manufacturers’: