Design professionals (Architects, Engineers, and Contractors) are undergoing a digital transformation in their day-to-day work, and at the heart of this revolution is Building Information Modeling (BIM). As NOVATR accurately notes, “Building Information Modeling or BIM is a term given to the process of creating, modifying, and analyzing all the information about a building. Due to the vast variety of benefits of BIM, it is getting popular in the global-AEC industry.” Indeed, BIM is more than just a technology; it’s a catalyst for change in the industry.
The Rise of BIM by Region
The adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is not uniform across the globe; rather, it varies significantly by region due to factors like government mandates, industry maturity, and technological infrastructure.
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United Kingdom
The UK has one of the most advanced construction industries in the world, thanks to the early adoption of BIM in the 1980s, starting with the Heathrow Airport reconstruction. A government mandate in 2016 made BIM Level 2 obligatory for all public projects, further accelerating adoption. This rapid growth in BIM usage has helped to establish the UK as a global leader in BIM technology.
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United States
Despite early adoption in the 1970s, the U.S. has lagged in BIM implementation due to a lack of centralized regulation. Nevertheless, the construction industry in the United States remains one of the largest markets for technological innovation, and BIM is becoming a staple in the industry organically without the need of mandates.
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Germany
Germany has seen a steady increase in BIM usage since 2006, especially for large-scale projects with budgets exceeding 25 million Euros. Although there are no specific BIM mandates, governmental financial support is aiding the transition for small and medium-sized firms.
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France
France has been slower to integrate BIM into construction workflows, but a government plan launched in 2018 aims to standardize and promote its usage.
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Other Notable Regions
Countries like Austria, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden have been embracing BIM at varying rates. Asian countries like Singapore and China are also making significant strides in BIM adoption. Emerging markets like Brazil and India are not far behind, with India’s Nagpur Metro Rail project as a case in point.
The Future of BIM
According to Market Research Future, “Building Information Modelling (BIM) market revenue is anticipated to increase from USD 8.41 billion in 2022 to USD 25.61 billion in 2030, with a compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9% over the five-year forecast period (2022–2030).” The data suggests that BIM adoption will continue to grow, offering a world of opportunities for building product manufacturers to leverage this technology.
As the market for BIM expands, manufacturers will find themselves at a critical juncture. Those who act quickly and strategically to adapt to this changing landscape will gain a significant competitive advantage. This leads us to the pivotal question: What steps should manufacturers take to seize these emerging opportunities?
What Manufacturers Need to Do
- Educate and Train: Manufacturers need to become well-versed in BIM to not only understand its capabilities but also to communicate its value to customers.
- Adopt BIM Standards: Manufacturers should develop or adapt existing BIM models of their products to meet the international standards.
- Enhance Product Information: Supplementing BIM objects with rich, accurate, and up-to-date product information is essential.
- Digital Tools for Design Pros: Make it easier for design professionals to find, specify, and use your products in their BIM projects.
- Data Analytics: Use data analytics to understand how design professionals are interacting with your BIM content.
How Concora Can Help
Building product manufacturers can streamline this transition through platforms like Concora Spec. Our specialized platform is designed to enhance engagement with design professionals by streamlining the product specification journey. From lead capture, activity analytics, and product documentation hosting to BIM and CAD hosting, Concora Spec offers an array of features to benefit manufacturers.
Additionally, Concora offers BIM content creation services, working with manufacturers to develop REVIT models of their products. Our Visualization service takes these BIM contents and places them in a realistic virtual setting, showcasing how products look after installation.
By integrating Concora Spec into your strategy, you not only adapt to the changing technological landscape but also position yourself as a leader in the building materials industry. It’s time to embrace the future of construction—It’s time to embrace BIM.