No BIM files? No problem: how to build a BIM strategy from zero

What is BIM content, and why does it matter?

BIM content refers to digital versions of your products. Geometry, dimensions, materials, technical attributes, sustainability indicators, and installation details. All created for use in Building Information Modeling (BIM) environments like Revit or Archicad. Unlike static PDFs or CAD files, your BIM content (BIM objects) is designed so that AECs (Architects, Engineers, and Construction) professionals can evaluate your products in real time, both visually and technically, within the context of a full building.

AECs now design entirely in digital environments. BIM content lets your products become part of how buildings are designed, budgeted, and coordinated across disciplines. And that’s exactly why professionals are looking for it early in the process.

If your product isn't available in this format, it creates a barrier. AECs might know your brand, but they’ll use the version that fits into their workflow, often your competitor’s.

Discover how to build a high-value BIM object offering 

BIM is central to how projects are envisioned, coordinated, and how products are selected.

Many building product manufacturers still haven’t started with BIM. If that’s you, you’re not alone, and it’s not too late. 

According to Maher, the reason most manufacturers haven’t created BIM content yet is simple: they’re not aware of how the construction industry has shifted.

“Today, students are learning BIM in architecture school from the very beginning. It's not a skill you can learn later, it is implemented in education. And as this younger generation enters the workforce, they’re driving firms to adapt because they expect BIM content to be available,” explains Maher.

BIM has become a prerequisite in many public sector projects, especially in markets with national BIM mandates. Government agencies and large contractors increasingly expect digital models to be part of the tender process for coordination, compliance, and sustainability tracking.

In several countries, national mandates already require BIM for publicly funded projects, and others are moving quickly in that direction. For manufacturers, this shift means that without BIM content, their products may never reach the table, regardless of quality or cost.

Want to learn if BIM mandates are in your market?
Download our free guide on BIM requirements and regulations by country.

Being discovered early makes all the difference 

If you place your products in platforms AECs use daily, you’re one click closer to getting specified. Much of today’s product visibility happens on platforms like BIMobject, where an ever-growing number of professionals begin their search for BIM content. 

For Maher, one of the key reasons manufacturers need to have BIM content available is how much it influences early decisions in a project. He states that once a product is placed into a model, it’s very unlikely to be replaced later.

As Maher notes:  “Once a BIM-ready product is in the model and approved, there is no reason to switch it, replacing it would force to adjust dimensions across the whole project’’ Even when budget pressure enters the conversation, he adds, ‘’It still depends on the project, the client, and the schedule, substitution is possible until the item is purchased, but embedding it in the model puts the odds in your favor.’’ 

Zero to BIM-ready with award-winning support

BIMobject (by Bim.com), recently named Europe’s Best BIM Object Creation Specialist at the 2024 BUILD Sustainable Building Awards, has spent over fourteen years turning physical products into digital objects for brands worldwide.

“Not having BIM files should not hold you back,” says Maher Oueslati, “Our architects and BIM specialists guide you from the first product briefing to the finished file on BIMobject.”

The three-step workflow:

1. Product briefing – the team studies your catalogue and collects the necessary data.
2. Digital modelling – each item is converted into an accurate BIM object.
3. Publication – the files go live on BIMobject, ready for AECs to download.

Accuracy is tailored to each product:

“A basic chair needs only its dimensions and materials,” Maher explains. “An electrical component may require voltage, connector types, and certifications. We collect every detail so the BIM object performs exactly as intended.”

Ready to get started? Let's discuss your content needs! 

What does a BIM strategy actually look like? 

1. Pick a starting point. Start small. Scale smart. 

Maher recommends a phased approach: Digitize a few high-impact products first, then expand:

• Bestsellers
• Products architects request most often
• Items earmarked for public or large-scale projects

Some manufacturers push further, baking BIM creation into every product launch. “Several clients ensure each new product automatically receives a BIM version,” Maher says. “That setup is ideal, but we still tailor the workflow to match each company’s goals.”

2. Choose a partner that knows BIM 

Don’t try to do it all in-house unless you already have a BIM team. Work with a specialist (like BIMobject) that can: 

• Convert your products into high-quality BIM files 
• Guide you on formats (Revit, Archicad, etc.) 
• Help you meet industry standards

3. Make sure your BIM content is easy to find 

According to BIMobject’s user statistics, 68% of specifiers expressed that they discover products online, so if you want greater brand awareness, you need a greater online presence. While your website remains a critical touchpoint, its reach can be limited. To maximize your market presence, it is vital to ensure your products are accessible across various online platforms. An omni-channel strategy guarantees your offering can be accessed through multiple channels beyond your website, widening your potential audience reach. 

As a result, you get improved brand visibility, increasing awareness and consideration among the key players in BIM projects. 

Want to know more? Check out our BIM guide for manufacturers to get discovered and specified.

4. Get dedicated support from day one

Every manufacturer on BIMobject works with a dedicated customer success manager. They will help you navigate the platform, analyze performance, and use marketing tools effectively. As Maher explains, ongoing support is key to helping manufacturers build confidence in digital workflows and growth tactics.

Read more on how we support your success using the BIMobject platform.

5. Use built-in marketing and growth tools

BIMobject also doubles as a marketing engine designed to amplify your visibility and engagement. Once your content is live, you can:

• Promote products: Reach professionals to discover your products, especially when launching new content. Brands using our promoted product tool see significant growth in downloads.
• Run email campaigns: Reach AECs directly through targeted email campaigns, which have proven to have higher open and click rates than industry standard averages.
• Performance analytics: Track downloads, engagement, and audience profiles directly through the platform. 

Are you curious about how these tools perform across the platform? Explore the data in our 2024 year in numbers report and see the results manufacturers are already achieving.

6. Prioritize content maintenance

We handle updates, too. If a product’s data or geometry changes, we’ll modify the BIM content over time. Minor updates cost significantly less than creating files from scratch. And if software versions change, we can help re-adapt files in newer formats when needed, keeping your BIM content current.

Ready to get started? 

With over 5 million registered users, BIMobject is where professionals actively search for BIM-ready products. Beyond file hosting, the platform helps manufacturers connect with specifiers, and drive growth. 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your digital catalog, the first step is simple: talk to our team. Book a demo with BIMobject today!