Denisse Luna
If you're a building product manufacturer, chances are you've heard of BIM. But maybe you haven't taken the leap yet. Maybe you're still working with product sheets and PDFs, wondering if you need BIM. Here's the truth: more architects expect manufacturers to offer BIM content. But the good news? You don't need to have everything figured out to get started. We spoke to Maher Oueslati, Senior BIM Specialist at BIMobject, about why manufacturers shouldn't see no BIM files as a blocker, and how you can start building a smart, simple BIM strategy from zero.
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.
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.
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.’’
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:
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!
Maher recommends a phased approach: Digitize a few high-impact products first, then expand:
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.”
Don’t try to do it all in-house unless you already have a BIM team. Work with a specialist (like BIMobject) that can:
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.
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.
BIMobject also doubles as a marketing engine designed to amplify your visibility and engagement. Once your content is live, you can:
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.
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.
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!
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