BIM Content Development & Maintenance FAQ
BIMobject helps manufacturers create, update, and maintain BIM objects that architects and engineers can trust. This FAQ explains our BIM Content Development service and our Content Maintenance as a Service (CMaaS) solution.
BIM Content Development
Q: What is BIM content development?
A: BIM content development is the process of creating digital product models (BIM objects) in formats such as Revit, Archicad, SketchUp, IFC, and 3ds Max. Each object combines geometry and product data so your products can be specified in real projects.
Q: Why do manufacturers need BIM content?
A: Architects and engineers expect ready-to-use BIM objects. If your products aren’t available in BIM, they’re less likely to be discovered or specified in digital workflows—meaning you risk losing visibility and specifications.
Q: Why can’t I just use PDFs or CAD files instead of BIM objects?
A: PDFs and CAD files only provide drawings or documents. BIM objects embed dimensions, materials, performance, and sustainability data, making them usable in BIM workflows and far more likely to be specified.
Q: Do I really need high-resolution 3D BIM objects?
A: No. Overly detailed BIM objects can slow down design models. The best practice is to create optimized BIM objects that balance geometry with the right level of product data.
Q: What file formats can BIMobject create?
A: We support leading industry standards, including Revit, Archicad, SketchUp, 3ds Max, and IFC.
Q: Can BIMobject create BIM objects for global markets?
A: Yes. We adapt BIM objects to different languages, standards, and classifications so your content is ready for international specification.
Q: How long does BIM content development take?
A: Timelines depend on catalog size, product complexity, and chosen formats. We provide a tailored estimate during a discovery call.
Q: How much does BIM content development cost?
A: Pricing is based on the number of products, formats, and level of detail required. Book a short call on our Book a demo page for a custom quote.
Q: Who creates the BIM objects at BIMobject?
A: Our in-house team of certified BIM specialists builds and tests your objects to match what specifiers expect—accuracy, performance, and ease of use. Every object is reviewed before publishing on bimobject.com.
Q: What level of detail do you deliver (LOD/LOI)?
A: We produce optimized objects with the right Level of Geometry and Information for specification—lightweight models with complete data. We avoid unnecessary detail that slows projects while preserving what designers need.
Q: Which classifications and standards can you include?
A: We can embed ETIM, Uniclass, OmniClass/MasterFormat, IFC properties, national standards, and custom parameters so your content is findable and compliant in each target market.
Q: Can you include sustainability data (EPDs, certifications) inside the objects?
A: Yes. We can add EPD references, certifications, and green attributes to support sustainable design and regulatory requirements in your key markets.
Q: Do you test objects before publishing? What does QA include?
A: Yes. QA covers geometry behavior, parameter consistency, naming, classification, preview imagery, and version compatibility. Objects are validated in target software before they go live.
Q: Where will my BIM objects be published and discovered?
A: Your content is published on bimobject.com for global discovery by architects and engineers and can also be embedded on your website.
Q: What inputs do you need from us to start?
A: A short brief plus product datasheets, dimensions, variants, finishes/options, classifications, imagery, and any compliance/EPD information. We’ll confirm the checklist during a discovery call.
Q: Do we own the source files? How is versioning handled?
A: You retain rights to your product content. We maintain version control and supply updated packages when formats or software versions change.
Q: Can you support parametric behavior and product variants?
A: Yes. We can model families/components with parameters, sizes, options, and metadata so specifiers can configure products directly in their models.
BIM Content Maintenance (CMaaS)
Q: What is BIM content maintenance?
A: Maintenance ensures your BIM objects remain up-to-date, compliant, and functional as software, standards, and certifications evolve.
Q: Why does BIM content need updating?
A: BIM files can become outdated due to new software versions, updated sustainability data (EPDs, certifications), and changing regulations. Without updates, BIM objects risk breaking—or losing credibility with architects.
Q: How often should BIM content be updated to remain useful?
A: We recommend annual updates at minimum, or more often when software releases or compliance requirements change.
Q: What happens if BIM content is outdated?
A: Outdated BIM content can break in new software versions, fail to meet compliance or sustainability requirements, and lose trust with architects, resulting in reduced downloads and fewer specifications.
Q: Does BIMobject handle compliance and sustainability updates?
A: Yes. We ensure your BIM objects include the latest certifications, EPDs, and regulations, keeping your content competitive and trusted.
Q: Can BIMobject maintain multiple file formats at once?
A: Yes. Our CMaaS service covers Revit, Archicad, and other formats, ensuring your entire library stays aligned.
Q: Do I need maintenance if I only publish occasionally?
A: Yes. Even small libraries need updates to stay usable. CMaaS gives you peace of mind that your BIM objects always work across the latest software and standards.
Q: How do development and maintenance work together?
A: Development builds your BIM library; maintenance protects it long-term. With BIMobject, you get both—ensuring your investment stays relevant, discoverable, and specified.
Q: What exactly is included in CMaaS?
A: Library audit, updates to the latest software versions, fixes to parameters/metadata/classifications, link and preview updates, republishing, and a yearly summary of actions. Optional improvements can be added.
Q: Will you notify us proactively when updates are needed?
A: Yes. We monitor software releases and standards and alert you with the recommended updates to keep files trusted by specifiers.
Q: Can maintenance add improvements, not just fixes?
A: Absolutely. CMaaS can add new classifications, sustainability data, extra formats, or better previews to keep your content competitive.
Q: Do you maintain the download pages and metadata on bimobject.com too?
A: Yes. We update titles, descriptions, tags, images, links, and version info so products remain easy to find and use.
Q: How do you handle product changes (new or discontinued models)?
A: We align the BIM library with your catalog—adding new variants, updating data, or deprecating discontinued objects with clear guidance for specifiers.
Q: Who benefits most from CMaaS?
A: Any brand that wants reliable content, but it’s especially valuable for medium–large or multi-region catalogs where versioning, compliance, and localization matter.
Q: How is maintenance pricing structured?
A: Typically by library size/complexity, formats, and update frequency. We’ll scope your needs and provide a tailored quote via the Book a demo page.
Q: What reporting do we receive?
A: An annual summary covering files updated, versions supported, improvements made, and recommendations for the next cycle.
Q: Can CMaaS help us meet regional mandates and compliance?
A: Yes. We align content with local classifications and documentation needs and keep you current as requirements evolve.
Whether you’re creating BIM content for the first time or keeping your library up to date, BIMobject helps you stay ahead. Explore our BIM Content Development and Content Maintenance as a Service solutions, or book a demo to get started.